(Fig. 1) Yuan Mingkun, the 69th Torchbearer of the Hangzhou Asian Games Torch Relay

On the morning of September 8, the 19th Hangzhou Asian Games Torch Relay started at the Yongjin Park Square of West Lake, Hangzhou. Yuan Mingkun, a 2006 alumnus of Xi'an Eurasia University's School of Information Engineering and the Senior Vice President of DAS-Security, participated in the event as the 69th torchbearer.

Being Responsible for Cybersecurity Services and Ensuring Intelligent Operations for Hangzhou Asian Games

As the chief security operations officer of DAS-Security and the chief cybersecurity commander for Hangzhou Asian Games, Yuan Mingkun has long been dedicated to research in the cybersecurity sector. He has made outstanding research achievements in fields such as active defense and has been involved in innovative research and development projects such as the Threat Intelligence and Emergency Response Center. He has led his team to complete cybersecurity tasks for more than 30 major conferences, including the G20 Summit and the World Internet Conference, and has been awarded the First-Class Merit by the Public Security Department of Zhejiang Province. Recently, he led his team to successfully complete cybersecurity work for the Chengdu 2021 FISU Games.

DAS-Security is the official cybersecurity partner of the Hangzhou Asian Games. It started preparations three years ago and provided cybersecurity support for all aspects of the Hangzhou Asian Games, including websites, venues, and communications. "We have customized an exclusive package of cybersecurity services specifically for the Hangzhou Asian Games," Yuan Mingkun said. DAS-Security has integrated the cybersecurity services required for major international events over the years into a "nine-dimension, five-star" scenario-based cybersecurity system, ensuring that all-round, full-stack cybersecurity services could be delivered to the Hangzhou Asian Games.

(Fig. 2) Yuan Mingkun in the Middle of the Torch Relay

As a torchbearer for the Hangzhou Asian Games, Yuan Mingkun said: "The spirit of the Asian Games inspires us to always move forward, be hopeful, constantly surpass ourselves, and unite in harmony, walking towards a better future together. DAS-Security and I will safeguard cybersecurity for the Hangzhou Asian Games, letting every athlete shine on the sports arena and showcasing the unique splendor of Asia to the world!"

Transforming from a Computer Enthusiast to a Cybersecurity Expert, with Unwavering Passion

From the moment he entered university, Yuan Mingkun developed a strong interest in computers. He befriended a group of classmates who were also passionate about the field and eager to create. Together, they studied computer software, formed a computer networking group, and took on part-time jobs designing websites. Through these experiences, Yuan accumulated the foundational skills necessary to enter the cybersecurity sector. However, when he tried to find a job after graduation, he realized that he lacked a competitive advantage compared to graduates from other top universities. Now more and more people are entering the cybersecurity sector, but back then, there were very few cybersecurity companies in Xi'an. Yuan Mingkun decided to go to Shanghai for more job opportunities.

During the job application process, he had two choices. One was a job that didn't particularly interest him, but offered a monthly salary of around RMB 6,500. At the time, he was facing difficulties in finding housing and affording meals, so this option seemed to be the best one. The other option was a cybersecurity job that he had always been interested in, but with a monthly salary of only around RMB 3,000. After careful consideration, Yuan Mingkun gave up the higher-paying job and chose the sector that he truly loved. "I have always been happy about the choice I made back then because I already knew that I was interested in cybersecurity during my university years. I chose a job that I liked and have worked hard in the sector ever since."

Yuan Mingkun obtained cybersecurity certifications and worked as a cybersecurity lecturer. With every step, he pushed himself outside of his comfort zone and honed his professional and communication skills. He has progressed and grown steadily in the cybersecurity sector and have eventually become a senior executive in a company providing cybersecurity products and services.

In his view, it is important for university students to find their interests at an early point. "While other classmates may feel tired after eight hours of classes, I don't. I can work on what I love for 24 hours. I put all my energy into it, and I feel excited. When you find an sector you love and are passionate about for the long term, you will see the long-term rewards in your career."

Returning to Alma Mater to Recall Youthful Years and Jointly Exploring University-Enterprise Cooperation and Development

This March, during his participation in the 2023 INSEC WORLD in Xi’an, Yuan Mingkun visited Xi’an Eurasia University, his alma mater. He could not help praising the university’s changes and its modern and flourishing scenes filled with artistic atmosphere, “Over the years, my alma mater has continuously optimized its campus environment and faculty in line with the times and has planned the School of Digital Security, which is highly anticipated.”

(Fig. 3) Yuan Mingkun on the site of the 2023 INSEC WORLD

In recent years, amid the global digital economy wave and in response to the enormous demand for network security talent for national economic development, the School of Information Engineering has set up the information security direction in software engineering, IoT engineering, communication engineering, and other majors. It has established in-depth university-enterprise partnerships with Sangfor, Qi An Xin, and other network security companies and actively explored and practiced a new model of university-enterprise integration in IT talent cultivation.

In April 2022, the School of Information Engineering signed a strategic cooperation contract with DAS-Security, and the two parties would continue in-depth cooperation in student internship and employment, university-enterprise cooperation for talent cultivation, industry certification, and industrial school building. At present, more than 10 students go to DAS-Security every year for internships and practical training, and many outstanding students are also employed at DAS-Security.

(Fig. 4) delegation of School of Information Engineering visited DAS-Security, and Yuan Mingkun was hired as an alumni ambassador

When Ma Jing, a teacher in charge of the School of Information Engineering’s university-enterprise cooperation program, and her delegation visited DAS-Security this March, Yuan Mingkun said that DAS-Security would provide faculty to the school in major development, offer guidance to students in their major directions, help students obtain certifications related to network security, and assist more students in entering DAS-Security and other excellent enterprises for internship or employment. He hoped that students could enjoy their studies and campus life, find causes they love and would like to devote, share knowledge with their peers, and bring their youthful energy and enthusiasm to the workplace in the future. He encouraged students to create outstanding achievements in their beloved fields and industries in the future.