KAPIT: Global gaming company Tencent has extended its support for grassroots esports development to Sarawak’s interior for the first time through the Sarawak Esports Association’s (SESA) Ooohaaa Sarawak programme, which made its debut here on Friday (June 26).
The programme, held in conjunction with the ‘Sarawakku Sayang’ (SKS) programme, was organised by SESA in collaboration with the Kapit Esports Association (KESA), with support from Tencent, the publisher of PUBG Mobile.
SESA President, Afiq Fadhli Narawi, said the initiative reflected Sarawak’s growing reputation in digital technology, game development and the digital economy under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“We are very honoured to organise this programme in Kapit together with KESA in support of the state’s digitalisation agenda. We are here to engage with communities, especially youths involved in esports and PUBG Mobile,” he added.
Afiq said Tencent’s decision to support the programme in Sarawak was influenced by the state’s rapid digital transformation and growing international profile in the technology sector.
“I believe Sarawak has gained recognition at the international level through the Premier’s efforts to expand networks and strengthen the digital technology ecosystem,” he opined.
“Sarawak is now very active in digital development, game development and the digital economy, and this is one of the positive spillover effects of those initiatives.”
He added that Kapit was chosen as the first rural location for the programme’s activation campaign to expand esports opportunities beyond urban centres and identify talents from interior communities.
As part of the initiative, SESA introduced the Jago Community programme, a community leader initiative aimed at fostering grassroots esports development and strengthening local gaming communities.
Under the programme, community leaders organise local activities, host watch parties for professional and international PUBG Mobile tournaments, and promote healthy gaming practices within their communities.
“Community leaders will also receive allowances, allowing them to generate additional income while contributing to community development through esports,” said Afiq.
Meanwhile, KESA President, Douglas Jefferson, described the programme as a major boost for the local esports community, noting that it was the first initiative of its kind to be held in Kapit.
“Programmes like this are very beneficial for youths in Kapit, especially those involved in esports and PUBG Mobile, which remains highly popular among young people,” he said.
Douglas said more esports events should be organised in Kapit as they encourage positive activities among youths while helping to reduce social problems through constructive engagement.
He added that the programme would also help uncover hidden talents from Kapit and surrounding rural areas and identify players capable of competing at the same level as those from urban centres.
“We hope programmes like this will produce more athletes from Kapit who can go on to represent Sarawak at higher levels of competition,” he said.
