Description

The semi-finals took place in a dynamic and engaging environment, supported by and judge panel lead by Mr. Akash Tharuka, Advisor of the IEEE Computer Society Chapter, University of Kelaniya, and Lecturer at the Department of Computer Systems Engineering, Faculty of Computing and Technology, University of Kelaniya. The judging panel for the competition included Mr. Chandula Ekanayakae, Senior Security Engineer at ITX360 Pvt Ltd, Miss Meesha Mervyn, Temporary Demonstrator at the Department of Computer Systems Engineering, Faculty of Computing and Technology, University of Kelaniya, and Miss Hirushi Nawaajana, Temporary Demonstrator at the Department of Computer Systems Engineering, Faculty of Computing and Technology, University of Kelaniya. The semi-final format was designed to rigorously assess the participants' knowledge and problem-solving skills through a series of challenging and thought-provoking rounds. The first round of the semi-finals involved each team member answering two questions. These questions were meticulously crafted to test their understanding across a broad range of topics, demanding both depth and breadth of knowledge. The intent was to gauge not only their ability to recall information but also their capacity to apply it effectively under competitive conditions. Following the initial round, the competition transitioned to the second round, which introduced an element of strategic flexibility. In this round, teams had the opportunity to grab additional questions. This format was intended to showcase the teams' ability to think on their feet and adapt their strategies in real-time. The additional questions covered various topics and were designed to challenge the participants' quick thinking and problem-solving abilities, adding an extra layer of complexity to the competition. Throughout the semi-finals, teams were evaluated on several criteria beyond mere accuracy. The judging panel focused on the teams' adaptability, strategic thinking, and their ability to perform under pressure. This comprehensive evaluation approach ensured that the selection process for the final round was thorough and fair. Teams needed to demonstrate not only a solid grasp of the subject matter but also the agility to handle a diverse array of questions and scenarios. At the conclusion of the semi-finals, the top six teams were identified based on their overall performance. These teams exhibited a profound understanding of the topics covered and demonstrated effective handling of the various question types. Their performance in the semi-finals underscored their readiness to advance to the finals, where the competition would reach its climax. The semi-finals of CyberZee'24 provided a challenging and stimulating environment for participants, effectively setting the stage for the final round of the competition. The support and oversight provided by the organizing team contributed to a well-executed and memorable event, showcasing the high level of talent and preparation among the competing teams.