Singapore, 8 July 2021 – NetLink Trust, the appointed network company of the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (Next Gen NBN) in Singapore, is supporting the local gaming and esports industry through a series of sponsorships aimed at delivering next generation connectivity to empower the competitive and industry aspirations of the local gaming community.
The gaming and esports industry is propelled by the growing smartphone penetration and the adoption of advanced technologies for developing games. According to the World Economic Forum, the global gaming and esports industry is 10 times the size of the music industry, and it is bigger than the music, feature film and theatrical businesses combined. With revenues estimated to reach US$3.48 billion in 2021 (year-on-year growth of 16.4 per cent), global research firm Statista has identified ASEAN as one of the fastest growing games markets.Under a partnership with M1, NetLink Trust will provide Esports Entertainment Asia (EEA) and Singapore’s Cybersports & Online Gaming Association (SCOGA) with state-of-the-art fibre network infrastructure at Esports Experience Centre @ Kallang Wave Mall, Atrium @ Kallang Wave Mall, Sports Lifestyle Centre, and educational campuses in partnership with SCOGA Esports Academy.
The opening of the Esports Experience Centre @ Kallang Wave Mall, which took place today (8 July 2021), was officiated by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Mr. Edwin Tong.
M1 will provide wireless connectivity powered by reliable, high-speed, and stable fibre-optic network. In addition, M1 will be bringing in more ecosystem partners to support the EEA experience centre by complementing connectivity with enterprise grade equipment.
EEA is a Singapore-based company with the vision to build a comprehensive esports ecosystem in Singapore and Asia through the organising of world-class events and competitions, setting up integrated entertainment venues, building pan-Asia social platforms, and setting up training academies to nurture talents.
SCOGA was founded in 2008 by a group of enthusiastic gamers and leaders who wanted to make a difference for esports in Singapore. It aims to elevate gaming and esports in Singapore by educating youths, nurturing online communities and creating job opportunities, particularly through its Esports Academy, supported by the National Youth Council, which aims to create a centre of excellence around esports and youth leadership.
“Singapore’s advanced fibre broadband infrastructure and strong government support are critical factors that will shape the development of the local gaming and esports industry. With an extensive nationwide fibre coverage, NetLink is able to provide seamless and swift support for fibre broadband deployments that meet the exacting standards demanded by the gaming and esports industry, where stable connection with ultra-low latency is paramount. We are pleased to play a role in the development of Singapore’s gaming and esports industry through this sponsorship,” said Mr. Tong Yew Heng, CEO of NetLink Trust.
