MLBB, EWC power youth, national growth, says MY, PH officials
Photo from Esports World Cup
MLBB, EWC power youth, national growth, says MY, PH officials
RIYADH – Beyond thrilling matches and historic wins, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) and the Esports World Cup (EWC) are actively driving national progress and empowering youth, according to senior officials from Malaysia and the Philippines.
In a press conference at EWC 2025, co-hosted by MOONTON Games and the Esports World Cup Foundation, leaders highlighted how esports is expanding digital economies, generating jobs, and redefining national strategies.
The session featured Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports YB Adam Adli, and Philippines’ Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Chief Legal Officer Atty. Erose Marlo C. Laeno. They were joined by EWC Foundation Chief Product Officer Faisal Bin Homran.
MLBB drives youth engagement and esports development in Malaysia
YB Adam Adli praised MLBB’s role in advancing Malaysia’s esports ecosystem, noting how it nurtures diverse skills and contributes to national development.
“Governments all over the world, including Malaysia, continue to support MLBB because there’s a significant contribution to youth development,” he said. “We’re not just talking about gaming or athletes—we’re developing experts in broadcasting, coaching, even nutrition.”
He shared that MLBB has been formally integrated into Malaysian school programs to foster early talent development. The initiative uses MLBB’s popularity to encourage students to explore career paths in esports and related industries.
Malaysia’s esports growth has been highlighted by Selangor Red Giants (SRG), now SRG.OG, winning the nation’s first international MLBB title at MSC 2024. The team secured a large share of the USD 3 million prize pool and benefited from infrastructure inherited from Selangor FC—one of Malaysia’s oldest football clubs.
YB Adam also revealed updates on Malaysia’s MYR 18 million (~USD 4.2 million) E-Stadium project.
“We expect it to be ready by—inshallah—next year,” he said. “It will boost both international events and grassroots esports.”
Philippines leads in esports recognition and MLBB success
Atty. Erose Marlo C. Laeno emphasized how the Philippines officially recognized esports as a professional sport in 2017—long before many others—paving the way for institutional support and public legitimacy.
“Since 2017, the government has been governing esports in the same manner as traditional sports,” she said. “This contributed to the boom of the industry in our country.”
This forward-thinking policy helped the Philippines rise as a global MLBB powerhouse. The nation has claimed five of the six M-Series world championships to date—proof of its strong competitive scene and growing infrastructure.
MOONTON Games and EWC build sustainable talent pipelines
EWC Foundation Chief Product Officer Faisal Bin Homran spotlighted the growing partnership between MOONTON Games and Saudi Arabia. He shared how collegiate leagues and grassroots programs have helped shape a more structured talent ecosystem.
“With the relationship we have today with MOONTON Games, that’s a benchmark for anyone wanting to work with EWC and global regulators,” he said. “It helps us produce better esports products.”
Faisal stressed that collaboration with publishers is key to monitoring, nurturing, and elevating local talent on the global stage.
MLBB Women’s Invitational breaks barriers at EWC 2025
Faisal also highlighted the MLBB Women’s Invitational (MWI) as a milestone for gender inclusivity. With a USD 500,000 prize pool—the largest in MWI history—the tournament was the biggest women’s esports event at EWC 2025.
According to Esports Charts, this year’s MWI was the most-watched edition to date. It also marked the debut of Saudi Arabia’s first female esports athletes—Lyrx, Lunar, and Livin of Twisted Minds Orchid—proving that esports can open doors for women worldwide.
“The power of esports to change lives is very apparent,” Atty. Erose added. “It encourages the youth to dream and choose paths that might not be traditional.”
From school programs to international partnerships, MLBB and the Esports World Cup are reshaping the global esports landscape. Their continued growth—driven by publishers, governments, and players—proves that esports is more than a game.
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