SIBU: The Sibu Esports Festival (SIESF) will be proposed as an official event under the Visit Malaysia 2026 tourism campaign.
The move is to bolster digital, creative, and youth-centric tourism in Sarawak’s central region.
It will be formally submitted by the Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak Joshua Ting Fu Ying to the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
“The ministry very much welcomes such an initiative because it is not only able to attract domestic and international tourists, but also provides opportunities for local entrepreneurs, stimulates the spirit of sportsmanship, and strengthens the country’s creative and digital industries,” he said.
He delivered the remarks on behalf of Tiong during the SIESF 2025 closing ceremony at the Sibu Indoor Stadium on Sunday afternoon (Jun 29).
According to Ting, the festival is more than just an ordinary e-sports tournament. It has become a dynamic platform connecting youth communities and digital industry players from across the region, drawing nearly 2,000 participants, including representatives from Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia.
“This festival proves that Sibu has great potential to be a growth leader centre for digital sports tourism for the central region of the state,” he added.
Ting also expressed appreciation to the main organisers, including the Sibu Division Tourism Task Force (DTTG) and the Sibu Division Electronic Sports Association (SDESA), that contributed to the event’s success.
“I wish to congratulate all participants. Whether you won or lost, you are all champions for your discipline, sportsmanship, and dedication in a field that is rapidly gaining global traction,” he said.
Also present at the ceremony were the head of the Strategic Planning and Project Implementation Monitoring Section of the Sibu Division Resident’s Office, who also serves as secretary of the Sibu DTTG Maria Nadja Jimmy, and SDESA president Abdul Taib Rosli.
