APU’s SoT delivered an exceptional performance at the IGOH 2025 Capture the Flag challenge, with nine teams advancing to the final round. Clinching the Grand Champion and First Runner-up titles, APU’s success reflects strong hands-on training, academic mentorship, and a collaborative cybersecurity learning culture.

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A Strong Showing on a National Cybersecurity Stage

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) has once again affirmed its growing reputation as a cybersecurity powerhouse, following an outstanding performance at the final round of the International Guard of Honour (IGOH) 2025 Capture the Flag (CTF) cybersecurity challenge. 

Held physically at Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) on 4 December 2025, the competition brought together some of the brightest cybersecurity talents from across the country to test their technical depth, resilience, and problem-solving agility.

From more than 100 teams and over 300 participants who took part in Round 1, only 25 elite teams advanced to the final round. Impressively, nine of these qualifying teams were from APU—an achievement that underlines the university’s strong emphasis on hands-on cybersecurity education and applied learning.

Champion Titles and Podium Success

APU’s dominance at the final round was capped by a major triumph, as the Grand Champion title was secured by Team Os1risInterns, comprising Cyber Security students Ong Zi Xuan, Jerrell Su Ming Jie, and Tan Sin Hong. Their disciplined approach and technical mastery enabled them to outperform seasoned competitors in a highly challenging environment.

Adding to the celebration, First Runner-up was claimed by Team WangZheRongYao, represented by Leong Han Ming, Ruhan Aidan Amaradasa, and Jeremy Phang Kah Chun—also Cyber Security students from APU. The Second Runner-up position was attained by Team Ud4ng2St3p from UniKL MIIT, rounding off a fiercely contested podium. 

Inspiring Representation by Women in Cybersecurity

Beyond the podium finishes, APU also proudly celebrates a Special Recognition earned by Team PwnCake, the only all-female team to secure a place among the Top 25 finalists. Team members Hashreena Kaur, Cheryl Woo Wai Yan, and Pun Kar Yee demonstrated exceptional determination and technical competence, marking an inspiring milestone for women in the cybersecurity field.

Their achievement not only reflects personal excellence but also sends a strong message about inclusivity and representation in a traditionally male-dominated domain. 

A Learning Ecosystem Built for Cybersecurity Excellence

Overall, the competition highlighted the APU students’ strong curiosity, resilience, and enthusiasm for advanced cybersecurity challenges. Their achievements reflect not only individual technical expertise but also the collaborative and supportive learning environment fostered within the School of Technology (SoT).

Throughout their studies, students undergo intensive exposure to multiple hands-on laboratory sessions across key CTF categories, including cryptography, digital forensics, reverse engineering, and web exploitation. These are further strengthened through focused technical workshops, internal competitions, and structured CTF modules that simulate real-world cybersecurity scenarios.

Regular participation in internal challenge practices, coupled with national and international CTF competitions, helps students develop teamwork, adaptability, and sharp analytical skills—critical attributes for success at high-level competitions such as IGOH.

Academic Mentorship that Accelerates Growth

The nine APU teams that advanced to the final round were mentored and guided throughout their preparation by dedicated academicians from SoT—Mr Shahab Alizadeh, Mr Hanis Jenalis, and Ms Nor Azlina Abdul Rahman. Their commitment and technical guidance played a significant role in sharpening the students’ competitive readiness. 

During the competition and closing ceremony, APU contestants were also cheered on by other lecturers who made themselves available for the finale, including Dr Seyedmostafa Safavi, Ts Dr Nurzati Iwani Othman, and Ts Mohd Norfahmi Jaafar. This collective show of support reflects the strong academic culture that empowers students to push boundaries with confidence. 

Students Reflect on Strategy and Growth

Reflecting on the team’s success, Grand Champion Ong Zi Xuan shared, “This competition placed greater emphasis on the defensive side of cybersecurity, which is one of our team’s strengths. We have been actively participating in CTFs since August, averaging at least one competition every two weeks. That momentum made us very familiar with CTF formats and gave us countless opportunities to learn and improve. More importantly, APU’s strong cybersecurity community ensures that we don’t just compete—we grow together.”

Echoing this sentiment, First Runner-up winner Leong Han Ming noted, “Our success came from effective task distribution. Each challenge was assigned based on individual strengths, and we constantly shared our findings to refine our approaches. That collaboration made a real difference in achieving a strong result.”

Leadership Perspective: Practice, Mentorship, and Momentum

Congratulating the students, Senior Head of the School of Technology, Associate Professor Dr Thang Ka Fei, remarked, “These achievements are the result of consistent practice, close academic mentorship, and a learning culture that prioritises hands-on exposure. Our academics work closely with students through frequent guided practices, workshops, and competitions, enabling them to improve their skills and knowledge at a very rapid pace. The mentorship and knowledge imparted go beyond technical content—they nurture confidence, discipline, and a competitive mindset essential for cybersecurity professionals.”

With such sustained commitment to applied learning and mentorship, APU continues to position itself as a leading institution in nurturing future-ready cybersecurity talent, capable of excelling on both national and international stages.