Singapore, renowned for nurturing prodigies such as seven-year-olds passing the GCE O-Level Chemistry or 12-year-olds acing A-level equivalent papers in Physics, Maths, Biology, and Chemistry, presents another young talent, 11-year-old Nathanael Koh.
Nathanael Koh has shared his story with The Independent Singapore, noting he was diagnosed with Gross Developmental Delay at the age of one because he couldn’t move or crawl. Nathanael Koh‘s journey from challenge to triumph is one of resilience and determination.
“I cannot even walk at two years old,” he added.
Nathanael Koh had three to four therapy sessions a week for about five years at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital for his condition, for which doctors said there was no cure or medication.
“I can’t speak well even at (the age of) four due to low muscle tone in my whole body and tongue,” said Nathanael Koh.
His father then quit his job and sold their business to move to New Zealand so that Nathanael Koh could undergo natural forest therapy.
“I miraculously recovered after six months of daily walks of two to three hours. At 11 years old now, I can swim and run like most kids,” said Nathanael Koh.
Despite not being able to crawl or move like other normal toddlers, Nathanael Kohwas blessed with early reading skills at one.
“Maybe all the nutrition went to my brain development, as I could not move my body at all. I am a Mensa member in NZ and SG. I started reading and loving languages and Math,” he said.
When he was nine, Nathanael Koh did his first Cambridge A and E Maths exam and completed the Cambridge O-level Pure Biology, Chemistry, and Physics and A-level Math the following year.
Nathanael Koh is the youngest person in the world to obtain the Licentiate Diploma in Music Composition (Honours), Trinity College Diploma in Music Theory (AMusTCL), ABRSM Grade 8 in Music Theory, and St Cecilia Grade 8 Musicianship.
He is a music prodigy, composing his full orchestra piece when he was eight.
When he was 10, he wrote short musical pieces to lift the spirits of people affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. He did this when he was stuck in Singapore while visiting his grandparents, and New Zealand had closed its borders.
In 2020, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden thanked Nathanael in a letter for his music and initiative in instilling solidarity through music.
Nathanael Koh is now completing his degree in Music Theory and Composition from Australia while starting some academic modules at a New Zealand University.
“I love to teach and share my knowledge, and thus the YouTube videos, and I hope everyone will do well and be successful together!”
He was referring to his current endeavors in solving Oxford University Maths Admission Test questions, which he records and shares with viewers.
Nathanael Koh added as a tip that he takes a lot of vitamins such as fish oil and pre-teen multivitamins for his daily thinking activities. “Exercise is very important as it keeps our body and minds healthy!” said the 11-year-old. /TISG
Read also:
Spotlight on the incredible musical prodigy Kodi Lee – Singapore News