BlackBerry Limited (NYSE:BB)(TSX:BB), in partnership with Global Affairs Canada and Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst at Toronto Metropolitan University, has announced the launch of the Women in Cyber Leadership Program, a new initiative designed to equip women cybersecurity professionals across Malaysia and ASEAN member states with the skills and leadership capabilities needed to advance in the field.
The five-day course, set to run from 26–30 January 2026 at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and BlackBerry Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCoE) in Cyberjaya, will be offered at no cost to participants. The programme aims to help close a critical leadership gap in the Indo-Pacific’s cybersecurity workforce by empowering women in mid-level positions to step into senior and executive roles.
Applications are now open, with approximately 40 women from ASEAN member states expected to take part. Funded by the Government of Canada through its Anti-Crime and Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program, the course will also provide travel bursaries covering accommodation, transportation and meals for selected participants based outside Malaysia.
“It is inspiring to see so many women participating in skills training and globally-certified courses at the MCMC and BlackBerry Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Malaysia, but there is more work to be done as an industry to grow opportunities for women in cyber leadership roles across the region,” said Jaclyn Sim, Senior Manager, Cybersecurity Technical Training at BlackBerry. “As well as boosting regional cyber-resilience, this public-private sector initiative delivered in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada and the Catalyst, can help to open doors for women to lead, influence, and shape the future of cybersecurity.”
The programme’s curriculum blends practical exercises with strategic analysis, focusing on topics such as cyber risk management, regional threat assessment, governance frameworks, executive leadership, and communication. Participants will take part in simulation exercises, collaborative projects, and workshops led by global cybersecurity experts and regional leaders. The course will conclude with a certificate recognising advanced leadership achievement.
“Cybersecurity is strongest when the people shaping it reflect the communities it protects, and it is encouraging to see Malaysia taking such proactive action to grow a more diverse and inclusive cybersecurity workforce,” said Charles Finlay, Founding Executive Director of the Catalyst. “We are proud to work with Global Affairs Canada and BlackBerry to support this effort, and create pathways for talented women in the Indo-Pacific to pursue leadership roles in one of the world’s fastest growing sectors.”
The announcement builds on commitments made by Canadian Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Mark Carney, during the 47th ASEAN Summit, where Canada pledged CAD $226,000 to enhance cybersecurity capacity-building across the Indo-Pacific. The funding will be used to upskill 100 government and civil society professionals in mid-level management through training initiatives delivered via the MCMC and BlackBerry CCoE.
The Women in Cyber Leadership Program supports Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen digital resilience, promote diversity in technology leadership, and advance its digital economy goals. Interested professionals can apply via the BlackBerry CCoE website, with successful candidates to be notified in December 2025.
