KUALA LUMPUR – The Youth and Sports Ministry is mulling the inclusion of esports as a co-curricular activity at the school level, as discussed during a recent Cabinet Committee Meeting for Sports Development.
This initiative, spearheaded by a high-level committee, aims to diversify sports offerings in schools, with a specific focus on integrating esports into the curriculum.
Deputy Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim emphasised the consistent success of esports in bringing accolades to the country.
“Esports has not only put on good performances at world championships but has also contributed to our success by securing medals at multi-sports events like the SEA Games and Asian Games, making us one of the strongest countries in the sport.
“To continue this development from the grassroots is important and we are hoping for good cooperation from schools, especially from the National and District Sports School Councils.
“Of course, we have a long way away to go but we have initiated the discussions and it is being well received,” he told reporters after the send-off ceremony for Malaysia’s representatives to the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang M5 World Championship at the Parliament’s multipurpose hall here, today.
Dispelling the negative stigma associated with video games, Adam said the perception among educators has evolved.
“Many school systems and teachers now have a better understanding of esports and how it works. Some schools have even started incorporating games like FIFA,” he added.
For the record Malaysia’s esports athletes brought home one gold and one silver at the 2019 Manila SEA Games.
In Hanoi 2021, the national team secured three bronze medals, and in Cambodia 2023, they achieved two silver and two bronze medals.
Meanwhile, at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, esports was featured as a medalled event for the first time, with Malaysia securing one silver and one bronze. – November 27, 2023