BlackBerry Establishes Cybersecurity Hub In Malaysia

In a significant move towards fortifying cybersecurity resilience in the Indo-Pacific region, BlackBerry recently inaugurated its state-of-the-art Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCoE) in Kuala Lumpur.

Cybersecurity takes center stage as BlackBerry inaugurates its state-of-the-art Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, marking a significant milestone in regional cyber defense efforts. | Photos: Blackberry

The grand opening ceremony, graced 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, marked a pivotal moment in the collaboration between BlackBerry and the Malaysian government.

The establishment of the CCoE not only solidifies Malaysia's status as a regional cybersecurity nucleus but also underscores BlackBerry's commitment to fostering a robust cyber defense ecosystem.

Prime Minister YAB Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim lauded the center as more than a mere training facility, emphasizing its potential to serve as an international hub for combating emerging cyber threats.

To bridge the reported shortfall of 12,000 cybersecurity professionals, the center promises to propel career opportunities and bolster national and regional cyber-resilience.

"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," emphasized Ibrahim.

At the core of the CCoE initiative lies the groundbreaking BlackBerry Cybersecurity Curriculum, now accessible through the facility.

This comprehensive curriculum, encompassing globally recognized courses and certifications, is tailored to nurture a skilled cybersecurity workforce in Malaysia and beyond.

From fundamental cyber principles to advanced technical expertise, the curriculum caters to diverse skill levels, ensuring a holistic approach to cyber education.

The collaboration extends beyond borders, with Canadian expertise contributing significantly to Malaysia's cybersecurity landscape.

The Honorable Mary Ng highlighted Canada's role in fostering a safer cyberspace in Malaysia, applauding BlackBerry's initiative as a testament to international cooperation in addressing security threats.

"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 Ng.

BlackBerry CEO, John Giamatteo, underscored the collective effort required to combat cyber threats, emphasizing the center's role as a beacon of collaboration between nations and technology leaders.

Expressing gratitude to the governments of Malaysia and Canada, along with industry partners, Giamatteo reiterated BlackBerry's commitment to building a highly skilled cybersecurity workforce to global standards.

"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," added Giamatteo.

The inauguration of the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence signifies a transformative stride towards a secure and connected future. With its cutting-edge curriculum and collaborative ethos, BlackBerry paves the way for a fortified cyber defense landscape in Malaysia and the wider region.

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