MALAYSIA’S E-SPORTS GROWTH TO CONTINUE UNDER KBS 2026–2030 STRATEGIC PLAN

SLIM RIVER, Nov 2 (Bernama) -- The country’s e-sports development policies and strategies will continue to be implemented consistently and strategically under the Youth and Sports Ministry’s (KBS) 2026–2030 Electronic Sports Development Strategic Plan.

Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim said the plan serves as an important continuation of the previous blueprint introduced in 2019, reflecting the government’s commitment to ensuring that the direction of Malaysia’s e-sports sector remains clear, structured and competitive.

“KBS views the strategic plan as a key foundation in strengthening Malaysia’s position as a leading e-sports hub in the region.

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“It is not merely a recreational activity, but a high-potential industry capable of driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities and elevating the nation’s standing on the global stage,” he said.

He said this when met after the ‘Kembara JOM 2.0’ central zone town hall session in Felda Gunung Besout 3, near Sungkai today.

Adam Adli said the plan’s implementation will require coordinated efforts among key stakeholders — with KBS as the policy driver, the industry as the catalyst for investment and growth, teams and players representing professionalism and the community serving as the sector’s core supporters.

“We want all parties to play their respective roles in a coordinated and comprehensive strategic framework to ensure Malaysia’s e-sports ecosystem reaches full maturity.

“Since the introduction of the initial plan, Malaysia’s e-sports sector has shown encouraging progress, not only in terms of international achievements but also in grassroots development, talent discovery and the strengthening of support infrastructure,” he said.

Among the notable advancements, he added, is Malaysia’s close cooperation with the International Esports Federation (IESF), which now recognises the country as one of the key players in the global e-sports arena.

“Malaysia has also been recognised as the second venue after Riyadh for hosting world-class e-sports tournaments, including the World Esports Championship (WEC) and the IESF General Assembly, which will be held here, a testament to Malaysia’s capability and credibility as a host of prestigious international events,” he said.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Esports Federation (MESF) president Muhammad Naim Al Amin Saharudin said the achievement reflects the success of the government’s clear and effective strategic planning.

“In the past, we often looked abroad to learn and draw inspiration, but today, in the field of e-sports, many countries are now looking to Malaysia as their main reference point,” he said.

-- BERNAMA