NUS Computing hosts inaugural International Cybersecurity Olympiad to nurture future cybersecurity champions
The Olympiad drew young talent from 28 countries, boosting global collaboration and talent development in cybersecurity
The National University of Singapore School of Computing (NUS Computing) proudly hosted the inaugural International Cybersecurity Olympiad (ICO) from 22 to 28 June 2025, marking a global milestone in cybersecurity education and talent development. The event, held at the NUS Computing’s Sea Building, aimed to raise global awareness of the importance of cybersecurity, nurture young talent, facilitate global networking, and encourage international collaboration.
ICO 2025 was supported by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore, Centre for Strategic Infocomm Technologies (CSIT), and Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau. Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Ministry of Health, was the Guest-of-Honour at the Opening Ceremony on 23 June, while Professor Xu Guo Qin, Director and Chief Principal Investigator at NUS Research Institute in Suzhou, graced the Closing Ceremony on 26 June.
Speaking to enthusiastic participants at the opening ceremony, Mr Tan said, “This Olympiad is a perfect example of cross-border collaborations, bringing together institutions from around the world to provide a platform that nurtures the next generation of cyber defenders. By creating opportunities like this – where mentorship, friendship and shared learning are central – we are not just levelling up the playing field. We are raising the game for everyone.”
Prof Xu said, “Today, AI is shaping every corner of our lives. But amid this excitement, we must ask a crucial question: Are our systems secure enough to withstand the risks that come with this intelligence? Because no matter how smart a system may be, it takes just one cyberattack to bring it down.”
“An AI model can write poetry, detect disease, or drive a car. But if its data is stolen or manipulated, or if its decision logic is compromised by cyber attackers, the consequences could be devastating. This is why I believe cybersecurity deserves equal attention and investment as AI,” he elaborated.
Nurturing global talent in cybersecurity
Inspired by renowned competitions such as the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) and International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), ICO 2025 brought together the brightest young minds from 28 countries to compete, collaborate, and innovate in addressing pressing cybersecurity challenges. It provided a dynamic platform to identify and nurture future cybersecurity professionals, addressing the global shortage of skilled talent in this critical field.
Over the course of the week, 170 participants engaged in knowledge sharing and cultural exchanges, while also fostering international collaboration. They also participated in two rigorous five-hour contest rounds, tackling both attack-style and defence-style Capture-The-Flag (CTF) challenges.
Tan Jun Heng, from NUS High School of Math and Science, won the Overall Champion Shield for his outstanding achievements. Twelve participants clinched the gold medals while 22 participants were awarded silver medals and 34 participants received the bronze medal.
Jun Heng said, “I am honoured to be able to represent Singapore, and to win the Overall Champion Shield of the inaugural ICO. Being able to compete with talented individuals from around the world was an educational and fun experience. However, what made it special was not just the competition itself, but also the connections I formed with participants from all around the globe; it was truly inspiring to meet so many like-minded people who share the same passion for cybersecurity.”
He added, “I would like to thank NUS Computing for organising this inaugural event and for their dedication to building a global cybersecurity community. I look forward to seeing ICO continue to evolve and inspire future cybersecurity talent in the years to come!”
Associate Professor Tan Sun Teck, who is Chair of the ICO 2025 Organising Committee and a faculty member of NUS Computing, said, “The inaugural ICO is a significant step towards shaping a future-ready global cybersecurity workforce. We are thrilled to see the level of technical excellence, international camaraderie, and cross-cultural exchange on display. This initiative will continue to grow as a global beacon for cyber talent and nurture the next generation of skilled cybersecurity professionals.”
"CSIT celebrates the success of the inaugural International Cybersecurity Olympiad and is proud to have played a significant role not only as a sponsor, but also by lending our expertise as trainers and challenge contributors. This reflects our continued commitment to nurturing cybersecurity talent through such immersive learning experiences,” said Mr Chris Wong, Director of Advanced Security Technology, CSIT.
Looking ahead
The ICO continues its global journey with upcoming editions to be held in Sydney, Australia, in 2026; Turin, Italy, in 2027; and Tunis, Tunisia, in 2028.
The ICO community looks forward to building on the strong momentum of this year’s Olympiad, as they continue to inspire and nurture the next generation of cybersecurity talents.
