KUCHING: Efforts to strengthen the development of Sarawak’s esports ecosystem are set to receive a boost through a strategic collaboration between the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) and the Sarawak Esports Association (SESA).
The matter was discussed during a courtesy call by a SESA delegation to the UKAS headquarters on Monday (Jun 8), where both parties explored potential cooperation in promoting the Sarawak Esports Expo (SAREX) 2026.
SAREX 2026 is scheduled to take place from Aug 28 to 30 at the VOCO Hotel here.
The SESA delegation led by president Afiq Fadhli Narawi and SAREX 2026 project coordination executive Abang Mohd Sharill was received by UKAS director Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan.
During the meeting, SESA expressed its commitment to expanding collaboration with UKAS to strengthen promotional efforts for SAREX 2026 while introducing several esports development initiatives planned for the state.
Among the initiatives highlighted were the PUBG MOBILE Oohhaa Sarawak and Jago Komuniti campaigns, which will be implemented in collaboration with international gaming company Tencent from June to August this year.
The campaigns aim to encourage greater youth participation through talent development programmes, community engagement activities and exposure to career opportunities within the digital and esports industries.
SESA said the initiatives would also create new employment opportunities for young people, particularly through the Jago Komuniti programme.
The association also shared plans to produce a documentary titled Project Hero, which will showcase the journey of Sarawak esports athletes from the grassroots level to the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Selangor.
Several Sarawak esports athletes, namely Nicky Ho Jun Hong, Vincent Yii Kai Liang from Sibu and Daniel Wong Li Kai from Kuching, have also been identified as potential national squad members and are in contention to represent Malaysia at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
Meanwhile, both parties also discussed the possibility of collaborating on an Internet Safety awareness campaign focusing on responsible social media use, the dangers of online gambling and cyber scam threats.
The initiative is expected to help improve digital literacy among youths while providing greater awareness of the rapidly growing esports industry.
The courtesy call reflected the shared commitment of UKAS and SESA towards empowering youths through positive and inclusive digital initiatives, in line with Sarawak’s aspiration to become a progressive digital economy and esports hub in the region.
