By Dr Fu Sai Hoe
Special remedial officer, Sandakan District Education Office
We use math every day without even realizing it.
Whether it’s buying a packet of hinompuka or nasi kuning from the school canteen
Sipping half a bottle of linongot or air kelapa during a family gathering
Or planning to the Kaamatan celebration in Penampang
Math is always there, quietly guiding our choices.
To most of us, math is just a part of life.
We learn about shapes, money, and time in primary school.
Then we move on to things like algebra and geometry in secondary school, and maybe even proofs and theories in universities.
Math is a tool, a language, a way of thinking.
It helps us solve problems, spot patterns, and make decisions.
But for some children, math is not just difficult—it’s painful, confusing, and overwhelming.
The Hidden Struggle
Imagine a child who tries their best, but still can’t remember simple number facts, gets lost when counting, and can’t tell which number is bigger.
This isn’t laziness.
This isn’t carelessness.
This could be dyscalculia
—a specific learning difficulty that affects a child’s ability to understand and work with numbers.
Dyscalculia is often called “math dyslexia.”
Children with this condition may struggle to:
Understand quantity (cannot link numbers with quantities)
Compare numbers (cannot choose the larger number between 6 and 9)
Remember number sequences (1,2,6,7,4,8)
Do basic arithmetic (+,-,x )
Grasp time and direction
The challenge isn’t just about poor grades.
It affects their self-esteem, confidence, and everyday life.
Sadly, many children with dyscalculia go unnoticed.
They’re misunderstood, mislabeled, or simply left behind.
How We Can Help
The first step in helping children with dyscalculia is awareness.
Parents, educators, and community members must recognize the signs early and act.
With the right support and early intervention, children with dyscalculia can thrive in school and beyond.
Although dyscalculia may be invisible, its impact is not.
Through compassion, understanding, and appropriate teaching strategies, we can transform the learning experience for these children.
It’s time we talk openly about dyscalculia and ensure that every child feels confident, capable, and counted.
Note:
Dr. Fu Sai Hoe holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education (with First Class Honours) through a twinning program between the University of Hertfordshire, England and IPG Kampus Temenggong Ibrahim, Malaysia.
He also earned a Master’s degree in Mathematics Education with the Dean’s Award from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris.
He obtained his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Science Education and received the 2019 Best PhD Thesis Award in Social Sciences from Universiti Malaysia Sabah.
He is currently serving as a special remedial officer at the Sandakan District Education Office, Sabah. He is also an HRD Corp certified trainer and a SEAMEO SEN resident expert.
In addition, he is an author of books, e-books, and journal articles; an international innovation judge; a consultant; a speaker; an editor; and a journal reviewer.
His interests lie in the field of Mathematics Education, particularly dyscalculia, early mathematics education, remedial mathematics education, and primary school mathematics education.
