Malaysia Becomes a Cybersecurity Hub with BlackBerry’s APAC HQ

BlackBerry Limited has officially announced the establishment of its Asia Pacific (APAC) Cybersecurity Regional Headquarters in Malaysia, located in the burgeoning tech hub of Cyberjaya.   

The decision to set up the BlackBerry APAC HQ in Malaysia aligns with the company’s long-term vision of leveraging the country’s proximity to emerging technology centers and better government infrastructure.   

BlackBerry’s move is significant given the recent partnership with the Malaysian government, highlighted by a cybersecurity agreement in November 2023.  

BlackBerry APAC HQ in Malaysia

This partnership with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) led to the creation of the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCoE), a premier training facility to upskill Malaysia’s cybersecurity workforce. The center will play a crucial role in preparing professionals for the challenges posed by cyber threats.  

Tash Stamatelos, BlackBerry’s Vice President for Cybersecurity in APAC, emphasized the importance of Malaysia as a strategic market. “As the nation prepares to chair ASEAN in 2024, we commend Malaysia’s proactive measures in fostering digital transformation and regional collaboration in cybersecurity,” he stated. Stamatelos highlighted Malaysia’s ongoing investments in skills development, innovation, and infrastructure as key factors that make it an attractive destination for global companies, including BlackBerry.  

The BlackBerry APAC HQ in Malaysia is home to a diverse team of specialists encompassing sales, marketing, threat research, technical support, and professional services. This team, including several experienced cybersecurity trainers, is dedicated to empowering cyber-defenders in Malaysia and across the region.  

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil expressed strong support for the establishment of the BlackBerry APAC HQ in Malaysia, indicating that it would serve not only Malaysia but the wider APAC region by leveraging BlackBerry’s advanced cybersecurity solutions. This initiative represents a significant step toward enhancing regional cybersecurity and driving innovation,” he noted.  

BlackBerry Plans for Cybersecurity Enhancements in Malaysia  

Recently, BlackBerry received recognition for its commitment to capacity building and cyber-resilience, winning the Cyber Security (Service) Innovation accolade at Malaysia’s Cyber Security Awards 2024 on August 8. This award reflects the company’s dedication to supporting Malaysia’s ambition of becoming a secure digital nation.  

On October 23, 2024, BlackBerry furthered its commitment to cybersecurity education in Malaysia by partnering with the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). This collaboration aims to deliver globally recognized cybersecurity training and certifications as part of the BlackBerry Cybersecurity Curriculum at the CCoE.  

With the Malaysian government focused on enhancing digital skills, the introduction of ISC2 courses and will provide valuable opportunities for professionals in the cybersecurity field.  

Han Ther Lee, Director of Education and Training at the CCoE, highlighted the importance of this partnership. As Malaysia gears up for the ‘Year of Skills’ in 2025, we are committed to working alongside the government and industry to educate and grow the nation’s cybersecurity workforce,” he said.

The courses will include critical certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professionals (CISSP) and Certified Cloud Security Professionals (CCSP), essential for strengthening national and regional cybersecurity capabilities.  

Cigdem Bildirici, Vice President of Business Development at ISC2, also expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting the vital need to bolster the cybersecurity workforce amid increasing digital connectivity and associated risks in Malaysia.  

Since its inception in March 2024, the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence has trained over 1,500 professionals, dedicating more than 8,000 hours to skill development. With the addition of ISC2 programs, the CCoE is set to expand significantly. 

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