SERDANG: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has suggested that an esports training centre should be setup in Malaysia.
Zahid believes the move will help elevate the standard of esports in the country and create more esport players capable of shining on the international stage.
He proposed that one of the many technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions in the country be repurposed into an esports training centre.
"As the chairman of the sports development committee for the cabinet, high performance sports have been a priority and esports is one of the sports we have been focusing on," said Zahid during a brief press conference here today.
"We have a lot of promising young talent, I have been following their progress.
"Based on previous discussions, we have 1,345 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
"I propose that one of them should be converted into an esports training centre.
"The government should encourage esports as there are many sponsors (in esports). This is the best way for the sponsors to promote their products.
"This sport will become better when the government works together with sponsors. I hope Malaysia will become world champion in esports."
Zahid was speaking during the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Malaysia grand finals at the MBSJ Stadium in Serdang tonight.
Zahid presented the prizes to the winners, Selangor Red Giants.