Fostering Talent and Innovation in the Digital Security Arena
The MUST-CTF 2024 National II Cyber Security Olympiad, held at the Mongolian University of Science and Technology (MUST), brought together students, researchers, and professionals from across Mongolia and neighboring countries to explore critical challenges and innovations in cybersecurity and network protection. The event was organized by the Department of Information Network Security in collaboration with the CCS Club, reinforcing the university’s commitment to preparing future experts in one of the fastest-growing fields of the digital economy.
The program featured an international conference component, four insightful keynote lectures on topics such as graphical password systems, wireless network security, and public sector infrastructure, alongside competitive and collaborative student challenges. In total, 16 research papers were presented orally and 24 via poster sessions, highlighting diverse perspectives and emerging research across the cybersecurity domain.
Bridging Academia and Industry for a Secure Digital Future
Participants included representatives from Seoul Women’s University (South Korea), Inner Mongolia University, and multiple Mongolian institutions, as well as professionals from data centers and cybersecurity firms. The event created opportunities for students to showcase their skills, benchmark against international peers, and engage in hands-on problem-solving during the Olympiad sessions.
In alignment with the broader goals of the GreenTech Horizons initiative, cybersecurity was recognized as a critical digital skill for sustainable economic growth, innovation, and job creation. Observations from the event underlined the importance of:
- Stronger industry-academia collaboration, particularly in shaping curricula to meet evolving security standards;
- Earlier promotion and broader outreach, to attract more domestic and international universities;
- Increased inclusion of industry voices in future events through keynote contributions and mentorship opportunities.
With growing interest and momentum, MUST-CTF continues to strengthen its role as a national platform for advancing cybersecurity competencies, innovation culture, and regional collaboration in the digital space.
