Call to develop e-chess and embrace its value

Posted on 30 Aug 2026

Source of News: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/08/30/call-to-develop-e-chess-and-embrace-its-value/

(From left) Ahmad, Dr Sim, Lo and Afiq lead in a gesture during the event.

KUCHING (Aug 30): The Sarawak Esports Association (SESA) has been urged to consider introducing e-chess as a new e-sports discipline in the state, bridging mind sports, technology and the growing e-sports industry. The belief is that e-chess could help develop strategic thinking, patience, discipline and decision-making skills among young people.

“Besides games such as mobile (games) and Mobile Legends, SESA can consider introducing and developing e-chess as one of the e-sports disciplines in Sarawak. I believe e-chess can also be a good bridge between mind sports, technology and e-sports,” said Sarawak senator Dato Ahmad Ibrahim in his speech during the PUBG Mobile OooHaa Sarawak programme at Batu Kawa Innovation Hub here on Sunday.

He suggested that SESA work with chess associations and clubs to organise e-chess competitions at the community, school and youth levels. He had promised funding for the association next year to help to develop the discipline.

Meanwhile, he reminded young e-sports players that gaming must be balanced with education, health, family and future career aspirations.

“Gaming must have discipline. Learning, health, family, your future and career remain important. If you want to become a good e-sports player, you also need to have the discipline of an athlete.

“Getting enough sleep is also important to maintaining mental sharpness and performance. I know some young people can spend hours gaming late into the night,” he added.

He also highlighted good sportsmanship and emotional control during competitions.

“I want to share an experience that affected me during the Sukma Selangor 2026 where I was saddened to see a player from Melaka shouting and displaying aggressive behaviour towards the Sabah e-sports team in an incident that went viral.

“Such behaviour is uncalled for. It should not happen and is very immature, especially at a national sporting event watched by millions of Malaysians and potentially audiences around the world.

“I do not want to see our young people behave that way. To all players, you must remain calm and be able to control your emotions. There is nothing wrong with celebrating a victory with your team, but do it with the right attitude, without insulting, belittling or showing aggression towards your opponents,” he stressed.
The senator said Sarawak needed young people to become technology creators, digital entrepreneurs and future leaders.

“In an increasingly digital world, we need the younger generation not only to be users of technology, but one day to be able to create technology, become digital entrepreneurs and leaders here.

“Who knows, from the programmes we are running today, one of you may become a world e-sports player. Perhaps a local player from Sarawak will emerge, or perhaps a technology and AI innovator founded by a Sarawakian,” he said.

Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang and SESA president Afiq Fadhli Narawi.