A world-renowned mathematician advised students to read more books to broaden their knowledge.
Professor Yau Shing-tung, from Harvard University and a winner of the prestigious Fields Medal for mathematicians, was in Hong Kong to deliver an online lecture on the 'Mathematics of the Internet' at Sha Tin Government Secondary School.
Professor Yau said schools should foster students' interest in maths at an early age.
'Maths can train your logical thinking, sensitivity to figures and patience when encountering difficulties. These qualities are an advantage and will be a benefit no matter what field you work in.'
Professor Yau did not encourage students to enter maths competitions. 'People love taking part in them. But I see candidates of such competitions as merely solving problems that have already been solved.
'The greatest satisfaction for a real mathematician is not to win a competition. Rather, it is to examine existing mathematical theories to see which ones are good and which are bad.'
He said he supported education which allowed students to touch on different subjects be fore concentrating on one specific area.