Maths, science boffin, 20, obtains degree
READING on his own from the age of 2, learning maths from 3 years, starting high school at 10 years old and completing a bachelor’s degree in computer science and mathematical statistics at the age of age 19, are just some of Kialan Pillay’s accomplishments thus far.
Pillay, 20, will graduate with his bachelor of science degree from UCT in a virtual graduation. He was among a select few who have been able to complete a degree as a teenager.
The maths and computer science boffin excelled at school, skipping grades with a jump from Grade 2 to Grade 5, and starting high school at the age of 10. He matriculated at Eden College in Durban with seven distinctions and a 94.6% aggregate at the age of 15. Pillay also learnt to play piano from the age of 3.
“I let my interest guide me. If something does not appeal to me, I don’t waste my time. It’s always great to have perspective," he said.
Pillay, from Westville in Durban and now living in Cape Town, is pursuing a bachelor of science honours in computer science.
"Knowing I wanted to study computer science came quite early on. We were introduced to this visual programme called Scratch during our information technology lesson at school. That was my first foray into programming and I made a few games and that sparked my interest. I then taught myself basic web development. At the age of 12 or 13, I was creating simple websites. The passion has just grown.
"I think of myself as a computer scientist foremost rather than a statistician but I’m really interested in statistics against the intersection of statistics and computer science, which is what machine learning is essentially.
“In our increasingly globalised, automated, digital society, computer scientists have the opportunity to impact society in a multitude of contexts," he said.
He said he has the flexibility to follow his passion and work in a range of environments and communities.
"I’ve been fascinated by artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications for several years, so I chose mathematical statistics to give myself the foundation to pursue different AI and machine learning (ML) endeavours.”
After matriculating, Pillay took a gap year when he explored whatever he wanted. He taught himself firstyear maths, went to Indonesia and competed in the International Physics Olympiad and travelled with his mum, Prof Uma Maheshvari Naidu.
"I did exactly what I wanted to do and learnt what I wanted without anything prescribed by a curriculum."
Pillay said he constantly pushed himself and grew holistically, regardless of the outcome or reward.
“I’ve never let my age hinder me or inflate my ego. While I could have felt external pressures to achieve and succeed, I’ve been steadfast in not letting that dictate my path. If I had to encapsulate my ‘formula’ for success, it would be a combination of a consistent growth mindset and diligence.
"I don’t like studying. I like learning."
Pillay, who has done internships at several companies, would like to do his Master’s at an international university.
Following his graduation from UCT, he will be working at Amazon Web Services.
Pillay said while he was a hard-working student, he ensured he had a good social life.
He said he has been surrounded by many other intelligent, like-minded individuals, which has made for an enriching university experience.
"None of this would be possible without my parents, and my success is every part theirs. It is through their hard work that I have been blessed with incredible opportunities for learning throughout my life."