BlackBerry is probably a brand that most Millenials are familiar with. The first thing to come to mind is keyboard-laden smartphones with one of the most secure operating systems – BlackBerry OS. However, since the company’s unfortunate rounding up of its mobile business, BlackBerry Limited (previously Research in Motion) has been hard at work carving out a new niche for its security expertise as a Cybersecurity company. In fact, the company has been prospering in this nice with acquisitions of companies like Encription in the UK to enhance its cybersecurity offerings.
“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,”
The company is also the cornerstone in a ongoing diplomatic agreement between Canada and Malaysia. With a rich 36-year diplomatic relationship, Malaysia is playing a part as country coordinator for Canada in establishing a free trade agreement with the region. This has led to Canada playing a key role in helping Malaysia address the skills gap as it strives to become the region’s leader in digital technologies.
“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.”
YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia
BlackBerry Limited is launching its Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence in Cyberjaya, Malaysia as a part of these efforts. The Center of Excellence is situated a stone’s throw away from Malaysia’s administrative capital and offices of MDEC (Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation). The establishment of this Center of Excellence is also a part of a landmark deal between BlackBerry Limited and the Malaysian government inked at the recent APEC Conference in November 2023.
The BlackBerry CyberSecurity Center of Excellence will be focusing on the education, certification and capacity building focusing on the cybersecurity sector. It will also serve as a center for collaboration between Canadian and Malaysian institutions of education and research and professionals.
“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.”
The Center will also provide training in BlackBerry Cybersecurity Curriculum. This is a first for the region. It will offer a wide range of globally recognized courses and certifications to help train and grow the skilled talent available in the region. Naturally, the establishment of the Center of Excellence will also lend itself to the upskilling and training of the reported shortfall of about 12,000 cybersecurity professionals in the region. The curriculum offered at Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence will also include upskilling in areas such as Machine Learning and AI as well as highly specialised courses by the SANS Institute, Canada’s Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst and other recognized partners. It will also be offering select scholarships to empower women in the cybersecurity arena.
Courses are already available for registration at the center. If you’re interested, you can sign up here. The first online course will be commencing in May 2024 with scholarships available for 3 qualified female leaders in cybersecurity in connection with the Toronto Metropolitan University. The first certification will be provided by the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst.