What was once seen as “just gaming” has now become a transformative force for national development.
At a recent press conference held alongside the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025 in Riyadh, officials from Malaysia and the Philippines shared how Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) and the EWC are actively shaping their nations’ futures — from education and digital economy to job creation and youth empowerment.
Representing their countries were YB Adam Adli, Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, and Atty. Erose Marlon C. Laeno, Chief Legal Officer of the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Philippines.
Both affirmed the role of esports as more than entertainment — it’s now policy, platform, and purpose.
Malaysia’s Esports Agenda: More Than Just a Game
YB Adam Adli lauded MLBB for being a “catalyst” in driving Malaysia’s national esports ecosystem. “Governments all over the world, including Malaysia, continue to support MLBB because it contributes significantly to youth development,” he said.
According to him, the game isn’t just about players and competitions. It’s a full ecosystem that fosters skills in broadcasting, coaching, event management, and even sports science such as nutrition and mental health.
Notably, Malaysia has integrated MLBB into school-level programs, making it part of the official youth development strategy.
This isn’t just rhetoric. Malaysia’s Selangor Red Giants (SRG) made headlines when they won the MLBB Mid Season Cup 2024, securing Malaysia’s first international MLBB title and taking home a third of the USD 3 million prize pool.
SRG’s growth was underpinned by professional practices inherited from traditional sports, especially their association with Selangor Football Club — a local football institution.
In another ambitious move, the government has committed MYR 18 million (~USD 4.2 million) to build a new E-Stadium, expected to open in 2026. This facility will serve as the heart of Malaysia’s esports community, enabling both local and international events to flourish.
Philippines: Esports as a Recognised Profession
From the Philippines, Atty. Erose Marlon C. Laeno emphasised how her country was one of the first in Southeast Asia to formally recognise esports as a professional sport, back in 2017. Since then, it has seen massive growth in participation, legitimacy, and respect from the public.
“It’s no longer just about playing for fun,” she stated. “Esports is now a viable career path.” She noted that this shift in perspective is helping more Filipino youth imagine futures that don’t conform to traditional job paths — and it’s opening doors to global opportunities.
Philippine teams have been a dominant force in MLBB, winning five out of six M Series titles, cementing the country’s status as a global MLBB powerhouse.
Building a Global Talent Pipeline with the Esports World Cup
Faisal Bin Homran, Chief Product Officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation, highlighted the importance of structured development pipelines.
With support from game publishers like MOONTON Games, Saudi Arabia and other nations are launching collegiate leagues to nurture local talent and prepare them for international stages.
This collaborative model, he explained, should serve as a benchmark for other countries looking to integrate esports into their education and development systems. “With the right partnerships, we can build sustainable ecosystems that benefit players, communities, and economies.”
Women at the Forefront: The MLBB Women’s Invitational
One of the standout moments at EWC 25 was the MLBB Women’s Invitational (MWI). With a record-breaking USD 500,000 prize pool, MWI became the largest women’s esports event at the tournament — and the most-watched edition of MWI to date, according to Esports Charts.
The event also saw a historic debut: Saudi Arabia’s first women’s esports athletes — Lyrx, Lunar, and Livin from Twisted Minds Orchid — took part in the tournament, breaking new ground for the region.
This isn’t just symbolic. It’s a clear signal that the future of esports includes women, and that the industry is taking tangible steps toward gender equity and inclusivity.
The consistent message from all speakers was clear: esports is no longer a fringe hobby — it’s a life-changing, nation-shaping platform. Whether through job creation, community building, gender inclusion, or international recognition, games like MLBB are offering young people more than just competition — they offer hope, purpose, and the tools for success.
As YB Adam Adli concluded, “The popularity and accessibility of the game have helped further strengthen the national agenda,” citing esports’ ability to contribute to both social and economic growth.
And for the Philippines, Atty. Erose summarised it perfectly: “It encourages the youth to dream — and to choose paths for themselves that might not be traditional, but are full of promise.”
For more information, visit https://en.moonton.com.
Keywords:
- Mobile Legends Bang Bang 2025
- Esports World Cup Riyadh
- MLBB Malaysia esports growth
- MLBB Philippines M Series
- Women in esports
- Esports education Malaysia
- MYR 18 million E-Stadium
- Esports career opportunities SEA
- MLBB Women’s Invitational 2025
