KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia’s first ever Para Malaysia Esports League 2021 (Para MEL21) is calling for registrations through the national esports platform, esukan.gg with a main prize pool of RM10,000.
This is in line with the Malaysian government’s objective to develop the esports scene while providing a safe and inclusive ecosystem for the local gaming community where anyone can become professional gamers.
Para MEL21 will be a month-long tournament organised by Techninier and Esports Integrated (ESI), an initiative to catalyse a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive esports ecosystem under the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) in collaboration with the Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) and is supported by Malaysia Disability Youth Council (MBOKU).
Endorsed by KBS, the tournament is part of the National Esports Blueprint to promote inclusivity within the local esports ecosystem through programmatic approach.
“Providing opportunity for all to participate has always been the backbone of KBS’s programs and initiatives, and this includes esports. As esports continues to become a global phenomenon and is growing to become one of the biggest industries in the world, it’s important to ensure that access is given to as many esports enthusiasts as possible and that includes people with disabilities (PWD).
"As a continuation to the hugely successful Malaysia Esports League 2021 (MEL21) that concluded on 1st September, KBS through ESI would like to expand the league specifically for PWD.” said Dato’ Seri Ahmad Faizal bin Dato’ Azumu, Minister of Youth and Sports.
While esports has been growing for the past 20 years, it is yet to fully embrace full inclusivity within its many tournaments and programs. PWD especially, does not have a nationwide platform to compete and showcase their skills to a larger market compared to able-bodied people.
Together with the assistance of fellow citizens, industry players and related agencies, KBS aspires to bring PWD-only tournaments into the mainstream, in similar vein to the Paralympic Games by International Paralympics Committee (IPC).
“ESI’s vision is to create and promote a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive ecosystem which enables growth, ensures protection and expands diversity. By organising the first ever nationwide esports league for PWD, this vision of ours is coming closer to full completion.
"Para MEL21 embodies the spirit of ‘esports for all’, and we hope that by kickstarting this tournament, more industry stakeholders, organisations and event organisers will start giving attention to the derserving PWD sector. Esports, through competition and peripheral activities such as streaming, hosting and casting, is a healthy and viable career option for PWD.” said Ahmed Faris Amir, CEO of ESI.
“The gaming community has become a major player in showcasing one of the best platforms for youths to engage their peers, through esports and this industry is continuing to grow rapidly.
"We are pleased to be a part of this initiative that recognises esports as an important youth engagement platform while creating a supportive environment for them to thrive, especially PWD.
"We hope this will encourage more youths who are interested in esports to register on Esukan.gg so that we can provide them with the best resources to realise their esports dream,” said Jufitri Joha, the president of MBM.
“With esports gaining more awareness and popularity, I wish that today’s youths including those with disability would be able to reap the benefits that esports offers.
"Many countries have hosted their own Paralympics, allowing disabled athletes to compete and showcase their ability.
"Thankfully this idea is beginning to cross over into esports. This is a historic event as we promote inclusivity through esports. We hope all youths with disability would grab this opportunity to register and join the tournament,” said Faiz Shuhaimi, the president of MBOKU.
“Understanding that there are very few channels available for disabled youths to showcase their esports skills, we are pleased to partner ESI and MBM to launch the Para MEL21.
"This tournament is the first step Malaysia is taking to open doors to more opportunities and empower PWD esports players to break out in the professional scene, and Techninier actively supports them at every level.
Through esukan.gg, we endeavour to provide a safe, credible and inclusive esports ecosystem for all walks of life in the gaming community that enables them to interact and learn from each other.
"As long as they have passion and ambition, we believe that anyone, regardless of their identities or abilities deserve a fair chance to play, no matter if they are hardcore gamers or casual gamers,” said Dato’ Lion Peh, the CEO of Techninier.
Para MEL21 will run from now till 24 October.
Throughout the month, all players registered on esukan.gg can also participate in the Hebat Challenge featuring Techninier’s self-developed game Super Jones for a RM1,000 prize.
The main Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds Mobile (PUBGM) para-esports tournament will be held on 18-24 October where players will battle it out in respective solo and squad categories for the total prize pool of RM10,000.
Additionally, the PUBG champions of Malaysia Esports League 2021 have been invited to participate in a PUBGM Show Match on 9 October in conjunction with the Malaysia Esports Festival, which is open to all registered players.
This is an opportunity not to be missed to test your gaming skills. Register on https://paramel.esukan.gg now while slots are still available. - The Vibes, September 24, 2021
