BlackBerry, TalentCorp partner to support Malaysia’s drive to advance cyber talent

• ‘CyberNext’ offers free courses for students, lecturers at CCoE in Cyberjaya
• Several programs designed to prepare workers at different levels for a range of roles

BlackBerry Ltd announced on Tues 6 May, a new partnership with Talent Corp Malaysia to launch the CyberNext Program, a national initiative designed to equip Malaysian students and educators with essential cybersecurity skills in a risky digital era. As the Malaysia Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCoE) marks its first year with a special open day event on Thurs 8 May, BlackBerry and TalentCorp, with support from CCoE training partners ISC2 and CompTIA, will offer free cybersecurity training for 1,000 students and 250 lecturers at the world-class facility, commencing from July.

The CyberNext Program is designed to support the Malaysian Government’s ongoing efforts to upskill local talent and strengthen national cyber resilience, in line with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent emphasis on fostering local cybersecurity talent and digital sovereignty as a top national priority.

“We are proud to join forces with TalentCorp to empower Malaysia’s next generation of cyber defenders to be better prepared for tomorrow’s threats,” said Jaclyn Sim, BlackBerry’s Training Manager at the CCoE. “As the CCoE marks one year of operations, the CyberNext initiative is one of several programs designed to prepare workers at different levels for a wide range of roles, supporting Malaysia in its efforts to develop local cybersecurity talent, boost capacity and become a recognized leader in the region.”

Offered in two six-month phases over a year, CyberNext augments ongoing tertiary education with structured, hands-on learning experiences — from beginner to intermediate levels — focused on practical skills, role-based education, and professional certification at a global standard.

“Our collaboration with BlackBerry reflects TalentCorp’s mandate to address critical skills gaps and future-proof Malaysia’s workforce,” said Badrie Abdullah, Talent Principal at TalentCorp. “Professionals with cybersecurity skills are consistently in high demand, as identified in TalentCorp’s Critical Occupations List; yet the local supply remains limited. Through the CyberNext Programme, we are embedding world-class training into the national talent pipeline, equipping both students and educators with industry-aligned, future-relevant capabilities.”

The CyberNext Program, developed by BlackBerry in collaboration with TalentCorp, aims to:

• Bridge the cybersecurity skills gap through structured learning paths from foundational to intermediate levels.
• Empower students with hands-on cybersecurity training, real-world knowledge, and globally recognized certification opportunities.
• Enhance career paths by equipping students with in-demand practical skills for the cybersecurity industry.
• Upskill lecturers through tailored training sessions that reflect the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies.
• Support Malaysia’s cybersecurity ecosystem by producing job-ready professionals and fostering stronger university-industry collaboration.

An ‘open day’ with various events has been lined up to mark the first anniversary of the Malaysia CCoE. Students, educators, government and industry professionals invited to tour the facility and learn more about the wide range of programs and opportunities in cyber; hear from industry experts in  panels; experience live competitions and innovative demos (including how mobile phone communications can be compromised), along with exhibition booths and games.

Established in Malaysia, the BlackBerry CCoE serves as a hub for cybersecurity education, skills development, and ecosystem building. The curriculum offers industry certifications, role-based and practical training, professional coaching and mentorship and a knowledge-sharing community for learners and professionals.  

Information on the CCoE and courses available can be viewed here.