BlackBerry Limited is launching several new initiatives to support the Malaysian Government’s efforts to upskill and grow local talent and foster diversity in the nation’s fast-growing cybersecurity sector.
To mark the 12-month anniversary of the Malaysia Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, BlackBerry is providing scholarships for cybersecurity training to numerous women cyber-defenders, people with limited access to education and qualifications, as well as university lecturers and students.
At a ceremony and open day in Cyberjaya this week, BlackBerry also revealed it will soon introduce EC Council Learning, an improved cybersecurity skill development platform to expand the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence’s comprehensive curriculum with self-paced learning model for Malaysian Government employees, helping more people to complete courses in their own time. The hybrid cybersecurity program, featuring online and in-person modules, is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Just over a year ago, Malaysia envisioned the Malaysia Cybersecurity Center of Excellence as a global hub for workforce training, skill development and intelligence-sharing. Today, through partnerships with BlackBerry, ASEAN and global leaders, the nation is advancing this mission-equipping Malaysians with critical cyber-skills to boost capacity, inclusivity and defense against digital threats.
Over 40% of attendees at the Malaysia Cybersecurity Center of Excellence last year were women, reflecting positive diversity in the nation’s cybersecurity sector. To build on this progress and create more opportunities for all, BlackBerry is expanding its partnership with the ISC2 Malaysia Chapter to offer 50 scholarships for Malaysian women to access specialised training at the center.
The flexible program will include in-person and online courses from June to July 2025, with recruitment starting this month. In addition, BlackBerry is working with 42KL, a tuition-free, self-paced computer science academy, to sponsor 25 CompTIA ITF+ certifications for individuals with limited access to traditional education opportunities.
This news follows the recently announced partnership with Talent Corporation Malaysia to launch the CyberNext Program, a national initiative designed to equip Malaysian students and educators with essential cybersecurity skills.
In Phase One of the partnership, BlackBerry and TalentCorp, together with training partners ISC2 and CompTIA, are offering free cybersecurity training for 1,000 students and 250 lecturers at the world-class facility, commencing in July.
“In collaboration with the Government of Malaysia, we are proud to witness the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence thrive in its first year-strengthening partnerships, expanding programs, and offering scholarships that help to build digital human capital and support diversity in the cybersecurity sector,” said BlackBerry APAC VP Tash Stamatelos. “As a hub for learning, training, and collaboration, the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence is laying a strong foundation for cross-border and cross-sector engagement, advancing Malaysia’s ambition to lead in cybersecurity excellence across ASEAN.”
“In late 2024, the Government of Canada pledged a CAD3.9 million investment in cybersecurity skills training programs at the Malaysia Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, to be implemented by the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst and BlackBerry – a clear example of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy in action,” said Canadian High Commissioner Jodi Robinson.
“On this first anniversary, I commend the progress the Malaysian Government, BlackBerry, and its partners are making at the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in addressing the critical shortage of cyber skills and advancing diversity in the sector,” she said. “I look forward to the CCoE developing into a hub of regional cybersecurity excellence in Southeast Asia.”
