Singapore, 10 June 2023 – Lianhe Zaobao (ZB)’s first-ever Community eSports Day saw teams across different ages compete in the popular mobile game "Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB)" at Sengkang Grand Mall this afternoon. As part of ZB’s centennial celebrations, the event aimed to engage audiences from multi-generational groups, particularly the younger audiences and young parents through eSports.
To encourage the spirit of friendly competition and family bonding through eSports, participants were encouraged to form teams of five with their friends and family members. Response was overwhelming, with a total of 16 teams who registered ahead of the deadline.
Mdm Ong Ling Hong, who joined the tournament with her two sons aged 21 and 15, shared that this was the first competition she had taken part in with her family ever since the Covid-19 outbreak. Mdm Ong said: "Since I picked up MLBB in 2019, I have been playing the game regularly with my children as this has become a common language among us."
The Champion Team, Team NewJeens, which comprises a group of friends aged between 17 to 19, clinched the winning spot and received a cash prize of $1,000 presented by Mr Goh Sin Teck, Editor of ZB. Runner-up, Team Pizza is a qt. walked away with $300 cash prize while semi-finalists, Team Rekt Sg and Team Dunamis, received in-game virtual gifts for their efforts.
Mr Colin Goh, aged 18, Leader of Team NewJeens, said, "We have played together in MLBB competitions since August 2022. This is the first time we have won a tournament so we are very happy with how this turned out."
The event included a Mandarin seminar titled "Inside eSports: A Parent's Guide to the World of Digital Gaming'' with panellists including Mr Lucas Mao, Head of Esports at Moonton Games, Ms Pauline Phoon, CEO and founder of social enterprise, Comeback, and Mr Nicholas Khoo, co-founder of Singapore Cybersports & Online Gaming Association. The panellists shared insights on fostering harmonious parent-child relationships while embracing the joy of gaming at the one-hour seminar.
Mr Goh Sin Teck, Editor of ZB said, “eSports is becoming increasingly popular among youths. In recent years, our local athletes have achieved various successes in eSports events at the South-East Asian Games. In organising ZB’s first ever Community eSports Day, we hope to further connect with our younger audiences and help parents understand the trends of the video gaming world and their children’s interest.”
Mr Lucas Mao, Head of Esports at Moonton Games, said, “We are thrilled to host ZB’s Community eSports Day, and play a part in the publication's 100th anniversary. Co-gaming between parent and child helps to build a stronger bond, and creates positive outcomes for the community as a whole. eSports is an exciting industry with variable long-term career prospects, and we hope for parents to join us in this exciting adventure to learn more about eSports.”
ZB Community eSports Day was co-organised by ZB and Moonton Games, with Sengkang Grand Mall as the venue partner.
Attachments:
1. Photo - Prize presentation to 1st Place Winner, Team NewJeens
2. Photo - Participants playing in the tournament
3. Photo - Seminar
[Photos to be credited to: Ray Chua, Lianhe Zaobao]
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Issued by SPH Media
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