BlackBerry Officially Opens Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Malaysia

Rhea-AI Summary

BlackBerry inaugurates a cutting-edge Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as part of a strategic partnership with the Government of Malaysia to bolster cybersecurity capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. The launch of the new center, along with the introduction of the BlackBerry Cybersecurity Curriculum, aims to address the shortage of cybersecurity professionals in Malaysia and enhance regional cyber resilience.

Insights

Cybersecurity Expert

The establishment of the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCoE) in Kuala Lumpur represents a strategic move towards addressing the cybersecurity talent gap in Malaysia and the broader Indo-Pacific region. The collaboration between BlackBerry and the Malaysian Government underscores the growing emphasis on public-private partnerships in bolstering cyber defenses. The CCoE initiative is poised to enhance the region's ability to combat cyber threats through advanced training and development of cyber professionals.

From a cybersecurity standpoint, the focus on AI and Machine Learning is particularly noteworthy. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, leveraging these technologies can significantly improve threat detection and response times. The specialized courses offered by reputable institutions like the SANS Institute further validate the quality of training that will be available. This initiative not only aims to fill the current talent shortfall but also positions Malaysia as a hub for cybersecurity expertise, potentially attracting international talent and investments into the region.

Economic Development Analyst

The opening of the CCoE by BlackBerry in Malaysia has broader economic implications beyond the immediate cybersecurity industry. It exemplifies how targeted investments in high-demand sectors can spur job creation and economic growth. The reported shortfall of 12,000 cybersecurity professionals in Malaysia represents a significant labor market opportunity. By providing globally recognized certifications and training, the CCoE could substantially increase the employability of Malaysian workers in the global tech economy.

Furthermore, the involvement of international partners and the potential for this initiative to make Malaysia a destination for cybersecurity expertise underscores its role in economic diplomacy. It aligns with Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy, which seeks to strengthen economic ties and address security threats in the region. This type of international cooperation can lead to increased foreign direct investment and trade opportunities, contributing to the economic resilience of the participating nations.

New BlackBerry Cybersecurity Curriculum marks major milestone in the company's long-term deal with the Government of Malaysia, establishing the nation as a regional hub of excellence

CYBERJAYA, Malaysia, March 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BlackBerry Limited (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB) officially opened a world-class Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCoE) in Kuala Lumpur today at a ceremony officiated by Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, Canada's Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, The Honorable Mary Ng, and BlackBerry CEO, John Giamatteo. The new CCoE will deliver exceptional cybersecurity training and cyber threat intelligence to help Malaysia and partners in the region better prevent, deter, and respond to cyber threats facing governments and organizations in the Indo-Pacific region.

The company also announced its new BlackBerry Cybersecurity Curriculum is now available for the first time through the new facility, offering a wide range of globally recognized course offerings and certifications to help grow a skilled cybersecurity workforce and ecosystem in Malaysia and the region. These programs are designed to help the nation address a reported shortfall of some 12,000 cybersecurity professionals, and advance career opportunities for men and women in the region.

The opening of the CCoE and the BlackBerry Cybersecurity Curriculum launch marks another significant milestone in the landmark deal announced between the Malaysian Government and BlackBerry in November 2023.

Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim at the opening of the center said, "Being more than a facility to help train and upskill our national cyber workforce, the Cybersecurity Center 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."

The new center will provide Malaysians and others in the region with increased opportunities for professional networking, knowledge-sharing and common skills training, covering everything from cyber fundamentals to leadership and technical areas. The CCoE curriculum offers training courses on BlackBerry® cybersecurity products and services to upskill in areas like AI and Machine Learning, as well as highly-specialized courses delivered by the SANS Institute, Canada's Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst and other internationally recognized certification partners. It also offers select opportunities for scholarships for women cybersecurity professionals, with further plans to augment existing university curricula with CCoE student education programs.

"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," said the Honorable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development.

BlackBerry CEO, John Giamatteo concluded, "Building resilience to cyber-attacks requires a whole-of-society effort. The new Cybersecurity Center 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."

For more information on the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence and the courses available, please visit here. For more information about applying for scholarships for women in the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst's CLIC training program, visit here.

About BlackBerry

BlackBerry (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB) provides intelligent security software and services to enterprises and governments around the world. The company's software powers over 235M vehicles.  Based in Waterloo, Ontario, the company leverages AI and machine learning to deliver innovative solutions in the areas of cybersecurity, safety and data privacy solutions, and is a leader in the areas of endpoint security, endpoint management, encryption, and embedded systems. BlackBerry's vision is clear - to secure a connected future you can trust.

BlackBerry. Intelligent Security. Everywhere.

For more information, visit BlackBerry.com and follow @BlackBerry.

Trademarks, including but not limited to BLACKBERRY and EMBLEM Design, are the trademarks or registered trademarks of BlackBerry Limited, and the exclusive rights to such trademarks are expressly reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. BlackBerry is not responsible for any third-party products or services.

Media Contacts:
BlackBerry Media Relations
+1 (519) 597-7273
mediarelations@BlackBerry.com 

 

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SOURCE BlackBerry Limited

FAQ

What is the significance of the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence inaugurated by BlackBerry in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia?

The Cybersecurity Center of Excellence aims to provide top-notch cybersecurity training and intelligence to help Malaysia and regional partners combat cyber threats effectively.

What does the new BlackBerry Cybersecurity Curriculum offer?

The new curriculum provides globally recognized courses and certifications to develop a skilled cybersecurity workforce in Malaysia and the region.

Who attended the inauguration ceremony of the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence?

The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Canada's Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, and BlackBerry CEO.

What is the goal of the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence and the BlackBerry Cybersecurity Curriculum?

The goal is to bridge the cybersecurity skills gap in Malaysia, offer specialized training, and enhance cyber resilience in the region.

What collaborations are planned for the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence?

Collaborations with Malaysian and Canadian universities, research institutions, and practitioners to strengthen cyber resilience and knowledge sharing.