# 40 Teams Gather in Hong Kong to Compete in the "AI x Cybersecurity Challenge"

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/pr-news/40-teams-gather-in-hong-kong-to-compete-in-the-ai-x-cybersecurity-challenge
- Published: 2026-08-23T14:50:00+07:00
- Author: Media OutReach

#### _Autonomous AI Attack-and-Defence Demonstrates Next-Generation Cybersecurity Talent and Advance Regional Digital Security Talent Development_

HONG KONG SAR – [Media OutReach Newswire](https://www.media-outreach.com/) – 23 
August 2026 – The **AI x Cybersecurity Challenge**, jointly organised by the Digital
Policy Office of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the Chinese
Academy of Cyberspace Studies, the Hong Kong Cybersecurity Professional Association,
and China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited, and co-organised by Hong Kong Cyberport
Management Company Limited, the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the
Hong Kong Police Force, the Hong Kong Productivity Council, Venustech Group Inc.,
and Hong Kong Cloud Peak Technology Co., Limited, held the Finals today.

 Following a 12-hour online qualifying round, a total of 40 teams advanced to the
Final Competition, including 20 teams from the Chinese Mainland, 18 from Hong Kong,
and two from overseas regions. The Challenge adopts an innovative AI-Driven Dual(
AID) competition format, in which artificial intelligence (AI) executes the competition
and enables autonomous defence by AI agents. Teams of up to three members showcase
their capabilities in leveraging AI technologies for automated vulnerability discovery
and exploitation, competing for total prize money of HK$180,000.

 The event brings together representatives from Government, industry, academia and
research organisations to witness the latest developments in AI-powered cybersecurity
innovation. Officiating guests at the Opening Ceremony included Professor SUN Dong,
JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Mr LI Shuguang, Director-
General of the General Office of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government
in the HKSAR, Mr WANG Jiang, Director-General of the Chinese Academy of Cyberspace
Studies, Mr Daniel CHEUNG, JP, Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr WANG Minwei,
Deputy Director of the Cyberspace Administration of Guangdong Province, Dr Rocky
CHENG, JP, President of the Hong Kong Cybersecurity Professional Association, and
Ms SHI Xiaoping, Director and Chief Executive Officer of China Mobile Hong Kong 
Company Limited.

 In his opening remarks, the **Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry,
Professor Sun Dong**, said that AI is reshaping every aspect of people’s life at
a breathtaking speed. He noted that although innovation may at times bring new threats,
these same technologies can also spur defensive capabilities. As such, the Government
champions an “AI versus AI” strategy, leveraging AI to forge the strongest shields
to effectively manage risks associated with the use of AI.

 Professor Sun added that the Government is continuously strengthening related policies,
guidelines and ethical frameworks, as well as conducting regular cyber-attack-and-
defence drills to better prepare for cybersecurity readiness. Through multi-pronged
efforts, the Government hopes to guide society to apply AI responsibly, foster a
healthy ecosystem, and strengthen city-wide resilience in face of cyber attacks.

 **Addressing AI-Era Cybersecurity Challenges Through Talent Development**

 The rapid advancement of AI is reshaping the global cybersecurity landscape. AI
has evolved from a supporting tool for security analysis and threat monitoring into
a technology capable of autonomously constructing attack chains and bypassing existing
defence mechanisms. This has significantly lowered the technical barriers to cyberattacks,
making sophisticated attack techniques more automated and accessible. Threat actors
can leverage AI for intelligent vulnerability discovery, automated penetration testing,
and even the creation of highly convincing deepfake content, enabling stealthier
and more persistent cyberattacks.

 As emerging threats such as model security risks, data poisoning, model theft, 
phishing attacks, supply chain vulnerabilities and automated exploitation continue
to evolve, the demand for interdisciplinary talent with expertise in both AI and
cybersecurity is becoming increasingly urgent. In response, the organisers aim to
promote the practical application of AI technologies through this hands-on competition
while cultivating a new generation of cybersecurity professionals equipped with 
cross-disciplinary expertise.

 **AI-Driven Attack-and-Defence Competition Platform**

 Unlike traditional Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions, this year’s Challenge adopts
an innovative AI-Driven (AID) competition format. Participating teams leverage AI-
powered automated systems to analyse the competition environment provided by the
organisers, identify vulnerabilities and exploit them. The automated capabilities
of the AI agents include information gathering, vulnerability discovery and flag
submission. The competition environment incorporates both vulnerabilities found 
in real-world scenarios and simulated zero-day vulnerabilities that may exist in
software systems.

 The challenge design draws on concepts from international cybersecurity competitions
and incorporates practical operating scenarios as well as simulated zero-day attack-
and-defence environments, testing participants’ ability to apply AI technologies
to real-world cybersecurity challenges. The Challenge aims to enhance participants’
practical attack-and-defence experience and innovation capabilities, promote the
research and application of AI security technologies, and nurture a new generation
of cybersecurity talent equipped with both strategic vision and practical expertise.
Through these efforts, the competition seeks to strengthen capabilities in addressing
AI-driven cyber threats.

 **Government, Industry, Academia and Research Communities Join Forces to Advance
AI Security**

 This year’s Challenge brings together stakeholders from government, industry and
research institutions to drive innovation in AI security technologies, strengthen
cybersecurity capabilities and cultivate future talent.

 **Mr Wang Jiang, Director-General of the Chinese Academy of Cyberspace Studies**,
said, “AI technologies are reshaping the global cyber attack-and-defence landscape.
While they lower the barriers to cyberattacks, they also drive the evolution of 
security protection from reactive response to proactive and intelligent defence.
In this technological contest, using technology to counter technology has become
an inevitable trend. By focusing on practical AI attack-and-defence capabilities,
this competition aims to identify emerging talent and contribute to building a more
trustworthy and intelligent cyberspace.”

 **Ms Shi Xiaoping, Director and Chief Executive Officer of China Mobile Hong Kong
Company Limited**, said, “As one of the organisers of this competition, China Mobile
Hong Kong has devoted substantial resources to building an innovative AI attack-
and-defence competition platform. Through continuous technology investment and ecosystem
development, we actively fulfil our corporate social responsibility while showcasing
Hong Kong’s innovation and leadership in AI cybersecurity to the world.”

 **Dr Rocky CHENG, JP, President of the Hong Kong Cybersecurity Professional Association**,
concluded, “AI-driven cyberattacks and agentic AI-related risks have emerged as 
some of the most significant cybersecurity threats today. Against this backdrop,
cultivating interdisciplinary talent with expertise in AI system design, development
and practical attack-and-defence capabilities has become an important pillar in 
strengthening Hong Kong’s overall cyber resilience.”

 The Awards Presentation Ceremony will be held in late September 2026 during the
China Cybersecurity Week to recognise teams that have demonstrated outstanding performance
in the competition. The organisers encourage enterprises and organisations to continuously
strengthen their cybersecurity governance, regularly review information system risks,
enhance data protection measures and improve cyber incident response capabilities.
Young talents are also encouraged to pursue opportunities in artificial intelligence
and cybersecurity, developing their expertise through training, professional certifications
and hands-on competitions. Members of the public and organisations may also make
use of the cybersecurity information, training programmes and support services provided
by the **Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT)**
and other relevant organisations, helping to foster a safer, more secure and trustworthy
digital ecosystem.

 **Please download the high-res photos **[**HERE**](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/169_4dg7I1TF8w0Gj1osb2yky_xXNzL-V?usp=drive_link)**.**

 **Photo Captions:**

  |   1. The Finals of the AI x Cybersecurity Challenge.  |  
 |   2. Officiating guests, including Dr Rocky CHENG, JP, President of the Hong Kong Cybersecurity Professional Association,Mr Daniel CHEUNG, JP, Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr LI Shuguang, Director-General of the General Office of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Professor SUN Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Mr Wang Jiang, Director-General of the Chinese Academy of Cyberspace Studies, Mr WANG Minwei, Deputy Director of the Cyberspace Administration of Guangdong Province and Ms Shi Xiaoping, Director and Chief Executive Officer of China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited (from left to right) preside over the launch ceremony of the AI x Cybersecurity Challenge, marking the official commencement of the competition.

  |  
 |   3. Officiating guests and representatives of the organisers and co-organisers, including Hong Kong Productivity Council, pose for a group photo at the Opening Ceremony, demonstrating their shared commitment to advancing innovation in AI and cybersecurity and nurturing regional AI security talent.

  |  
 |   4. Professor Sun Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, delivers a speech at the Opening Ceremony, pointing out that AI is reshaping every aspect of people’s life at a breathtaking speed. He noted that although innovation may at times bring new threats, these same technologies can also spur defensive capabilities. As such, the Government champions an “AI versus AI” strategy, leveraging AI to forge the strongest shields to effectively manage risks associated with the use of AI.

  |  
 |   5. The 40 finalist teams showcase innovative AI-driven cybersecurity technologies by independently designing and deploying autonomous AI agents to compete in a simulated attack-and-defence environment.  |

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

#### About Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre

Managed by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), Hong Kong Computer Emergency
Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT) is the centre for coordination of computer
security incident response for local enterprises and Internet Users. Its missions
are to facilitate information disseminating, provide advices on preventive measures
against security threats and to promote information security awareness.

 HKCERT collaborates with local bodies to collect and disseminate information, and
coordinate response actions. HKCERT is also a member of the Forum of Incident Response
and Security Teams (FIRST) and the Asia Pacific Computer Emergency Response Team(
APCERT). We exchange information with other CERTs and act as a point of contact 
on cross-border security incidents.

#### About the Hong Kong Productivity Council

The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a statutory body established in 1967,
dedicated to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of Hong Kong enterprises
through world-class applied R&D, innovative technology services, and integrated 
manufacturing solutions. As a market-oriented, international R&D organisation, HKPC
leverages its deep expertise and extensive industry experience in key areas such
as AI, advanced manufacturing, life and health technology, green technology and 
new energy to drive new industrialisation and support the growth of emerging and
future industries.

 HKPC focuses on addressing businesses challenges and industrial technology needs,
promoting the full integration between technological and industrial innovation. 
Through technology transfer, product innovation, intellectual property protection
and commercialisation of R&D outcomes, the Council fosters collaboration with the
local business community as well as top global R&D institutions, delivering added
value to industries and advancing the development of new productive forces. HKPC’s
world-class R&D achievements have been widely recognised over the years, winning
an array of local and overseas accolades, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as an international
innovation and technology centre and a smart city.

 To help enterprises capitalise on Hong Kong’s strengths in international connectivity
to expand into global markets, HKPC offers comprehensive overseas expansion services
tailored to critical areas including product development, technology, manufacturing,
and management, enabling businesses to successfully go global from Hong Kong.

 HKPC is also committed to providing timely and practical support to SMEs and startups
with timely and practical , assisting them in accessing Government funding programmes.
Through its FutureSkills training initiatives, HKPC helps both industry and academia
stay ahead in latest digital and STEM technologies, nurturing a future-ready talent
pool for Hong Kong.

 For more information, please visit HKPC’s website: [www.hkpc.org/en](http://www.hkpc.org/en).

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**Source** : [40 Teams Gather in Hong Kong to Compete in the "AI x Cybersecurity Challenge"](https://www.media-outreach.com/news/singapore/2026/08/23/482554/?rand=186006)

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