Jaclyn Sim is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with over 18 years of specialized experience in Identity & Access Management and Mobile App Security. Her career has encompassed pivotal roles in support, sales, and team management. She is a respected speaker at numerous industry events, known for her expertise in sales and impactful presentations. Beyond her professional achievements, Jaclyn is a passionate advocate for cybersecurity. She was the President of the ISC2 Malaysia chapter for 2024 and now serves as the Sub-committee in Women Mentorship & Growth for ISC2 Malaysia Chapter. Jaclyn is the Senior Manager of Cybersecurity Technical Training at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and BlackBerry Malaysia Cybersecurity Center of ExcellenceThrough a partnership between BlackBerry, the Government of Canada, and the Catalyst, Jaclyn supports the design and delivery of the Catalyst’s training offerings at the CCoE.
From cyber talent to trailblazers: Jaclyn Sim’s mission to redefine women’s leadership in the ASEAN’s digital future
Two decades into her career in cybersecurity, Jaclyn Sim, senior manager at BlackBerry’s Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCoE), is drawn back to an early memory that defined her commitment to supporting and empowering women in the digital space. “I still remember walking into a customer meeting with a male colleague, and people immediately assumed I was the salesperson and my colleague was the technical one.” It was a transformative moment, which Jaclyn cites as the reason why she is so passionate about women in cybersecurity.
She sees her role in the community as building not only women’s skills but especially their confidence. “It was such a small moment, but it says so much about the perceptions women still face.” It follows that Jaclyn is committed to the launch of the Women in Cyber Leadership Program, set to gather women across Malaysia and the broader ASEAN region early next year. “I want to change how people see women in cyber” she says.
Over five days, this intensive program will equip participants with the strategic, technical, and communication skills to manage digital risk and lead effectively in today’s evolving cybersecurity landscape. The program is delivered in partnership between Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst at Toronto Metropolitan University, the Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Blackberry Malaysia Cybersecurity Center of Excellence and the Government of Canada.
For me, when a woman succeeds, it’s personal. It means that the next generation will walk into the same room and be recognized for their expertise right away.
Addressing a critical gap
The need for this program became clear upon observing a significant gender gap, not just in technical positions but in leadership. Jaclyn chalks the shortcomings up not to a lack of capability, but to a lack of visibility, mentorship, and support networks tailored to women’s professional growth. The feedback from early outreach was consistent: women needed a safe platform to build confidence, share experiences, and learn leadership skills. The result was an opportunity to nurture a community of women leaders who can influence cybersecurity policy across the ASEAN region.
The Catalyst, in partnership with Blackberry Limited and Global Affairs Canada, offers the Women in Cyber Leadership Program to help address a critical workforce challenge. Women remain significantly underrepresented in cybersecurity leadership roles, despite the Indo-Pacific region facing an escalating digital threat landscape and shortage in human cyber capital. It also aligns with Malaysia’s goals to foster more diverse leadership in cybersecurity and strengthen the region’s digital economy.
“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,” added Charles Finlay, Founding Executive Director of the Catalyst. “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,” says Finlay.
Immersive human-oriented learning in Cyberjaya
The inaugural program is set to take place in Cyberjaya, Malaysia, in January 2026. The immersive format is ideal for professionals with demanding schedules. “Such an intensive format allows them to step away from their daily routines and fully engage,” says Jaclyn. The model ensures continuity and fosters a shared sense of purpose, enabling participants to build a strong support network that will endure beyond the classroom.
Jaclyn says, “We are very intentional about integrating both the technical and human elements.” In practice, this means every technical topic is paired with leadership and communication components. “We bring in the technical alongside leadership to help women see how strategic thinking, empathy, and influence complement technical competence,” Jaclyn explains. For these women, it’s not just about cybersecurity frameworks; it’s about how to lead people.
From personal experience to professional mission
Jaclyn draws from her early career experience; at the time, she struggled with confidence. “I was sure that my technical knowledge was right,” she says, “but I didn’t have the confidence to speak up.” Now, she speaks assertively and with wisdom, stating that human skills are essential. The most rewarding part of her work is building relationships. “It makes me so happy when people say, ‘I use this product because of you, Jaclyn.’ I think, ‘Wow, they trust me.’”
The program is specifically designed for mid-level women professionals poised for the next step — those already managing teams or shaping their organization’s security strategy in critical sectors like finance and government. “We’re looking for individuals who demonstrate openness, people who are curious, collaborative, and willing to both share and listen,” says Jaclyn. The program is not just about Malaysia; it encompasses the whole ASEAN region.
We’re not just learning something from our country,” says Jaclyn, who was born in Malaysia. “We are learning something from other countries.
Building a movement
Jaclyn has noticed that many women plateau mid-career, not for lack of skill, but because they don’t have access to the same networks or sponsorship that help others advance. Cybersecurity leadership is often seen as a male-dominated space. “I have met many talented women who admit they felt intimidated stepping into rooms where they might be the only woman,” she says.
Another issue is the lack of flexible structures that allow women to balance demanding work with family responsibilities. To test the theory, she organized a women-only networking event on a weekend morning instead of a weeknight. “Surprisingly, I had a lot of registration,” she says. “More women came than participants who attended the mixed-gender event.” It’s not technical skills women lack; it’s support and connection.
When the woman who came to learn is now leading and inspiring others, I think that is the real impact. It will mean a lot to see the network we built become a movement of women who lift each other up.
What keeps Jaclyn up at night is not whether the program runs smoothly, but whether it’s truly making a difference. “We are not just giving them knowledge but also the confidence and visibility to take the next step,” she says. For Jaclyn, the program can’t end at the closing ceremony. It must be something that continues to grow, with alumni supporting one another and mentoring the next generation.
“For me, success five years from now is not just about the number of women we have trained, but seeing these women take their place at the table. I want to see them leading cybersecurity teams, advising national policies, and sitting on boards,” says Jaclyn. The program builds a connected, capable, and diverse community of women leaders ready to shape the region’s cyber future.
It actually opens doors, shifts perceptions, and creates lasting change in how women can lead in cybersecurity.