IN promoting digital talent among youths in the state, Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) is launching its third esports programme next month.
PYDC general manager Dr Gwee Sai Ling said the programme called Esports Development Courses, in collaboration with Magnus Game Studio, is aimed at increasing knowledge and cultivate awareness among youths about the world of digitalisation.
“The big goal for this initiative is to train up 1,000 Penang youths to be digitally talented and as of now, we have trained a total of 230 Penang youths,” she said during a press conference on Tuesday.
Dr Gwee said during quarter one and two of this year, PYDC had organised eight classes on different courses ranging from digital marketing, web design, graphic design and ecommerce.
She said the courses currently offered in quarter three are Certificate in 3D Development
(July 10, 11 and 17), Certificate in Game Development (Aug 7, 8 and 14) and Certificate in Business in the Game (Sept 11, 12 and 18).
“The courses will start in July and will be conducted for three months for each course and open to all Malaysian youths aged between 18 and 30.
“Each course will take up to 16 hours and participants will receive a certificate under the course but they have to achieve a minimum of 80% attendance throughout the course,” she said, adding that a fee of RM20 is applicable for students and RM200 for non-students.
“The objective of the programme is to help undergraduates, fresh graduates, students and Penang youths to master digital skills as well as assist them to be professionals in some specific topics.
“The programme aims to help youths achieve new knowledge and cultivate awareness among them about the world of digitalisation, especially in the esports industry.
“It also serves as a platform for youths to highlight their potential and head towards young digital talent.”
Dr Gwee added that PYDC’s intention for launching the series was to allow people to have a broader perspective of the esports industry.
“Knowing how to develop games does not mean one has to be addicted to playing video games.
“This course series is friendly towards gamers and also non-gamers as we hope more job opportunities are being created and offered to the younger generation,” she said.
Meanwhile, state youth and sports committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said the programme would not only empower youths, but also be an important investment for youths as it would help them grow their technical skills.
“We have to believe that esports does not revolve around playing games, but it creates an ecosystem and also a whole new world where we can strengthen the economy in our nation,” he said.
Those interested in joining the programme can visit PYDC’s official Facebook page or call 012-401 0186.
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