Boy aged 9 to study maths at the university

nine-year-old maths genius from Hong Kong has been accepted to study mathematics at a local university. Child prodigy March Boedihardjo will attend the Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) and become the youngest college student in the city. The university will create a specially designed five-year course which will see him gain a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. Authorities thought long and hard about whether or not to admit March. HKBU president Professor Franklin Luk announced at a press conference: "The decision was made after a two-month discussion among various departments of the university and March's parents." March also met the press and raised a victory sign when he entered the media room. He seemed very confident amid the non-stop flash light from photographers.

There has been concern from educationalists that March will miss out on social skills by attending university so young. His new classmates will all be ten or more years older than he is. March said this would not be a problem as he already has experience of studying with older students. He has already spent two years in England, where he sat and passed advanced maths exams with grades. "When I was in Oxford, all my schoolmates were over 18 and we often discussed mathematics problems. I think I won't have problems in communicating with people older than me," said the nine-year-old. Professor Luk is confident March can cope: "With a view to developing his…personal growth…we will tailor a learning roadmap that best benefits March…and also give his parents peace of mind," he said.