Esports players and chess champs in Singapore might soon be getting the same official recognition as athletes in football or swimming, as a new Bill introduced in Parliament on Tuesday (4 November) demands to formally classify esports and mind sports as legitimate sports.
According to a report by CNA, the primary objective of the Singapore Sports Council (Amendment) Bill, tabled by Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo, is to modernize the way Sport Singapore (SportSG), the national sports agency of Singapore, supports athletes. In simple terms, it’s about making sure the country’s sports policies keep up with what Singaporeans are actually playing and watching today.
Read more: BLAST confirms Dota 2 event in Singapore
According to the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), the update reflects how much the nation’s sporting scene has changed over the years. It’s no longer just about running faster or jumping higher because mental strategy and digital skill are now part of the mix too.
Esports has exploded in popularity in Singapore, both as a career path and as a spectator sport. The country has hosted major international tournaments, including The International 2022, one of the biggest events in competitive gaming. In 2023, Singapore also became the stage for the first-ever Olympic Esports Week, organised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) with sports simulation games.
At Gamescom Asia 2024, Minister of State for Trade and Industry Alvin Tan highlighted the esports growth in Southeast Asia, and the presence of major publishers such as Riot Games and Ubisoft in Singapore.
If the Bill passes, SportSG will be able to officially support these newer types of sports by giving them access to the same opportunities as traditional ones. That could mean more funding, training programs, and recognition for local esports teams.
Apart from the law updates, Singapore is also heavily focusing on the foreign esports investment as the country recently scored a multi-year deal with BLAST to host major esports tournaments, including a $1 million Dota 2 event. And it’s not just about competitions. Razer, the global gaming pheripherals brand, is also setting up a new AI gaming hub in Singapore.
