APU’s Cyber Security prowess was on full display at the Curtin Malaysia Capture the Flag (CTF) Hackathon 2.0, with two APU teams, Din Tai Fung Slayer and Squad Buster, emerging victorious in the intense 24-hour competition.

The Curtin Malaysia Capture the Flag (CTF) Hackathon 2.0 was back with a bang! This thrilling competition, organised by the Curtin University Malaysia’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in collaboration with the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), returned for its second year.

Teams from across Malaysia clashed in a high stakes battle for a RM7,500 prize pool. The top three winners earned the coveted opportunity to showcase their skills at the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2024.

The 24-hour online hackathon put participants’ cyber security knowledge to the test with challenges spanning Web Security, Reverse Engineering, Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), Digital Forensics, Cryptography Binary Exploitation, and more.

Two Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation’s (APU) School of Technology (SoT) teams reigned supreme after a gruelling 24-hour competition.

Team Din Tai Fung Slayer, comprised of second-year Cyber Security students Shunsuke Tan Hei, Leong Han Ming, and Lim Jin Wei, clinched the championship title and an RM2,500 prize.

“The CTF was an incredible learning experience,” Tan Hei remarked, added “We not only mastered new tools and techniques but also learned the importance of efficient time management and effective teamwork.”

He continued, “Constant communication and identifying the most time-consuming challenges were crucial to our success.” 

The Din Tai Fung Slayer team was impressed with the overall organization of the CTF, noting that while there were occasional technical hiccups, the staff’s quick response and problem-solving skills ensured a smooth experience.

“Participating in this CTF has significantly enhanced our practical skills and knowledge, making it a valuable addition to our academic journey,” he said.

Team Squad Buster, also consisting of Cyber Security students Jeremy Phang Kah Chun, Tan Nick Kean, and Lee Juen Jiet, secured 2nd Runner Up and an RM1,000 prize. 

“The CTF was an exhilarating experience that allowed us to put our skills to the test with real-world tools,” shared Kah Chun.

“Each challenge presented a unique puzzle that required a different approach and mindset.”

He concluded, “Some challenges were completely new to us, forcing us to adapt quickly and conduct research on the spot. We loved the variety of challenges and the thrill of cracking them under pressure.”

Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Sarawak’s Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development presided over the awards event, which celebrated the winning teams’ excellent efforts.

Both APU teams were guided by their dedicated mentors, Ms Nor Azlina Abd Rahman and Ms Noris Ismail. Their achievements highlight APU’s commitment to nurturing top-tier cyber security professionals.