Inaugural Jiujing Cup Algorithm Competition & Training Camp Successfully Held
- 方棨彦 Hong Zi Shen
- Sep 13
- 4 min read
On September 7, 2025, the inaugural "Jiujing Cup" National High School Algorithm Competition and Training Camp was successfully held at Southern University College, Johor, and concluded with great success.
The preliminary round was held on August 17 and attracted 109 students from national secondary schools, Chinese independent schools, international schools, and pre-university programs across the country. Among them, 58 outstanding students from 24 institutions advanced to the finals and participated in the 4-day 3-night training camp and competition, giving Malaysian students a rare opportunity to dive deep into computational thinking and algorithm design.
The event was jointly organized by the Department of Computer Science and Technology of Tsinghua University and the The Association of Graduates from Tsinghua University Malaysia (AGTHUM), co-organized by Southern University College and the Malaysian Informatics and Programming Society (MIPS), and strongly supported by the Tsinghua University Algorithm Association.
The opening ceremony was held on September 4
Southern University College Board Member Datin Ang Chin Fan said in her speech that she was very pleased that the university could host the first "Jiujing Cup" High School Algorithm Competition and Training Camp. She pointed out that algorithms are a core competency for the future society, and expressed hope that through this event, students would be exposed to computational thinking earlier, ignite their curiosity and spirit of exploration, and seize the opportunity to challenge themselves so they may one day apply what they have learned to solve real-world problems and create value for society.
The President of AGTHUM, Mr. Hong Zi Shen, expressed his gratitude to all the organizers and partners for their dedicated efforts, especially acknowledging the professional experience of the Tsinghua University Algorithm Association in safeguarding the quality of the event.
He explained that the name "Jiujing Cup" comes from "Jiujing" the nickname for the No. 9 dormitory of Tsinghua University’s Department of Computer Science, a place where generations of computer science students grew, exchanged ideas, and honed their algorithm skills. Naming the competition after "Jiujing" symbolizes bringing this spirit of exploration and innovation to Malaysia and inspiring more high school students to learn computational thinking.
He emphasized that algorithms are not merely tools for writing answers, but a way of thinking that breaks down complex problems, builds models, and verifies solutions. "In the age of artificial intelligence, algorithms are the driving force behind everything, from large language models and autonomous driving to financial risk control. Mastering algorithmic thinking allows us to stay clear-headed in an age of information overload and find the optimal path when resources are limited."
Closing Ceremony
At the closing ceremony on September 7, Southern University College Chairman of the Board Mr. Mok Chek Hou remarked that the purpose of holding this competition and training camp is to ignite students' passion for computer science and to enhance their problem-solving abilities in real life. He expressed hope that through sustained educational collaboration, more young talents with international vision and innovative ability could be cultivated, laying a solid foundation for the country’s future technological development.
Secretary-General of the AGTHUM, Mr. Fabian Kong, summed up the significance of this event, affirming the students' effort and breakthroughs over the four days: "An IOI-style algorithm competition not only tests programming skills but also trains thinking and stress resilience. We hope you will apply the thinking methods learned here to your future studies and life, and continue to strive for excellence."
He also revealed that the AGTHUM will establish a scholarship in conjunction with its 10th anniversary to help more outstanding students pursue higher academic goals, and encouraged students to consider Tsinghua University as their target for further studies.
Competition Results – Khor Yan Xun from NUS High School Wins the Championship
After fierce competition, the top 10 winners were as follows:
Rank Name School
1 Khor Yan Xun NUS High School, Singapore
2 Tao Poek Shein Kolej Permata Pintar Negara, UKM
3 Elson Lim Yu Xuan Hin Hua High School, Klang
4 Ng Jun Di Hin Hua High School, Klang
5 Alexander Chew Han Chiang High School, Penang
6 Vee Hua Jun Tsun Jin High School, Kuala Lumpur
7 Tam Chen Wee Foon Yew High School, Kulai
8 Chua Hao Yan Hin Hua High School, Klang
9 Sin Yee Hang INTI International College, Subang
10 Ng Norman Foon Yew High School, Johor
This first "Jiujing Cup" was not just an algorithm contest but a feast of ideas, opening the door for students to frontier fields such as artificial intelligence, big data, robotics, and autonomous systems, inspiring their potential in engineering, research, finance, and beyond.
The AGTHUM stated that it will continue to collaborate with universities and academic organizations at home and abroad to further promote computational thinking and algorithm education for Malaysian high school students, nurturing the next generation of young leaders with global vision, rational thinking, and innovative ability. The association also announced that the “Jiujing Cup” will become an annual event, striving to be held every year and providing a high-level platform for algorithm exchange and growth for young learners.
News Coverage:
Opening Ceremony Shots
Closing Ceremony Shots
Jiujing Cup Activities Shots
