Ministry channeling resources to produce digital-savvy citizens
KUALA LUMPUR: The Communications and Multimedia Ministry is looking into ways and means to ensure that resources are channelled towards producing connected and digital-savvy citizens who can make their mark in the world of electronic sports (eSports) and contribute to the nation’s growth.
Its Deputy Minister, Datuk Jailani Johari said this included initiatives, carried out through its agencies, ranging from addressing infrastructure and connectivity requirements to improving speeds and prices, championing games development, right up to providing a commercialisation platform for developers.
“In addition, there have also been cross-sectoral support to set up eSports academies in the country.
“In February, the Asia Pacific University launched its academy and just recently, the Academy of eSports (AEOS) in Iskandar was officially opened for registration,” he told reporters at The Biggest Mobile Game Tournament In Malaysia’s Prize Giving Ceremony organised by Celcom yesterday.
Jailani said this would allow the ministry not only to identify talents, but to educate, polish and train them to generate generations of gamers with a solid career path.
“The programmes offered are endorsed and recognised by experienced coaches and players who take a hands-on approach in sharing insights, tips and advice to the students,” he said.
For the initiative to succeed, he said it needed the combined effort of all the stakeholders in order to create a vibrant ecosystem that would support eSports.
“While the achievements of this tournament deserve praise, it is particularly noteworthy when we see that it is based on a locallydeveloped mobile game,” he said, adding that the success of the tournament showed how stakeholders could come together to serve the nation’s agenda.
Jailani said he aspired to see more support from the industry towards local technopreneurs in an effort to grow the country’s digital economy and provide high-income jobs in developing a knowledgebased Malaysian society.
“Beyond that, the success of this tournament is also evidence that collaborations such as this can also be a profitable business model and one that other companies might do well to emulate and create new revenue streams,” he said.