“God created me the way I am”: 7-year-old child prodigy who aced “O” Level Maths and Chemistry exams, and attends university lectures

On a Sunday night at 11pm, a small voice piped up in the car.

“How was the world created?” Theodore Kwan, 7, asked his parents. They were driving home after a late-night grocery run. Earlier that day, he had just watched a video about stars and star systems.

Without missing a beat, he volunteered his own answer: “Maybe God sparked off the Big Bang, and when there was the explosion, the world was created.”

That had been the top question on his mind, the thing he wanted to know about God: Whether God created the world or if He started the universe.

His mother Crystal Tang, 34, simply listened to her young son trying to make sense of Science theories he was learning, while considering his faith.

“We had discussed the Genesis story of Creation many times in the past. It was late that day, but I knew he would want to continue this conversation next time,” she told Salt&Light.

“It (the Big Bang hypothesis) has not been proven fully yet. So do you still believe that God is real?” she asked him.

“Of course, I do,” Theodore replied.

This exchange on the deeper questions of life was just one of many that the inquisitive boy regularly has with his mother.

Theodore showed strong interest in Science at a young age.

In the spotlight for exceptional intellectual achievements 

Theodore has been making the news for various intellectual achievements far exceeding the abilities of typical children of his age.

Earlier this year, he set a new national record for being the youngest candidate to sit for the International General Certificate of Education (IGCSE) Pure Mathematics paper, an “O” Level equivalent exam. He scored the highest grade of A*.

In 2025, Theodore also made headlines for becoming the youngest person in Singapore to score an A grade in an IGCSE Chemistry exam.

Since last year, he has been attending Chemistry lectures at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), learning alongside undergraduates on topics like organic chemistry, chemical bonding theory and spectroscopic techniques.

Theodore going for chemistry lectures in NTU, alongside undergraduates who are thrice his age. Photo courtesy of NTU.

Theodore, who is homeschooled by his mother, also holds five other Singapore records (with a sixth pending), including one for being the first and youngest to score full marks in a Science Olympiad, according to the Singapore Book of Records.

Theodore now holds 5 records (1 pending) in the Singapore Book of Records.

All these accolades at such a young age have made his parents extra mindful about their responsibility in stewarding their son.

Stewarding the giftedness of God’s child 

“For us, the question has gradually shifted from: ‘What should Theodore achieve?’ to ‘How can we faithfully steward who God has created him to be?’” Crystal told Salt&Light.

“Giftedness, like any other strength, is not an endpoint. It is simply one part of a person and it comes with its own responsibilities. What matters far more is the kind of person a child grows into,” she added.

Crystal shares a close bond with her son. Often, she functions as his “Google” search engine as he peppers her with many questions throughout the day.

The Kwans, who worship at Adam Road Presbyterian Church, started noticing that Theodore was far exceeding his developmental milestones at an early age.

At seven months old, he could utter full sentences.

At two years old, he was able to grasp the concept of multiplication on his own through play.

Between the ages of two and three, he discovered how to arrive at the area and volume of a circle.  He also picked up reading on his own.

By the time he was three years old, his mother realised her son could understand about half of the “O” Level chemistry syllabus, such as how atoms form and separate.

At four years old, he figured out the Fibonacci Sequence, in which each number is the sum of the two that precede it.

For the fun of it, Theodore then tried his hand at a Maths Olympiad competition without preparing for it. They were informed that he had a perfect score.  

“We began noticing patterns like his curiosity, the kinds of questions he asked and his persistence in working through problems that were far beyond his age,” Crystal recalled.

Theodore engaging in a Science experiment.

It was also around this time that they accidentally had his Intelligence Quotient (IQ) tested. 

Unlike most other children, Theodore takes hours to finish his meals.

“Feeding him has always been a huge challenge for us,” said Crystal. “He eats slowly and keeps food in his mouth, perhaps because there is so much going on in his brain. Mealtimes can take up to three hours long.”

IQ of 154, similar to mum’s

Wondering if Theodore could have a sensory processing disorder, Crystal brought him for a medical checkup. The doctor who saw him proposed an IQ test instead. Theodore’s IQ came in at 154 out of a total score of 160.

According to a recent report, Singaporeans have some of the highest IQ scores in the world, with the average being around 105. Crystal has a similar score as her son, which she finds helpful as she is able to “forsee” Theodore’s actions and understand him better. 

With a growing awareness that Theodore was wired differently, Crystal and her husband, Kwan Jung Hong, 44, began considering how best to guide him wisely.

For the most part, they simply let him enjoy playing or doing whatever he wants to.

From a young age, Theodore has enjoyed playing with jigsaw puzzles and open-ended toys such as wooden blocks. He also likes reading books, watching videos and playing at the playground.

The family makes it a point to ensure that Theodore has enough time to rest, explore and play outdoors.

The general rhythm of each day 

Their days are fluid as both Crystal and her husband work. Crystal juggles multiple roles: She teaches at an enrichment centre, homeschools Theodore, and is a PhD student at NTU’s medical school. Her husband runs his own electrical engineering business. They do not have a helper.

Being a night owl, Theodore only wakes up around noon every day. He spends the next few hours eating his lunch before going with his mother to the enrichment centre where she teaches. The centre offers Maths and Science classes at both the Olympiad and school academic levels.

While Crystal teaches at the centre, Theodore plays with the older children there, whether catching, chess, weiqi or online games. When his mother finishes her lessons at 7.30pm, they head out for dinner and return home after 10pm, given Theodore’s long meals.

The Kwans enjoying a meal out.

After his shower, Theodore reads a book, builds a puzzle or paints till he falls asleep at around midnight or later. If Crystal has the time, she would join him in those activities.

Theodore enjoys painting too.

After he goes to bed, Crystal then moves on to do other tasks on her long to-do list, such as writing curriculum for her classes, working on her PhD research or preparing activities and resources for Theodore.

Taking the IGCSE exams 

When Theodore was about five, he began asking his mother if there were any fun competitions in Biology and Chemistry that he could join.

“I told him about the IGCSE papers which did not require a minimum age to take. However, I was reluctant to send him for them as I felt he was not ready to sit for a long, written examination at his age. I didn’t want him to be frightened by exams. So, we delayed it by letting him join Math and Science Olympiads instead,” Crystal recalled.

Theodore loves Science lab experiments.

Half a year later, Theodore asked her again if he could take the IGCSE exams. She looked through the syllabus and realised that he had most of the knowledge.

In 2025, he sat for the IGCSE Chemistry exam at the tender age of six years and 10 months.

Unlike many other candidates, his preparation for it did not involve intensive drilling or long hours of study.

“It was built up over time through child-led exposures that interested him. He also learns through the daily conversations that we have throughout the day,” Crystal described.

It was only a month or so before the IGCSE exams that she sat down with him for an hour or so every night after dinner to do past year papers or to watch videos so that he could learn things that he did not know from the syllabus.

“A lot of things are ‘common sense’ to him. Even though its logical to him, I had to spend time to get him to put his thoughts into words and write it down,” said Crystal.

Nurturing faith while homeschooling 

That year, their family also applied for Theodore to be homeschooled as it was clear that his pace and depth of learning were quite different from what a conventional setting could accommodate. His long mealtimes and the difficulty he faced sitting still for long periods also factored into that decision.

“We felt a quiet conviction that we were to steward his learning in a more intentional and personal way during this season,” Crystal told Salt&Light. “That required us to trust God, especially since there was no clear roadmap ahead for a child like him.”

Crystal does not follow any existing curriculum when homeschooling her son. The family does not treat faith as a separate subject from their homeschooling material, but it is part of their approach to all the aspects of his learning.

“We have never approached Mathematics and Science as being in conflict with faith. Over time, we have come to see them as deeply complementary,” the mother explained.

She added that Theodore’s interest in patterns, logic and problem-solving does not lead him away from faith, but often draws him into a greater sense of wonder.

“When he studies scientific concepts in the sciences or in mathematics, he is not just trying to understand how things work, but is often struck by how ordered and consistent everything is,” she told Salt&Light.

Theodore sees God’s design in scientific concepts.

In his own words, Theodore once remarked that learning science sometimes feels like “seeing how God designed things”.

There was once the family was driving past Harbourfront MRT when they noticed a stretch of beautiful flowers along the roadside.

“The flowers bloom so beautifully on their own. Who takes care of them?” Crystal asked her son.

The precocious Theodore knew she was directing his attention to the Creator behind all creation and replied: “How does God have so much time to take care of everything in nature?”

Behind his innocent question lay a deeper inquiry into the nature of God’s omnipotence and omniscience, and it is through such questions that Crystal guides her son in learning about both knowledge and faith.

The Kwans usually see the hand of God in nature when they travel.

In the same way he hit many of his developmental milestones at an accelerated pace, Theodore also came to acknowledge God at an early age.

He was a little over one year of age when his mother asked him: “Where is Jesus?”

“Jesus is in my heart,” Theodore replied.

He attends the children’s ministry in ARPC, where he volunteers to take up roles such as ushering, praying and reading the Scriptures.

Theodore having loads of fun at children’s church. Photo credit: ARPC

“It is fun. I get to meet people to learn about God, and play after children’s church,” Theodore told Salt&Light.

His favourite stories in the Bible are “Noah’s ark” and the “house of the rock and sand”.

When asked if he thinks God is important in his life, he said: “Yes. He created me the way I am.”

Anxiety fills Theodore when he experiences illness or injury, and his prayers frequently revolve around asking God to heal him of the cuts or bumps that he sustains. He enjoys playing at the playground but avoids doing so when it is too hot so as to prevent his eczema from flaring up.

Theodore having fun at an indoor playground.

Perhaps that is why the young boy aspires to be a doctor when he grows up, so that he gets “to help people who are in need and use (his) knowledge to benefit others”.

Theodore also enjoys singing worship songs, and he and his younger sister often join their mother – who plays the piano – in a time of family worship.

Theodore with his younger sister Tabitha, who is three years younger than him.

Crystal creates her own learning resources for her children, be it Maths and Science puzzles or activities, or laminated cards and puppets that make the stories in the Bible come alive.

One of the Bible-themed resources created by Theodore’s mother.

Over the years, their family has experienced God’s provision and guidance in leading them through such an uncharted educational path for Theodore.

“I am always searching for what else I can do for Theodore that we can afford, in terms of both time and money,” Crystal said.

An open door from God 

Once, Crystal was emailing a Chemistry professor in her school about some administrative matters regarding her PhD studies when she felt prompted to share with him about her son and ask if he could sit in for his lectures.

“I know many professors and I have never thought of asking any of them regarding such a matter. But this time, suddenly out of nowhere, I felt led to add this request in my email to him,” said Crystal.

She was surprised and shocked when he really agreed to let Theodore attend his Chemistry lectures for NTU undergraduates.

“I prayed to God for discernment whether to take up this opportunity. I asked Him to let the timing of the lectures fit our schedule,” she added. They only had a narrow window of time in the early afternoon for classes because Theodore wakes up at noon and Crystal needed to start work at 3.30pm.

When the schedule for the lectures were released, all of them started from 12.30pm onwards.

Crystal saw it as a green light from God and accompanied her son to attend the lectures in NTU for two modules last year.

Theodore Kwan enjoys learning Science everywhere – be it at home or in nature or in a university auditorium.

At first, the undergraduates in the class presumed that Theodore was there to accompany his mother for her studies. To their surprise, they soon found out that the real student was the seven-year-old.

They listened intently every time Theodore raised his hands to answer a question posed by their professor. Often, he would get it right. During break times or after class, the boy could be seen queueing up with his fellow classmates – who are twice or three times his height – to ask the professor further questions.

This year, Theodore was invited to do a Year 2 module in organic Chemistry. When praying about it, his mother surfaced the same request for the right timing to God.

“God is very humorous. Again, the timing fit our schedules so we went for it,” Crystal told Salt&Light.

Theodore was not formally enrolled as a student there.

“We are incredibly grateful for the rare opportunity to join these lectures. We are okay for now, but are not sure how we are going to go forward in future. At the moment, most local students like Theodore head to overseas universities, but that is expensive,” said Crystal.

Theodore learning alongside NTU Chemistry undergraduates.

In 2024, the Ministry of Education said in Parliament that students who apply for early admission to local autonomous universities will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. It said then that since 2019, only one exceptionally gifted student gained early admission to an autonomous university.

Meanwhile, there have been moments in the Kwans’ journey when they sensed a need to slow down, to pause and reassess, and even to say no to certain opportunities.

“These were not always easy decisions, especially when opportunities seemed valuable or rare. But through prayer and reflection, we felt reminded that not every open door is one we are meant to walk through immediately,” Crystal shared.

For instance, when Theodore’s exceptional academic achievements was spotlighted in the media, the family received many requests for him to participate in talkshows on various platforms, to spar with adults in order to demonstrate his genius.

“Such opportunities may be tempting, but we felt it was not the right time for him. We didn’t want him to grow in pride, which may come with greater visibility,” said his mother.

No clear roadmap 

One of the biggest difficulties their family faces is the absence of a clear roadmap.

“There are no straightforward guidelines for raising and educating a child on such an unconventional path. Decisions that might seem simple for others, such as schooling options, pace and exposure, actually require much more thought and careful navigation for us,” said Crystal.

“As parents, we have had to ask ourselves honestly: Are we doing too much? Too little? Are we guiding wisely, or unintentionally placing pressure? In these seasons, our faith has been essential,” she told Salt&Light.

There have been many times when Crystal has gone before God to simply acknowledge that they do not know what to do and to ask Him for wisdom and patience.

An example was when Theodore refused to eat or took a very long time with his meals.

“He didn’t like purees and porridge. The first solid food that he ate when he was over a year old was literally a French fry. Theodore has his own thoughts and opinions – he is convinced by logic,” said Crystal.

The first solid food that Theodore ate was a French fry. His mother had to use logic to convince him to eat his meat and vegetables.

“So, God gave me the wisdom on how to get him to eat foods like salmon or rice by persuading him of the various nutritional value of each food item,” she elaborated.

Refreshing herself by seeking God 

Given that each mealtime lasts a few hours, and their days are often long and tight on schedule, Crystal makes it a point to seek God intentionally by waking up earlier in the morning or by locking herself in the bathroom late at night.

“I love worshipping Him and soaking in His presence. He gives me strength and grace for each day, and guides me on how to bring Theodore up,” said Crystal, who also used to be a preschool teacher and a case worker at a girls’ home.   

Often described as an “octopus” by her friends, Crystal’s interests are wide-ranging as she juggles various commitments on her plate: Work, homeschooling, PhD research and studies as well as even grassroots community service.

She founded her estate’s Residents’ Network and served as its chairperson for five years. 

Mother and son.

Growing up, however, her own giftedness and abilities were not always appreciated.

“Once, I found my school workbook easy and so I finished doing the whole book. My teacher misunderstood my intentions and threw the book out of the window. She forced me to sit outside and erase all of my answers. From then onwards, my love for learning was affected,” Crystal recalled.

“That is why I am learning to take the leap of faith and take the less trodden path with Theodore. Parenting, especially in an unusual journey like this, is not about having all the answers. It is about continually returning to God, asking for wisdom, being willing to listen, and trusting that He cares even more deeply for Theodore than I ever could,” she added.

Theodore has just started preparations to take the IGCSE Biology and Physics exams. His first paper was on April 30 and the rest will be completed by early June.

Theodore and his sister playing dress up. Their parents intend to homeschool his sister in future as well.

Next, Crystal hopes to grow Theodore’s interpersonal skills and his faith in God. She intends to work on a mini theological series of books for him.

If there is one thing that Crystal has learned through this journey, it is that every child’s path is different and that is by God’s design.

“It can be easy in today’s environment to compare, to measure, or to feel pressure to pursue certain milestones. But we have been reminded time and again that God does not call every child to the same path,” she told Salt&Light.

“Our hope, not just for Theodore but for our children, is that they would grow to love God deeply, to walk in humility, and to use whatever they have been given to serve others.”

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