8-Year-Old Singapore Boy Sets Record After Acing Physics and Biology Exams While Battling High Fever
Eight-year-old Theodore Kwan has set a new Singapore record after earning A grades in O-level equivalent Physics and Biology examinations, marking an extraordinary academic achievement for a child his age.
The homeschooled student completed the examinations despite developing a fever that reached 39.4°C shortly before his Biology paper. His mother, Crystal Tang, said Theodore insisted on taking the examination, although he was not at his best and left some questions unanswered.
The achievement adds to Theodore’s growing academic record. In 2025, he became the youngest candidate in Singapore to earn an A in IGCSE Chemistry and an A* in Pure Mathematics. His latest results mean he has now excelled in four subjects at the O-level equivalent standard.
Theodore is expected to receive certificates from the Singapore Book of Records on August 21.
For a child-focused perspective, however, his achievement is about more than examination results. His mother said Theodore remains curious after completing his papers and continues looking for opportunities to learn rather than studying solely to pass examinations.
She said his interests include chemistry, biology, medicine and space science, while the family is exploring possible education pathways that could match his academic readiness rather than simply his age.
Despite his remarkable abilities, Tang stressed that Theodore is still a child and should have the freedom to explore different interests without having his future decided too early.
His story offers a reminder that children can demonstrate exceptional abilities in different ways, while their curiosity, wellbeing, creativity and freedom to develop at their own pace should remain central to their education.
Celebrating children’s achievements, therefore, should not only recognise how far they can go academically, but also protect the joy of learning that helps them grow.
