WITH esports included in the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, there could finally be another opportunity for Singapore’s keyboard warriors to battle their way into medal reckoning.
As in any sport, winning medals and basking in the glory — is the ultimate aim.
Joseph Schooling is a good example of what can be achieved by personal perseverance.
Now, esports can do the same.
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In recent years the likes of Daryl “iceiceice” Koh and Kun Xian Ho have grabbed top honours for Singapore on the regional and international stage competing in various tournaments.
But esports can offer more than just medals for Singapore says Nicholas Khoo, President and Co-founder of the Singapore Cybersports & Online Gaming Association (SCOGA).
“Medals are a one-in-a-million chance for many gamers, but the gaming and esports industries offer much more opportunities for many to take a professional step into the sector,” he explains.
In finding these “career opportunities” and to train and ready new entrants into the space, Khoo has set up The Esports Academy. He aims to build career paths for Singapore gaming enthusiasts. Rather than just banking on a core of professional esports athletes in the hopes of reaping in the medals, he aims to develop clearly defined and attainable careers in coaching, training, commentating, shoutcasting, live streaming, digital content production, and game development.
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FIVE ESPORTS MUST DOS!
1. Build a healthy ecosystem that creates new opportunities, especially economic ones like investments and jobs.
2. Build professionalism and keep raising the bar.
3. Educate everyone — those in esports and those who do not understand esports.
4. Find opportunities to be exposed to esports excellence internationally.
5. Protect the young and more vulnerable while they are being nurtured.
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Early Days
Khoo recognises that gaming and esports are in their infancy locally. “We are building the ecosystem. We want to build a sustainable industry that can offer another potential path for young people.”
Parents are the main audience Khoo hopes to convince with the esports academy. They will play a crucial role in bringing new esports talent to the fore, once they are convinced of the viability of the industry.
With agencies like the National Youth Council and organisations like Informatics Academy and video streaming platform, Twitch, any doubts should be eased.
Main Image: adamziaja.com / sergign / Shutterstock.com
