Officials from Malaysia and the Philippines have shared how MOONTON Games‘ Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) is being supported as part of their national education strategies, underlining its role in youth development, career pathways, and the digital economy.

Speaking on 1 August during the From Screen to Stadium: How Esports is Redefining Youth Culture & Global Influence press conference organised by MOONTON at the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC), Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, YB Adam Adli, said governments “continue to support MLBB simply because there’s a significant contribution by platforms like MLBB to youth development.”

“It’s more than just gaming,” he added. “It’s basically a booster to digital economy growth, youth engagement, as well as a platform where people can really enjoy and truly understand the structured ecosystem of esports.”

Adam Adli explained that MLBB has been incorporated into Malaysia’s national programmes, including in schools. “We have integrated the game into our national programmes in schools so that we will be able to capitalise on the popularity of the game to make sure that our younger generations will be able to further develop their talents in many areas through the game,” he said.

This development extends beyond producing professional players. “We are not simply talking about gaming or athletes,” he continued. “We are also talking about those behind the scenes. We are developing experts in many areas — broadcasting, coaching, and now we even have nutritionists.” He added that the game helps inspire students’ interest in “science, technology and everything” while building grassroots engagement.

From the Philippines, Atty. Erose Marlo C. Laeno, Chief Legal Officer of the Games and Amusements Board, described a structured approach to overseeing amateur and professional esports. “Currently we treat amateur players and professional players differently,” she said. “For amateur players, they’re mostly governed by the Philippine Sports Commission in coordination with some private organisations whose agenda is really focused on the development of the national talent pool.”

“When they’re ready to graduate into the professional side, they come under the supervision of the Games and Amusements Board,” he explained, noting that the body’s jurisdiction “is not just on the players, but also on game officials, on coaches and managers and even casters.”

Laeno pointed to a “really quick trend” of individuals who may not qualify for the professional scene but are “finding their footing in different areas of the gaming industry.”

The press conference, which was broadcast live to international media, also featured Faisal Bin Homran, Chief Product Officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation, and was moderated by Ray Ng, Head of Esports Ecosystem at MOONTON Games.