KUALA LUMPUR: Most 4-year-old kids are still learning their ABCs, but Jeimithra Vasagam has achieved multiple record titles by identifying all 118 elements of the periodic table in just 1 minute and 35 seconds.
This prodigy, a record-holder for her ability to identify national flags, recently took on the periodic table as her next big challenge in just six weeks.
The achievement earned her recognition in the "Malaysia Book of Records", "India Book of Records", "Worldwide Book of Records", "India Book of Records" and "Asia Book of Records".
Her 30-year-old mother, Dr Mathi Vathani, said Jeimithra's success was no accident as she has designed a perfect mix of discipline, fun and learning for her daughter.
"She learned the periodic table before sleep, which is her most active time. I make her learn five elements per day. When the words are difficult, I make it to three or two per day.
"Other times, she spends her time at the kindergarten, once she is back, she will have a rest, play, have half an hour for piano practice, study for five to ten minutes at this periodic table and sleep early."
Mathi stressed the importance of early bedtimes for children, ensuring her own kids were typically asleep by 9pm.
"Get them to sleep early," adding that her paediatrician said earlier bedtimes could improve memory function.
She said her daughter's achievements were accomplished without reliance on gadgets, as she firmly restricted her screen time.
"First of all, it (gadgets) affects their eyes. Secondly, I often see parents and children (frequently) using their phones. They don't explore things like we did when we were kids.
"Screens take away creativity and real-world exploration.
"Instead, I fill her time with outdoor play, and watch classic cartoons like 'Scooby-Doo' and 'Tom & Jerry'."
Mathi said she wanted Jeimithra to focus on her studies while experiencing wonderful experiences together.
The doctor-turned-entrepreneur said Jeimithra's diet played a significant role in her sharp focus, as her meals are rich in protein and calcium.
She added that her family had completely cut out sugary and processed foods from Jeimithra's diet, ensuring she avoids candy and chocolate to prevent hyperactivity.
Jeimithra enjoys playing the piano, which her mother believes enhances her cognitive abilities.
Mathi said her family was gradually introducing Jeimithra to chess by showing her chess videos.
"I want to avoid her being idle. So, I thought chess would be a perfect choice to boost her memory. We plan to put her into chess next year," she said.
When asked about her ambitions, Jeimithra confidently said 'CEO (chief executive officer) of a major company'.