8-year-old battles high fever, aces O level-equivalent physics, biology exams to set record

Even as the fever went past 39 deg C, Theodore Kwan, 8, kept his cool, acing the exams.

He set a new national record for being the youngest in Singapore to take O-level equivalent physics and biology exams and getting A grades for both, Lianhe Zaobao reported on Tuesday (Aug 18).

In 2025, Theodore scored an A and A* for IGCSE Chemistry and Pure Mathematics respectively, being the youngest candidate to do so for both papers.

This means that the boy has aced four subjects at the O-level equivalent standard.

Theodore, who is homeschooled, will be presented with certificates from the Singapore Book of Records on Friday (Aug 21),  Zaobao reported.

Speaking with the Chinese publication, his mother, Crystal Tang, said he developed a fever that climbed to 39.4 deg C hours before the biology exam.

He insisted on taking the exam, and although he managed to ace it, he wasn't in top form and failed to answer some questions, Zaobao reported.

Said Tang, 34: "What's more important is that he still maintains a sense of curiosity after each exam. He doesn't study for the sake of exams — instead, he looks to learn more afterwards."

Looking beyond Singapore

Tang also told the Chinese publication that she is currently reaching out to universities, both local and abroad, for her son's further education.

"Academically, Theodore has already surpassed his peers," she explained. "Our challenge now is finding a path for him to continue his studies."

While he may have already proven himself in the field of academia, universities consider more than just that when looking at admissions, she said.

"We are speaking with local and overseas universities to explore whether there are admission pathways based on 'academic readiness' rather than 'biological age'," she said.

"At present, this seems almost impossible in Singapore."

Tang also shared that her son's favourite subjects are chemistry and biology, but is also interested in medicine and space science.

But, at 8, he is still a child.

"There is no need to define his future so early on," Tang said.

"At this stage, we just want to provide him with sufficient depth and breadth of knowledge so that he may explore freely."

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khooyihang@asiaone.com