26/05/2025

MONDAY | MAY 26, 2025

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No cheat codes in steep climb to pro-level PETALING JAYA: Despite its lucrative potential, becoming a professional e-sports athlete in Malaysia remains a tough challenge. Talent alone does not guarantee a stable income, and the local scene is largely stagnant. Semi-professional team based in Petaling Jaya Mypro team manager Mohd Aliffa Mohd Isa, 39, said Malaysia has the facilities for large-scale tournaments, but prize pools at local events are too small to attract nationwide talent. “For the e-sports industry here to grow, it needs funding and marketing. No sport generates revenue without crowd support. E-sports needs ‘eyeballs’, a large audience. “Until then, government funding is crucial to help the industry become self-sustaining,” he said. Mypro signs players showing commitment to growth, rather than just the top talent. “Our goal is to elevate Malaysian gamers to compete internationally. Neighbouring countries like Thailand have more advanced and consistent players. “We want to produce talent equal to or better than our regional rivals,” Mohd Aliffa told theSun . “All our players receive equal allowances, regardless of age or achievements, to ensure a fair share of sponsorship funds. “It might seem unfair to some, but fairness isn’t always equal treatment,” Mohd Aliffa added. Malaysian e-Sports Federation (MESF) president Naim Al Amin Saharudin said the e-sports industry offers viable long-term opportunities, especially in medal-focused titles, despite sustainability concerns. “The government supports athletes who can win medals internationally, which is our KPI. We focus on games like eFootball and Mobile Legends, on which we’ve had success. Funding is awarded only when athletes show medal potential,” he told theSun . On criticism over small prize pools, Naim explained that professional players earn salaries in official leagues, while semi-pros pursue prize money in grassroots tournaments. “Pro players must join sanctioned leagues, and unofficial tournaments are off-limits. This creates proper career paths while giving amateurs chances to earn,” he said. To improve standards, MESF is introducing licensing schemes for coaches, referees and players. “From next year, marshals and coaches must be licensed. No more hiring unqualified friends. “Each role will have salary benchmarks. If you can’t meet that, don’t enter the industry. This is about protecting youth and ensuring e-sports is a real career path,” Naim said. MESF also plans to introduce a base salary framework and professional regulations to make the local scene more competitive and sustainable. “A clear structure is key to preventing talent from leaving due to instability,” he added.

Mika said despite the age difference, Zaba pulls no punches when they engage in gaming sessions. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Pre-teen marvel eyes career as e-sports athlete

o Ten-year-old currently with semi-professional team aiming for spot on national under-18 squad

interests and technological developments. “The programme encompasses a variety of focus areas, including self-reliance, environmental appreciation, entrepreneurial spirit, fitness, arts and culture, innovation, volunteerism, rural development and community engagement,” he said. The current edition of MRP offers a diverse lineup of activities aimed at empowering youth and graduates, including career opportunity showcases, talent discovery programmes and eSports competitions. – Bernama right focus. “I’ve been in the industry for a decade, and he’s one of the best young talents I’ve seen. If he stays dedicated, he could become like Thailand’s star player Nopparut ‘Book’ Hempamorn.” Mika’s parents, who requested anonymity, said they prioritise his education. His father, who only wished to be known as Syam, said it was his son’s passion for gaming that convinced the family to support his pursuit of a professional career. “His enthusiasm is what drives us to encourage him. If he weren’t passionate, I wouldn’t even send him to compete in tournaments.” On concerns about his son’s future, Syam said every child has their own strengths that deserve nurturing. “Life needs balance. If we stop our children from doing what they love, they might pursue it behind our backs. As long as it’s healthy, we should guide and support them. Every child is different, we can’t ask an elephant to climb a tree. It just wouldn’t be fair.” Syam also said they keep a close eye on Mika’s studies. “He does well in Maths and Science, although Bahasa is a bit of a challenge. He’s catching up after the setbacks during the Covid-19 lockdown.”

agencies,” he said at an MRP event in Johor yesterday. He added that the ministry also plans to modernise Rakan Muda by incorporating activities that align with current trends and technological advancements to ensure it remains relevant to youths. “We want to assure the public, especially youths, that Rakan Muda is still active and very much alive. “We are committed to keeping it relevant by introducing activities that reflect current “I want to be part of the Malaysian Street Fighter team for an international tournament in Bahrain. To get there, I need to win a qualifier. That’s my goal this year.” On his role models, Mika put his coach, Muhammad Zarif Aiman Aris, 27, known in the gaming world as Zaba, at the top of the list. “My (other) idol is South Korean pro Knee (Jaemin Bae). He is one of the world’s best Tekken players. Coach Zaba is ‘crazy’ when he plays, he makes incredible comebacks. Watching him win when he’s on the verge of losing is unforgettable.” Despite being much younger than his peers, Mika said he feels accepted, adding that the older players do not hold back when they compete. “I get trounced all the time. Even coach Zaba never takes it easy on me. But outside of matches, they treat me like one of their own. That makes me feel comfortable and helps me make friends,” he said. Zaba, who has represented Malaysia at international tournaments, said Mika’s talent stands out in an industry with mostly older players. “Mika showed great promise at nine. Tekken is a complex game, it’s like playing chess at high speed. Most kids his age stick to mobile games like PUBG or Mobile Legends,” Zaba said, adding that Mika could go far with the

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: For 10-year-old Dante Mikail, balancing school and gaming is part of daily life. The rising semi-professional e-sports athlete is already making a name for himself in the competitive gaming scene. Touted as a generational talent by his coach, Dante, fondly known as Mika, dreams of becoming the greatest e-sports player of all time, despite also having a flair for drumming. “I want to pursue a career as an e-sports athlete. This is my passion, and I’m willing to work hard to achieve my dream. Playing the drums is just something I do to pass the time,” he told theSun . Mika plays for Mypro, a semi-professional e-sports team in Petaling Jaya. A fan of fighting games, he is currently competing for a spot on the national team for an under-18 tournament. “The idea had already been conceived but there was no suitable platform for its execution, until we identified the Madani Rakyat Programme (MRP), which proved to be a fitting avenue, especially with the increased involvement of youths,” he said. “The implementation of MRP, organised by the Prime Minister’s Office through the Performance Acceleration Coordination Unit, is considered comprehensive. In addition to attracting youth participation, it also brings together various ministries and government

Naim revealed MESF will run a boot camp to prepare national athletes for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, which will feature 11 e-sports medal events, including Street Fighter 6, PUBG, League of Legends, Pokemon UNITE and Mobile Legends. – by IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE New life for Rakan Muda initiative

JOHOR BAHRU: The Youth and Sports Ministry is set to revitalise the Rakan Muda initiative first introduced in 1994, with the aim of nurturing a new generation of youth equipped with the knowledge and skills aligned with their individual passions and interests. Its Management Services Division undersecretary Richard Barahim said plans to revive the programme across its 10 existing focus areas were initiated in 2023, but the ministry is now intensifying efforts to implement them fully this year.