Kirklan's Achievements
Personal Summary and Objectives
My academic interests mainly surround mathematics and computer science (CS). I am passionate about mathematics due to many reasons. The prominence of proofs in mathematics is one of them, as it creates a subject where each theorem is built up from a previous one, thus creating an irrefutable subject - which I consider a masterpiece of logic. Furthermore, mathematics is a foundational tool, or the foundation itself, for countless subjects. This ranges from physical sciences, to computer science, to economic sciences. The immense power of mathematics to explain and model phenomena draws me to pursue it. On the other hand, I have recently also taken an interest in CS. I find it imperative to understand CS at a deep level in order to adapt to the ever changing world with the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI). I also firmly believe in the inseparable connection between mathematics and CS, where both complement each other perfectly. Hence, I strive to continue my pursuit of knowledge in these two subjects.
Mathematics
Grade 9 (2022)
Mathematics Project Competition for Secondary Schools 2021-2022 - Team of Good Performance
I completed a research project with a friend investigating about the probabilities and strategies behind the Mark Six lottery in Hong Kong, using our knowledge about combinatorics, probability, regression, and optimization. I focused on calculating the probabilities for each award category. Then, we found the expected value, which indicated the lottery is ultimately a scam. We followed by investigating whether different strategies could improve returns. The process took about half a year.
Grade 9 (2022)
The Hong Kong Academy of Gifted Education (HKAGE) and Hong Kong Education Bureau – Web-based learning course for gifted/ more able students: Mathematics: Completion of level 1 and level 2 2022
I learnt about the mathematical areas of algebra, number theory, geometry, combinatorics, probability, and complex numbers. Passed both tests at level 1 and level 2 out of 3, which involves challenging questions from all the aforementioned areas.
Grade 9 (2023)
Hong Kong Mathematics Kangaroo Contest 2023: Merit Award
I achieved top 25% to 50% in the age group Grade 9-10.
Grade 10 (2023)
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Enrichment Program for Gifted Learners 2023 – A Mathematical Introduction to Game Theory: Completion
I learnt about the basics of game theory from Dr. Alan Chu who has a PhD in Applied Mathematics, involving payoff matrices, Nash equilibrium, best response functions, and models of oligopoly. Learned how to apply game theory to different real-life scenarios. Obtained a score of more than 90%+ in the final exam.
Grade 10 (2024)
Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Mathematical Olympiad (Big Bay Bei) 2024
I participated in the senior secondary category (G10-12). Advanced through qualifier and heat rounds (3rd prize award); finished with individual 3rd prize award in finals, which is given to 44 out of 248 participants in finals. I learnt about techniques and practiced solving math Olympiad problems through books and websites. Also, I obtained 2nd prize award in both qualifier and heat rounds.
Grade 10 (2024)
Hong Kong International Mathematical Olympiad (HKIMO) 2024: Bronze Award
The individual competition involved logical thinking, algebra, number theory, geometry and combinatorics. Advanced through heat round and second round. I was part of top 24% of all G10-12 participants in the competition. In the entire competition, there were 2000+ participants from 17 countries. Also, I obtained Silver Award in both heat and second round.
Grade 11 (2024)
Australian Mathematics Competition 2024 Senior Division: Proficiency
I participated in the Australian Mathematics Competition and received a pre-set score, thus demonstrating competency at mathematical problem solving to Australian standards.
Grade 11 (2024)
Cambridge Fitzwilliam Summer School 2024 – Mathematics for the Natural Sciences: Certificate of outstanding Performance
I was one of the 2 best-performing students in the class of 10+ students throughout the period of the course.
Grade 11 (2025)
Hong Kong Mathematics Kangaroo Contest 2025: Merit Award
I achieved top 25% to 50% in the age group Grade 11-12. Each age group had 400+ participants.
Sciences
Grade 10 (2023)
Chemists Online Self-Study Award Scheme 2023-2024: Platinum Award
I obtained platinum award by completing 12 of the designated seminars, which involved answering questions about the seminar contents. These seminars were about various areas of chemistry, e.g. Molecules for Liquid Crystal Displays, Chemistry behind water-processing, Colour chemistry etc.
Grade 11 (2024)
HKAGE and HK Education Bureau – Web-based learning course for gifted/ more able students: Astronomy: Completion of level 1, 2 and 3 (all levels)
I acquired knowledge from various areas of astronomy, e.g. the basics of stargazing, the formation of stars, and a brief study of cosmology. Passed tests at levels 1,2, and 3, which involves questions from the aforementioned areas.
Grade 12 (2025)
John Hopkins University Pre-college summer program - Neuroscience and Human Behavior 2025
I learnt about how cells and chemicals result in complex behavior and critically examined whether or not the mind is an organic computer in this behavioral neuroscience program. I received a GPA of 4.0 with a letter grade of A+.
Economics
2025 (Grade 11)
World Economics Cup (Continental Qualification round) – Gold Team Award & Individual Highest Distinction Award; World Economics Cup (Continental round) – Individual Bronze Award 2025
I was part of a school team of six which received Gold Team Award, with a team average of over 90%. I received individual Highest Distinction award with a score of more than 90/100.
Our team were also invited to advance to the Continental round and all members have been awarded individual Bronze Award there, which represented top 20-40% of all Continental round participants.
Sports
2023 (Grade 9)
Central & Western Age Group Athletic Meet 2023 4x400m Champion
As part of my school's cross country team, I participated in this competition in D grade (13-15 years old) with a team of 4, where we ultimately won the 4x400m Champion.
2024 (Grade 10)
Central & Western Age Group Athletic Meet 2024 1500m 2nd Runner-up; 4x400m 1st Runner up
As part of my school's cross country team, I participated in this competition in D grade (13-15 years old) individually for 1500m, where I won 2nd Runner-up. I also participated in the 4x400m with a team of 4, where we ultimately won the 4x400m 1st Runner-up.
Other Achievements
2024 (Grade 10)
The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) "Easy Volunteer" Volunteer Service Award 2024 – Silver Award
I recorded over 100 hours (150+ hours in reality) of volunteering experience in 2024, and was given this award as recognition.