Esports has changed notion of what sports is, says MP

KOTA SAMARAHAN: The surge in modern technology has spawned a new era of gaming on mobile devices and computers, and changed the conventional notion of sports, says Kota Samarahan MP Datuk Rubiah Wang.

The Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister adds that while sports is synonymous with physical activity, this is not the case with esports, which involves different skill sets.

“In tandem with this development, the government supports the holding of esports competitions such as this ‘Samarahan Esports Championship X Culture and Digital’,” she said in closing the event at Summer Mall here last weekend, where MPF Legacy XP emerged winner in the ‘PUBG Mobile’ competition; Foxura in ‘Mobile Legends: Bang Bang’; and Kagura in ‘EA Sports FC’.

Rubiah said apart from identifying new gaming talents, the event sought to highlight the diverse local culture and heritage, with an eye on boosting the country’s tourism sector.

“I take this opportunity to call upon all community leaders, department heads, federal and state agencies, non-governmental organisations and the society to continue empowering and preserving our arts, culture and heritage to the best of our abilities.”

Meanwhile, Samarahan Resident Mohamad Irwan Bahari Bujang said the theme of the programme embodied efforts to preserve and promote culture and heritage among the youth amidst the current era of digitalisation.

“The main objective of organising this programme is fostering a spirit of unity among the youths from various ethnicities from all over the Samarahan region.

“Furthermore, this programme serves as a platform for young enthusiasts of electronic gaming to showcase their individual talents and expertise.

“For young children, we arrange for a digital colouring competition to introduce them to the digital realm, whereby participants will use tablets, deviating from the conventional method of colouring on paper”, he said in his speech.

Also present at the closing ceremony was Simunjan assemblyman Awla Dris.

— Photo by Roystein Emmor Rubiah (fifth right) presents the mock cheque for RM2,500 to members of MPF Legacy XP for winning the PUBG Mobile competition.