RANAU: Esports has become more than just entertainment, emerging as a digital economy industry that offers a wide range of career opportunities for Sabah’s young people, Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said on Saturday.
He said the industry’s rapid growth has created opportunities not only for professional players but also for coaches, game analysts, content creators, streamers, casters, team managers, digital marketers and technology specialists.
“The State Government wants to see more Sabah youths become job creators and leaders in the digital economy by developing their talents through knowledge, discipline and experience,” he said in a speech delivered by his Political Secretary, Johari Suhaimin, at the opening of the Borneo Esport Tournament 2026 (BEST26) at the Ranau Community Hall.
Masidi said close collaboration between the Government, the esports community, private sector and tournament organisers should be strengthened to drive the industry’s growth and provide more opportunities for local talent to develop.
He said the Government would continue to play a facilitating role by supporting talent development and creating a conducive ecosystem to ensure esports continues to grow as a catalyst for Sabah’s digital economy.
He added that Sabah youths, particularly those from Ranau, have the potential to excel at higher levels if given opportunities to hone their skills through competitions and gain wider access to the esports industry.
Expressing hope that BEST26 would become a platform to discover new talent, build experience and strengthen the esports community in Ranau and Sabah, Masidi then officially declared the tournament open.
The tournament features three titles including Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, PUBG Mobile and eFootball – attracting 381 participants from nine districts: Ranau, Kota Kinabalu, Labuan, Keningau, Tambunan, Semporna, Kota Belud, Kota Marudu and Sandakan.
Also present were National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) Ranau Prevention Unit Chief Sazaki Mohd Zin, Borneo Esport 2026 Programme Director Mohd Adib Moin, Community Development Officer for Karanaan Syukri Saridih and others.
