MES out to change public perception
CHANGING public perception, especially among parents, has been a major stumbling block for the esports industry over the years.
But the negative connotation attached to gaming could soon change with the debut of competitions such as the Malaysia Esports Series (MES) which is set to run its inaugural season on March 26-April 4.
MES, launched in Putrajaya yesterday by Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, is the first Malaysian esports competition series to have the support of three ministries — Sports Ministry, Health Ministry and the Ministry of Higher Education — as well as the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).
The competition — which will feature FIFA2021, Mobile Legend Bang Bang and PUBG categories — is organised by My Events International and THQ
Esports Club.
A RM100,000 prize purse awaits the winners.
MES organising chairman Aimanulhaq Zaharudin, 21, said he is hoping to help take esports a step in the right direction with the competition.
“The biggest challenge I faced in organising this competition was gaining the blessings of my parents, who were not too keen on the idea,” said the braces-clad Aimanulhaq.
“We are hoping to promote esports and convince more people that gaming is a potentially lucrative career option and not just a hobby or a waste of time.
“We also intend to provide a platform to not only discover and groom new talent through MES but also to retain talented players in the sport.”
Aimanulhaq added that he is hoping to expand the competition to include more games in future editions.
There are also plans to expand the competition to the Southeast Asian region over the coming seasons.
Reezal assured that his ministry remain committed to growing esports in Malaysia with a three-pronged approach.
“I am continuing what my predecessor, Yang Berhormat Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman had started and we are focusing on three key strategies to promote esports,” said Reezal.
“The first is to ensure that esports can be played extensively by Malaysians throughout the country, regardless of where they are.
“The second is to develop elite level stars who can do the nation proud at international competitions.
“Esports has already been included in the Sea Games and more recently was added to the Asian Games.
“It is not impossible that esports could make its debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“The third is to see the economic spin-off effect from esports. This can become a new tool for wealth creation for the younger generation.”
Sponsorship, which has been scarce for many conventional sports since Covid-19 struck, has not been an issue for MES.
MYE.G Services Berhad, Berjaya Corporation Berhad, Starbucks, Kenny Rogers Roasters, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Tenaga Nasional, Ehsan Waterparks, Perkeso and Dataprep Holdings are among the big names sponsoring the series.