From left to right: Ray Ng, Head of Esports Ecosystem, MOONTON Games; YB Adam Adli, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Malaysia; Faisal Bin Homran, Chief Product Officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation; and Atty. Erose Marlo C. Laeno, Chief Legal Officer, Games and Amusements Board Philippines

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) and the Esports World Cup (EWC) have been catalysts for national development, said government leaders from Malaysia and the Philippines yesterday (1 August) at a press conference held on the sidelines of EWC 25.

Jointly organised by MOONTON Games and EWC, the press conference featured YB Adam Adli, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Malaysia; Faisal Bin Homran, Chief Product Officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation; and Atty. Erose Marlo C. Laeno, Chief Legal Officer, Games and Amusements Board Philippines, who affirmed esports' growing influence on youth empowerment, digital economy expansion, and social inclusion.

MLBB drives Malaysia's national agenda 

YB Adam Adli, Malaysia's Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, praised MLBB for its vital role in shaping the nation's esports ecosystem and national development plans. He said: "Governments all over the world, including Malaysia, continue to support MLBB because there's a significant contribution... to youth development. It is more than just a game—it has boosted digital economy growth, increased youth engagement, and serves as a platform for people to enjoy and truly understand the structured ecosystem of esports. In Malaysia, for example, we have... integrated the game into our national programmes in schools so that we will be able to capitalise on the popularity of the game to make sure our younger generations will be able to further develop their talents through the game. We're not just talking about gaming or as athletes... we're developing experts in many areas, broadcasting, coaching, even nutritionists."

Malaysia's MLBB Esports scene has seen remarkable growth in recent years, as seen by the rise of Selangor Red Giants (SRG). The team made history by securing Malaysia's first international MLBB title at the MLBB Mid Season Cup (MSC) 2024 and a third of the life-changing USD 3 million prize pool. Key to SRG's success has been its inheritance of traditional sports standards and infrastructure—such as nutrition, psychology, and physical conditioning—from Selangor Football Club, one of Malaysia's oldest and most decorated football clubs. Earlier this year, SRG partnered with global powerhouse, OG Esports, to become SRG.OG, marking a milestone moment in international collaboration for Malaysia's esports.

YB Adam noted that the "popularity and accessibility of the game have helped further strengthen the national agenda", reflecting MLBB's contributions through economic value, job creation, and youth empowerment. 

Additionally, YB Adam delivered an update on the government's MYR 18 million (~USD 4.2 million) E-Stadium, which will serve as a hub for local and international esports events while serving community engagement initiatives. 

YB Adam said: "We expect it to be ready by—inshallah (meaning "if Allah wills it" in Arabic)—next year so that we can really help boost not just international events, but also domestic events."

MLBB fuels Philippines' rise and recognition 

Attorney Erose Marlo C. Laeno, Chief Legal Officer at the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) of the Philippines, echoed these sentiments. She highlighted the potential government organisations like the GAB and Philippine Esports Organization (PESO) began to see for esports to be a viable career opportunity for youth. She said: "These [successes] contributed to the boom of the industry in our country to the extent that the government itself, way back in 2017, recognised esports as a professional sport and has been taking measures to govern esports in the same manner that it governs traditional sports. I think this has really uplifted the view that not just youth, but the general public has of what esports is and what value it contributes to the development of our youth."

Official recognition has legitimised esports in the Philippines, helping the nation become an MLBB esports powerhouse, having claimed five out of six M Series championship titles. MLBB's role in creating these opportunities highlights its contribution to national growth—both socially and economically. 

MLBB-EWC partnership a model for talent development 

Faisal Bin Homran, Chief Product Officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation, highlighted the importance of building a structured development pipeline for esports. With support from publishers like MOONTON Games, Saudi Arabia has launched collegiate leagues to prepare players prepare for regional and international tournaments. He said: "With the support of publishers, we can monitor and support more of our local talent. We have collegiate leagues that help players become part of the amazing ecosystem that MOONTON Games has built. Working closely with the publishers to understand their vision and strategy empowers both parties. With the relationship we have today, Ray [and MOONTON Games], that's a benchmark for anyone who wants to participate and strengthen their relationship with EWC and other regulators around the world to produce better products [esports tournaments and experiences]."

MLBB and EWC are positive, life-changing platforms 

Faisal also highlighted the MLBB Women's Invitational (MWI) as a key example of how MOONTON Games drives inclusion and long-term esports growth. Held at EWC 25, MWI was the largest women's tournament at the world's biggest multi-title esports event. Its USD 500,000 prize pool—one of the largest in women's esports—reinforces MLBB and EWC's commitment to inclusivity while positioning esports as a viable career path for women. 

According to Esports Charts, MWI at EWC 25 became the tournament's most-watched edition to date, reflecting the rising interest in women's esports. This year's MWI saw the debut of Saudi Arabia's first women's esports athletes at the EWC—Lyrx, Lunar, and Livin from Twisted Minds Orchid—proving that the tournament was more than a side story; it was a main event rewriting the industry. 

Atty. Erose added: "The power of esports to change lives... it's very apparent, based on the activities that we've been having here at the EWC. Aside from the very obvious, that there's good financial support that could come from being involved in the esports industry, I think it also encourages the youth to be able to dream and to choose paths for themselves that might not be the traditional path."