DEK vs MEAP 2026: Which KBS Esports Grant Fits Your Tournament or Team?
By KITAMEN Esports Solutions • June 2026
Executive Summary
- KBS runs two esports schemes for 2026: DEK (Dana E-Sukan KBS) and MEAP (Malaysia E-sports Accelerator Program).
- DEK funds tournaments, community events and digital content; MEAP develops and funds teams and players for international competition.
- Together they made up a combined RM1.5 million esports allocation for 2026.
Deep Dive: Two Schemes, Two Jobs
The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) launched two esports schemes together on 12 March 2026, both delivered with Esports Integrated. Dana E-Sukan KBS (DEK) is a project grant: a RM1 million fund giving RM5,000 to RM20,000 per project to run esports tournaments, community events and digital content. MEAP, the Malaysia E-sports Accelerator Program, is different in kind, focused on developing and funding teams and players to compete internationally, with an allocation of RM500,000.
The simplest way to tell them apart: DEK pays for events and content made by organisations, while MEAP invests in competitive talent heading to international tournaments. Together they formed a combined RM1.5 million esports package for 2026.
Local Insight: Which One Is For You
If you are an event organiser, content creator, NGO or institution wanting to run a tournament or produce esports content, DEK is your route. If you are a competitive team or player with a realistic path to international events, MEAP is the pathway built for you. Some organisations will touch both over time, running DEK-funded grassroots events that surface the talent a MEAP pathway can then develop.
Quick Data Snapshot
| Metric | Value (2026) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| DEK purpose | Fund tournaments, events, digital content | KBS / Esports Integrated |
| MEAP purpose | Develop and fund teams for international play | KBS / Esports Integrated |
| DEK allocation (2026) | RM1 million | kbs.gov.my |
| MEAP allocation (2026) | RM500,000 | kbs.gov.my |
| Combined 2026 package | RM1.5 million | kbs.gov.my |
| Launched | 12 March 2026, by KBS | kbs.gov.my |
The KITAMEN Connection
Both schemes need someone on the ground who can run real events. KITAMEN delivers esports tournaments and grassroots circuits across Malaysia, the kind of DEK-style projects that grow participation and, over time, surface the players a MEAP pathway develops. Whether your goal is a funded community event or building a competitive program, KITAMEN can help you plan and run it properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between DEK and MEAP?
DEK (Dana E-Sukan KBS) funds esports tournaments, community events and digital content run by organisations, while MEAP (Malaysia E-sports Accelerator Program) develops and funds teams and players to compete internationally.
What does MEAP stand for?
MEAP stands for the Malaysia E-sports Accelerator Program, a Ministry of Youth and Sports scheme that prepares national esports talent for international competition.
How much was allocated to DEK and MEAP in 2026?
DEK was allocated RM1 million and MEAP RM500,000, a combined RM1.5 million esports package for 2026.
Which scheme should a tournament organiser apply for?
A tournament organiser or content creator should look at DEK, which funds events and digital content, rather than MEAP, which is focused on developing competitive teams and players.
Who runs DEK and MEAP?
Both are Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) schemes, delivered with Esports Integrated, and were launched together in March 2026.
Call to Action
Not sure which esports pathway fits your goals? Chat with Ki on WhatsApp, email [email protected], or explore our services.
Related Knowledgebase Articles
Versi Bahasa Melayu
KBS menganjurkan dua skim esukan untuk 2026: DEK (Dana E-Sukan KBS) dan MEAP (Malaysia E-sports Accelerator Program). DEK ialah geran projek bernilai RM1 juta yang membiayai kejohanan, acara komuniti dan kandungan digital, dengan RM5,000 hingga RM20,000 bagi setiap projek. MEAP pula memfokuskan pembangunan dan pembiayaan pasukan serta pemain untuk bertanding di peringkat antarabangsa, dengan peruntukan RM500,000. Kedua-duanya berjumlah pakej esukan RM1.5 juta untuk 2026 dan dilancarkan bersama pada 12 Mac 2026. Ringkasnya, DEK membayar acara dan kandungan oleh organisasi, manakala MEAP melabur dalam bakat berdaya saing. KITAMEN menganjurkan kejohanan dan litar akar umbi esukan di seluruh Malaysia.
