Double degree adds up for HK maths prodigy
The wonderkid who at nine became the city's youngest undergraduate four years ago completed his bachelor's and master's programme this week at the age of 13.
March Boedihardjo will now head off to the United States for a research programme and, possibly, a doctorate. The youngster was admitted to Baptist University's double-degree programme in mathematical science in 2007, finishing it in four years - a year early. March said he really enjoyed his university years, despite earlier concerns about how such a young boy would adapt to the life.
'My teachers and classmates took good care of me and I learned a lot as well,' he said. 'Although I encountered many challenges in my studies and research, I believed that with perseverance, the problems would ultimately be solved.'
March (pictured) paid special thanks to his academic mentor, Professor Hermann Brunner. 'He has been of great help to me, both in mathematics and my personal growth.' He said he had no problems communicating with older classmates. While many fellow students were dating and playing computer games he didn't feel he was missing out. 'I am doing what I love to do.'
He sets off next week for Texas A&M University to conduct research.
His brother, Horatio, became one of the youngest PhD students in mathematics at Oxford University, in England, at the age of 17 in 2008.
