KUCHING: Senator Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim has called on the Sarawak Esports Association (SESA) to introduce e-chess as a new esports discipline, saying the digital format could help bridge traditional mind sports and the growing esports sector.
Ahmad said the idea came after he watched four Sarawak chess athletes — two men and two women — compete in e-chess following the completion of their chess events at the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) Selangor 2026.
“The game itself is based on the same skills, but the location, platform and atmosphere are completely different,” he said.
He made the proposal at the finale of the PUBG Mobile OOOHAA Sarawak Tour held at Batu Kawa Innovation Hub today (Aug 30).
He said e-chess could draw in young people who may not otherwise be interested in esports titles such as PUBG Mobile or Mobile Legends.
“E-chess could also be a good bridge between sports that train the mind and esports,” he said, adding that it could help build focus, strategic thinking, patience, discipline and decision-making skills.
Ahmad who is also the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Batu Kawa branch chairman suggested SESA collaborate with chess associations and clubs to organise e-chess competitions at the community, school and youth levels.
He also pledged funding support for a Sarawak e-chess association next year, and said he hoped to organise a related programme in Batu Kawa.
