Games

INTERVIEW – Behind Singapore’s only esports League: How MLBB is spearheading the revolution

BBG News

In the realm of mobile esports, it’s Mobile Legends: Bang Bang by MOONTON Games that’s making the biggest splash. This popular Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game is significantly raising the profile of mobile gaming within the competitive esports scene. While mobile esports has already carved out a space for itself, there’s still a lot of room to grow. Titles like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang are spearheading this growth in many promising regions, such as Singapore.

Being the only esports league in Singapore conducted by Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, we thought it would be interesting to delve into how the company is working to establish an ecosystem and cultivate local talent. For this, we had a chat with Daniel Chew, who heads Esports for Singapore at MOONTON Games.

During our conversation, we delved deeply into several aspects surrounding Singapore’s ambition to establish itself as a major esports center. This included examining its challenges, strategic goals, financial investments, and numerous related subjects.

Singapore has earned a separate place as one of the key regions in SEA

Initially, we inquired about the local context for Singapore as a hosting nation within one of the most prominent leagues of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Esports, the Professional Leagues (MPL). During our conversation, he expressed his perspective on how Mobile Legends contributes to Singapore’s status as a key esports center in Southeast Asia and offered several insights.

He stated that at present, the MLBB Professional League (MPL) Singapore stands as the sole professional esports league in the nation. Furthermore, he emphasized that this unique positioning transforms MPL SG into something beyond just an esports league.

Singapore has successfully elevated its standing in the global Mobile Legends: Bang Bang arena. Despite its compact size, it has demonstrated capabilities worthy of recognition on an international scale.

To illustrate, Team Flash, our current title holders, secured a top-four placement at the MLBB Mid Season Cup (MSC) during the 2024 Esports World Cup. This accomplishment filled me with pride, underscoring the capabilities of Singaporean teams and the abundance of talent within our market.

In Singapore, the environment consistently evolves with a sense of duty, recognizing the significance of community, and preserving the ecosystem, thereby creating a strong foundation for the skills, enthusiasm, and possibilities within the gaming community.

MLBB aims to get closer to the Singapore community and wants to build a strong base

During this latest season of MPL SG, we implemented a traveling tournament structure, holding games at three distinct locations across the country. This approach brought the competition directly to the doorstep of our widespread audience. We discussed the tactical goals behind the nationwide traveling format used in MPL Singapore Season 9.

Singapore has long intrigued us as a region. While esports hasn’t traditionally been the main focus here, there remains a strong emphasis on academics and conventional careers. This means that the esports culture is not as deeply ingrained in Singapore as it is in some neighboring countries. To shake things up and increase engagement, our planned game aims to introduce something new.

Last year saw the debut of the roving system, and this experience has bolstered their conviction to delve deeper. He expressed, “The concept is straightforward: our aim is to bring MPL Singapore nearer to the community and make professional esports more approachable for fans who might not often have the chance to witness it closely.

We inquired if the situation was consistent across other marketplaces. He acknowledged it as a substantial alteration, providing additional teams an opportunity to compete against top-tier contenders and potentially enter the professional realm. However, he noted that Singapore is relatively compact, making adjustments simpler here. Regarding plans for other regions, he expressed uncertainty.

Community teams are valuable and will benefit the overall esports ecosystem for both SG and SEA

During our conversation, we didn’t just focus on Singapore, but rather delved into a broader perspective about MOONTON. We were keen to understand the part community teams play in the Southeast Asian (SEA) region and the overall ecosystem they support. He explained that by including these teams within the league, it opens up more chances for rising players and strengthens the base of the entire system. These teams contribute vitality, excitement, fan backing, but above all, they symbolize the upcoming wave of talent.

The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) game aims to participate in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, demonstrating its achievement in gaining recognition and financial backing. As stated by Daniel, other regions within the SEA have well-defined paths for professional, developmental, and community advancement in this context.

He stated that a robust community backing would foster growth within the region. Strengthening the grassroots movement means an influx of more players and spectators. MPL Singapore, although smaller compared to other leagues in Southeast Asia (SEA), plays a crucial role in the larger scheme of things, and we prioritize this responsibility diligently.

Although amateur teams have been incorporated into the MPL Singapore Regular Season, the structure of the competition continues to draw a distinct boundary between casual and professional play.

Daniel emphasized that the title should offer increased chances and possibilities for up-and-coming athletes, yet it’s crucial that it maintains the honor and authenticity of the professional circuit as well.

Conversely, community teams engage with professional counterparts during the Challenger Stage, ensuring an equilibrium between the two groups.

MOONTON will nurture young esports talent and provide them with growth opportunities

The game is dedicated to cultivating upcoming esports talent, not just within MPL Singapore, but across a broader spectrum. We collaborate with various tournaments and organizations to mold the future of esports. Daniel mentioned the Campus Legends Invitational as evidence of our dedication to nurturing these young talents last year.

As a gamer, I’ve found that connecting with fellow gamers can significantly enhance my gaming experience. To foster this connection, games often seek partnerships with brands to tap into the heart of local gaming communities. The MPL Singapore Talent Search is one such initiative, aiming to bring together passionate gamers and provide opportunities for us all.

As an enthusiast, I’m excited about a platform specifically crafted to nurture the rising stars of the esports world, extending beyond just competitive play. It’s about providing chances in various spheres such as commentary, hosting, creative content, and event management too.

In addition to our talent search program, we’ve launched the MPL SG Ambassador Programme, which collaborates with rising Key Opinion Leaders to foster the local community. These initiatives are integral components of our long-term strategy aimed at grassroots development of the local gaming scene.

MLBB esports in Singapore and the greater SEA region

The game has been highly praised since its launch in the Southeast Asian region. However, our aim is to expand its success to other regions globally, which brings us here today.

As a passionate gamer, I’m thrilled to share that my favorite mobile game, MLBB, has made significant strides globally. We’ve extended our presence beyond Southeast Asia and have established solid foundations in regions like Eastern Europe and Central Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, China, and Japan. Each of these territories presents unique challenges, and I can’t wait to see how MLBB continues to grow and conquer new grounds, emulating the success it has achieved in Southeast Asia.

He acknowledged that the title’s home base is SEA, and we were curious about the factors contributing to this popularity. He offered several explanations. “Firstly,” he stated, “SEA is where Mobile Legends: Bang Bang esports originated, so the esports culture has grown deeply rooted here due to our long-standing presence and fervent fanbase.” He also mentioned, “We’ve consistently designed the game to resonate with local audiences.

In this area, being mobile-focused greatly boosted Mobile Legends: Bang Bang’s rapid growth across Southeast Asia. Accessibility has been a key factor driving its popularity and maintaining an enthusiastic fanbase. Towards the close of our conversation, we inquired about the development of esports in Southeast Asia and MLBB’s potential impact on the scene, considering its integration into the Singapore stage with numerous elements.

The esports landscape in Southeast Asia has made significant strides, yet there’s plenty of opportunity for further advancement. The local community has consistently demonstrated enthusiasm, and we’re witnessing increased organization and backing for this passion. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang will undoubtedly continue to be a key player in molding the future of this scene.

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2025-05-19 11:12

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