BORN with a fascination for technology and gaming, Afiq Fadhli Narawi has grown into one of Sarawak’s most dynamic figures in technology, esports and youth development.
Today, he stands at the helm of a burgeoning digital ecosystem in Sarawak, taking on greater responsibilities: Director of Metadise Sdn Bhd, President of the Sarawak Esports Association (SESA), Deputy President of Malaysia Esports Federation, educational board member, and former board member of Sarawak Sports Corporation (2022-2025).
His journey from a mere tech enthusiast to industry-shaper embodies not just personal ambition, but a broader vision: to elevate Sarawak’s digital and creative presence on the national and global stage.
Early years: From curiosity to career
“My curiosity about technology began at an early age. I still remember being around nine years old, figuring out how to download and install software and games.
“Back then, I couldn’t afford original CD games; so, I had to learn how to crack them just to play. I even experimented with CD burners – copying movie series, buying stacks of empty CDs, burning music I downloaded, and selling them to my schoolmates.
“Looking back, it might sound like I was making pirated CDs, but for me, those were the early days of using my tech knowledge to be resourceful and even make a little money,” Afiq shared with a laugh.
It was an early sign of his entrepreneurial inquisitiveness. This curiosity eventually extended into esports, where he began joining various tournaments in Kuching.
By 2009, he even travelled independently to West Malaysia to compete in Pro Evolution Soccer (PES), where he proudly secured second place.
It was his very first experience competing outside of Sarawak, a milestone that fuelled his determination to pursue esports more seriously.
Despite his entrepreneurial spirit, his early career took conventional routes, one of it being working together with his brother in building maintenance (comprehensive cleaning service) before he embraced more tech-driven pursuits.
The birth of SESA, a platform for talent
In 2017, Afiq and a friend formed the Sarawak Esports Association (SESA). Back then, esports were looked at with scepticism by parents and teachers who dismissed them, and policymakers had not warmed up to it yet.
“We saw local gamers hustling alone, funding their travel, lodging, everything. We wanted to relieve that burden and create a structured pathway,” he said.
Over the years, SESA has hosted hundreds of awareness programmes and competitions, gradually shifting public perception.
The impact has been tangible, and their efforts yielded national recognition, with Sarawak teams achieving success in the Malaysia Esports League.
Local talents were nurtured and sent for exposure in Peninsular Malaysia, and some went on to win in national and international arenas.
Among the key highlights were: SUKMA 2022, where Sarawak’s esports athletes clinched a bronze medal in Dota 2, followed by a silver and bronze in racing simulation at SUKMA 2024.
Several Sarawakians also earned a place in Malaysia’s national squad for the 2022 SEA Games in Hanoi, competing in PUBGM, Free Fire and League of Legends.
On the international stage, Sibu-born Nadrah Saufi brought pride to the state after winning gold in Dota 2 at the 2022 Commonwealth Esports Championship in the United Kingdom.
More recently, another Sibu native, Kelvin Unting, made headlines as head coach of North America’s Gaimin Gladiators, steering the team to a second-place finish at the 2025 Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and securing USD90,000 (RM 383,000) in prize money.
For him, these milestones show that esports talent development is not confined to the Klang Valley, but that Sarawakian athletes, too, can make their mark on the world stage.
“Seeing our athletes win on the national and international stages, those are the moments that show our work matters,” he added.
Through SESA, Afiq has worked to shift perceptions and push for stronger institutional support.
His vision is for esports to be recognised not just as entertainment, but as a driver of digital economy growth, capable of creating jobs, and attracting investment.
Commanding a national presence
Afiq’s role soon expanded beyond Sarawak.
As Deputy President of the Malaysia Esports Federation, he managed Malaysia’s team at the 2022 Commonwealth Esports Championship, where the country bagged three gold medals in Dota 2 (Open & Women) and eFootball.
He also represented Malaysia at international meetings, conferences and forums with over 120 participating nations, discussing strategy, policy and esports’ future.
Shaping the future of Sarawak’s digital economy
Afiq’s work fits neatly into the broader Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy, which aims to transform the state into a tech-driven economy by 2030.
Parallel to his esports advocacy, Afiq founded Metadise with partners to spearhead Sarawak’s participation in the digital economy.
The company’s Core Offerings include Metaverse Projects & XR Solutions, HRD Corp-Certified Digital Training, Industry-relevant programmes in Blockchain, Cybersecurity, AI, Digital Literacy, Racing Simulator Centre (MSR) and Digital Solutions & Tech Services.
Metadise is more than just a company. For Afiq, it represents a vision of how Sarawak can claim its space in the creative tech industry.
Metadise’s participation at the 2025 Augmented World Expo (AWE) in California marked Sarawak on the global XR map.
“As a Malaysian Digital (MD) Status company, Metadise stands at the intersection of digital transformation and real-world application. Our work empowers businesses, government agencies and youth with tools and skills to thrive in the digital economy,” he added.
One of its most ambitious initiatives is ‘Tech-Me to Sarawak’, a metaverse platform showcasing Sarawak’s culture, nature, and tourism in a virtual, interactive environment.
The project, developed by Metadise Sdn Bhd, highlights Sarawak’s five tourism pillars: Culture, Nature, Adventure, Food, and Festival (CNAFF), through an immersive metaverse experience.
“Instead of brochure or kiosk, we let users experience Sarawak digitally. Heritage, tourism, even NFTs of iconic wildlife like the orangutan,” he said.
It aligns with the state’s digital development goals and environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments.
“We try to be in line with the existing government’s initiative so that we can go together to promote Sarawak. We can go together to highlight the tourism spots in Sarawak and the attractions in Sarawak,” he said.
Bridging education and industry
Afiq contributes academically as well.
As a Board of Study member for the Bachelor of Mobile Game Development (Honours) at the University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS), he helped design a curriculum aligned with real industry demands, together with other industry players.
“We don’t just study the gameplay; we build the ecosystem: development, creative, entrepreneurship,” he said.
“People often underestimate esports. But when you look at the global market, it’s a billion-dollar industry. Sarawak cannot afford to be left behind. My role is to ensure our youth are not just consumers, but active contributors,” he added.
Afiq’s leadership has not gone unnoticed.
In 2022, he was named a recipient of the Sarawak Youth Award (Male Category) in recognition of his contributions to youth and esports development.
Balancing two worlds
Juggling his duties as both a director and an association president is no easy task, but Afiq sees these two roles as complementary. What he learns in business informs his leadership in esports, and vice versa.
“Metadise teaches me about strategy, execution, and innovation. SESA, on the other hand, is about community, advocacy, and long-term development.
“Both roles challenge me in different ways, but ultimately, they serve the same goal: to uplift Sarawak through technology and creativity,” he said.
Vision for the future
Afiq still sees himself as a “work in progress”, reiterating that his greatest motivation has always been giving opportunities to others, especially youth in Sarawak.
He continues to call for stronger collaboration among the government, business and creative sectors to build infrastructure, awareness, and local talents.
He acknowledges that funding, awareness, and infrastructure remain hurdles.
“Some still see esports as frivolous. We need success stories, champions to show the potential,” he said.
“Shifting policy frameworks, recognising creative industries, enhancing digital literacy, and formatting support programmes are critical,” he added.
Message to the next generation
As for advice he would give to young Sarawakians aspiring to enter the tech industries, Afiq was candid.
“Don’t be afraid to try and to fail. You only learn when you fall. The real failure is never trying. Take the opportunity and unleash your potential,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of collaboration.
“No one succeeds alone. Work with others, share ideas, and build communities. That’s how industries grow,” he said.
As Sarawak moves forward in its push towards digital transformation, figures like Afiq Fadhli Narawi play a crucial role.
“Sarawak has so much potential. I see it every day in the talent around me,” he said, adding, “my job is to make sure that potential is realised and unleashed, and that our youth know they can compete with the world.”
