‘Time to tap potential of esports hotel industry’

Tee (right) visiting the first esports hotel in Johor in Senai, Kulai. With him is the facility’s chairman Tommy Chieng.

VIDEO games are no longer just entertainment to pass the time as the activity has grown into a multibillion dollar industry worldwide, says Datuk Tee Siew Kiong. The Johor Digital Economy Centre (JDEC) adviser said the rise of digital economy had made it possible to develop competitive video games or esports coupled with other elements into a whole new venture and bring new business opportunities.

“The esports hotel industry is one good example.

“While the industry is still gaining popularity in Malaysia, it is already a mature industry in many countries such as South Korea where it generated RM2.6bil annual revenue for the country.

“In China, where esports is also popular, such hotels generated RM73.7bil in revenue for 2020 and the value is expected to grow in the coming years,” he explained.

In 2019 alone, 474 million people worldwide were either involved in or stayed at esports hotels worldwide, he said, adding that the figure reflected the potential of esports hotels to boost a country’s economy.

“I was impressed during my visit to launch the esports hotel located in Senai, Kulai, which is the first in Johor.

“The esports and hospitality industry is a creative combination.

“It is up to local youths and entrepreneurs to seize the opportunities available and join the digital economy to avoid losing out,” Tee said, while also urging industry players to have an open mind about embracing changing trends. — By YEE XIANG YUN