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The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Malaysia officially kicked off Season 17 with the “MLBB Esports Malaysia 2026: MY Time, MY Era Press Conference”. Held today (12 March) at Quill City Mall Kuala Lumpur, the invite-only event saw global video game company, MOONTON Games, outline plans and strategic partnerships with government bodies and industry leaders to strengthen Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) as a cornerstone of Malaysia’s esports ecosystem and Malaysia as a leading gaming and esports powerhouse in Southeast Asia.
MPL Malaysia’s press conference took place on the same day as the Malaysia Esports Accelerator Program (MEAP) and Dana Esukan KBS (DEK) 2026, where Dr Mohammed Taufiq bin Johari, Minister of Youth and Sports (KBS), declared Malaysia’s ambition to stand at the forefront of global esports. He also recognised MLBB Esports as a global-leading sport that allows Malaysians to bring glory to the nation on the global stage. He further highlighted the growing role of esports in youth development and the digital economy, declaring Malaysia’s ambitions to become a major esports hub by 2030.
The MLBB Esports Malaysia 2026: MY Time, MY Era saw a historic collaboration between the Malaysia Esports Federation (MESF) and the Singapore Esports Association (SGEA). Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), both organisations established a bilateral cooperation to promote talent development and cross-border opportunities for professional players within the MLBB ecosystem. The collaboration also introduces the Expansion Team initiative to MPL Malaysia, allowing Singapore-based players—including those competing under Team Flash—to participate in MPL Malaysia and further elevate the competitive standard of the league.
Muhammad Naim Al Amin, President of MESF, shared: “This MOU reflects a shared commitment between Malaysia and Singapore to deepen cooperation in esports development. It is a structural step that strengthens MPL Malaysia’s regional foundation while creating meaningful opportunities for talent across both countries. We are positioning Malaysia as a regional esports hub, and this collaboration is proof that Malaysian esports is maturing and ready to compete at the highest levels.”
Kelvin Tan, Secretary General of SGEA, added: “The collaboration with MESF demonstrates how regional partnership strengthens the entire esports ecosystem. By providing Singaporean players access to one of Southeast Asia’s most competitive leagues, we are paving sustainable pathways for talent development while creating a more dynamic competitive environment that benefits players, teams, and fans across both countries.”
At the heart of MPL Malaysia’s 2026 vision is the recently launched Partnership Programme, which anchors the next phase of growth. The complete roster of eight partner teams was officially revealed at the press conference, ending weeks of speculation.
The Partnership Programme provides structured support for teams while ensuring a stable and professional competitive environment where players, organisations, and partners can thrive. By strengthening the professional esports ecosystem, MPL Malaysia creates structured career pathways for Malaysian players, coaches, content creators, and industry professionals across the digital and creative economy.
Krystal Tan, Head of Business Development for Malaysia Esports at MOONTON Games, said: “As we stand at the brink of a new chapter, we are making an unprecedented commitment to build a professional and stable ecosystem where our players and teams can thrive on a global stage. This is a transformative effort to elevate Malaysia’s esports landscape, creating champions and cultural icons that transcend the game itself. Our vision is to establish esports as a national game, woven into the very fabric of Malaysian culture.”
During the press conference, MOONTON Games also unveiled key details for MPL Malaysia Season 17, including the official match schedule for Weeks 1 to 8 of the Regular Season. Matches will be hosted at Quill City Mall Convention Centre, which will serve as the league’s official arena for the Regular Season, providing fans with a central and easily accessible venue to experience live esports action.
MLBB Esports promises a full year of competition, combining live matches, digital activations, and community challenges designed to deepen fan engagement. By aligning competitive excitement with immersive experiences, MPL Malaysia continues to set the golden standard as a premiere esports league in Malaysia.