BlackBerry has announced the inauguration of its Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Kuala Lumpur to support Malaysia and Indo-Pacific countries in strengthening their cyberthreat response. The CCoE, which officially opened on Tuesday, is the Canadian software company’s first such facility in Asia Pacific and will provide training under the new BlackBerry Cybersecurity Curriculum.
The curriculum includes training programs on BlackBerry cybersecurity products and services in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Specialized certification courses from the SANS Institute and Canada’s Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst are also included in the curriculum.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who officiated the CCoE opening, cited the center’s potential as “an international destination to address emerging cyberthreats.”
The premier also stressed that through the center, Malaysian and Canadian universities, research organizations and skilled practitioners can share knowledge on strengthening national and regional cybersecurity.
John Giamatteo, BlackBerry CEO, echoed the prime minister’s statement, saying, “Building resilience to cyberattacks 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,” he added.
The CCoE launching followed the long-term software and services agreement that Blackberry and Kuala Lumpur signed in November to boost the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s capabilities and grow the country’s cybersecurity workforce.