Moonton Games, the makers of the hit MOBA title Mobile Legends, are teaming up with Malaysia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and Esports Integrated (ESI).

The announcement was made at the ESI Hub in Malaysia, which will be the main hub for the upcoming Mobile Legends Southeast Asia Cup 2022 (MSC 2022). The competition will be held for the first time in the country and will be part of ESI and the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ (KBS) continuing strategy to develop esports in the country for 2020 to 2025.

The year’s theme, #SupremaSEA, celebrates esports supremacy by bringing the top Southeast Asian athletes together to become the regional authority in the Mobile Legends competitive field. Present in the conference are Youth & Sports Malaysia Minister YB Dato’ Seri Ahmad Faizal bin Dato’ Azumu, its Deputy Minister YB Senator Dato’ Sri Ti Lian Ker, Chief Executive Officer of Esports Integrated Ahmed Faris Amir , and MPL Malaysia/MOONTON Games Marketing Lead Fikri Rizal Mahruddin.

Here’s a quote from the minister himself:

“Held for the very first time in Malaysia, MSC 2022 is in line with the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS)’s Strategic Plan for Esports Development 2020 – 2025, to expand and support regional esports tournaments. Malaysia has produced many talented esports professionals who have flourished well in international and local competitions. MSC 2022 will help to propel Malaysia’s esports ecosystem to new heights, well in line with our vision as a vibrant esports hub to nurture our locals to become world-renowned esports athletes.”

Vice President of Operations and Growth of ESI Fadzli Rahim said that there’s interest in this within the community.

“This growth reflects the interest amongst the community, especially the youths, towards esports. KBS through the ESI initiative, has managed to garner massive interest and participation within the community, with viewership of ESI’s tournaments such as Malaysia Esports League and Malaysia Esports Championship reaching 2.5 million last year and ESI’s tournament platform, esukan.gg, gaining an increase of 150,000 active users, especially MLBB players.”

The MSC 2022 tournament will be hosted in Malaysia from 15 to 19 June. You can buy tickets for the event here.