September 11–12, 2025, Melbourne – The Fourth Meeting of the Sixth Standing Council of the World Association of Abacus and Mental Arithmetic (hereinafter referred to as WAAMA) was successfully held in Melbourne, Australia. WAAMA President Ou Wenhan attended and addressed the meeting, while Secretary-General Cheng Beiping presided over the proceedings. Vice President Alexander Kartono Taslim, Standing Council members Jin Zhongying and Loani Tahitu'a participated in the meeting. Assistant Secretary-General Zhao Xiangyi and Yan Xiaoming were also present as non-voting attendees.
(Address by President Ou Wenhan)
President Ou Wenhan highlighted that since the Sixth General Assembly in 2024, WAAMA has welcomed eight new member organizations, averaging an annual growth of four members, reflecting its steadily expanding global influence. This growth not only acknowledges WAAMA's past efforts but also sets higher expectations for innovating service models, deepening collaboration among members, and strengthening professional leadership.
Ou Wenhan emphasized that advancing the global abacus and mental arithmetic cause requires sustained efforts in three key areas: First, strengthening “traditional strengths” by leveraging the educational value and competitive nature of abacus and mental arithmetic, adapting teaching methods to local conditions, and enhancing the standardization and impact of appraisal and competition. Second, exploring “emerging fields” by actively integrating modern technology to improve teaching and competition outcomes, and promoting the integration of academic research with practical application. Third, honing “internal strength” by refining management systems to boost operational efficiency, reinforcing the service and coordination functions of the Secretariat, and continuously enhancing WAAMA's cohesion and execution capacity.
The meeting reported on the pilot scheme of WAAMA’s appraisal program and ongoing research projects. Key agenda items included planning for the 9th Competition of Abacus and Mental Arithmetic of WAAMA scheduled for 2026. The standing council reviewed and approved the application of the Mental Sports Calculating Federation of Georgia and Elrose Education Pvt. Ltd., Nepal as Council Members. Additionally, several management regulations, including the WAAMA Membership Management Measures, were deliberated and adopted.
(Group Photo of the Fourth Meeting of the Sixth Standing Council)
Standing Council members actively contributed suggestions. Alexander Kartono Taslim expressed willingness to actively participate in WAAMA’s appraisal scheme and the upcoming 9th Competition. He also announced plans to organize an Indonesian abacus and mental arithmetic summer camp to visit China in 2026 for cultural exchange. Jin Zhongying provided an overview of the development of abacus and mental arithmetic in Australia, emphasizing the positive impact of WAAMA appraisal on student development. Loani Tahitu'a shared insights from Tonga’s experience, noting that abacus and mental arithmetic is a compulsory subject for grades 3 to 6 in Tongan primary schools, with nearly 10,000 students currently learning the discipline.
During the meeting, President Ou Wenhan and his delegation visited Australia Abacus and Mental Arithmetic Inc., where they held discussions with instructors and student representatives.