{
  "id": 19754485,
  "title": "Melaka Aims To Host World-Level Esports Championship In 2028",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/melaka-aims-to-host-world-level-esports-championship-in-2028",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-13T04:20:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Lowyat.NET",
    "slug": "lowyat-net",
    "url": "https://www.lowyat.net/2026/409721/melaka-world-esports-championship-2028/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Melaka is being considered as a possible host for a global esports championship taking place in 2028, according to Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The idea came about following talks with the president of the World Esports organisation, who was keen on bringing the international event to Malaysia. Zahid expressed his desire for Melaka to be the focal point for the competition, rather than having it held in Kuala Lumpur, Penang or Johor. He hopes to discuss the proposal with Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh and to obtain full sponsorship if the plan goes ahead. Speaking at the Jelajah E-Sports Melaka Biru 2028 programme in Bandar Merlimau, Zahid expressed optimism that the tournament would help position Melaka as a hub for the international esports community. The Malaysian government also plans to bolster the state's esports development infrastructure. MARA chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki has agreed to convert the organisation's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Melaka into a national esports training centre. This hub will support the development of professional players, particularly young people, and help create competitive teams able to win at regional, national and international levels. Zahid hopes the first Merlimau team to become a state champion will then go on to compete for the national title. He also expressed hope that local esports organisations like HomeBois and Selangor Red Giants would eventually become world champions, further boosting Malaysia's reputation in the esports world.",
  "summary": "Melaka is being positioned as a potential host for a world-level esports championship in 2028, with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressing his preference for the state to take centre stage. The proposal follows discussions with the president of the World Esports organisation, who reportedly expressed interest in bringing the international […] The post Melaka Aims To…",
  "key_points": [
    "Melaka being considered for 2028 global esports championship",
    "Deputy PM Dr Ahmad Zahid wants Melaka as focal point",
    "MARA to convert TVET institutions into esports training centre"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Shifting the spotlight from major metropolitan centers to Melaka signals a strategic move to decentralize Malaysia's digital economy and establish the state as a specialized hub for professional gaming.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}