🎮 The Rise of Malaysian Esports

2014: Foundation of Esports Malaysia (eSM)

The push to formally organize esports in Malaysia began in 2014 in response to the growing competitive gaming scene and various challenges faced by the community. Backed by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) and the Sports Commissioner's Office, a national-level esports body was registered on 4 December 2014. This new organization, named Esports Malaysia (eSM) (Persatuan Sukan Elektronik Malaysia in Malay), was established to promote, develop, and regulate esports in the country with official government recognition.

2015: Official Launch and International Recognition

28 January 2015 marked the public launch of eSM, announced at a media event in Kuala Lumpur's Dewan Perdana FELDA. The Sports Commission of Malaysia formally recognized eSM as the governing body for electronic sports in Malaysia, putting esports on par with traditional sports.

Key figures in the formation included:

• Dato' Latt Shariman Abdullah - First President and spokesperson, former government advisor
• Rinie "Si_Jali" Ramli - First Secretary-General, renowned Malaysian FIFA esports athlete

At the launch, eSM's leadership introduced a strategic plan focusing on five key pillars: gamer welfare, standardization, game development, education, and international recognition. By March 2015, eSM had established its first state branch in Sarawak and joined the International e-Sports Federation (IeSF) as Malaysia's official member, solidifying international recognition.

2017-2018: Growth and Major Funding

In 2017, Kuala Lumpur hosted the first Asian-level esports competition as a demonstration event during the SEA Games, where eSM coordinated local participation. This was a pivotal moment that showcased Malaysia's growing esports capabilities.

By 2018, esports had grown significantly in Malaysia, prompting increased government funding. In the national Budget 2019 (announced in late 2018), the government allocated RM10 million for esports development, managed through MDEC in collaboration with the Youth and Sports Ministry. This was further boosted by a matching RM10 million pledge from Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan, bringing total support to RM20 million - unprecedented investment that demonstrated serious commitment to the industry.

2019: SEA Games and Transformation to MESF

The year 2019 was transformative for Malaysian esports. Esports was included as a full medal sport in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) for the first time, and eSM was responsible for selecting and training Team Malaysia's esports contingent. National tryouts and bootcamps were held for titles including Dota 2, Tekken 7, Arena of Valor, and Mobile Legends.

In mid-2019, eSM underwent an important organizational evolution. At an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held in August 2019, members voted to rename the body to the "Malaysia Esports Federation (MESF)". The rebranding was designed to reflect a more federated structure uniting various state and regional esports associations under one national federation.

2020: Esports Integrated (ESI) Launch

Post-rebranding, MESF carried on eSM's mandate, working closely with government agencies and international bodies. In 2020, the Ministry of Youth and Sports launched Esports Integrated (ESI) - a national initiative to support and streamline the esports ecosystem. Rather than replacing MESF, ESI complemented it, focusing on infrastructure, platforms, and stakeholder alignment while MESF remained the official governing body.

2023: Legal Recognition and Asian Games Success

In 2023, esports was officially recognized as a sport under Malaysian law via an amendment to the Sports Development Act 1997, reinforcing MESF's legitimacy and putting esports on equal legal footing with traditional sports.

That same year marked Malaysia's first major international esports medal. Under MESF's coordination, Malaysia won a silver medal in Arena of Valor at the 2022 Asian Games (held in 2023 in Hangzhou, China). MESF also helped shape the National Esports Guidelines 2023, which standardized event practices and player welfare across the country.

2024-2025: World Championship Host and Regional Leadership

In 2024-2025, MESF secured the right to host the 2025 International Esports Federation World Championships in Malaysia - a prestigious event that will bring the world's best esports athletes and teams to Southeast Asia.

MESF's current president, Muhammad Naim Al-Amin bin Saharudin, elected for the 2024-2027 term, continues to strengthen Malaysia's esports ecosystem and serves as Vice President of the Southeast Asian Esports Federation, representing the region on the global stage.