What is ICO?
Register Now!
The School of Computing from the National University of Singapore (NUS-SoC) is excited to invite students to participate in the inaugural International Cybersecurity Olympiad (ICO 2025), held in Singapore.
Modeled after renowned Olympiads like IMO and IOI, ICO 2025 focuses on the vital and rapidly growing field of cybersecurity. This is an incredible opportunity for our students to represent the school and the nation while showcasing their talents in a prestigious global competition.
Competition dates:
22 June - 28 June 2025
Closing date of registering: 8 March 2025
Fees for the ICO is $4600 per student.
Fees for the ICO is $6000 per guest.
The above fees are a one-time fee which include:
- The Contest (for student);
- Accommodation at NUS,
- Food and tour.
Please note: strictly not accept late registrations.
The successful registration is confirmed upon receipt of the registration fee.
BANK: ANZ
Name of Account: Pinnacle Education Group
Account: 06-0241-0684634-00
Please make payment with the students 'full name + ICO ' as reference.
⚠️ Please note that any fees and payments made are non-refundable.
⚠️ Before you make any payment, make sure you read through the refund policy on our website to avoid misunderstandings.
(Terms and conditions apply).
PGA reserves the right to interpret all competition and course arrangements.
Eligible year groups: NZ Year 8-13.
(Under 20 years old as of July 1, 2025)
Event Venue: Offline at National University of Singapore (NUS)
(Including opening and closing ceremony)
Main Accommodation: NUS UTown Residences
Dates: 22 June – 28 June 2025 (7 days)
The successful registration is confirmed upon receipt of the registration fee.
What’s New?
Training Available:
There will be additional training for ICO, building on top of the NJCO and IJCO training that was offered by SIMCC.
Training sessions will be conducted to prepare participants for ICO 2025. Links to access the training materials will be shared in the coming days.
Practice Test in March:
A mock test will be held on 1 March 2025 to familiarize participants with the competition format. Please ensure all team members are prepared to participate.
Practice Test in March!
-
A mock test will be held on 1 March 2025 to familiarize participants with the competition format. Please ensure all team members are prepared to participate.
Training Available!
-
There will be additional training for ICO, building on top of the NJCO and IJCO training that was offered by SIMCC.
-
Training sessions will be conducted to prepare participants for ICO 2025. Links to access the training materials will be shared in the coming days.
Timeline
Practice Test
1st March
Register for ICO
before 8th March
Free Training
for ICO
ICO 2025
22-28 June
Team Structure:
-
4 Students (Years 8 to 13, under 20 years old as of July 1, 2025)
Eligibility Criteria:
-
Students must be enrolled in secondary education during most of September to December 2024.
Students must not have enrolled in a degree program at a tertiary institution during this time.
-
All competition materials, training, and contests will be conducted in English only. Proficiency in English is essential.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
-
Prestigious Host: ICO 2025 will be hosted by the School of Computing at the National University of Singapore (NUS-SoC), one of the world’s top institutions for technology and research.
-
Global Excellence: NUS-SoC has over 4,500 students and a faculty team from top universities like Ivy League and Oxbridge, ensuring a world-class academic setting.
-
Strong Track Record: Singapore has won 16 Gold, 43 Silver, and 41 Bronze in the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) and has successfully hosted major events like IOI 2020, IOI 2021, and ACM ICPC regional contests.
-
Exciting Opportunity: Compete globally, and experience Singapore’s vibrant culture and world-class infrastructure.
-
Unforgettable Experience: With its accessibility, excellent facilities, and cultural diversity, Singapore promises a memorable experience for all participants.
Why CeberSecurity?
-
Computing as a Core Subject: Singapore’s inclusion of Computing in secondary school curricula highlights its forward-thinking approach to digital skills. In contrast, New Zealand faces a critical tech talent shortage, with 10,000 open roles and 60% of companies unable to take on new projects due to a lack of skilled professionals.
-
Global Digital Skills Gap: Many countries are struggling with a growing digital skills shortage, limiting innovation and productivity. ICO 2025 provides students worldwide with the chance to gain critical cybersecurity expertise and address this global challenge.
-
Opportunities for All Students: For students in New Zealand and beyond, ICO 2025 offers an international platform to build skills, network with peers, and contribute to the future of technology in their home countries. Let’s bridge the gap together!
ICO 2025 SINGAPORE: SCHEDULE
Day 1: Sunday, 22 June 2025:
▪ Arrival and Registration and Tour of NUS facilities
Day 2: Monday, 23 June 2025:
▪ Opening ceremony and Practice session
Day 3: Tuesday, 24 June 2025:
▪ 1st Contest day and Teachers’ workshop 1
Day 4: Wednesday, 25 June 2025:
▪ Excursion Day 1 and Teachers’ workshop 2.
Day 5: Thursday, 26 June 2025:
▪ 2nd Contest day, Teachers’ workshop 3 and Award Ceremony.
Day 6: Friday, 27 June 2025:
▪ Excursion Day 2.
Day 7: Saturday, 28 June 2025:
▪ Departure, programmes at Jewel, Changi Airport.
Full Schedule from 22 June to 28 June
Date
Time
Programme
Sunday, 22 June 2025
10:00 – 18:00
-
Arrival of Registered Participants (Students, Team Leaders, Teachers, parents) at Singapore Changi Airport
-
Pick up and transfer to University Town, NUS
-
Registration and Collection of Goodie bags at U Town Reception
-
Team Leaders Briefing
-
Tour of NUS Campus Facilities
-
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner will be provided at the U-Town
Monday, 23 June 2025
08:00 – 09:30
09:30 – 11:30
-
Breakfast at U-Town
-
Opening Ceremony; Welcome Speech
-
Sponsors Keynote Speech
-
Performances
11:30 – 13:30
13:30 – 18:00
18:00 - 19:30
-
Lunch at U-Town
-
Practice Sessions at COM3 - MPH
-
Dinner at COM3
Tuesday, 24 June 2025
08:00 – 09:30
09:30 – 14:30
12:00 – 15:30
14:00 – 17:00
17:00 – 18:00
18:00 – 19:30
-
Breakfast at COM3
-
Contest (5 hours) Day 1 at COM3 MPH & SRs
-
Lunch at COM3-MPH (Food will be available during these timings, and students can have their lunch after the contest)
-
Teacher’s/Educators Workshop (3 hrs) – Session 1 at COM3
-
Break
-
Dinner at COM3
Wednesday, 25 June 2025
08:00 – 09:30
10:00 – 19:00
-
Breakfast at COM3
Excursion Day 1:
• Marina Barrage
• Gardens By the Bay (Flower Dome + Cloud Forest)
• Marina Bay Sands (Sky Observation Deck)
• Merlion
14:00 – 17:00
-
Teacher’s/Educators Workshop (3 hrs) – Session 2 at COM3
Thursday, 26 June 2025
08:00 – 09:30
09:30 – 14:30
12:00 – 15:30
15:30 – 18:30
18:30 – 20:00
-
Breakfast at COM3
-
Contest (5 hrs) Day 2 at COM3 MPH & SRs
-
Teacher’s/Educators Workshop (3 hrs) – Session 3 at COM3
-
Lunch at COM3 (Food will be available during these timings, and students can have their lunch after the contest)
-
Award Ceremony at U-Town
-
Dinner at U-Town
Friday, 27 June 2025
08:00 – 09:30
10:00 – 19:00
-
Breakfast at U-Town
Excursion Day 2:
• Universal Studios or Sea Aquarium
Saturday, 28 June 2025
10:00 – 18:00
-
Transfer from U-Town to Changi Airport
-
Programmes at JEWEL
-
Departure
-
Breakfast and Lunch will be available at U-Town
-
All dates/time in Singapore Standard Time (GMT+8). The schedule timings and programmes are subject to change. Any updates will be communicated promptly.
-
Shuttle services will be provided for transfers between University Town (U-Town) and School of Computing – COM3. Participants are encouraged to adhere to the shuttle timings to ensure smooth transitions.
-
All meals mentioned in the schedule will be provided. If you have specific dietary requirements or allergies, please inform PGA during registration.
-
During the Excursion days, Lunch and Dinner will be provided in Bento sets/ Food vouchers will be provided.
-
For the Day 2 Excursion (Universal Studios or Sea Aquarium), participants must indicate their preference during registration to facilitate planning.
-
Please carry your event ID badges and any required materials (provided in the goodie bags) at all times for easy identification and access to venues.
-
Emergency contact numbers and a help desk will be available at U-Town and COM3 for any assistance required during the event.
-
Photographs and videos will be taken throughout the event. If you have concerns about being photographed, please notify PGA.
-
Ensure all personal belongings are packed and checked before departure on Saturday, 28 June 2025.
MAIN EVENT:
NUS UNIVERSITY TOWN AUDITORIUM
The conference's opening and closing ceremonies will be held in the 400-seat auditorium at University Town (U-Town).
U-Town is a vibrant venue for performing arts, multimedia presentations, seminars, and convocations, offering attendees a world-class academic and cultural experience.
CONTEST SITE:
NUS COM3 MULTI-PURPOSE HALL
Located at the School of Computing, the contests will be held at the COM3 Multi-purpose hall (which is typically used as an examination venue).
The hall offers flexible space as it can be transformed into a contest site (with computers placed at each seat), and even be used to host some of the meals during the event.
MAIN ACCOMMODATION:
UTOWN RESIDENCES @ NUS
Teams will be housed at U-Town (University Hostels).
Options:
-
Individual rooms for each participant.
-
Apartment-style housing with 4 rooms, with one occupant for each room. The rooms will be assigned by the ICO Organizing committee and country teams cannot select the choice of rooms .
NUS UTown Residences
The UTown Residences can house up to 1,700 residents. The design of the complex emphasises open common areas, and the architecture fosters a sense of community and cross-disciplinary discussion. The UTown Residence is also equipped with ample seminar rooms and student lounges.
Each apartment will be shared by a team. It is fully air-conditioned, and comes with four bedrooms, a bathroom, a living room area, and a kitchen.
Each bedroom is also well-equipped with a ceiling fan, a writing desk, a bookshelf and a bed.
