Haider Irfan
Taking the First Step: My Journey in Huawei’s ICT Competition 2024-25
As a seventh-semester student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Artificial Intelligence at The Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering and Technology (GIKI), my academic journey has been a series of challenges, opportunities, and growth. Among the many enriching experiences, my participation in Huawei’s ICT Competition 2024-25 Cloud Track’s Regional Final stands out as a transformative chapter. This is the story of how I moved from self-doubt to representing Pakistan at one of the most prestigious technology competitions.
Discovering the Opportunity
Every year since my first semester at GIKI, Huawei has conducted a roadshow to introduce students to the ICT Competition. The vibrant energy of these sessions left an impression on me, and I admired the students who dared to participate. Despite my growing interest in the competition, I never felt confident enough to take the plunge. It wasn’t until this year—my final year, and consequently my last chance—that I decided to take part. Alongside a group of friends, we resolved to push past our insecurities and see how far we could go.
The Journey Begins: National Preliminary Round
I registered for the Cloud Track, which encompasses topics in Cloud, AI, and Big Data, choosing it because of my passion for these domains. The ICT Competition also includes the Networking Track and Computing Track, but Cloud Track resonated with my academic interests. The first milestone was the National Preliminary Round held on November 10. The online test consisted of 60 single-answer, multiple-answer and true/false questions to be attempted in 90 minutes.
With 17,500 students across Pakistan vying for a spot, competition was intense. When the results were announced, I was thrilled to learn that I had made it to the next stage as one of the top 100 students in the Cloud Track.
National Finals: The Journey Gets Tougher
The National Final, conducted on November 20, was a step up in terms of difficulty. This round featured 90 questions, requiring a deep understanding of the syllabus. I invested considerable time in preparation, determined to rise to the challenge. Once again, the results brought great news—I was among the top 20 students who advanced to the Interview Stage. At this point, I was joined by two of my friends, who had also made it this far.
Facing the Interview Stage
The interview stage, held on November 23, was perhaps the most nerve-wracking part of the journey. It required not only technical expertise but also the ability to articulate concepts clearly under pressure. In preparation, I meticulously reviewed the syllabus. On the day of the interview, I was nervous yet focused, and thankfully, it went smoothly.
After days of anticipation, the results arrived on November 26. I was ecstatic to learn that I had been shortlisted for the Regional Final of the Cloud Track. Joining me on this journey were Waleed Ahmad from NUST and Muhammad Usman Malik from FAST, and together, we formed the Pakistani Team – Cloud Track.
Preparing for Regional Finals
The Regional Final required not just individual excellence but cohesive teamwork. The three of us divided our responsibilities to maximize our preparation. Waleed focused on the Cloud section, Usman took on Cloud and Big Data, and I concentrated on AI. Our daily online meetings became brainstorming sessions, where we shared insights, clarified doubts, and motivated each other.
One day before the competition, we met in person for the first time as a team, holding a final study session to consolidate our efforts, cementing our strategy and boosting each other’s confidence.
The Regional Final: A Test of Skill and Endurance
The Regional Final took place on December 2 at Huawei’s office in OEC Tower, Islamabad. It was an awe-inspiring moment, knowing we were competing with students from across the Middle East and Central Asia, all connected through an online platform.
The competition comprised two segments: a theory paper and a hands-on lab. The theory paper followed a familiar format, with 60 questions to be attempted in 60 minutes. The real challenge, however, lay in the 4-hour lab session, where we performed complex tasks on Huawei Cloud Portal, integrating concepts from Cloud, AI, and Big Data. It was a grueling yet exhilarating experience, testing not just our technical knowledge but also our ability to work under pressure.
Awaiting the Results
As we await the results of the Regional Final, our excitement and hope are at an all-time high. If selected, we will move on to the Global Finals in China, with a stopover in Saudi Arabia on December 15 for the award ceremony of the regional stage. Representing Pakistan on this global stage would be an incredible honor, and we are optimistic about our chances.
Reflections
Participating in Huawei’s ICT Competition has been a remarkable journey. It has taught me to push past my insecurities and embrace challenges head-on. The competition not only deepened my technical expertise but also instilled in me the importance of teamwork and perseverance. Whether or not we make it to the Global Finals, I am proud of how far I’ve come—from a hesitant observer at Huawei’s roadshows to a finalist in the Regional Finals.
This experience has solidified my belief in stepping out of one’s comfort zone. For aspiring participants, my advice is simple: take the leap, prepare with dedication, and believe in yourself. Every journey begins with a single step, and this competition has been a testament to the transformative power of determination and teamwork.
Writer is student of Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute (GIKI),D.I.Khan