The Malaysia Esports Federation (MESF) and Singapore Esports Association (SGEA) inked an MOU to open doors for cross-border talent development.
MPL Malaysia revealed the highly anticipated team rosters for the eight teams under the league's new Partnership Programme.
Educators in Kuala Lumpur will receive more support to guide students on structured and responsible gaming through the expanded Guru Juara MOONTON Masterclasses.
The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Malaysia officially kicked off Season 17 with the "MLBB Esports Malaysia 2026: MY Time, MY Era Press Conference". Held today (12 March) at Quill City Mall Kuala Lumpur, the invite-only event saw global video game company, MOONTON Games, outline plans and strategic partnerships with government bodies and industry leaders to strengthen Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) as a cornerstone of Malaysia's esports ecosystem and Malaysia as a leading gaming and esports powerhouse in Southeast Asia.
MPL Malaysia's press conference took place on the same day as the Malaysia Esports Accelerator Program (MEAP) and Dana Esukan KBS (DEK) 2026, where Dr Mohammed Taufiq bin Johari, Minister of Youth and Sports (KBS), declared Malaysia's ambition to stand at the forefront of global esports. He also recognised MLBB Esports as a global-leading sport that allows Malaysians to bring glory to the nation on the global stage. He further highlighted the growing role of esports in youth development and the digital economy, declaring Malaysia's ambitions to become a major esports hub by 2030.
Cross-regional esports alliance between Malaysia and Singapore
From left to right: Siew Hao Zhen, Head of Esports for Malaysia and Emerging Markets at MOONTON Games; Muhammad Naim Al Amin, President of MESF; Kelvin Tan, Secretary General of SGEA; Krystal Tan, Head of Business Development for Malaysia Esports at MOONTON Games.
The MLBB Esports Malaysia 2026: MY Time, MY Era saw a historic collaboration between the Malaysia Esports Federation (MESF) and the Singapore Esports Association (SGEA). Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), both organisations established a bilateral cooperation to promote talent development and cross-border opportunities for professional players within the MLBB ecosystem. The collaboration also introduces the Expansion Team initiative to MPL Malaysia, allowing Singapore-based players—including those competing under Team Flash—to participate in MPL Malaysia and further elevate the competitive standard of the league.
Muhammad Naim Al Amin, President of MESF, shared: "This MOU reflects a shared commitment between Malaysia and Singapore to deepen cooperation in esports development. It is a structural step that strengthens MPL Malaysia's regional foundation while creating meaningful opportunities for talent across both countries. We are positioning Malaysia as a regional esports hub, and this collaboration is proof that Malaysian esports is maturing and ready to compete at the highest levels."
Kelvin Tan, Secretary General of SGEA, added: "The collaboration with MESF demonstrates how regional partnership strengthens the entire esports ecosystem. By providing Singaporean players access to one of Southeast Asia's most competitive leagues, we are paving sustainable pathways for talent development while creating a more dynamic competitive environment that benefits players, teams, and fans across both countries."
A new era for MLBB Esports in Malaysia
Krystal Tan, Head of Business Development for Malaysia Esports at MOONTON Games.
At the heart of MPL Malaysia's 2026 vision is the recently launched Partnership Programme, which anchors the next phase of growth. The complete roster of eight partner teams was officially revealed at the press conference, ending weeks of speculation.
The Partnership Programme provides structured support for teams while ensuring a stable and professional competitive environment where players, organisations, and partners can thrive. By strengthening the professional esports ecosystem, MPL Malaysia creates structured career pathways for Malaysian players, coaches, content creators, and industry professionals across the digital and creative economy.
Krystal Tan, Head of Business Development for Malaysia Esports at MOONTON Games, said: "As we stand at the brink of a new chapter, we are making an unprecedented commitment to build a professional and stable ecosystem where our players and teams can thrive on a global stage. This is a transformative effort to elevate Malaysia's esports landscape, creating champions and cultural icons that transcend the game itself. Our vision is to establish esports as a national game, woven into the very fabric of Malaysian culture."
MPL Malaysua Season 17 kickoff
During the press conference, MOONTON Games also unveiled key details for MPL Malaysia Season 17, including the official match schedule for Weeks 1 to 8 of the Regular Season. Matches will be hosted at Quill City Mall Convention Centre, which will serve as the league's official arena for the Regular Season, providing fans with a central and easily accessible venue to experience live esports action.
MLBB Esports promises a full year of competition, combining live matches, digital activations, and community challenges designed to deepen fan engagement. By aligning competitive excitement with immersive experiences, MPL Malaysia continues to set the golden standard as a premiere esports league in Malaysia.
Ticket sales for the upcoming season have officially opened and are available via my.mpl.mobilelegends.com.
To further expand nationwide visibility, MPL Malaysia is partnering with Tonton as the Official Streaming Partner, and Media Prima, Malaysia's leading fully integrated media group, as the Official Content Partner.
Fikri Rizal Mahruddin, General Manager of Product and Business Development at Media Prima, said: "Tonton and Media Prima deliver content that matters to Malaysia, and MPL Malaysia matters to Malaysia. As the country's first homegrown OTT platform, we have evolved to recognise what truly resonates with our audience and esports is undeniably part of that conversation. This partnership is our commitment to amplifying MPL Malaysia's new era across our entire media ecosystem. Through livestreams on Tonton, gamified fan experiences, and Media Prima's reach, we are cementing this league's place in Malaysia's mainstream. Esports is no longer on the sidelines of Malaysian culture—it's centre stage."
Brands champion Malaysia's esports growth
Behind MPL Malaysia Season 17 stands a powerful coalition of traditional and endemic brands, led by presenting partner CelcomDigi—testament to both the growing confidence in Malaysia's esports ecosystem and the commercial maturity of MLBB esports in the country.
Chan May Ling, Head of Brand and Marketing Services at CelcomDigi, shared: "As MPL Malaysia enters a new era, we are excited to play a bigger role in empowering Malaysians with the resources and guidance needed to turn their passion into meaningful careers on the global stage. This also aligns with our Arena CelcomDigi ambitions to create opportunities for Malaysians to pursue their dreams and build tomorrow's champions. CelcomDigi is committed to strengthening the nation's esports ecosystem and look forward to an exhilarating season ahead."
Investing in Malaysia's next generation
Under-12 tournaments under Guru Juara MOONTON Masterclass
Educators partaking in the Guru Juara MOONTON Masterclass in 2025
MOONTON Games continues to invest in programmes that foster esports education and grassroots community growth across Malaysia. The MOONTON Student Leader (MSL) Championship engaged more than 300 collegiate teams in Season 5, with the top eight advancing to the finals. With the champion securing a place in the MLBB Academy League Malaysia (MAL MY), MSL Championship provides a clear pathway for collegiate talent to transition into the professional esports scene. The programme also helps cultivate leadership, teamwork, and digital skills among students, reflecting the growing role of esports as part of Malaysia's broader digital talent development ecosystem.
Meanwhile, the Guru Juara MOONTON (GJM) Masterclass, piloted in Selangor, introduced esports to 112 schools, with 74 schools fielding teams in the Under-12 tournament. Notably, 85% of the participating schools hosted esports activities for the first time, highlighting the programme's role in building digital literacy and responsible gaming participation. In 2026, GJM Masterclasses will expand to Kuala Lumpur, furthering its mission to equip educators with tools to guide students through structured and responsible gaming experiences. Sign-ups are now open at www.gurujuaramoonton.my.
Jeffery Chan, Publishing Lead - Business Development and Campus Marketing at MOONTON Games, said: "Sustainable esports growth requires investment in education. Through partnerships with local authorities and educators, we are creating pathways at every level—from MSL Championship preparing collegiate talent for professional competition, to GJM Masterclasses building digital literacy and character in schools. Our Selangor pilot demonstrated that structured, responsible gaming cultivates teamwork, discipline, and critical thinking. As we scale to Kuala Lumpur in 2026, we are committed to ensuring every Malaysian student has access to esports education that equips them for tomorrow's opportunities."
Looking ahead: Malaysia at the centre of MLBB's growth
As MLBB approaches its 10th anniversary, MOONTON Games continues to expand its presence in Malaysia through esports, publishing, and grassroots community initiatives. Through continued investment in competition, content, and community development, MOONTON Games remains committed to strengthening Malaysia's position as one of Southeast Asia's most vibrant gaming and esports markets, while ensuring that youth development and career pathways remain at the forefront of its strategy.
Official photos and videos from the press conference are available here.
Learn more about MPL Malaysia via the following social media channels:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mplmy.official
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mplmy.official
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@mplmy
