Brains, Bytes, and Boba: Cyberthon 2025

Written By: Isabelle Lim (25S6C)

Edited by: Gilbert Goh (25S6C)

Cyberthon 2025 concluded on 10 May with a dynamic Fiesta and Award Ceremony hosted at Hwa Chong Institution (College). The event brought together hundreds of student participants from schools across Singapore, all of whom spending the previous month engaged in intensive online training sessions aimed at equipping them with foundational digital skills.

The programme began on 5 April with the first of four full-day online training sessions. Participants were introduced to fundamental data science techniques. On 3 May, students participated in an online competition where they applied their new skills in real-time, demonstrating their grasp of digital tools and problem-solving capabilities under pressure.

The final event on 10 May celebrated their efforts and achievements. From 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Hwa Chong Institution transformed into a buzzing hub of tech enthusiasm. Attendees were treated to a variety of carnival-style food offerings, including churros, ice cream, and bubble tea, alongside local favourites from Old Chang Kee. 

Throughout the day, participants explored a series of engaging booths and activities that showcased both technical and creative dimensions of cybersecurity and innovation. Highlights included hands-on experiences with machine learning applications for open-source analysis, RFID hacking demonstrations, brain teaser puzzles, and a fast-paced "Burst Mode" challenge where the quickest fingers walked away with mechanical keyboards.

Another standout moment was the "Cyber Slay: Student Showdown," where students took the stage to exhibit their creativity, technical skills, and flair in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Meanwhile, the Tech Trivia challenge tested participants’ knowledge across various digital topics, with high-stakes prizes including an Apple iPad Gen 10, a Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+, and a Nintendo Switch Lite.

Guest-of-Honour Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong, Senior Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance, was also present at the award ceremony. 

Cyberthon 2025 successfully combined education, competition, and celebration, leaving participants not only better equipped for the digital future but also inspired to pursue further opportunities in technology and innovation.