Asia
Esports Integrated (ESI) Announces the Success of Malaysia Esports League 2021 (MEL21) and the Closing of MEL21 National League (Nationals)

Esports Integrated (ESI), an initiative under the purview of the Ministry of Youth & Sports (KBS), today announces the successful organisation and completion of Malaysia Esports League 2021 (MEL21) Nationals. The inaugural nationwide esports league for grassroots was held in 2 stages; State Leagues on 10 July till 8 August 2021 and Nationals on 14 August till 31 August 2021.
A total of 288 players from 64 teams representing 13 states and 3 Federal Territories competed in MEL21 Nationals in 4 game titles; PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds Mobile (PUBGM), Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), EA Sports FIFA21 and Dota 2. Winners of each category brought home RM20,000 prize money, champion’s medal and the title of MEL21 National Champion. MEL21 was organised by ESI in collaboration with 16 state esports associations. Almost 30,000 local grassroot players registered for the fully virtual competition, held in accordance with the SOPs set under the National Recovery Plan – Phase 1.
For PUBGM, matches were held on 14, 15, 16 August with 22 August 2021 as the Final match day. 15 rounds were held throughout 4 tournament days using point system format, competing in 3 maps, Sanhok, Erangel and Miramar. Team Farang Guerrilla from Selangor emerged victorious, with the highest kill count of 13 during Final day. Team Farang Guerilla consists of Adib Syazwan bin Abd Razak (team captain), Nur Muhammad Safiuddin bin Abdul Jabar, Muhammad Abbas bin Saufi and Mohammad Helmi Eizlan bin Mohammad Ehsan.
For Dota 2, group matches were held on 17 & 18 August 2021. All 16 teams were split into 4 groups competing in a league format in “Best of 1” matches before moving into knockout rounds. “Best of 3” matches were held during the knockout rounds, with 4 league group winners progressing into Upper Bracket, whilst 4 teams with the highest points moving into Lower Bracket. Team Thanks from Sarawak emerged victorious in the final match against ANIMALS from Selangor, coming back from 2-0 deficit to win the match in the fifth game with the score line of 2-3. Team Thanks consists of Benedict Chin Kuok Hong (team captain), Nelson Chin Kuok Chiat, Raymond Then Wan Jia, Nicholas Chin Kuok Chun and Low Kin Siong.
For FIFA21, matches were held on 20, 21 August with 27 August as the Final Playoffs. 16 players were split into 4 groups during the initial league round before winners from each group progressed into the knockout stage during Final Playoffs. Kedah’s Muhammad Faiz Hariry (AKA OrangeFavLain) emerged as the champion, beating Perak’s Kamil Al Amini bin Jamalludi Al Amini (AKA MAXNEVIS) with golden goal in Game 3, after both players were tied in 3-3 in Game 1 & 2.
For MLBB, matches were held on 23, 24 and 30 August, before culminating in the Final Playoffs on 31 August 2021. 16 teams were split into 4 groups during the initial league stage before winners of each group progressed into the Upper Bracket knockout round and 4 teams with the highest points moving to Lower Bracket knockout round. Penang’s Cyduken emerged victorious over Terengganu’s Mikey with a score line of 3-0. Cyduken consists of Aiman Zairie bin Anuar (team captain), Muhammad Hakim bin Adanan, Muhammad Nabil bin Japri, Ahmad Zaki bin Ibrahim and Mohamed Aiman Solihin bin Mohamed Iqbal.
“With the success of the inaugural MEL, KBS through ESI are planning to continue hosting it on an annual basis to continue to support grassroots development of the esports ecosystem in Malaysia,” said Ahmed Faris Amir, the Chief Executive Officer of ESI.
“In the future edition of MEL, we hope to have more female players participating and that MEL will be more racially diverse as well,” he added to the media when asked about MEL improvement plans during the press conference.
All matches were livestreamed on the national esports tournament platform, esukan.gg and ESI’s Facebook page. A total of 2.2 million video minutes were viewed, and 700,000 total views were recorded throughout MEL21 Nationals. This exemplifies the local esports community’s appetite for exciting and competitive tournaments for the grassroots. The number of views exceeded ESI’s initial projection of 100,000 views.
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Asia
Genting Singapore Appoints Lee Shi Ruh as its New President and COO

Genting Singapore chief financial officer (CFO) Lee Shi Ruh has been appointed president and chief operating officer (COO), filling a position that had been vacant for three years.
The role was last held by former president and COO Tan Hee Teck, who was promoted to chief executive officer in May 2022.
Lee has now stepped down as CFO, the group announced in a bourse filing on Friday (Aug 1). That role will be taken over by Ang Suat Ching, currently CFO of Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Genting Singapore. Ang will retain her role at RWS.
These changes follow the retirement of Tan, who stepped down as CEO and chairman of RWS in May.
From Jun 1, Lim Kok Thay, executive chairman of the Genting Group, assumed the role of acting CEO, while Lee took on the position of CEO of RWS.
“These appointments reflect our commitment to leadership renewal as the group enters its next phase of growth,” said Lim.
He added that Lee “brings a proven track record of sound decision-making, strategic discipline, and a clear understanding of the group’s long-term priorities, which will be invaluable in her expanded role as president and COO”.
He also noted that Ang’s financial expertise will support the group’s long-term value creation.
The post Genting Singapore Appoints Lee Shi Ruh as its New President and COO appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Aquisitions/Mergers
Donaco International Shareholders Approve Acquisition by On Nut Road Limited

Donaco International Limited (DNA), an ASX-listed company focused on leisure, entertainment and associated technology, announced that its shareholders have voted in favour of the proposed acquisition of 100% of the company’s shares by On Nut Road Limited (ONR) via a scheme of arrangement. Donaco International operates casino businesses in Southeast Asia.
The resolution to approve the Scheme was passed with significant support, with 98.11% of votes cast by Donaco shareholders in favour. Additionally, 77.50% of Donaco shareholders present and voting, either in person or by proxy, attorney, or corporate representative, also voted in favour of the Scheme. The voting results reflect strong shareholder backing for the proposed acquisition.
The Scheme remains subject to the approval of the Supreme Court of New South Wales at a hearing scheduled for Thursday, 7 August 2025. The Second Court Hearing will only occur if all of the remaining conditions precedent to the Scheme have been satisfied or waived. If the court approves the Scheme and all conditions are met, Donaco intends to lodge a copy of the court orders with ASIC on Friday, 8 August 2025, upon which the Scheme will become effective and DNA shares will be suspended from trading on the ASX. Pending final approvals, the implementation of the Scheme is expected to occur on Tuesday, 19 August 2025.
The post Donaco International Shareholders Approve Acquisition by On Nut Road Limited appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
GK8 Announces Football Legend Michael Owen as its New Brand Ambassador

GK8, Asia’s leading platform for interactive gaming and entertainment, has announced football legend Michael Owen as its new brand ambassador. With a reputation built on trust, security and a diverse range of gaming options, GK8 continues to expand its influence in the iGaming sector, and Owen’s partnership is set to bolster its position in the competitive industry.
Michael Owen, a former English football star known for his exceptional skills and quick pace on the field, brings his star power to the fast-growing brand. With years of success both on and off the pitch, Owen’s influence will help enhance GK8’s visibility across key international markets. The partnership marks a pivotal moment for the company, reflecting its ambition to continue expanding globally while maintaining its commitment to a high standard of user experience.
“It’s an honor to be working with such a dynamic and forward-thinking brand like GK8. Their dedication to creating a secure, engaging platform aligns perfectly with my values. I look forward to connecting with fans and players in Southeast Asia, sharing in the excitement and entertainment that GK8 offers,” said Michael Owen.
Founded with a vision to bring top-tier gaming experiences to Asia, GK8 has rapidly grown into a major force in the interactive gaming industry. The platform is recognised for its advanced security measures, seamless user interface and wide selection of games, including sports, lotteries and multiplayer online options. GK8’s unique approach to customer service has helped them build a loyal global community, with users praising its responsive support team and fast transactions.
The post GK8 Announces Football Legend Michael Owen as its New Brand Ambassador appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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