Esports Integrated (ESI) – a new initiative under the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) powered by Impact Integrated – has announced their roadmap and core focus in catalysing a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive Esports ecosystem in Malaysia at today’s press conference.
Minister of Youth and Sports, Yang Berhormat Dato’ Sri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, who officiated the event said “KBS is proud to work together with ESI to build The National Esports Roadmap, catalysing the growth of Esports industry in Malaysia. With the rise of Esports in the region, these initiatives will not only create opportunities to upskill our youth but also provide a platform to develop and improve the Esports industry in the country”.
Ahmed Faris Amir, CEO of Impact Integrated introduced the key initiatives in Phase One of the National Esports Roadmap. In his statement he said, “We are proud to support the nation in building the Esports industry. ESI’s vision is to create a vibrant and sustainable ecosystem that enables growth, ensures protection and fosters diversity for Esports players of all levels in Malaysia.”
With a focus on building an integrated structure, ESI will be rolling out the following initiatives in Phase One of the roadmap:
- A platform to manage and centralise the Esports ecosystem. The platform will include a fully online tournament engine.
- Launch the formation of the Malaysia Esports Circuit consisting of the Malaysia Esports Championship and the Malaysia Esports League with points from these major tournaments feeding into the centralised platform.
- Introducing the Esports Conference series, a yearly event with the first edition slated for later this year. The 2-day Esports Conference will aim to provide networking opportunities and serve as a platform for discussion, leading towards a larger scale summit attracting regional industry actors in the years to come.
- Advocating for a better regulatory framework and guidelines to drive positive change within the industry.
As part of the long-term plan for the National Esports Roadmap, ESI will also be developing a Capacity Building programme. Slated to begin in 2021, the programme will focus on upskilling tournament and event organizers, team managers and coaches to raise the nation’s Esports professional standard.
ESI also revealed that they will be creating KBS’s official Esports Hub in Spacerubix, Puchong. Projected for completion in 2021, more than just a tournament or event venue, the hub will be a training ground for professional and amateur Esports players alike and an area for networking for players, coaches and industry players.
With these initiatives, ESI hopes to bring together players, organisers, brands and game developers; creating a community to ensure the growth of Esports throughout Malaysia. ESI’s partners include Malaysia Electronic Sport Federation (MESF), Techninier, eGG Network, VC Media & Consultancy (VCMC) and Geek Fam.
Held at the Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, the event concluded with a Mobile Legends: Bang Bang charity showdown featuring the nation’s top Esports players which was livestreamed on ESI’s Facebook page. Players include Mohamad Haqqani Bin Jaffar (Jepv), Mohd Zul Hisham Bin Mohd Noor (Xorn), Amirul Shafiq Bin Mohd Amir (Feekz), Poon Kok Sing (Veki), Natasha Hidayah binti Hashim (Tashbunny), Adam Faiz (Spartanker), Ku Izawan bin Ku Majid (Chiko), Jaa Suzuran (Jaasuzuran), Mohammad Hamdi bin Abu Bakar (MakDi) and Erin Karra (Karra).
For more information on ESI’s National Esports Roadmap plans visit their:
- Website – www.esportsintegrated.com
- ESI’s Facebook – www.facebook.com/esportsintegrated
