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As esports grows in Malaysia, the Malaysian Ministry of Youth Sports (KBS) is set to help build the esports ecosystem within the country with Esports Integrated (ESI), a collaboration with Impact Integrated.

At a press conference, ESI shared with the media plans under their Phase One initiative that will focus on building an integrated structure for esports athletes.

The initiatives include a platform to manage and centralise the esports ecosystem, which will include an online tournament engine, forming the Malaysia Esports Circuit, introducing the Esports Conference and Summit series later this year, and advocating for a better regulatory framework and guidelines.

ESI plans ahead

In the long run, ESI will be developing a Capacity Building programme for upskilling of players and expanding the reach of its tournaments. An official Esports Hub for events, training of professional and amateur athletes, and networking for those within the industry, is slated to be completed in 2021 as well.

“KBS is proud to work together with ESI to build The National Esports Roadmap, catalysing the growth of the Esports industry in Malaysia,” said Minister of Youth and Sports, Yang Berhormat Dato’ Sri Reezal Merican Naina Merican. “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.”

Malaysia set to be esports hub of SEA

The ESI is just one part of Malaysia’s plans to develop the country into an esports hub in Southeast Asia (SEA). In 2019, it allocated RM10 million of its budget to the development of the local esports industry. Budget 2020 saw a further RM20 million allocated to the industry.

Last year, Youth and Sports Minister, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman unveiled the Strategic Plan for eSports Development 2020–2025. His plans include introducing welfare to esports athletes, addressing gaming addictions and stigma, holding and hosting regional conferences and summits, establishing a National eSports League, creating licensed training centres, and increasing the participation of women in esports.