BlackBerry Limited (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB) has unveiled its state-of-the-art Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCoE) in Kuala Lumpur, marking a significant step in bolstering cyber resilience in the Indo-Pacific region. The inauguration ceremony, graced by distinguished guests including 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, underscores the commitment to combating cyber threats through collaboration and innovation.
BlackBerry Cybersecurity Center Triggers a Surge in Stock
The announcement of the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence by BlackBerry has elicited a positive response from investors, with the company’s stock experiencing a surge. At the time of this report, BlackBerry Ltd is trading at 2.66 USD, reflecting a notable increase of 0.025 (0.95%).
A Beacon of Cybersecurity Education
Aligned with its commitment to nurturing a skilled cybersecurity workforce, BlackBerry also unveiled its groundbreaking BlackBerry Cybersecurity Curriculum, now accessible through the newly inaugurated facility. This curriculum encompasses a diverse array of globally recognized courses and certifications aimed at addressing the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals in Malaysia and the broader region. With an estimated shortfall of 12,000 cybersecurity professionals in Malaysia alone, these initiatives are poised to bridge the gap and unlock new career opportunities for aspiring professionals.
Cybersecurity Center of BlackBerry – a Milestone in Malaysian-Canadian Collaboration
The establishment of the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence and the launch of the BlackBerry Cybersecurity Curriculum mark a pivotal moment in the collaboration between the Malaysian Government and BlackBerry, as outlined in the landmark deal announced in November 2023. Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, emphasized the center’s potential to become an international hub for addressing emerging cyber threats, fostering collaboration between Malaysian and Canadian institutions, and strengthening cyber resilience on a regional scale.
A Hub for Networking and Skill Enhancement
Beyond providing cutting-edge training and certifications, the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence serves as a dynamic platform for professional networking, knowledge-sharing, and skills development. Offering a spectrum of courses ranging from cyber fundamentals to advanced technical domains, the curriculum caters to diverse skill levels and interests. Moreover, the center extends select scholarship opportunities to women cybersecurity professionals, further enhancing inclusivity and diversity in the field.
International Recognition and Support
Canada’s Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, The Honorable Mary Ng, lauded BlackBerry’s initiative as a testament to Canada’s commitment to fostering cybersecurity resilience in the Indo-Pacific region. She emphasized Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy’s role in supporting regional security efforts and reducing cybersecurity threats through collaboration and innovation.
A Collective Effort Towards Cyber Resilience
In his concluding remarks, BlackBerry CEO, John Giamatteo, underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in building cyber resilience and combating cyber threats. The Cybersecurity Center of Excellence exemplifies the synergy between nations and technology leaders in addressing the dual challenges of cybercrime and skills shortages. He expressed gratitude to the Governments of Malaysia and Canada, along with industry partners, for their unwavering support in realizing this ambitious endeavor, which aims to elevate Malaysia’s cybersecurity workforce to global standards.
As the world grapples with evolving cyber threats, initiatives like the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence serve as beacons of hope, empowering nations and organizations to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and resilience.
