9-year-old boy becomes youngest college student in HK

 HONG KONG, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Nine-year-oldmathematics prodigy March Boedihardjo, a local Chinese, who was admitted by theHong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), will become the youngest college student inthe city. The university's decision was made public here Thursday.     "The decision was made after a two-month discussionamong various departments of the university and March's parents," ActingPresident of HKBU Professor Franklin Luk announced Thursday the admission result at a press briefing together with March, who posed a victory sign when enteringthe briefing room standing in front of the non-stopping flashlight from themedia.     From this September, March will join other studentswho are in general some ten years older than he is, to start university life.The University will specially design a five-year curriculum for March which, when completed, will see him awarded a Bachelor of Science in MathematicalScience as well as a Master of Philosophy in Mathematics.     March earlier sat for the U.K.'s A-level examinationand also the Advanced Extension Awards in mathematics. The boy showed his talentin the former exam by scoring As in mathematics and further mathematics and a B in statistics, while he passed the latter one with merit.     Professor Luk said that, despite his age, March hasachieved excellent examination results and also expressed himself admirablyinour interviews; therefore, following an initial assessment, the university considers that it is suitable for him to pursue his studies at university level.     Tony Boedihardjo, March's father, said they have alsoapplied to other local universities including the University of Hong Kong, HongKong University of Science and Technology and the Chinese University of Hong Kong which have not given them any concrete reply.     Making funny faces and playing with the microphoneduring the hour-long briefing, the young genius successfully drew attention fromthe photographers to catch his always-changing facial expression.     When asked about how to cope with the new studyenvironment and people, March showed that he has never been worried aboutdealing with classmates who will be much older than he is.     "When I was in Oxford, all my schoolmates were over18 and we often discussed mathematics problems. I think I won't have problems incommunicating with people older than me," said the nine-year-old who has done two years of high school curriculum in England.     "With a view to developing his academic intelligence,personal growth and campus life, we will tailor a learning roadmap that bestbenefits March. We are confident that this arrangement will encourage March to exercise his intellectual faculties to their fullest and support hiswhole-person development at a world class university, and also give his parentspeace of mind," Professor Luk said.     Associate Professor of Mathematics Department of theuniversity Tong Chong-sze said that while the department will arrange forprofessors to act as March's Academic Mentors, who will explore and develop his mathematical talents, he will be assigned to learn and study along with hisfellow classmates.     Within five years, March will complete therequirements as set out for humanities subjects, such as languages, physicaleducation, computer literacy, religion and philosophy. The university willencourage March to participate in social functions and student and cultural activities held on campus, so that he may experience typical collegiate life.     "The Center for Child Development of HKBU will meetregularly with March to keep abreast of his progress in personal development andother needs, and will advise the University Administration as to the best teaching and learning arrangements for March," said Tong.