BlackBerry has officially launched its Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCoE) in Cyberjaya today, its first in the Asia-Pacific region. Present during the event is prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Canada’s minister of export promotion, international trade and economic development Mary Ng, and BlackBerry CEO John Giamattgeo.
According to the company, the centre aims to provide top-notch cybersecurity training and intelligence to assist Malaysia and neighbouring nations in combating cyber threats prevalent in the Indo-Pacific region. The launch event also introduced the BlackBerry Cybersecurity Curriculum, offering diverse courses and certifications to address the reported shortage of cybersecurity professionals in Malaysia, thereby fostering career growth opportunities in the sector.
The establishment of the CCoE and the cybersecurity curriculum mark significant progress following the landmark agreement between the Malaysian Government and BlackBerry announced in November 2023. During the event, prime minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasised the potential of the centre not only in enhancing national cyber capabilities, but also in serving as an international hub for addressing emerging cyber threats. The collaboration between Malaysian and Canadian entities, including universities and research institutions, is envisioned to bolster cyber resilience through knowledge sharing and collaborative strategies.
The BlackBerry Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Malaysia will not only provide training, but also serve as a hub for professionals to network and exchange ideas. The curriculum covers everything from basic concepts to advanced topics like AI and Machine Learning, with courses from renowned institutions like the SANS Institute and Canada’s Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst. Additionally, initiatives such as scholarships for women in cybersecurity and educational programs for students further augment the centre’s impact on skill development and diversity in the field.
Canadian minister Mary Ng commended the collaboration, underscoring Canada’s contribution to enhancing cybersecurity in Malaysia as part of its Indo-Pacific Strategy. On the other hand, BlackBerry CEO John Giamatteo highlighted the collective effort required to combat cyber threats and address skills shortages.
For more information on the CCoE and the courses available, please visit BlackBerry’s official website via this link. Meanwhile, those interested in applying for scholarships for women in the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst’s CLIC training program that’s set to begin in May this year can visit here.
