Most students sit for their IGCSE examinations at the age of 16.
Marc Chew was only 12 years old when he achieved an extraordinary milestone, earning 13 A* in IGCSE grades across a wide range of Cambridge subjects.
What makes Marc’s story even more remarkable is that this achievement was not his first academic success.
At the age of 8, Marc had already completed Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science, achieving A* grades in all three subjects. One year later, at the age of 9, he sat for A-Level Computer Science and achieved an A grade, completing both the AS and A2 components in a single sitting.
Naturally, many parents and students are curious:
How does a child achieve results at such a young age?
To find out, the team at TWINS Education sat down with Marc to discuss his study habits, motivation, challenges and advice for students preparing for their own IGCSE examinations.
As a tuition centre that has worked with thousands of IGCSE students over the years, TWINS Education was particularly interested in understanding the habits and mindset behind Marc’s extraordinary achievement.
Editor’s Note: Marc Chew was interviewed by Andy Gan, Principal of TWINS Education, at our Subang Jaya centre. The interview focused on Marc’s study habits, exam preparation strategies, academic journey and advice for students preparing for IGCSE examinations.
Table of Contents
Who Is Marc Chew?
Marc Chew is a Malaysian student who gained widespread attention after achieving an extraordinary 13 A* in the Cambridge IGCSE examinations at just 12 years old. His exceptional academic performance has made him one of the youngest high-achieving IGCSE students in Malaysia, inspiring parents and students who are preparing for the same examinations.
Marc Chew’s Academic Journey
Marc’s academic accomplishments span several years.
At Age 8 (2021)
At Age 9 (2022)
| Subject | Grade |
| A-level Computer Science (9618) | A |
Marc completed both the AS and A2 examinations in a single sitting.
At Age 12 (2025)
| Subject | Grade |
| IGCSE First Language English (0500) | A* |
| IGCSE Mandarin Chinese – Foreign Language (0547) | A* |
| IGCSE Additional Mathematics (0606) | A* |
| IGCSE Biology (0610) | A* |
| IGCSE Chemistry (0620) | A* |
| IGCSE History (0470) | A* |
| IGCSE Economics (0455) | A* |
| IGCSE Business Studies (0450) | A* |
| IGCSE Global Perspective (0457) | A* |
| IGCSE Information and Communication Technology (0417) | A* |
A total of 13 A* in IGCSE across subjects.
At TWINS Education, we have met many academically strong students over the years. However, Marc’s journey stands out because of the sheer number of subjects he completed successfully at such a young age.
There Is No Secret Formula
One of the biggest misconceptions about top-performing students is that they spend every waking hour studying.
Marc’s answer was surprisingly straightforward.
He studies consistently for at least 2 hours every day.
After completing his academic work, he spends time doing things he enjoys, including socialising with friends and participating in extracurricular activities such as coding hackhaton, debate (both national and international) competition, shooting and fencing.
His routine demonstrates an important lesson: academic success is not necessarily about studying endlessly. It is often about studying consistently.
This is something that teachers at TWINS Education frequently observe among top-performing students. Consistency often matters more than occasional bursts of intensive studying.
The Power of Having a System
When we asked Marc whether he follows a fixed study schedule, the answer was yes.
In fact, he built his own application called QwikLearn to help organise and manage his study timetable.
This habit reflects a trait commonly seen among high achievers: they do not rely on motivation alone. They create systems that help them stay organised and accountable.
At TWINS Education, we agree that students who maintain revision schedules and clear study plans often perform better because they are able to cover the syllabus more systematically.
For many students, one of the biggest challenges is not understanding a topic but managing their time effectively. Marc’s approach shows the importance of planning ahead and developing structured routines.
Why Biology and Economics Fascinate Him
Although Marc plans to pursue a future in Computer Science and Engineering, his interests extend beyond technology.
When asked about his favourite subjects, he highlighted Biology and Economics.
According to Marc:
“I plan to major in Computer Science because that’s the field I want to build my career in. At the same time, I’m genuinely interested in biology and economics. I enjoy learning about those subjects, and I think they complement Computer Science.”
He explained that Computer Science can be applied to Biology through bioinformatics and to Economics through data science, analytics and computational economics.
His answer reflects intellectual curiosity, which is a quality often shared by exceptional learners. Rather than viewing subjects in isolation, Marc sees connections between different fields of knowledge.
His Most Challenging Subject Was Chemistry
Many students assume that top scorers find every subject easy.
Marc’s experience suggests otherwise.
When asked which subject he found most challenging, he immediately identified Chemistry.
This is an important reminder that even highly successful students encounter difficult subjects.
The difference is often not whether students struggle, but how they respond when they do.
Instead of avoiding challenging topics, Marc continued practising, revising and seeking guidance from his teachers.
How Marc Used Past Papers
One study strategy stood out during our interview.
Marc practised examination papers extensively.
He focused on the latest four years of Cambridge past papers and repeated them multiple times.
After completing a set of papers, he would revisit them later and repeat the process.
This allowed him to become familiar with:
- Exam formats
- Common question styles
- Frequently tested concepts
- Time management under exam conditions
- Common mistakes students make
Many experienced IGCSE teachers recommend a similar approach because examination success depends not only on knowledge but also on exam technique.
In fact, this mirrors the approach recommended by many tutors at TWINS Education, where students are encouraged to complete recent examination papers repeatedly to improve familiarity with examiner expectations.
The Role of Teachers and Parents
Throughout our conversation, Marc Chew repeatedly mentioned two groups of people who played an important role in his journey:
- His teachers
- His parents
When asked what support helped him most, Marc credited both.
His parents provided encouragement and support throughout his studies, while his teachers guided him academically and helped him avoid common mistakes.
One piece of advice he shared with students was particularly noteworthy:
“Listen to your teachers.”
Marc explained that teachers have significant experience helping students prepare for examinations. They understand common errors, exam techniques and the expectations of examiners.
Marc’s advice strongly aligns with the philosophy at TWINS Education. Experienced teachers often identify common mistakes that students may not notice themselves, helping them avoid losing marks unnecessarily in examinations.
This advice may sound simple, but it reflects the value of learning from people who have guided hundreds or even thousands of students through the same examinations.
Inspiration From His Older Siblings
Motivation is another important factor behind long-term success.
Marc shared that he was inspired by his older siblings, who are currently studying at prestigious universities overseas.
Having role models within the family gave him a vision of what could be possible through education and hard work.
Today, Marc hopes to follow a similar path by pursuing higher education overseas in fields related to Computer Science and Engineering.
What Happens When He Feels Stressed?
Like any student preparing for major examinations, Marc admitted that he experiences stress.
His solution is surprisingly relatable.
When he feels stuck, he takes time to do things he enjoys.
Whether spending time with friends or participating in sports such as fencing and coding, these activities help him recharge before returning to his studies.
This highlights an important lesson for students: sustainable academic success requires balance.
Taking strategic breaks is not a sign of weakness. In many cases, it helps students maintain motivation and avoid burnout.
What TWINS Education Learned From Interviewing Marc Chew
At TWINS Education, we regularly work with students preparing for IGCSE examinations across a wide range of subjects.
After interviewing Marc, several common success factors became even more apparent.
Marc’s story reinforces something we have observed repeatedly over the years:
Exceptional results are rarely the product of a single factor.
Instead, they are usually the outcome of several habits working together:
- Consistent daily study
- Strong time management
- Effective use of past papers
- Supportive parents
- Guidance from experienced teachers
- A willingness to learn from mistakes
- Intellectual curiosity
While every student’s journey is different, these principles are surprisingly consistent among high-performing students.
Lessons Students Can Apply Today
Not every student will achieve 13 A* in IGCSE.
However, every student can learn from Marc’s approach.
1. Study Consistently
Small daily efforts accumulate over time.
2. Build a Study System
Use AI-powered tools such as QwikLearn to generate structured notes, mind maps, exam-style questions and answers, weakness analyses, and personalised study plans, etc., in addition to tuitions. Focus on understanding within the syllabus what to learn, how to learn it, and what to memorize, while improving both the efficiency and effectiveness of your study process.
3. Practise Past Papers
Familiarise with the exam format and learn the examination answering technique matters.
4. Seek Help From Teachers
Teachers understand common exam mistakes.
5. Maintain Balance
Academic success and personal well-being can go hand in hand.
Interestingly, many of these habits are also consistently recommended by TWINS Education tutors. While every student learns differently, effective planning, regular revision and past paper practice remain among the most reliable predictors of academic success.
Why TWINS Education Wanted to Interview Marc
At TWINS Education, we believe that students often learn best from real examples rather than theory alone. Marc’s story provides valuable insights into what successful students actually do on a daily basis.
By sharing interviews with high-achieving students, TWINS Education hopes to give parents and students practical ideas that can be applied to their own academic journeys.
Looking Ahead
Despite achieving results that many students can only dream of, Marc Chew remains focused on the future.
His interests lie in Computer Science and Engineering, and he hopes to continue his education overseas, following in the footsteps of his siblings.
Given his achievements so far, it will certainly be exciting to see what he accomplishes next.
Conclusion
Marc Chew’s achievement of 13 A* in IGCSE grades at the age of 12 is undoubtedly remarkable.
Yet perhaps the most valuable lesson from his story is that success is not built overnight.
Behind every outstanding result is a combination of discipline, effective study habits, strong support systems and a genuine passion for learning.
For students preparing for their own IGCSE examinations, Marc’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that consistent effort, guided by the right strategies, can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
The team at TWINS Education hopes that his story will inspire more students to develop effective study habits and pursue their academic goals with confidence.
About the Interviewer
This interview was conducted by Andy Gan, Principal and Co-Founder of TWINS Education.
TWINS Education is a tuition centre in Malaysia specialising in IGCSE, A-Level and IELTS classes. Through interviews with outstanding students such as Marc Chew, TWINS Education aims to provide practical academic insights that help students and parents navigate their educational journeys.
