Turns out that Malaysia Youth & Sports Minister YB Hannah Yeoh will be following up on her plans from the recent exclusive interview she had with us.

YB Hannah Yeoh’s Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) will be collaborating with the Education Ministry to discuss the introduction of esports in schools (via Malay Mail). An official written reply on the subject matter has been issued:

“KBS through the Electronic Sports Development Strategic Plan 2020-2025 has plans to create a special space for the development of Esports in schools, list Esports as part of co-curricular activities and establish Esports clubs in schools.

These discussions will take place through the sports highest level committee meeting, which involves representatives from KBS, the Education Ministry, and the Ministry of Higher Education and will be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi this month.”

YB has stated that in recognition of the growing significance of esports, KBS has listed it as a recognised sport under the Sports Development Act which will provide various benefits including from the aspect of acceptance. KBS is also in the final stages of launching the National Esports Development Guideline to educate people about the subsection of gaming.

“These guidelines are also part of efforts to increase the general public’s awareness of the esports ecosystem and best practices in Esports management. For this purpose, the ministry is planning to hold engagements to obtain feedback on the aspects of monitoring and protection of children, a code of conduct and ethics, as well as a career path framework in the sport.”

Whether these extra curriculums for video games will extend to game design remains to be seen, but this is a good first step for competitive gaming, at least for the region.