8-year-old Singaporean prodigy Guan Ying'en has set another national record, becoming the youngest candidate to take the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Extended Level exams in Physics and Biology, and achieving excellent results with an A in both subjects.
According to Lianhe Zaobao, Guan Ying'en turned 8 this June. He sat for the IGCSE Extended Level Physics and Biology exams as a private candidate at the actual age of just 7 years and 9 months, making him the youngest participant ever in Singapore, as well as the youngest to score an A. Last year, he had already sat for the IGCSE Extended Level Chemistry and Mathematics exams, achieving an A and an A*, respectively. In other words, before the age of 8, he has clinched As in Mathematics, Physics, Biology, and Chemistry—an achievement that puts many Secondary 4 candidates, often twice his age, in awe.
The Singapore Book of Records will be presenting Guan Ying'en with a certificate this Friday to officially recognize his multiple records. The IGCSE Physics and Biology exams are equivalent to the international O-Level exam, and are split into “Extended Level” and “Core Level” papers. Guan Ying'en attempted the more challenging Extended Level papers, which require a deeper and broader knowledge and skillset. Grades for these papers range from A* down to E in a total of six levels.
Guan Ying'en’s mother, Zheng Jieyi (34, enrichment class instructor), shared that just a few hours before sitting for the Biology paper, her child suddenly developed a high fever, reaching 39.4°C. However, he insisted on taking the exam, so his parents did their best to lower his temperature before escorting him into the exam hall.
As for her child's future education plans, Zheng Jieyi revealed that they are currently in talks with both local and overseas universities, but “it’s almost impossible locally.”
Zheng Jieyi says that Guan Ying'en’s favorite subjects are Chemistry and Biology, and that he also has a strong interest in medicine and space science. “He loves studying chemical molecules and drug mechanisms, exploring human diseases and health in biology, and is curious about physiological changes in space and safeguarding health during long-term flights. In addition to clinical medicine, he is deeply passionate about scientific exploration and research.”
Zheng Jieyi emphasized: “Ying'en is still too young—there’s no need to set a path too early. He may end up at the intersection of several disciplines, or chart a brand new course. At this stage, as parents, we just want to provide enough depth and breadth for him to explore freely.”
Guan Ying'en has always been homeschooled with guidance from his parents. He first came to public attention last September, when he scored an A in the IGCSE Chemistry exam at just 6 years and 10 months old—making him the youngest to ever take this exam worldwide. His outstanding achievement led a lecturer from Nanyang Technological University to invite him to audit classes there.
Guan Ying'en was found to have an IQ as high as 154 at the age of 4. His parents discovered his prodigious talent in mathematics and science from a very early age. He has since set multiple records, including being the youngest ever to participate in both Olympiad Science and Math competitions and to achieve a perfect score and first place.