Once seen as mere entertainment, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) is now making waves in national development agendas—backed by the highest levels of government in Southeast Asia. At a press conference held on August 1 during the ongoing Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC) in Riyadh, leaders from Malaysia and the Philippines shared how esports—particularly MLBB—is transforming youth development, economic growth, and global recognition for their countries.
Jointly hosted by MOONTON Games and the Esports World Cup Foundation, the briefing featured Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports YB Adam Adli, Philippine Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Chief Legal Officer Atty. Erose Marlon C. Laeno, and EWC Foundation’s Chief Product Officer Faisal Bin Homran. Each offered a different but deeply aligned perspective: esports is not only here to stay—it’s changing lives.
Malaysia Bets Big on Esports as National Strategy
“Governments all over the world, including Malaysia, continue to support MLBB because there’s a significant contribution to youth development,” said YB Adam Adli. “It is more than just a game—it has boosted digital economy growth, increased youth engagement, and serves as a platform for people to enjoy and truly understand the structured ecosystem of esports.”
He emphasized that MLBB has been integrated into school programs to nurture a new generation of digital-savvy professionals—not only as athletes, but also in roles like broadcasting, coaching, and nutrition.
This national strategy is bearing fruit. Malaysia’s own Selangor Red Giants (SRG) became the country’s first international MLBB champions at MSC 2024, capturing a third of the $3 million prize pool. Their success is partly owed to applying traditional sports science from Selangor Football Club—including mental conditioning and physical training. In early 2025, SRG took it a step further, joining forces with OG Esports to form SRG.OG—a landmark international partnership.
“With the popularity and accessibility of the game, we’re strengthening the national agenda through economic value, job creation, and youth empowerment,” YB Adam added.
He also announced progress on the upcoming MYR 18 million (~USD 4.2 million) E-Stadium, designed to host both international and grassroots events. “We expect it to be ready, inshallah, next year,” he said, signaling Malaysia’s long-term vision for esports as both industry and community catalyst.
Philippines: MLBB Success Drives Recognition and Opportunity
From the Philippines, Atty. Erose Marlon C. Laeno highlighted how early government recognition in 2017 elevated esports as a legitimate professional sport.
“These [successes] contributed to the boom of the industry in our country,” she said. “It uplifted the view that not just youth, but the general public has of what esports is and what value it contributes to the development of our youth.”
The Philippines has since become a dominant force in MLBB, capturing five of the six M-Series championship titles. Government bodies like GAB and the Philippine Esports Organization (PESO) continue to regulate and support esports in parallel with traditional sports, fostering a sustainable competitive ecosystem.
Building Future Champions Through EWC and Collegiate Support
Faisal Bin Homran, Chief Product Officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation, underlined the importance of partnerships with publishers like MOONTON Games to build pipelines for local talent.
“With the support of publishers, we can monitor and support more of our local talent,” said Faisal. “We have collegiate leagues that help players become part of the amazing ecosystem that MOONTON Games has built.”
He emphasized that such partnerships provide a framework for nurturing players into professionals while maintaining a collaborative, transparent ecosystem for long-term growth.
Women’s Esports on the Rise: MWI at EWC 2025 Breaks Records
The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women’s Invitational (MWI) took center stage at EWC 2025, showcasing MOONTON Games’ dedication to inclusivity and female representation in gaming. With a $500,000 prize pool, MWI was the largest women’s tournament featured at the event—and the most-watched edition in its history, according to Esports Charts.
Notably, MWI 2025 also marked a breakthrough for Saudi Arabia, with local talents Lyrx, Lunar, and Livin from Twisted Minds Orchid becoming the kingdom’s first female esports athletes to compete internationally.
Faisal hailed the event as “a main event rewriting the industry,” while Atty. Erose pointed out its deeper impact: “The power of esports to change lives… it’s very apparent. It encourages youth to dream and to choose paths that might not be traditional.”
A Global Model for Esports-Driven National Growth
The collaboration between MOONTON Games and the Esports World Cup Foundation is rapidly proving to be a blueprint for how public institutions and gaming publishers can work together to drive meaningful social and economic progress.
As esports continues to gain legitimacy, events like EWC 2025—and games like MLBB—are showing that beyond trophies and prize pools, the real win lies in empowering the next generation across borders.
Learn more about MLBB Esports via the following social media channels:
