BlackBerry establishes Asia Pacific cybersecurity hub in Malaysia

[MALAYSIA] BlackBerry Limited has announced the establishment of its Cybersecurity division's regional headquarters for the Asia Pacific region in Malaysia. This strategic decision underscores the country's growing importance in the global cybersecurity arena and BlackBerry's commitment to expanding its presence in the region.

The new headquarters, now fully operational, is strategically located in the Cyberjaya area of Kuala Lumpur. This choice of location is no coincidence, as Cyberjaya is known for its proximity to key emerging technology hubs and government infrastructure, making it an ideal base for BlackBerry's regional operations.

A Milestone in BlackBerry's APAC Strategy

This move marks a crucial milestone in BlackBerry's Asia Pacific strategy. By positioning itself in Malaysia, the company is not only tapping into a burgeoning market but also aligning itself with the country's ambitious digital transformation goals.

Tash Stamatelos, Vice President of BlackBerry Cybersecurity in APAC, emphasized the strategic importance of this decision: "Malaysia is a strategically important market for BlackBerry, and we are proud to establish our new APAC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur as part of our regional expansion plans".

Strengthening Ties with the Malaysian Government

The establishment of the regional headquarters is not an isolated event but part of a broader commitment to Malaysia. It follows a landmark cybersecurity deal announced in November 2023, where BlackBerry collaborated with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to establish the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCoE).

This world-class training facility aims to upskill the nation's workforce, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity. The CCoE is a testament to BlackBerry's dedication to not just establishing a presence in Malaysia, but actively contributing to the country's digital ecosystem.

Malaysia's Rising Profile in ASEAN

BlackBerry's decision to choose Malaysia as its regional hub comes at a pivotal time for the country. As Malaysia prepares to assume the Chair of ASEAN in 2024, the move highlights the nation's growing influence in regional affairs, particularly in the realm of digital transformation and cybersecurity.

Stamatelos acknowledged this, stating, "As the nation becomes Chair of ASEAN in 2024, we commend Malaysia's efforts in advancing digital transformation and regional cooperation in areas like cybersecurity, and ongoing investment in skills, innovation and infrastructure to advance its economy".

The Malaysian Government's Perspective

The Malaysian government has warmly welcomed BlackBerry's decision. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "I welcome the decision to set up this regional headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. This will not only benefit Malaysia but will enable the region to take advantage of the cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions offered by BlackBerry".

This endorsement from a high-ranking government official underscores the alignment between BlackBerry's goals and Malaysia's national digital agenda.

The BlackBerry Office at Malaysia CCoE

The new regional headquarters is more than just a symbolic gesture. It houses a diverse and skilled team that includes professionals from various domains crucial to BlackBerry's operations in the region. The team comprises:

• Sales and marketing professionals
• Threat research experts
• Technical support specialists
• Professional services staff
• Administration and management personnel
• Skilled cybersecurity trainers

This multidisciplinary team is poised to support cyber-defenders not just from Malaysia but from across the region, further cementing Malaysia's position as a cybersecurity hub in Asia Pacific.

Building a Trusted Ecosystem

BlackBerry's investment in Malaysia goes beyond mere business expansion. It's about building a trusted ecosystem that attracts global companies and fosters innovation. Stamatelos highlighted this aspect, noting, "This is building a trusted ecosystem that is attractive for global companies like BlackBerry to invest and operate in, and we are excited about our journey ahead with Malaysia as our regional APAC hub".

Malaysia's Year of Skills and BlackBerry's Role

The timing of BlackBerry's expansion aligns perfectly with Malaysia's national priorities. With 2025 designated as the Year of Skills by Malaysia, there's a strong focus on developing a highly skilled, future-ready workforce. BlackBerry's presence and its involvement in initiatives like the CCoE directly contribute to this national goal, helping to create a pool of cybersecurity experts ready to tackle the challenges of the digital age.

Recognition and Future Prospects

BlackBerry's commitment to Malaysia has not gone unnoticed. The company was recently awarded the Cyber Security (Service) Innovation accolade at Malaysia's Cyber Security Awards 2024. This recognition underscores BlackBerry's significant contributions to building capacity and skills, boosting cyber-resilience, and supporting Malaysia's journey to becoming a secure digital nation.

Implications for the Asia Pacific Region

While the focus is on Malaysia, the implications of BlackBerry's move extend across the Asia Pacific region. As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated and borderless, having a major player like BlackBerry establish its regional headquarters in Malaysia positions the country as a key node in the regional cybersecurity network.

BlackBerry's decision to establish its Asia Pacific cybersecurity headquarters in Malaysia is a win-win situation for both the company and the country. For BlackBerry, it provides a strategic base in a rapidly growing market with strong government support. For Malaysia, it brings in expertise, creates high-skilled jobs, and enhances the country's position as a tech hub in the region.

As digital transformation continues to reshape economies and societies across Asia Pacific, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated. With its new regional headquarters in Malaysia, BlackBerry is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping the cybersecurity landscape of the region for years to come.