PUTRAJAYA, June 21 — A Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution under the Youth and Sports Ministry and Rural and Regional Development Ministry will be converted into an e-sports training centre, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Zahid said he had suggested to Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh to provide e-sports training through a special TVET programme to nurture local talent.
“The TVET institution is intended to train the younger generation involved in e-sports so they can become professional players. We (the government) aspire to create world-class e-sports icons, and the potential is very promising,” he said.
Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said this in a press conference after holding a special meeting with participants and organisers of the Mid Season Cup Mobile Legends Bang Bang (MLBB) 2024 — Moonton Games Malaysia here today.
Zahid, who is also Cabinet Committee on Sports Development chairman, said the Youth and Sports Ministry previously provided a note to the Cabinet suggesting that a dedicated stadium be established by the government to promote e-sports development. However, there are some financial constraints faced.
As a sign of government support, the TVET e-sports training centre will provide advantages in terms of establishing a sustainable ecosystem within the country for electronic sports players, while also making Malaysia one of the leading e-sports tourism destinations in the region.
In a separate statement, Zahid said he met with representatives from Moonton Games and three electronic sports teams, namely, the Selangor Red Giants, Homebois and Gaimin Gladiators Homegirls, at the Perdana Putra Building here, expressing commitment and support to all teams.
“Although esports is newer than conventional sports like football and badminton, it has become one of the most popular recreational choices among youth.
“I believe the government’s support for e-sports like MLBB will bring many advantages, especially in raising the country’s image internationally,” he said.
As National TVET Council chairman, Zahid said he sees great potential in creating a special TVET programme for e-sports, covering skills such as journalism, e-sports commentary, broadcasting production, team management and coaching, as well as event organisation and technical work.
— Bernama
