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12-year-old Indonesian boy to enter top Canadian university
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Twelve-year-old Cendikiawan "Diki" Suryaatmaja makes notes in a book. Diki will soon start a physics degree at Canada’s Waterloo University and will be among the youngest students ever enrolled at one of the country’s top universities. (Tribunnews.com/File)
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12-year-old Indonesian boy is set to begin an undergraduate degree in physics on a scholarship at a Canadian university this semester, a top diplomat has said.
"Cendikiawan ‘Diki’ Suryaatmadja has been admitted to Waterloo University to study physics with honors and has also been awarded a scholarship," Indonesian Ambassador to Canada Teuku Faizasyah told journalists in Jakarta on Thursday.
Waterloo is one of the best universities in Canada for exact sciences and requires an average mathematics score of nine out of 10 to apply, Faizasyah said, noting that Diki’s achievement was exceptional, especially considering his age.
"This is of course a source of inspiration for many Indonesian children and students," he said.
Diki grew up and completed his schooling in West Java and taught himself English, Faizasyah said.
Because of his age, Diki requires special attention to ensure a smooth transition into life in Canada. The embassy had contacted Diki's parents to establish communications regarding the boy, Faizasyah said.
Diki's parents expressed happiness for their son, who is said to be adapting well to his new life.
As an international student, Diki will most likely establish contact with the closest Indonesian Consulate General, located in Toronto, which provides a consultative forum for Indonesian students studying nearby.
Diki will live with his father in an apartment close to the university while he completes his studies, local media has reported.
With most students entering undergraduate study being around 18 years of age, Diki has become one of the university's youngest ever enrolments. (rin)
