MELAKA, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- A MARA Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution has been proposed as an esports training centre to prepare young people for the industry.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the move would strengthen the industry, produce more internationally competitive players and develop a local esports content ecosystem.
“As chairman of the National TVET Council, I intend to develop esports into an industry, a business, a field of knowledge and an area of education.
“I have discussed with Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) chairman on ways to open up opportunities for young people nationwide to pursue this field,” he said when officiating an esports programme in Duyong here today.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the planned esports courses would initially be offered at certificate level before being expanded to diploma level, with opportunities for participants to pursue degree studies in the field.
“The courses will not be limited to certification programmes. We will expand them to diploma level, while Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) is prepared to provide opportunities for further studies so that participants can obtain degrees in this field.
“This will enable esports to become more than just a hobby and provide young people with a source of income,” he said.
On the achievements of Malaysian players, he expressed hope that more local participants would win international tournaments, following the success of Selangor Red Giants (SRG), which took home prize worth US$1 million.
In July 2024, SRG made history as the first Malaysian team to win the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Mid Season Cup after defeating the Philippines' Falcons AP.Bren 4-3 in the final in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
-- BERNAMA