BlackBerry and CompTIA Partner to Upskill Malaysia's Workforce Through Cybersecurity Center of Excellence
BlackBerry recognizes the importance of building a strong and diverse cybersecurity workforce — and that’s why we are pleased to announce a new partnership with CompTIA, the world’s leading information technology (IT) certification and training body. Together, BlackBerry and CompTIA will deliver world-class training and certification programs through the recently opened Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Malaysia.
The CompTIA news follows recent education partnerships BlackBerry formed with SANS Institute and Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst of the Toronto Metropolitan University.
To celebrate the launch of the new Cybersecurity Center of Excellence and underline our commitment to help address the cyber-skills gap in the ASEAN region, BlackBerry is offering several cybersecurity courses at the CCoE free of charge this month. See the available courses, here.
A Model for Building the Cybersecurity Workforce
“Following the recent opening of the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Malaysia and the launch of our BlackBerry Cybersecurity Curriculum, we are continuing to innovate, partner, and foster diversity in the cybersecurity ecosystem, and we are excited to offer complimentary courses until the end of May to support the nation’s efforts in bolstering cyber-resilience,” said John Dimitropoulos, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, Strategy, and Business Development at BlackBerry,
“BlackBerry’s new partnership with CompTIA shows we are moving forward in our mission to help Malaysia build cybersecurity capacity and fortify digital defenses with trained cyber professionals.”
Hairil Izwan Isamuddin, CompTIA Regional Director for Southeast Asia added, “CompTIA is grateful to be partnering with BlackBerry to narrow the gap of 12,000 cybersecurity talents in Malaysia. We are committed to being in this journey to add value and elevate the local Malaysian tech workforce via various industry, government, and academia initiatives. I believe our partnership will greatly contribute to Malaysian and both parties’ success towards our shared goals to boost cyber resilience.”
CompTIA’s ITF+, A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications are globally recognized as essential foundations for any cyber role. By making these courses available at the CCOE, BlackBerry is giving Malaysian students a clear path to enter the industry equipped with in-demand skills. It's also a big win for local businesses who will soon have access to more qualified cybersecurity talent.
Increasing Diversity in Cybersecurity
This month, BlackBerry celebrates awarding cyber scholarships for female candidates. SANS Institute and Rogers Cyber Secure Catalyst teamed up to offer three women in cyber full scholarships for the CLIC (Certifications for Leadership in Cybersecurity) training program. Three female candidates have now been selected with the course commencing earlier this month.
Diversity has always been crucial to the long-term strength of the cyber ecosystem. These scholarships will help ensure that more female leaders emerge from Malaysia. Initiatives like this actively address the gender gap that still exists in many technical fields.
Free classes through the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Malaysia through the end of May is an amazing opportunity for anyone looking to start or advance their cybersecurity career. Even introductory cyber training can spark a passion that changes lives!
