STRATEGIC PLAN FOR ESPORTS DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND SPORTS 2020-2025 STRATEGIC PLAN FOR ESPORTS DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND SPORTS 2020-2025 52 Strategic Objective 1.4 Program and Facilities Partnership • Partnerships with Esports-Related Brands for Sponsorships/ Subsidies CONTENT • Pusat Kecemerlangan 54 Strategic Objective 1.5 National Young Athletes Development Program 05 THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND SPORTS’ ASPIRATIONS 56 Strategic Objective 1.6 07 SECTION A: INTRODUCTION Esports Physiology, Psychology and Diet • Introduction to Malaysia’s First Srategic Plan for Esports • Extensive Research and Development by Experts Development • Expand the Role of the National Sports Institute into Esports • Creative Guideline • Malaysia: Centre of ASEAN Esports Excellence • Raising Public Confidence Towards the Esports Industry 61 STRATEGIC PRIORITY 2 : TOWARDS RESPONSIBLE GAMING AND ESPORTS ETHICS 17 SECTION B: ESPORTS OVERVIEW • What is Esports? 64 Strategic Objective 2.1 • Overview of Esports Development Safeguard Integrity of Esports • Esports Associations to be Responsible for Safeguarding 25 SECTION C: METHOD & OBJECTIVES Esports Integrity • Strategic Plan for Esports Development Approach • Propose Anti-Doping Measures to be Implemented Worldwide • Introduction to Taskforce Committee • ESM to Push the Safeguarding of Esports Integrity to • SWOT Analysis International Bodies • Vision, Mission & Goals 66 Strategic Objective 2.2 33 SECTION D: STRATEGIC PRIORITIES Improve the Public Perception of Esports • 5 Strategic Priorities • Set Up a Proper Awareness Campaign Plan • National Esports Ambassador Program • Protection of Children and Teenagers in Esports 37 STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1: DEVELOP ATHLETES FOR ESPORTS EXCELLENCE 74 Strategic Objective 2.3 Increase the Participation of Women in Esports 40 Strategic Objective 1.1 Athletes’ Duties, Rights, and Contract Guidelines 76 Strategic Objective 2.4 • Standardise Guidelines for Esports Athlete Contracts Responsible Gaming as an Extracurricular Activity • Esports Clubs in School 42 Strategic Objective 1.2 • Esports as an Extracurricular Activity Athletes’ Welfare and Career Planning Guidelines • Emphasise the Importance of a Good Education • Standardise National Guidelines • Establish Career Path Options for Athletes 78 Strategic Objective 2.5 • Support Participation in International Tournaments Address Game Addiction • Incorporate Esports into the FitMalaysia Program 46 Strategic Objective 1.3 • Integrated Centre to Tackle Addiction State and National Esports Leagues • Ranking System and Central Esports Registry 82 Strategic Objective 2.6 • National Level Esports League Balance Esports with Physical Activities • State Semi-Pro League • ISN to Appoint Dedicated Esports Experts • Provide Structures and Opportunities for Investor Support 85 STRATEGIC PRIORITY 3: BETTER ACCESS TO ESPORTS 114 Strategic Objective 4.6 INFRASTRUCTURE Increase Private Sector and International Investment • Increase Non-endemic and Endemic Brand Sponsorships for 88 Strategic Objective 3.1 Esports Develop Malaysia as an Esports Hub • Attract Foreign Teams to Invest and Train in Malaysia • Official Centre for Esports Events • Dedicated Esports Venue for Professional Athletes and 118 Strategic Objective 4.7 Esports Development Organise Regional Esports Conference and Summit • Designated State Esports Centres • Entice More Corporate and Non-Endemic Brands to Participate 92 Strategic Objective 3.2 Develop a National Esports Academy • A Centre to Training National Esports Athletes and Develop 121 STRATEGIC PRIORITY 5: INSTITUTE GOOD LAW AND the Esports Ecosystem GOVERNANCE 124 Strategic Objective 5.1 95 STRATEGIC PRIORITY 4: BUILD A SUSTAINABLE Athlete Management Under Esports Associations ESPORTS ECOSYSTEM • State and National Athlete License • State and National Team/Athlete Selection Program 98 Strategic Objective 4.1 • National Esports High Performance Program Develop Esports Talents • Recognition and Awards for Esports Athletes • Maximise the Utilisation of Existing Resources • Esports Referee Development and Certification Program • Esports Talent Program at University Level • Tax Incentives for Esports Production 132 Strategic Objective 5.2 Licensed Esports Training Centres and Stadiums 100 Strategic Objective 4.2 Nationwide Esports Industry Directory and Guidelines • Esports Activity Guidelines • Simplify the Online Permit Application Process • Provided Licenses to Qualified Individuals Only • Public Directory of Categorised Event Organisers • List of Esports Titles and Facility Requirements • Event Guidelines • Approved Esports Titles • Esports Calendar 136 Strategic Objective 5.3 104 Strategic Objective 4.3 Esports Development Act Develop Esports Volunteer Network • Extensive Research and Development by Experts • Improve Upon Existing Database for Esports Volunteers • Expand the Role of the National Sports Institute into Esports • University Esports Volunteer Program • Engage with Other Volunteer-based NGOs 138 CONCLUSION • Attract Key Publishers to Organise Events In Malaysia 106 Strategic Objective 4.4 Esports Tourism Development • Identify and Develop the First Esports Destination in Southeast Asia • Branch Out Across Malaysia via Regional Esports Hubs 110 Strategic Objective 4.5 Empower the Gaming Industry • Enable Better Infrastructure for Publisher Servers • Tax Incentives • Support Major Esports Events • Support the Developmet of Racing Simulators and VR/AR Esports • Prioritise Local Content and Services STRATEGIC PLAN FOR ESPORTS DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND SPORTS 2020-2025 4 FOREWORD THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND SPORTS’ ASPIRATION After years of growth in Malaysia, the gaming community I am very proud to spearhead the first ever Strategic Plan for has become a major player in showcasing one of the best Esports Development for the Ministry of Youth and Sports. platforms for youths to engage with their peers: esports. The This plan encompasses the key issues and essential needs development of esports has finally grown from just a casual of esports. The Ministry of Youth and Sports provides 25 key gaming experience into one of the biggest industries in the initiatives under 5 strategic priorities aimed to maintain the world, comparable to any other major industries. continuance of esports excellence in Malaysia. The plan will also serve as a reference point for all industry players to help As part of the national plan to embrace the Industrial develop the esports industry as a whole. The 5-year plan will Revolution 4.0, the Ministry of Youth and Sports needs to shed some light onto the future of esports in Malaysia. develop a whole new plan to engage with youths and athletes on a whole different scale. One major key industry that needs The Government of Malaysia is and always will be supportive critical attention is esports. of the development of esports. It will become one of the key economic areas in the world of sports, and the Ministry Esports has become a global phenomenon and it does not of Youth and Sports has prepared to lead the nation to the show any signs of slowing down. For years now, Malaysia has betterment of youth and sports. been a key player in Southeast Asia and globally, producing young talents in multiple game titles who could stand among the best in the world. The Ministry of Youth and Sports has taken up the challenge of launching this initiative to tap into the esports scene. This industry has a high number of engagements among youths, athletes, as well as million-dollar industries. It is about time for the Government of Malaysia to get seriously involved in the Syed Saddiq bin Syed Abdul Rahman development of the esports. Minister of Youth and Sports 5 STRATEGIC PLAN FOR ESPORTS DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND SPORTS 2020-2025 Counter Strike: Defense of Player Unknown’s Starcraft Global Offensive The Ancient Battleground SECTION A: INTRODUCTION Counter Strike: Defense of Player Unknown’s Starcraft Global Offensive The Ancient Battleground SECTION A: INTRODUCTION 7 STRATEGIC PLAN FOR ESPORTS DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND SPORTS 2020-2025 The Strategic Plan for Esports Development will mark a It involves local and foreign professional esports athletes, milestone in the progress of the local esports scene in teams, organisations, esports event companies, private Malaysia. Esports has been active in Malaysia for more sectors, and government agencies - all of which contributed than 10 years. It has thrived and attained steady progress to the production of the development plan. over the years. The structure of the strategic plan encompasses a The strategic plan will be a roadmap for the future comprehensive 5-year plan from 2020 to 2025. It will take development of local esports ecosystem. It will cover all full commitment and cooperation from all stakeholders - the fundamentals of esports, including but not limited to: from the grassroots level to key industry players - to fully players, organisations, associations, event organisers, as realise its true potentials. well as law and governance. Essentially, the Strategic Plan for Esports Development is It will not only serve as a guideline for the rights and duties designed to boost the confidence of the public towards of players, but also boost the confidence in Malaysia’s esports. There are many perceptions about the industry, esports organisations, convince private sectors to venture and not all are correct nor well-informed. In the next couple into esports, ease event organisers’ efforts in running of years,