TWENTY-ONE-YEAR-OLD Yeoh Zi Song was obsessed with Mathematics even when he was young.
He would practise Mathematics during his leisure time.
“My hobby is reading and when I am free, I will study Mathematics.
“I have always loved Mathematics, although I do have some interest in Computer Science,” Zi Song said when met in Komtar today.
It is believed that Zi Song was the only Malaysian student who had successfully managed to further his studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States during his academic entry year.
Zi Song started his Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics in 2020 and will be completing the course in 2024.
“I am very thankful for the opportunity to further my studies at MIT and on the subject that I loved. I hope to be a research mathematician one day,” he said.
The Penang government has awarded RM3,000 to Zi Song for his achievement and for making the state proud.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow congratulated Zi Song and hoped that the contribution could be a catalyst for him to perform better.
“Zi Song has also taken part in various competitions and won several of them.
“Among his achievements were the International Mathematical Olympiad 2020 (Gold Medal), International Olympiad in Informatics 2018 (Gold Medal), International Linguistics Olympiad 2018 & 2019 (Silver Medal) and Putnam Mathematical Competition 2021 (Honourable Mention),” Chow told a media conference before presenting the RM3,000 special contribution to Zi Song.
The former Chung Ling High School student was accompanied by his father Yeoh Yean Cheong, mother Tang Siew Ch’ng and grandmother Teh Eye Keok.
Zi Song thanked the Penang government for the award.
“I thank the Penang government for the award, and I also thank my family members and those who had supported me along my journey to success.
“The award encouraged me to do better for my state and country,” he said.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, and Penang Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat