On Sunday, Devakshean was presented with a certificate from MBR for “Most Foreign Currencies Identified by a Child in One Minute” – a feat that has also been recognised by the British World Records.

His mother, Devamalar Gumaran, said her son began showing interest in colours and flags when he was just over a year old, and could already accurately identify and name the Jalur Gemilang at that age.

“When we showed him pictures or flags, he would remember them quickly. So, from there, we started training him and, when he was two, he was able to identify over 200 countries and cities,” she recalled.

That unique achievement earned the boy recognition from the Cholan Book of World Records, and the Jackhi Book of World Records.

“His memory is truly exceptional – whatever we show him, he can remember; not only flags and currency values but much more. He picks things up quickly,” Devamalar, 37, told reporters after the MBR certificate presentation ceremony on Sunday.

Devamalar said she and her husband, Devakumaran Arumugam, have always supported their only child’s interests and development. The family hails from Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.

She shared that it took about a month of preparation to train Devakshean before applying for MBR recognition this year. “He loves watching YouTube. So, we uploaded content such as lists of foreign currencies and the like, and he learnt on his own through the platform.

“He rarely plays; he enjoys reading books and learning. That’s just his nature. We’ve never forced him – it’s his passion,” she added.

Devamalar hopes her son’s latest achievement will open doors to more opportunities, including possibly entering the Guinness World Records, and uncovering other potential areas that could be nurtured in the future.

Meanwhile, Devakshean told Bernama he loves the Malaysian flag; that his favourite subjects are mathematics, English and science; and that he aspires to become a firefighter.