Esports event platform of unity, empowerment for youths in Moyog

KOTA KINABALU (Jan 20): The just-concluded ‘DCMM Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Cham-pionship’ stood as proof that esports could unite youths in Moyog and instil in them spirit of community-building.

The final, held at ITCC Shopping Mall in Penampang last Sunday, marked the culmination of the event, which ran from August to October last year, and journeyed across 13 polling district machinery (PDM) areas in Moyog constituency.

It featured four tournament series and engage more than 100 youths, said Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun.

The programme was temporarily paused in connection with the state election in No-vember, before resuming following the formation of the new state government.

“With the establishment of the Sabah state government led by GRS under our Chief Min-ister, Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, the championship’s final represents not just a competition, but also the continuation of a long journey in empowering our youths,” said Mandela, whose speech was delivered by ITCC general manager Benjamin Malakun.

Mandela commended Pemuda PGRS Moyog, led by Youth chief Lee Ka Lik, and the entire youth committee for their dedication and commitment in ensuring the success of the programme.

The assistant minister also expressed hope that the Pemuda movement would continue to play an active role in running programmes for youths in Moyog and Penampang, add-ing that ITCC Shopping Mall would continue to support all Pemuda PGRS activities.

“I also hope the DCMM MLBB Championship could be made an annual event for the youths of Moyog and Penampang,” he added.

Mandela also expressed pride in seeing the participation of teams from the hear-ing-impaired community, describing it as ‘a strong reflection of inclusivity in the e-sports arena’.

“In e-sports, there are no physical boundaries. Everyone stands equal – what matters are talent, strategy and teamwork.”

On the growth of e-sports, Mandela said the industry had evolved into a recognised pro-fessional career, with competitions held across international platforms such as the SEA Games, Asian Games, World Championships, as well as global events like the E-sports World Cup.

“The e-sports industry opens pathways not only as professional athletes, but also as coaches and analysts, digital content creators, event organisers and others in the creative technology sector.”

Mandela also acknowledged ITCC Shopping Mall’s vision of being a lifestyle mall for all, and in this regard, he encouraged youths seeking employment opportunities to approach the mall, its management team or Pemuda PGRS Moyog.

“You may start from an entry-level position, but with effort and discipline, you can go far.

“All jobs are honourable whether in esports, government service, entrepreneurship, of-fice work or skilled labour.

“Each plays an important role in our economy and society,” he said.