Highlights 

  • Five-day Women in Cyber Leadership Program scheduled for January 2026 in Malaysia. 
  • Joint initiative by Global Affairs Canada, BlackBerry, and Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst. 
  • Program to develop 40 ASEAN professionals for leadership roles in cybersecurity. 

BlackBerry LimitedTSX:BB, together with Global Affairs Canada and Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst at Toronto Metropolitan University, announced the launch of theWomen in Cyber Leadership Program.The initiative is designed to support the advancement of womencybersecurityprofessionals into leadership positions across Malaysia and ASEAN member states. 

Applications are now open for the course, which will run from January 26–30, 2026, at the MCMC and BlackBerry Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Cyberjaya, Malaysia. The intensive five-day program will focus on building leadership, cyber risk management, and governance capabilities among mid-level professionals. 

Addressing Regional Cybersecurity Gaps 

The program aims to address the limited representation of women in cybersecurity leadership across the Indo-Pacific region. Despite growing digital threats, women continue to hold a small proportion of senior roles in the field. This initiative also supports Malaysia’s broader goals to diversify leadership in cybersecurity and strengthen the region’s digital ecosystem. 

Jaclyn Sim, Senior Manager of Cybersecurity Technical Training at BlackBerry, stated: 

“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. 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.” 

Curriculum and Learning Components 

The program combines theoretical instruction with applied learning in areas such as regional threat analysis, cybersecurity governance, and executive communication. Participants will engage in tabletop simulations, group projects, and sessions led by industry experts. Upon completion, they will receive a certificate recognizing their advanced leadership competencies. 

Charles Finlay, Founding Executive Director of the Catalyst, said: 

“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. 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.” 

Funding and Participation Information 

The program is funded by the Government of Canada under its Anti-Crime and Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program. Travel bursaries covering transportation, lodging, and meals will be available for selected ASEAN nominees residing outside Malaysia. Approximately 40 participants are expected to take part in the inaugural session. 

The announcement follows Canada’s recent commitment at the 47th ASEAN Summit to expand cybersecurity capacity-building efforts across the Indo-Pacific region. Under this initiative, Global Affairs Canada is contributing CAD 226,000 to train 100 mid-level government and civil society professionals in cybersecurity management through the MCMC and BlackBerry CCoE in Cyberjaya.