BlackBerry and TalentCorp have joined forces to launch CyberNext, a national program offering free cybersecurity training to 1,000 students and 250 lecturers in Malaysia, strengthening local digital resilience. The announcement coincides with the first anniversary of Malaysia’s Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCoE).
MALAYSIA, 7 MAY 2025 – In a major push to close the cybersecurity skills gap in Malaysia, BlackBerry Limited and Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp) have unveiled the CyberNext Program, a national initiative to provide free cybersecurity training to 1,000 students and 250 lecturers, beginning this July.
The program was announced ahead of the Malaysia Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCoE) Open Day, taking place this Thursday, 8 May, as the CCoE celebrates its first anniversary. Supported by global certification bodies ISC2 and CompTIA, the CyberNext Program is designed to elevate Malaysia’s cyber capabilities in line with national goals for digital sovereignty and workforce development.
“We are proud to join forces with TalentCorp to empower Malaysia’s next generation of cyber defenders,” said Jaclyn Sim, Training Manager at BlackBerry CCoE. “CyberNext is one of several world-class programs helping to develop job-ready talent and strengthen Malaysia’s cybersecurity ecosystem.”
Delivered in two six-month phases, the program will offer beginner to intermediate level cybersecurity training, integrating hands-on experience, global certifications, and role-based learning. It supports both students and lecturers with up-to-date, industry-relevant training.
Badrie Abdullah, Talent Principal at TalentCorp, highlighted the urgency of developing cyber talent: “Cybersecurity is among the top skills in demand, but local supply is still lagging. Through CyberNext, we’re embedding global-standard training directly into Malaysia’s talent pipeline.”
The initiative aligns with Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s emphasis on digital sovereignty and developing future-ready local talent, as part of the country’s national digital and economic transformation agenda.
CyberNext Program Objectives:
- Bridge the cybersecurity skills gap with foundational and intermediate training.
- Equip students with globally recognized certifications and real-world skills.
- Upskill educators with the latest in cybersecurity trends and teaching tools.
- Strengthen career paths and employability in the cybersecurity sector.
- Foster collaboration between universities and industry to produce job-ready professionals.
The CyberNext announcement comes in conjunction with the Malaysia CCoE Open Day, where attendees can engage in expert panels, explore interactive demos, participate in cybersecurity competitions, and tour the first-of-its-kind regional training hub in Cyberjaya.
Established by BlackBerry, the Malaysia CCoE offers a comprehensive curriculum including role-based training, global certifications, coaching, and community support for aspiring and current cybersecurity professionals.
