Top student to be a scientist
An 18-year-old Fijian of Taiwanese origin scored the highest marks in the national Year 13 examination. Ping Yi Ko a science student of Labasa College last year, scored 389 out of 400 (English and 3 top subjects). His marks - English 93, Mathematics 100, Biology 99, Chemistry 97 and Physics 93.
The youngest of three children lives with his parents at Lekutu, Bua, where his father is a sandalwood and yaqona farmer.
Ping said he was confident he would rank among the top students in Fiji in the science category because he was well prepared.
“I went to Labasa College because it is the most competitive school in the Northern Division,” he said. “For this I had to leave my parents and home and stay at the hostel for four years starting from Year 10.
“As a hostel student there was limited access to internet and stuff so it was quite difficult for me to do research on certain problems that I came across.
“However, I studied whatever I came across with the assistance of the teachers.”
He was the Dux in Year 10, Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13 in the school and was a senior prefect last year. “I moved with my parents to Fiji in 2008,” Ping said.
“My parents work very hard and I want to return their goodness by fulfilling their dream.
“They always supported my dream.”
His advice to Year 13 students is to explore the many opportunities in science field.
“Look broader, explore options and never be afraid to believe that you can do anything,” he said. Ping has big plans for the future. “In few days I will fly to Australia to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree. Many family members encouraged me to become a scientist,” he said.
“I would like to thank my colleagues, teachers, friends and family for their support.”
It is understood he did not apply for Toppers Scholarship because his area of study maybe outside the preferred studies listed by the Tertiary Scholarship & Loans Board (TSLB).