“While the industry is still gaining popularity in Malaysia, it is already a mature industry in many countries such as South Korea where it generated RM2.6bil annual revenue for the country.
“In China, where esports is also popular, such hotels generated RM73.7bil in revenue for 2020 and the value is expected to grow in the coming years,” he explained. In 2019 alone, 474 million people worldwide were either involved in or stayed at esports hotels worldwide, he said, adding that the figure reflected the potential of esports hotels to boost a country’s economy.
“I was impressed during my visit to launch the esports hotel located in Senai, Kulai, which is the first in Johor.“It is up to local youths and entrepreneurs to seize the opportunities available and join the digital economy to avoid losing out,” Tee said, while also urging industry players to have an open mind about embracing changing trends. — By YEE XIANG YUN