KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) has begun its foray into eSports development with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with REV Media Group, recently.
The MoU will see the two parties explore ways of strengthening and encouraging developments in academia, culture and research related to the eSports sector.
UiTM vice-chancellor Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Mohd Azraai Kassim said the collaboration with REV Media Group is one of the university's joint pilot projects, which had already yielded positive returns.
"The collaboration began last year when we successfully conducted three eSports events, called Kejohanan E-Sukan Kampus or Campus eSports Championship (KEK).
"And we saw these events receive high participation from youth, especially university students.
"In a show of support towards the government's eSports initiative, our aim in this collaboration is to expand and venture further into the industry, by conducting more in-depth research on eSports application and digital technology.
"I hope this joint venture will be an eye-opener for more parties to start seeing eSports not only as a healthy endeavour, but also as a career opportunity for its players," he told the press after the MoU signing ceremony.
The MoU was inked by Azraai and REV Media Group chief executive officer Rafiz Razali.
It was witnessed by Media Prima Berhad group managing director Datuk Iskandar Mizal Mahmood and UiTM deputy vice-chancellor Prof Dr Azizan Abdullah.
Azraai also expressed hope for the creation of various opportunities for university students through eSports and creative technology development.
"I hope for more eSports programmes to be organised and expanded internationally.
"From this collaboration, too, we hope for more opportunities for our students, not only in academia but also placements with REV Media Group for their industrial training.
"We will also establish 'eSports hub labs' at UiTM CMT Hub, as well as organise more KEK programmes, where REV Media Group will serve as the main organiser while we, the university, will be a strategic partner," he added.