Mission: LearnPossible – A Transformative Hackathon Experience
On October 6, the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) experienced a refreshing shift from its usual academic atmosphere. Instead of the typical discussions centered on case studies and financial reports, the environment was bustling with energy as undergraduates from 14 different universities gathered for an intense day of innovation. The event, dubbed Mission: LearnPossible, which featured both a Capture the Flag cybersecurity challenge and an AI Hackathon, was co-presented by AIM and Hexcore-Labs Philippines, with the support of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) as part of National Cybersecurity Month.
The Launch of Hexcore-Labs Philippines
This event was particularly significant as it marked the official launch of Hexcore-Labs Philippines, a dynamic company dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity and AI education through interactive games and simulations. The framework of the hackathon was designed to challenge students in two tracks that required swift, decisive action: the Capture the Flag challenge demanded skills in network defense, forensics, and cryptography, while the hackathon pushed teams to leverage the open-source low-code platform n8n to solve real-world problems related to business, education, and cybersecurity within a strict five-hour limit.
Encouraging real-time engagement, participants were invited to share their experiences online using #HexcoreLabsPH and #MissionLearnPossible, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
Setting the Tone for Future Cybersecurity Professionals
Opening the event, DICT’s Director Bernadine Louise Tan emphasized the importance of fostering ICT literacy and introduced a new career pathway in cybersecurity for the upcoming generation of Filipino professionals. Her remarks resonated with the solid intent of the event: to equip young minds with the skills needed to navigate the growing digital landscape and to prepare them for hands-on roles within the cybersecurity sector.
Closing the Skills Gap
Alan Reyes, the CEO of Hexcore-Labs Philippines, underscored the urgency of events like this, referencing a World Economic Forum (WEF) projection that global cybercrime costs could reach a staggering $10.5 trillion by 2025. He noted the rapid evolution of job roles due to AI advancements, where traditional careers may vanish even as new opportunities emerge. This growing demand for cybersecurity professionals juxtaposed against a workforce still catching up on essential skills defines the mission of Hexcore-Labs—to bridge this gap.
Reyes elaborated on the innovative teaching model utilized by Hexcore-Labs. By turning theoretical lessons into actionable missions, students encounter real-world scenarios requiring teamwork and collaboration to resolve under time constraints. He stated, "If they don’t work together, they will not be able to solve it," highlighting that the ability to collaborate effectively gives participants a distinct advantage.
Comprehensive Training Opportunities
The comprehensive training offered by Hexcore-Labs spans a wide array of topics, including basic security awareness and advanced skills like penetration testing, reverse engineering, and AI workflow automation. This approach accommodates learners at all levels, whether beginners or those preparing for advanced certifications. The model has proved effective beyond the local context, gaining traction in government-funded training initiatives in Singapore.
AIM’s Educational Shift
Aligned with this proactive approach, AIM is responding to changes highlighted in the WEF’s "Future of Jobs" report, which indicates that many skills presently in demand will evolve over time. Emphasizing critical thinking and essential technological skills, AIM has requested students to create home labs for practical experience in cybersecurity. The curriculum is updated annually to ensure that it reflects the latest industry standards and practices.
Professor Philip Kwa, AIM’s Academic Programs Director, expressed eagerness to integrate Hexcore’s solutions into AIM’s Master in Cybersecurity Program, noting the value of providing students with hands-on experience that enhances their learning journey.
A Competitive Yet Supportive Atmosphere
Mission: LearnPossible fostered a unique blend of competitiveness and camaraderie. The Capture the Flag segment engaged teams of five, while the hackathon consisted of ten triad teams, all racing against time to polish their demos for a panel of judges. The stakes were high, with trophies at play, but the deeper goal transcended victory in competition; it was about cultivating the ability to work effectively under pressure, make thoughtful decisions, and deliver tangible results.
Practical Experience Over Theory
A recurring theme in Reyes’ discussions is the need to prioritize practical experience over theoretical knowledge. This philosophy drove the heart of Mission: LearnPossible. The budding partnership between AIM and Hexcore-Labs highlights a significant evolution in academic practices, transforming gamified learning from a niche event into a staple of educational methodology. Such collaborations ensure that students not only acquire academic knowledge but also leave equipped with the practical skills and confidence needed to tackle real-world threats and challenges.
The future for Filipino learners is undoubtedly bright, as they are increasingly given more opportunities to engage in meaningful work and contribute to enhancing the cybersecurity landscape within the organizations they will eventually join.
