6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Ministry boosts allocation for Esports Fund by RM500,000
PUTRAJAYA: The Youth and Sports Ministry, via Esports Integrated (ESI), is now accepting applications for the ministry's Esports Fund (DEK).
Allocations for the fund, which is in its third year now, has been increased to RM1.5 million this year, an increase of RM500,000 from last year.
The fund aims to support the expansion of Malaysia's esports ecosystem by providing financial backing for grassroots initiatives.
This includes the organisation of tournaments, talent development, digital content production and community-based programmes. Since its inception in 2023, the DEK has supported more than 80 initiatives nationwide.
Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim described the fund as a symbol of the government's confidence in the esports sector and its potential to contribute to national development.
"DEK is not merely a financial aid mechanism — it reflects our commitment to building a progressive, inclusive and competitive esports ecosystem," he said in a statement today (June 4).
"It aligns with our aim to democratise sports, including esports, through a whole-of-nation approach. We want to ensure that all industry players have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the growth of this sector."
The initiative is open to a wide spectrum of applicants, including community-based clubs, youth organisations, educational institutions, local event organisers and digital content creators.
To assist applicants, ESI will hold a series of engagement sessions offering guidance on proposal writing and funding requirements.
These sessions will also include question-and-answer segments and are open to all relevant stakeholders. Dates and venues for the sessions will be announced in the coming weeks.
Applications for DEK must be submitted online between June 4-July 31, with successful applicants to be announced on Aug 28. All funded programmes must be implemented between September and November this year.
