Sancy Suraj: The Periodic Table’s Fastest Typist


Sancy Suraj is a well-known memory athlete who holds several records in Singapore for his exceptional memory skills. Among his notable feats, he is the current record holder for reciting the most pi digits (1,505) and the fastest typist for the periodic table, which he accomplished in just 4 minutes and 19 seconds. His impressive memory skills have made him a sought-after interviewee for various magazines and media outlets, and today we have the privilege of speaking with him about his latest accomplishment.

How did you develop your typing speed to be able to accurately and quickly type all the elements of the periodic table in just 4 minutes and 19 seconds?
Thank you for the question. Developing my typing speed was an essential part of my training and preparation for the periodic table memory record. As I had to type out all the elements accurately and quickly, I had to be proficient in typing to ensure that I did not waste any time or make any mistakes.

To develop my typing speed, I started with the basics of touch typing and gradually increased my speed through consistent practice. I made use of various online resources and software that allowed me to practice typing and improve my accuracy and speed. I also incorporated specific typing exercises into my training routine that helped me to develop my typing speed and accuracy.

In addition to practicing touch typing, I also made use of mnemonic techniques to help me remember the names and spellings of each element of the periodic table. This allowed me to type the elements out more quickly and accurately as I did not have to spend as much time recalling each element from memory. The use of these mnemonic techniques also helped me to develop my overall memory skills, which was an important factor in achieving the record.

Overall, developing my typing speed was a crucial part of my training and preparation for the periodic table memory record. It required consistent practice and the use of specific techniques and exercises to improve my accuracy and speed. Incorporating mnemonic techniques into my training also helped me to remember the names and spellings of each element more quickly and accurately.
Can you share any specific techniques or strategies you used to improve your typing speed for memorizing and recalling the periodic table?
Certainly, I’d be happy to share some of the techniques and strategies that I used to improve my typing speed for memorizing and recalling the periodic table.

One of the main strategies I used was touch typing. This involved learning how to type without looking at the keyboard, using all ten fingers, and developing muscle memory for typing common letter combinations. I spent a lot of time practicing touch typing, and over time, I was able to increase my speed and accuracy significantly.

In addition to touch typing, I also made use of specific exercises and drills to improve my typing speed and accuracy. For example, I used software that provided me with random sequences of letters and words to type, which helped me to develop my reflexes and typing speed. I also made use of typing games that allowed me to practice typing in a fun and engaging way.

Another technique that I used was the use of mnemonics. This involved creating mental associations between each element of the periodic table and a memorable image or phrase that I could recall quickly. By doing this, I was able to remember the names and spellings of each element more easily, which allowed me to type them out more quickly and accurately.

Finally, I made sure to practice consistently and frequently. I spent several hours each day practicing my typing and memorization skills, and I gradually increased the difficulty of the exercises and drills that I used. By doing this, I was able to build up my typing speed and accuracy over time and achieve the record for the fastest time to recite the periodic table.

Overall, the combination of touch typing, specific exercises and drills, mnemonic techniques, and consistent practice were all essential in helping me to improve my typing speed for memorizing and recalling the periodic table.
What challenges did you face while typing out the elements of the periodic table, and how did you overcome them to achieve the fastest time record?
As with any memory challenge, there were several challenges that I faced while typing out the elements of the periodic table. One of the most significant challenges was the sheer volume of information that I had to remember. The periodic table contains 118 elements, each with its own unique name and spelling. To overcome this challenge, I made use of mnemonic techniques that allowed me to remember the elements more easily and quickly.

Another challenge that I faced was the need to type accurately and quickly. As the record was for the fastest time to recite the periodic table by typing, I had to ensure that I typed each element correctly and without errors. To overcome this challenge, I spent a lot of time practicing my typing speed and accuracy, using specific exercises and drills to improve my typing skills.

Another challenge that I faced was the pressure of performing in front of an audience. The record attempt took place in front of a live audience, which added an extra level of pressure and difficulty to the challenge. To overcome this challenge, I made sure to stay calm and focused, and to trust in my training and preparation.

Finally, I also faced the challenge of fatigue and mental exhaustion. The record attempt took just over four minutes, which may not seem like a long time, but it required intense concentration and mental effort. To overcome this challenge, I made sure to take breaks and to stay hydrated, and to use breathing and relaxation techniques to manage my energy levels and stay focused.

Overall, there were several challenges that I faced while typing out the elements of the periodic table, but through the use of mnemonic techniques, consistent practice, and mental preparation, I was able to overcome these challenges and achieve the fastest time record.

“Challenges are opportunities to grow and overcome.”

How important was accuracy in spelling while typing out the elements, and how did you ensure that you got all the spellings correct within the time limit?
Accuracy in spelling was absolutely crucial during the record attempt to type out the elements of the periodic table. Even a single error could mean disqualification from the record attempt, so I had to ensure that I got all the spellings correct within the time limit. To achieve this, I used a variety of techniques to improve my spelling accuracy and to make sure that I typed each element correctly.

One of the main techniques I used was visualization. I created mental images of each element’s name and spelling, associating each with a distinctive image or word that I could remember easily. By doing this, I was able to ensure that I had the correct spelling of each element firmly in my mind, which made it easier to type them out accurately.

Another technique that I used was repetition. I repeated the names and spellings of each element over and over again, both in my head and out loud, to reinforce them in my memory. This helped me to ensure that I could recall each element’s spelling quickly and accurately, even under pressure.

I also made use of mnemonic devices, such as creating acronyms or rhymes, to help me remember the spelling of each element. For example, I used the mnemonic “He Likes Beer, Can Not Obtain Food” to remember the first six elements of the periodic table: Hydrogen, Lithium, Beryllium, Carbon, Nitrogen, and Oxygen.

Finally, I made sure to practice consistently and frequently, both my typing and my spelling. I spent several hours each day practicing typing and spelling exercises, gradually increasing the difficulty as I improved. This allowed me to build up my spelling accuracy and typing speed over time, ensuring that I could type out the elements of the periodic table quickly and accurately within the time limit.

Overall, accuracy in spelling was crucial during the record attempt, and I used a combination of visualization, repetition, mnemonic devices, and consistent practice to ensure that I got all the spellings correct within the time limit.
Did you use any specialized software or tools to practice or improve your typing speed for memorizing the periodic table, or was it purely based on your own skills and abilities?
When it comes to practicing and improving my typing speed for memorizing the periodic table, I primarily relied on my own skills and abilities. However, I did make use of a few specialized software and tools that helped me to hone my skills and improve my performance.

One of the main tools I used was an online typing tutor. This allowed me to practice typing out the elements of the periodic table in a structured and focused way, with clear feedback on my accuracy and speed. The typing tutor also provided me with exercises and drills that were specifically designed to improve my typing speed and accuracy, helping me to build up the muscle memory and finger dexterity necessary to type quickly and accurately.

In addition to the typing tutor, I also used a number of memory training tools to help me memorize the periodic table. These included mnemonic devices, visualization techniques, and repetition exercises. I used these tools both on their own and in combination with my typing practice, in order to improve both my memory and my typing speed and accuracy.

Finally, I made use of a stopwatch and timer to track my progress and measure my performance over time. This allowed me to set goals for myself and to measure my improvement as I practiced and refined my skills.

Overall, while I primarily relied on my own skills and abilities to improve my typing speed for memorizing the periodic table, I did make use of a number of specialized software and tools that helped me to hone my skills and track my progress. These tools allowed me to practice more effectively and efficiently, and to ultimately achieve the record-breaking time of 4 minutes and 19 seconds.

“To improve skills, one can rely on their own abilities, but specialized tools and software can also help to hone skills and track progress.”

In this interview, we delve deeper into Sancy Suraj’s methods and strategies for developing his typing speed and improving his memory skills. He shares with us the specific techniques he used to memorize the periodic table accurately and quickly, as well as the challenges he faced during the typing process and how he overcame them.

Sancy Suraj also provides insights into his training process and the drills and exercises he followed to become the fastest typist for the periodic table. Additionally, he shares his strategies for staying focused and maintaining concentration during high-speed typing tasks and avoiding errors or mistakes.

Furthermore, we learn how Sancy Suraj’s achievement as the fastest typist for the periodic table has impacted his overall memory training and performance in other memory-related tasks or competitions. He also offers valuable advice for anyone looking to improve their typing speed or memory skills based on his experience.

Can you provide some insights into the training process you went through to become the fastest typist for the periodic table, including any specific drills or exercises you followed?

Sure, I’d be happy to provide some insights into my training process to become the fastest typist for the periodic table. First and foremost, my training process was focused on building up my memory and typing speed simultaneously, which required a combination of drills, exercises, and repetition.

One of the key techniques I used was the method of loci, which involves mentally placing each element of the periodic table into a specific location in a familiar setting. This helped me to create a mental map of the periodic table that I could easily recall, even when typing quickly under pressure. I also used visualizations and mnemonic devices to help me remember the spelling and order of each element.

In terms of drills and exercises, I spent a significant amount of time practicing typing out the periodic table using online typing tutors and games. I also worked on improving my typing accuracy and speed through more general typing exercises, such as typing out short paragraphs and sentences. These exercises helped me to build up my muscle memory and finger dexterity, allowing me to type quickly and accurately without having to think too much about each individual key stroke.

Finally, I practiced under timed conditions to simulate the pressure and time constraints of the actual record attempt. This allowed me to build up my mental stamina and focus, so that I could remain calm and composed while typing quickly and accurately.

Overall, my training process was focused on developing a strong memory for the periodic table, as well as improving my typing speed and accuracy. Through a combination of mental exercises, drills, and timed practice sessions, I was able to achieve the record-breaking time of 4 minutes and 19 seconds.
How do you stay focused and maintain concentration during such a high-speed typing task, and what strategies do you use to avoid errors or mistakes?
Staying focused and maintaining concentration during a high-speed typing task is crucial to achieving success, especially when trying to break a record. To do this, I employ a few strategies that help me stay on track and avoid errors or mistakes.

Firstly, I make sure to take breaks and give my mind time to rest and recover. This allows me to come back to the task with a fresh perspective and renewed energy. During these breaks, I often do activities that help me relax and reduce stress, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or going for a short walk.

Secondly, I try to eliminate any potential distractions that could disrupt my focus. This includes turning off my phone, closing any unnecessary tabs on my computer, and finding a quiet and calm environment to work in. I also try to organize my work area and set up everything I need before starting, so that I don’t have to waste time or attention searching for items or tools.

Lastly, I employ mental strategies to help me avoid errors and mistakes. This includes visualization techniques, where I visualize the elements of the periodic table in my mind before typing them out. I also use mnemonic devices and memory tricks to help me remember the spelling and order of each element, which reduces the likelihood of making mistakes. Additionally, I try to maintain a steady and consistent typing rhythm, which helps me stay in the zone and avoid typos or errors.

Overall, staying focused and maintaining concentration during a high-speed typing task requires a combination of physical, mental, and environmental strategies. By taking care of myself, eliminating distractions, and using mental techniques to reduce errors, I’m able to achieve my goals and break records.
Have you set any other typing-related records or achieved notable feats of fast typing in other areas, and how does this accomplishment compare to your previous achievements?
Yes, I have set other typing-related records and achieved notable feats of fast typing in other areas. For example, I hold the Singapore record for reciting the most pi digits, which I achieved by typing out the numbers on a keyboard. I also hold records for typing the most words in a minute and typing the most random numbers in a minute, among others.

While each of these achievements is unique and required different skills and techniques, I believe that they are all connected by a common thread: the ability to maintain focus, accuracy, and speed while typing under pressure. Whether I’m reciting pi digits, typing out words or numbers, or memorizing the periodic table, I rely on many of the same mental and physical strategies to achieve success.

However, I must admit that achieving the fastest time record for typing out the periodic table was particularly satisfying for me. Not only is the periodic table a complex and intricate system that requires a lot of memory and concentration to master, but the fact that I had to type out the elements correctly also added an extra layer of difficulty. Breaking this record required months of dedicated practice, as well as a lot of mental and physical preparation. When I finally achieved it, I felt a great sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that I had pushed myself to my limits and achieved something truly remarkable.

Overall, while I am proud of all my typing-related achievements, I believe that breaking the fastest time record for typing out the periodic table was a particularly challenging and rewarding accomplishment.
How has your achievement as the fastest typist for the periodic table impacted your overall memory training and performance in other memory-related tasks or competitions?
My achievement as the fastest typist for the periodic table has had a significant impact on my overall memory training and performance in other memory-related tasks or competitions. First and foremost, it has given me a great deal of confidence in my own abilities as a memory athlete. It has shown me that with dedication, hard work, and a strong training regimen, I am capable of achieving great things in the field of memory.

In addition to boosting my confidence, breaking this record has also given me a deeper understanding of the connections between memory, focus, and concentration. When I was training for the record, I had to develop a number of mental and physical strategies to maintain my focus and accuracy over a long period of time. These strategies have proven invaluable in other memory-related tasks or competitions, helping me to stay focused and on-task even when the pressure is high.

Finally, breaking this record has given me a great deal of visibility and recognition within the memory sports community. As a result, I have been able to connect with other memory athletes and coaches, share my techniques and strategies with others, and learn from some of the best minds in the field. This has allowed me to continue to push myself to new heights in my own training and performance, and to help others do the same.

Overall, breaking the fastest time record for typing out the periodic table has been a truly transformative experience for me. It has given me a great deal of confidence, a deeper understanding of the connections between memory, focus, and concentration, and a platform to connect with other memory athletes and coaches. I am excited to see where this achievement will take me next, and I look forward to continuing to push myself to new heights in the field of memory.
What advice do you have for others who aspire to improve their typing speed or memory skills, based on your experience as the fastest typist for the periodic table?
As someone who has achieved success in both memory and typing, I would advise aspiring memory athletes and typists to focus on consistent and deliberate practice. It’s important to have a structured practice routine and to challenge yourself with new tasks or material to memorize and type. Just like with any other skill, regular practice is key to improving and maintaining your abilities.

Another important aspect is to use visualization techniques and associations when memorizing and typing. For example, for the periodic table, I associate each element with a unique image or concept that helps me remember its name and spelling. These associations create strong connections in the brain and make it easier to recall the information accurately and quickly.

It’s also important to stay motivated and to find enjoyment in the process of improving your skills. Set achievable goals for yourself and celebrate your progress along the way. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself and try new things, whether it’s memorizing a new list or typing faster than you ever have before.

Finally, it’s important to take care of your physical and mental health. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate rest are all crucial for optimal brain function and performance. Additionally, practicing mindfulness and stress-management techniques can help you stay calm and focused during high-pressure situations, such as memory competitions or typing challenges.

Overall, improving your memory and typing skills takes dedication, practice, and a willingness to challenge yourself. With the right mindset and techniques, anyone can improve their abilities and achieve success in these areas.

“Consistent and deliberate practice, visualization techniques, and a focus on physical and mental health are key to improving memory and typing skills and achieving success.”

Sancy Suraj’s accomplishments as a memory athlete are nothing short of remarkable, and his latest record as the fastest typist for the periodic table is a testament to his dedication and hard work. We hope that this interview has provided valuable insights into his methods and strategies for developing exceptional memory skills, and we look forward to seeing what he achieves next.