Malaysia: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), in collaboration with BlackBerry Ltd today launched Cyber Pathways, a professional cybersecurity certification programme designed to strengthen Malaysia's pipeline of job-ready cybersecurity talent. The launch marks the first major milestone in BlackBerry and UKM's multi-year agreement to help bolster cyber-resilience in ASEAN.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Cyber Pathways is designed for recent graduates and professionals seeking to transition into cybersecurity, addressing the growing demand for skilled talent in Malaysia's expanding digital economy. It is expected to produce highly skilled cyber-professionals equipped with industry-recognised certifications, practical competencies, and direct exposure to real-world cybersecurity requirements.
UKM Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Sufian Jusoh stated that the collaboration reflects a strategic commitment by academic and industry partners to strengthen the integration of knowledge and industry expertise. The structured professional cybersecurity training aims to develop future-ready talent capable of addressing evolving cyber threats in an increasingly complex global digital environment.
Aligned with the evolving digital landscape, the demand for cybersecurity talent continues to grow across the technology sector, multiple industries, and critical national services. Cyber Pathways helps to address this gap while giving participants opportunities to build strong professional networks and direct access to career pathways in one of Malaysia's most critical sectors, he added.
Meanwhile, BlackBerry chief executive officer John Giamatteo emphasized the need for a skilled future workforce capable of defending against tomorrow's threats, highlighting the importance of industry-academia initiatives like BlackBerry's collaboration with UKM. 'We are proud to join UKM to launch Cyber Pathways to budding students who will become this nation's frontline of defence, protecting critical industries, infrastructure, and citizens,' he said.
The new 24-week programme offers a stackable three-tier structure comprising Cyber Protection, Cyber Management, and Cyber Security to help Malaysia strengthen its preparedness against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.