- Collaboration focuses on cybersecurity, embedded systems and Industry 5.0 talent development in Sarawak
- Partnership aims to support high-growth sectors including semiconductors, EVs, robotics and industrial automation
BlackBerry CEO John Giamatteo and Prof. Dr. Sufian Jusoh, vice chancellor of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), met with Sarawak premier Dr Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Abang Haji Openg to reaffirm a shared commitment to advancing the state’s digital growth through innovation, skills training and talent development in cybersecurity, secure communications and embedded software engineering.
The meeting highlighted growing collaboration between government, industry and academia to strengthen Malaysia’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem and develop a workforce aligned with Industry 4.0 foundations while supporting Industry 5.0 transformation priorities.
Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari said Sarawak remains focused on accelerating digital transformation and building a workforce capable of supporting the state’s transition into high-value, technology-driven industries.
“Today’s meeting underlines our focus on deepening Sarawak’s collaboration with industry and academia, strengthening our capabilities in secure and advanced technologies, while supporting our broader ambitions in digital infrastructure, smart industries and sustainable economic growth,” he said.
BlackBerry, which operates its Asia Pacific regional headquarters in Malaysia, and UKM signed a strategic agreement in October 2025 to help strengthen Malaysia’s digital talent pipeline, industry competitiveness and cyber resilience across Asean.
The latest engagement signals a continued commitment by both parties to support Sarawak’s digital economy ambitions through long-term capability development and industry collaboration.
The collaboration will focus on high-growth sectors including semiconductors, electric vehicles, robotics and advanced industrial automation, which are expected to play a growing role in Sarawak’s economic development.
These efforts are aligned with Sarawak’s broader ambitions to strengthen digital infrastructure, energy innovation and smart industrial ecosystems while positioning the state as a competitive hub for high-value investments and technology-driven growth.
The partnership also places strong emphasis on developing Sarawak-based talent pipelines, including opportunities for students, researchers and early-career professionals to gain industry-relevant skills in cybersecurity and embedded systems.
BlackBerry and UKM will also explore collaborations with agencies such as the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation and local higher education institutions in line with Sarawak’s Post-Covid Development Strategy 2030 to accelerate digital economy growth and high-value job creation.
Giamatteo said BlackBerry and UKM are committed to helping Malaysia’s future workforce prepare for increasingly software-defined industries.
“As automotive, robotics and medical device manufacturing become increasingly software-defined, tomorrow’s workforce must be equipped with the skills and technical know-how to make an immediate impact from day one of their careers,” he said.
BlackBerry’s QNX software platform is currently embedded in more than 275 million vehicles worldwide and is widely used across automotive, robotics, medical and industrial systems.
Under its agreement with UKM, BlackBerry will offer its global QNX Everywhere initiative to students pursuing careers in AI, robotics, medical technology and automotive industries.
The programme aims to expand access to QNX technologies and help address the growing global shortage of skilled software engineers.
Prof. Dr. Sufian said the partnership combines UKM’s strengths in education and applied research with BlackBerry’s global expertise to help develop industry-ready talent for Malaysia’s evolving digital economy.
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