Badge of honour: Cindy posing with her MBR certificate.
AT just 14 years old, Cindy Lim already has the world at her feet.
Recently, she added another feather to her cap by scoring 176 out of 180 on the Malaysian Mensa Admission Test, leading her to be inducted into the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) on Aug 17 for having the “highest Mensa Admission Test score”.
Even so, being precocious, she was quick to point out that she would have been more thrilled to receive the MBR recognition for an earlier achievement at a younger age.
“I was seven when I became the youngest Malaysian to obtain the ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) Grade Eight Piano with distinction. I didn’t apply for the MBR as I didn’t know about it back then,” she told StarEdu.
The ABRSM is an established international music examination board from Britain.
Nevertheless, the Selangor lass could not be more excited about her latest achievement, which sees her being accepted as a member of the Malaysian Mensa, a society for individuals with an intelligence quotient in the top 2% of the population.
“When I was younger, I knew about the test and was eager to take it, but the minimum age for candidates in Malaysia is 14. When I turned 14, I just went for it,” said Cindy, who sat for the test on June 10.
On how she prepared for the test, she said matter-of-factly: “I just ate well, slept well and readied myself for it.”
“To my knowledge, there were no words, figures and colours in the test. There were no materials available for preparation,” she explained.
According to Cindy, the test comprised 36 questions, with increasing difficulty, and had to be completed within 40 minutes.
“There were eight pictures in each question and I had to find the ninth picture, all in patterns. There were eight selections in each question,” she shared.
While she has garnered a string of achievements, including achieving the Universal Concept of Mental Arithmetic System (UCMAS) Mental Arithmetic Grand Level at age 10, what Cindy views as her most noteworthy achievement is receiving the licentiate of Trinity College London (LTCL) piano recital (Level Six diploma in music performance), also at age 10.
The LTCL is equivalent in standard to the final-year recital of an undergraduate degree.
“This exam requires immaculate technique and different approaches of the genres in music, which are hard to express at a young age,” she said.
Despite her many achievements, Cindy, who aspires to be an entrepreneur and an auditor, has no plans to rest on her laurels. In fact, she has a big dream to fulfil, which is one day winning a Nobel Prize.
Pointing to her passion for mathematics and physics, the Year 10 student at the IGCSE Learning Centre in Kuala Lumpur said her goal is to create new math equations.
Even as she works towards achieving her goal and dream, she still makes time for her leisurely pursuits, such as swimming, doing ballet, and also taking part in charity performances as a way of giving back to society.
“What’s most important is to strike a balance between physical and mental development,” she said.
Grateful for all that she has achieved, Cindy does not forget to accord due credit to her parents.
“I give my heartfelt thanks to my parents for being understanding and supportive of anything I do, especially my mother, who has been my mentor since I was a tender age,” she said.
When asked for her advice for students, she had this to say: “Don’t choose a comfortable life during the learning stage. Self-discipline and diligence are the keys to success. As the saying goes, ‘No pain, no gain.’
“Develop good habits, such as creating a good study schedule. Set goals to achieve and have the courage to challenge yourself.”
Eu Kenn, 16, a student in Kuala Lumpur, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. To join Star-NiE’s online youth community, go to facebook.com/niebrats.
