Speech by the Chief Systems Manager (Project Governance and Cybersecurity), Mr Rick Chan, at the “PolyU x NuttyShell Cybersecurity CTF 2026 Prize Presentation Ceremony” (with photos)
Professor Shek (Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme)), Professor Lau (Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of Faculty of Engineering), Professor Hu (Associate Head of Department of Electronic and Information Engineering), Mr Kong (PolyU CTF Team NuttyShell Coach), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. It is my great pleasure to join you all today at the Prize Presentation Ceremony of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) x NuttyShell Cybersecurity CTF 2026. I am delighted to meet so many bright young individuals who share a mutual passion for cybersecurity, an essential cornerstone of our digital future.
First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the organisers, PolyU and NuttyShell, along with all the sponsors and supporting organisations. This remarkable competition has created an outstanding platform for participants to not only gain practical exposure to real‑world cybersecurity challenges, but also sharpen their technical expertise and problem-solving abilities. These are critical skills for flourishing in an industry that evolves at a relentless pace. By fostering the next generation of cyber‑defenders, your investment in emerging talent is truly an investment in the collective security of our society.
I am delighted to see that this year’s event has drawn participation from over 200 teams, uniting representatives from local secondary schools, higher education institutions, degree programs, and Hong Kong residents. To each of you who took part, whether or not you are taking home an award today, I hope this experience has enriched your technical knowledge and strengthened your confidence to pursue further endeavours in this vital field. Your passion and dedication are crucial to Hong Kong’s vision of becoming a secure and smart city. To our winners, my heartfelt congratulations. Your success stands as a testament to your hard work and talent. It also underscores the indispensable role of education in preparing the next generation to excel in the digital world increasingly shaped by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Hong Kong is embracing the transformative potential of AI with great determination. As outlined in the 2026-27 Budget, the Government is committed to advancing AI-driven industrialisation, integrating it across diverse sectors, and promoting its broader adoption in society. However, we must also remain vigilant. As AI continues to progress, it is simultaneously being exploited by malicious actors to create more sophisticated phishing schemes, automate vulnerability detection, and exponentially scale cyberattacks. This makes cybersecurity far more than just a supportive function, it forms the bedrock of our national security, economic stability, and public trust.
In response to these emerging challenges, the Government places immense importance on strengthening cybersecurity by collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance resilience and raise community awareness. The intersection of AI and cybersecurity represents one of the most critical challenges of our time, compelling us to continually extend the horizon of our capabilities. With that in mind, I am glad to announce that the Digital Policy Office will be hosting the AI x Cybersecurity Challenge this summer in partnership with the Hong Kong Cybersecurity Professional Association and China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited. This competition aims to test cybersecurity professionals by leveraging AI to detect vulnerabilities and safeguard systems. I strongly encourage all eligible individuals to participate, showcase your groundbreaking solutions, and challenge yourselves alongside top talent in the field.
Once again, congratulations to all of you on your achievements. I eagerly look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming AI x Cybersecurity Challenge. Thank you.
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