PHNOM PENH, 14 March – International gaming developer and publisher, MOONTON Games and the Esports Federation Cambodia (EFC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to co-promote the growth of the local esports industry and enhance the competitive gaming landscape of the country.

Held at the Preah Vihear Hall for the Ministry of Information, the signing aims to create the foundation for a long-term and successful partnership between MOONTON Games and the EFC in hosting Mobile Legends: Bang Bang esports tournaments in the country, including the medal event in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in May and the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Southeast Asia Cup (MSC) 2023 to kickstart in June 2023.

The MoU was penned by Ray Ng, Head of Esports Ecosystem, MOONTON Games, and His Excellency (H. E.) Chea Chanboribo, EFC Secretary State of the Ministry of Information and President. 

"The success of MPL Cambodia has helped to strengthen the development of the esports ecosystem in Cambodia, and we are looking to take it one step further by bringing MSC 2023 to create more opportunities for local talents here," stated Ray. "We are excited to showcase the potential of Cambodian players to a global arena and to bring in global players to #SEATheWorld." 

"I am pleased that the Esports Federation Cambodia and MOONTON Games jointly organized the signing ceremony of the MoU to establish a new partnership in organizing the MSC 2023 for the first time in Phnom Penh. The signing is part of a joint effort to develop the local esports industry and create more events in the country for athletes," said H.E. Chea Chanboribo. "The opportunity to host this major international event is a testament to the development of the Kingdom of Cambodia in general and in the field of esports. Thank you to MOONTON Games for co-organizing the event in Cambodia." 

Also present in the ceremony were the EFC State of the Ministry of Tourism and the Secretary General of Cambodia SEA Games Organizing Committee (CAMSOC) Secretary H. E. Vath Chamreoun, Department of Physical Education and Sports of the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport Deputy Director Pen Vuthy, Department of Organizing and Managing Sport Event Director Hout Sengtry, and Secretary General Lun Samedy. Bytedance Public Policy Lead for Cambodia Kyu Kyu Thein also graced the program. 

This year, MSC is set to make history with the inclusion of new teams outside Southeast Asia namely North America, MENA (Middle East and North Africa), and Turkey. In line with the vision, "Esports for Everyone," MSC 2023 seeks to increase competitor diversity by inviting non-SEA teams to compete in one of the biggest MOBA tournaments in the world. 

Cambodia will also host the 32nd SEA Games including the medal-event Mobile Legends: Bang Bang which, for the very first time, will feature a standalone tournament for women. The MLBB tournaments will commence from May 10 until 15, 2023. 

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has been featured as a medal event in the Southeast Asian Games since 2019. The first and second iterations were held in the Philippines and Vietnam, respectively.