Malaysia – Aiming to accelerate its cybersecurity efforts, cybersecurity firm BlackBerry has announced that it has established a new cybersecurity centre of excellence to provide training and cyber threat intelligence across Malaysia and the Indo-Pacific region.
For this initiative, a new BlackBerry cyber security curriculum will be introduced for the first time, providing a range of globally recognized courses and certifications aimed at nurturing a skilled cybersecurity workforce and ecosystem in Malaysia.
Furthermore, the said initiative offers opportunities in the fields of professional networking, knowledge sharing, and training in areas ranging from cyber fundamentals to leadership and technical aspects.
The new curriculum includes training courses on BlackBerry cybersecurity products and skills, as well as specialised courses offered by the SANS Institute, Canada’s Rogers Cybersecurity Catalyst, and other internationally recognised certification partners.
The programme further offers scholarship opportunities for women in the cybersecurity profession.
Speaking about this initiative, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, prime minister of Malaysia, said, “Being more than a facility to help train and upskill our national cyber workforce, the Cyber Security Centre of Excellence has the potential to be an international destination to address emerging cyber threats.”
“We can bring together Malaysian and Canadian universities, research institutions, and skilled practitioners to share knowledge, threat intelligence and jointly develop methods and strategies to strengthen national and regional cyber-resilience,” he further shared.
Mary Ng, minister at Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development, also said, “In this digital age, the global need for innovative cyber security solutions continues to grow. I’m pleased that Canada’s expertise in this area is helping to create a safer cyberspace in Malaysia. Today’s announcement by BlackBerry is a clear example of how Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy is supporting efforts to reduce and address security threats in the region.”
Meanwhile, John Giamatteo, CEO at BlackBerry, said, “Building resilience to cyberattacks requires a whole-of-society effort. The new Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence stands as a testament to how nations and technology leaders can work together to address the dual challenge of cybercrime and skills shortages.”
“We thank the governments of Malaysia and Canada, along with our industry partners, for joining us today as we open this world-class facility and launch the BlackBerry Cybersecurity Curriculum to support Malaysia’s goal to train a highly skilled national cybersecurity workforce to a global standard,” stated John.
