BlackBerry, Global Affairs Canada, and Toronto Metropolitan University’s Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst have joined forces to bring world-class cybersecurity training to Malaysia. The training program, known as CLIC (Certifications for Leadership in Cybersecurity), will now be offered at the Malaysia Cybersecurity Center of Excellence. Registration is already open, and the first course will begin in November 2025.
This launch is a big moment because it’s the first time the CLIC program is being offered outside Canada. The Government of Canada is investing $3.9 million CAD into this project, which was first announced during APEC in late 2024. As part of its Indo-Pacific Strategy, Canada is working with Malaysia to boost cybersecurity knowledge and make training more affordable for people across the country.
The program is being supported by a mix of government, business, and academic groups. BlackBerry, the SANS Institute, and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission are all playing important roles. Together, they aim to turn the Malaysia Cybersecurity Center of Excellence into a major training hub for cybersecurity talent in Southeast Asia.
Tash Stamatelos, a senior leader at BlackBerry in the Asia-Pacific region, said the company is proud to help bring this education opportunity to Malaysia. She explained that the collaboration between the public and private sectors makes it easier for Malaysians to get access to important cybersecurity training and certifications.
The CLIC program is a six-month, part-time course that focuses on helping people start or grow their careers in cybersecurity. It’s open to everyone and will be offered mainly online, with some in-person activities for those who want to attend. This flexible format allows students to learn at their own pace.
Charles Finlay, the person who started the Catalyst, said bringing CLIC to Malaysia is an exciting step forward. He explained that it’s part of their mission to grow the global cybersecurity workforce and help support Canada’s broader Indo-Pacific goals. This expansion into Southeast Asia is meant to improve cybersecurity strength across the region.
The program gives students access to hands-on training, expert instructors, career guidance, and real-world skills. Along with technical knowledge, it also teaches communication, business skills, and ethics. Students who complete the program will earn two respected GIAC cybersecurity certifications GFACT and GSEC which are valued worldwide and can help open doors to new job opportunities.
Jodi Robinson, Canada’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, added that there’s a shortage of skilled cybersecurity workers around the world. She said this type of global teamwork is needed to solve the problem. Canada’s involvement shows its commitment to supporting Malaysia’s digital economy while also strengthening security and trade ties in the region.
This announcement comes as the Malaysia Cybersecurity Center of Excellence celebrates its one-year anniversary. Since opening in March 2024, the center has worked with many global organizations like CompTIA, ICS2, and the SANS Institute. It has also created programs to support women in cybersecurity and offered scholarships to help people build careers in the field.
The new training partnership with EC-Council was also recently announced. It will give civil servants in Malaysia more access to self-paced cybersecurity learning. These efforts show the country’s growing focus on building strong digital skills for the future.
Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst, which is based in Brampton, Ontario, is Canada’s top cybersecurity training center. It works with governments, businesses, and schools to create programs that help people prepare for jobs in the fast-changing tech world. Since it began in 2018, it has become known for its high-quality training and innovative solutions.
BlackBerry, headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, provides secure software for businesses and governments. Its tools help companies manage critical tasks while keeping systems safe and reliable. BlackBerry’s long history in secure communication makes it a strong partner in this global training effort.
This partnership between Canada and Malaysia is a major move to build up cybersecurity talent, close the skills gap, and make the digital world safer for everyone. Through education, cooperation, and a shared commitment to innovation, this program offers a powerful example of what can be achieved when countries work together to solve global challenges.
