University cyber talents bring their best to PwC Malaysia’s 2nd Capture the Flag competition

KUALA LUMPUR, 11 November 2024 – Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, PwC Malaysia’s second Capture the Flag (CTF) competition, Hack A Day, supported by the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) and CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM), has brought together the brightest talents in cybersecurity. This year, more than 300 students from various territories including Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand participated, providing a platform for cross-border competition to foster the development of future cybersecurity professionals.

The winning teams of this year’s competition are Team B1ngChilling of Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (winner), Team Pleiades of Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (first runner-up) and Team Malaya Hunter of Universiti Malaya (second runner-up).

The theme of this year’s challenge is ‘Securing Identity,’ highlighting the importance of protecting personal and digital identities in our interconnected world. This theme is particularly relevant in Malaysia, where the implications of malicious use of artificial intelligence (AI) and the introduction of digital infrastructure like MYDigital ID have increased the need for robust identity protection measures. Hosted at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), the competition offered students a unique chance to engage with AI tools, compete with regional peers, and tested the skills and knowledge of teams under seven hacking categories.

The competition commenced with welcome remarks by Soo Hoo Khoon Yean (Soo Hoo), Managing Partner at PwC Malaysia, followed by an opening address from Ir. Dr. Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin, Chief Executive of National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA). The event concluded with a closing speech from Yang Berbahagia Dato' Ts. Dr. Haji Amirudin Abdul Wahab, Chief Executive Officer at CyberSecurity Malaysia.

Ir. Dr. Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin, Chief Executive of National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA), said: “By creating a space where students can apply academic knowledge to practical scenarios, Hack A Day narrows the gap between classroom learning and real-world skills.

With the Cyber Security Act 2024, which came into force last August, we are prioritising the protection of National Critical Information Infrastructure (NCII). NACSA is committed not only to strengthening cybersecurity within our borders but also to fostering regional security. 

Our role as Overall Coordinator for the ASEAN Regional CERT for 2024/2025 highlights our dedication to this mission, and it reflects a regional recognition of the need for a skilled, capable workforce. This recognition extends to our private sector partners, who can deepen their engagement with academic institutions to nurture the specific expertise needed to meet emerging cyber threats.”

Yang Berbahagia Dato' Ts. Dr. Haji Amirudin Abdul Wahab, Chief Executive Officer, CyberSecurity Malaysia, said: "Competitions like Hack A Day provide a vital platform for our homegrown cybersecurity talent to test their technical capabilities and critical thinking skills in real time. I look forward to seeing more universities engage in private sector-led initiatives like this, helping to build a community of talents that can contribute to the nation’s future in cybersecurity. We need a whole-of-society approach to enhance Malaysia's cybersecurity ecosystem collectively, with businesses, academia and the government as critical stakeholders."

Soo Hoo Khoon Yean (Soo Hoo), Managing Partner, PwC Malaysia, said: “Hack A Day has once again unveiled an impressive array of up-and-coming cyber talents, showcasing the breadth of skills and innovative thinking among participants. This highlights the potential of our youth and reinforces PwC’s commitment to nurturing and investing in the next generation of cybersecurity professionals who are technically sound with strong business acumen. Together with the National Cyber Security Agency and CyberSecurity Malaysia’s continued support, the CTF competition aligns perfectly with PwC's purpose, that is to build trust in society and solve important problems.

The need to invest in cybersecurity and operational resilience has never been more urgent in response to recent regulatory developments, such as the Cyber Security Bill and the Securities Commission Malaysia’s Guidelines on Technology Risk Management. We are committed to closing the cyber skills gap through continued dialogue and collaborations with the public sector in line with efforts to develop the cyber threat intelligence landscape in Malaysia.”

The winners of the Malaysian leg of the CTF competition received a variety of prizes, including gadgets/accessories, job placements within PwC Malaysia’s Digital Trust and Cybersecurity practice upon completion of undergraduate studies, and sponsorships for the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification or CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA) examination, upon confirmation of employment.

ENDS