Goodday Charge proudly announces the successful formation of Team eMAS, Malaysia’s first senior esports team, through the Boomers2Gamers competition. This is a significant step towards legitimising Esports in Malaysia. The team was officially inaugurated by YB Hannah Yeoh, Malaysia’s Minister for Youth and Sports, emphasising the importance of this groundbreaking initiative.
The inauguration ceremony took place at Orange Esports Club, Quill City Mall. The Minister for Youth & Sports, YB Hannah Yeoh Tseow Suan, officiated the team’s status as Malaysia’s first Senior Esports Team. Etika’s Chief Executive Officer Group of Companies (Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei), Santharuban Thurai Sundaram, Amy Gan, VP of Marketing at Etika Sdn Bhd, along with members of the media and guests, were also present at the event. Supported by the top Esports organisation in Malaysia, the Malaysian Esports Federation, the team received additional recognition from the Malaysian Book of Records, solidifying their position in the country’s history.
The creation of Team eMAS is a major step forward for Goodday Charge’s goal of establishing esports as a legitimate activity. It serves as a platform to foster a greater understanding of esports among the older generation, bridging the gap between generations and promoting bonding with the younger generation. Additionally, it emphasises the various benefits that can be gained from esports, such as improved cognitive function and reflexes.
Providing to individuals in the 50 and above age group, the Boomers2Gamers campaign saw a remarkable response with 298 applicants. The selection process was rigorous, resulting in the top 10 contestants who underwent an intensive training programme spanning several weeks. During this time, they honed their skills, developed strategic thinking, improved their fitness levels, and learned the importance of teamwork and effective communication. At Goodday Charge, prioritising nutrition and fitness in all sports is a top priority.
To ensure the team is ready for training, they begin their day with physical exercises and a nutritious meal. Afterward, the coaches lead a crucial strategic discussion before diving into training matches. After the session, the coaches have a debriefing where they review their performance and receive advice on how to improve. Partners like Orange Esports Club, Predator Gaming, and Creative Labs made sure that the participants had an exceptional gaming experience. They provided a state-of-the-art gaming facility, top-notch Predator series gaming laptops, and high-definition gaming headsets.
Following their impressive wins, the team handpicked six individuals to join their ranks. Trish Lim was appointed as the Team Leader, Nahar Ludhfi took on the role of entry fragger, Ahmad Zamzuri, also known as Tom, joined as the second entry fragger, while Johan Arifin and John Yap were enlisted as support. Additionally, Linda Tee was designated as a substitute. Every member was carefully selected by former professional eSports athletes, Mohd Syazwan ‘Wanr0’ and Mohammed Reza ‘Rexa’, who have a combined experience of over 20 years. They chose the team based on specific criteria.
In order to strengthen their position in Malaysian esports history, Team eMAS went head-to-head with the professional Counter-Strike team, HXG, in a series of 4 intense matches. This acknowledgment by the Malaysian Electronic Sports Federation and the Malaysia Book of Records solidifies their position as Malaysia’s inaugural Senior Esports Team.
Goodday Charge is showing their dedication to esports by providing support to team HXG’s men’s and women’s teams. These teams are gearing up to represent Malaysia at the Asian Esports Championship in Chengdu, China. Their ultimate goal is to qualify for the 2024 International Esports Federation World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which is the largest country-based event in the world.
YB Hannah Yeoh Tseow Suan, Minister of Youth & Sports, emphasised the importance of such initiatives. “Esports is often perceived as the domain of the young, focused solely on entertainment. However, through initiatives like Boomers2Gamers, we demonstrate that esports encompasses much more. It is about strategic thinking, mental agility, and community – qualities that resonate with traditional sports.”
She added, “I commend Goodday Charge for spearheading the formation of this team and aligning with initiatives by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. This programme Boomers2Gamers, initiated by Goodday Charge, makes esports more inclusive by creating a better understanding and greater acceptance which will help bridge the generation gap. Inclusivity is among the key thrusts of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.”
Amy Gan, VP of Marketing at Etika Sdn Bhd, shared her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “Goodday Charge is dedicated to championing the belief that esports is a sport, requiring discipline, skill, and fitness for optimal performance. From supporting the National eSport Development Guideline (NESDEG) with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to sponsoring the 2024 Malaysian Esports Awards, our aim is to change negative stereotypes and misconceptions of esports in Malaysia. As a nutrition partner, Goodday Charge provides delicious chocolate milk that is specially formulated with essential nutrients like proteins and Vitamin B complex to sustain our esports athletes during competitions.”
Speaking on the team, she added, “Malaysia has many passionate gamers, but societal stigma, especially from the older generation, hinders the acceptance of esports as a legitimate sport. To bridge this gap, Goodday Charge launched the “Boomers to Gamers” initiative, forming the first senior esports team, Team eMAS. Exemplifying the values so commonly associated with traditional sports of teamwork, discipline, and an iron will, they are Malaysia’s greatest advocates for the development and legitimization of esports in Malaysia.”
Team eMAS’s Team Leader, Trish, expressed her excitement about leading the team. “I am grateful to Goodday Charge for this amazing experience. When I joined, I had no experience with Esports, and would not support it as a pathway for my family members. I had only heard about Esports from my son, but only after I joined the campaign did I realise how big Esports was. Now, I can’t believe we’re a part of this movement – and that I’m the team captain!”
Team eMAS shared their feelings at the ceremony. “This has been an eye-opening experience. Though some of us played casually before, this was our first foray into Esports, and it was initially overwhelming. With support from Goodday Charge and our coaches, we overcame the odds and couldn’t be happier. Trish has been an inspiration, always looking out for the team both in-game and during downtimes. She truly deserved the role of team captain.”
Goodday Charge first announced the Boomers2Gamers campaign in February, seeking to debunk myths, challenge negative stereotypes and promote greater acceptance of esports as a legitimate sport in Malaysia. With prevailing misperceptions and stigmas towards esports as a sedentary and not a ‘real’ sport, Goodday is here to tell consumers that esports is a sport by shedding light on its competitive nature, demanding high levels of athleticism, especially in the areas of fitness and nutrition, just like other sports. This is where Goodday Charge comes in, with their specially formulated chocolate milk that is packed with energy and ten nutrients of Multipro®, including vitamin B complex for sustained energy to support esports athletes throughout their training.
Amy Gan added, “We are not stopping here. In fact, due to the success of the campaign and overwhelming response from the participants, Orange Esports and Goodday will continue to develop the narratives of healthy gaming in a fully inclusive gaming esports ecosystem for all ages by dedicating
every Tuesday as a Boomers2Gamers day. Seniors can simply come and compete with their friends for free or look forward to workshops conducted by the club. Look out for more details coming soon!”
Get ready to witness the captivating journey of Team eMAS as Goodday Charge presents a limited reality series. Join the rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, triumphs and defeats as you follow the rise of this remarkable team. Hosting the show is none other than the beloved Malaysian caster, Tash Bunny, with a special guest appearance by Sir Cloud, who played a crucial role in mentoring the finalists. Coming soon to Astro Arena, this marks a significant milestone for esports as it makes its debut on a sports-focused channel, solidifying its status as a legitimate sport alongside others. To stay up-to-date on the release date and Goodday Charge’s efforts in legitimising esports, make sure to follow Goodday Milk Malaysia on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. They will provide you with the latest updates.
