- Canada Invests C$226,000 in ASEAN cybersecurity training, announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney at the 47th ASEAN Summit, the funding will support training for 100 cyber-defenders at the BlackBerry (TSX:BB) and MCMC Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence in Cyberjaya
- The initiative includes a five-day ASEAN Week and a dedicated Women’s Program for 10 candidates, delivered in partnership with TMU’s Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst
- A new partnership aims to develop Malaysia’s next generation of cyber-leaders and software engineers, alongside major upgrades to the Cyberjaya training facility
- BlackBerry stock (TSX:BB) last traded at C$6.73
BlackBerry (TSX:BB) and the Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) have welcomed a major announcement by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, revealing an expanded commitment by Global Affairs Canada to bolster regional cybersecurity capacity across Southeast Asia. The announcement was made during the 47th ASEAN Leaders Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
Under the new initiative, Global Affairs Canada will invest C$226,000 to support the upskilling and training of 100 cyber-defenders from ASEAN member states. The training will be delivered at the BlackBerry and MCMC Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (CCoE) in Cyberjaya, Malaysia, a national hub for cyber-capacity development and regional training.
This two-year investment builds on Canada’s C$3.9 million commitment announced in 2024, which aimed to train 3,500 cybersecurity professionals, with a target of 25 per cent female participation. The CCoE has already trained over 5,500 individuals, delivering over 36,000 hours of instruction across more than 55 courses, in partnership with global certification bodies such as SANS, ISC2, CompTIA, and EC-Council.
The new funding will support specialized programming in 2026, including a five-day ASEAN Week from February 9–13, featuring both technical and non-technical tracks. A dedicated Women’s Program will also be launched for 10 candidates from ASEAN, in collaboration with Toronto Metropolitan University’s Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst.
BlackBerry and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on October 27, also during the ASEAN Summit. The multi-year partnership aims to cultivate Malaysia’s next generation of cyber-leaders and embedded software engineers. The collaboration will provide UKM students and faculty with access to cybersecurity and software development training, internships, research grants, and globally recognized certifications.
The CCoE facility is undergoing a transformative upgrade, including the addition of high-performance labs, a cyber “war room,” a Security Operations Centre (SOC) simulator, and interactive kiosks. These enhancements will offer immersive, real-world training experiences, complementing the centre’s flexible in-person and online learning options.
“The MCMC and BlackBerry Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence is a vital hub for developing cyber talent both nationally and across the region, and we are proud to join with the Government of Canada and Malaysia to enhance the curriculum and increase access to cyber training,” BlackBerry’s CEO, John Giamatteo said in a news release. “As we continue to innovate and enhance the facility, participants from Malaysia and ASEAN will also benefit from hands-on experience to better prepare them for the real-world of cybersecurity.”
Global Affairs Canada oversees the country’s diplomatic and consular affairs, promotes international trade, and leads efforts in global development and humanitarian aid. As part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, the department works to advance national interests and uphold Canadian values in the region, with a focus on reinforcing international norms and legal standards.
BlackBerry Ltd. offers intelligent security software and services to enterprises and governments worldwide. The company leverages AI and machine learning to deliver cybersecurity, safety and data privacy solutions.
BlackBerry stock (TSX:BB) last traded up 0.45 per cent at C$6.73 and has risen 28.04 per cent since the year began and is up 100.00 per cent since this time last year.
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