Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, Youth and Sports Minister recently announced Malaysia’s first blueprint on the development of electronic sports (eSports). The blueprint is expected to be ready by April this year.
A special committee is involved in drawing up the blueprint, which includes eSports enthusiasts and industry personalities. The blueprint was set up through the National Sports Council (MSN) and will allow for structured planning and implementation of Esports programs for integrated development.
According to Syed Saddiq, the blueprint will focus on five main strategies. The five strategies are:
- Nurturing athletes in eSports
- Advancement of the eSports industry
- Providing better eSports facilities to attract investors
- Building public awareness and promoting responsible games
- Instilling good governance and administration in the eSports industry.
The minister further added that eSports would create job opportunities for locals and boost the country’s economy through technology and tourism. As an example, Razer is one of the largest eSports company. It recently opened a new headquarter in Malaysia and employs more than 280 youths.
As of now, the ministry is working with eSports Malaysia Association (ESM) to organize eSports competitions to scout for national players that would best represent Malaysia in the upcoming SEA Games 2019.
(Source: Bernama, Malaysiakini)
