The Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF) has announced that it will officially be collaborating and working together with the International Esports Federation (IESF), one of the biggest esports federations in the world.

Earlier today on 31 March 2020, IESF President Colin Webster and AESF President Kenneth Fok both signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Their objective is to begin a collaborative relationship to promote and advance esports worldwide and across Asia.

Under this MOU, the IESF recognises and acknowledges the AESF as the sole federation for esports in Asia while the AESF recognises and acknowledges the IESF as the sole international federation for esports.

AESF President Kenneth Fok holding up the MOU.

Due to the outbreak of Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, the signing ceremony was conducted remotely and digitally in the home nations of all signatories of this important partnership, which includes Hong Kong, Johannesburg in South Africa and Abu Dhabi.

Why is this agreement such a big deal? Well, the IESF is best known for organizing annual World Championships, as well as being composed of more than 60 members of national federations across all continents. This collaboration will bring even more legitimacy and validation to the activities of the AESF from now on.

In an official statement, AESF President Kenneth Fok said:

“I am sure that the partnership today is strong enough to unite the esports community, including publishers, organisations, and most importantly our esports players.

It is also groundbreaking as it paves way for better collaboration and cooperation between the International Esports Federation, IESF and the Asian Electronic Sports Federation, AESF.

This is an exciting day for us and we look forward to new initiatives from this partnership.

Lastly, I like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved.”

Earlier this year, the AESF made a huge step for esports in Asia when they announced their list of over 16 full members of the organization, despite some glaring omissions. In other related news, their first-ever AESF e-Masters Chengdu 2020 tournament was recently postponed indefinitely due to the effects of COVID-19.

IESF President Colin Webster holding up the MOU.