Goodday Charge Malaysia’s First Senior Esports Team

In a significant step to legitimizing esports in Malaysia, Goodday Charge proudly announces the successful formation of Team eMAS, Malaysia’s first senior esports team, through the Boomers2Gamers competition. The team was officially inaugurated by YB Hannah Yeoh, Malaysia’s Minister for Youth and Sports, highlighting the importance of this pioneering initiative. The inauguration ceremony was held at Orange Esports Club, Quill City Mall, where YB Hannah Yeoh Tseow Suan officiated the team’s status as Malaysia’s first senior esports team in the presence of Etika’s Chief Executive Officer for Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, Santharuban Thurai Sundaram, Amy Gan, VP of Marketing at Etika Sdn Bhd, and various media representatives and guests. Supported by the Malaysian Esports Federation, the Malaysian Book of Records also recognized the team, cementing their place in national history.

The formation of Team eMAS represents a significant milestone in Goodday Charge’s mission to legitimize esports by helping the older generation understand esports better, bridging the generational gap to foster bonding with the younger generation, and highlighting the cognitive and reflexive benefits of esports. Targeted at seniors aged 50 and above, the Boomers2Gamers campaign attracted an impressive 298 applicants, which were narrowed down to the top 10 contestants. These contestants underwent an authentic training regime over several weeks, focusing on skills, strategy, fitness, teamwork, and communication. As champions of nutrition and fitness across all sports, Goodday Charge ensured that a typical day for the team started with physical exercises and the right nutrition, followed by strategic discussions led by coaches, training matches, and debriefing sessions.

Partners Orange Esports Club, Predator Gaming, and Creative Labs provided world-class gaming facilities, top-of-the-line Predator series gaming laptops, and high-definition gaming headsets for an immersive experience. Following key victories, the team’s six members were selected: Trish Lim as Team Leader, Nahar Ludhfi as entry fragger, Ahmad Zamzuri aka Tom as second entry fragger, Johan Arifin and John Yap as support, and Linda Tee as a substitute. Each member was chosen by former professional esports athletes Mohd Syazwan ‘Wanr0’ and Mohammed Reza ‘Rexa’ based on specific criteria. To secure their place in Malaysian esports history, Team eMAS competed in four matches against the Malaysian professional Counter-Strike team, HXG. The recognition from the Malaysian Esports Federation and the Malaysia Book of Records officially marks them as Malaysia’s first senior esports team.

Goodday Charge is further supporting team HXG’s men’s and women’s teams as they prepare to represent Malaysia at the Asian Esports Championship in Chengdu, China, and aim to qualify for the 2024 International Esports Federation World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the largest country-based esports event in the world. YB Hannah Yeoh Tseow Suan emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating that esports involves strategic thinking, mental agility, and community, which resonate with traditional sports. She commended Goodday Charge for spearheading the formation of this team and aligning with the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ initiatives, highlighting that Boomers2Gamers helps bridge the generation gap and promotes inclusivity.

Amy Gan, VP of Marketing at Etika Sdn Bhd, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating that Goodday Charge is dedicated to championing the belief that esports is a sport requiring discipline, skill, and fitness. From supporting the National Esports Development Guideline (NESDEG) with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to sponsoring the 2024 Malaysian Esports Awards, their aim is to change negative stereotypes and misconceptions of esports in Malaysia. Goodday Charge provides nutritious chocolate milk specially formulated with essential nutrients like proteins and Vitamin B complex to sustain esports athletes during competitions.

Team eMAS’s Team Leader, Trish, shared her excitement about leading the team, expressing gratitude to Goodday Charge for the experience. Initially unfamiliar with esports, she realized its significance and embraced her role as team captain. Team eMAS members shared their positive experiences, noting the initial challenges and their eventual success with support from Goodday Charge and their coaches.

Goodday Charge announced the Boomers2Gamers campaign in February to debunk myths, challenge negative stereotypes, and promote greater acceptance of esports as a legitimate sport in Malaysia. Emphasizing esports’ competitive nature and athletic demands, Goodday Charge supports athletes with specially formulated chocolate milk packed with energy and essential nutrients. Due to the campaign’s success, Orange Esports and Goodday will continue promoting healthy gaming through Boomers2Gamers Day every Tuesday, offering free competitions and workshops for seniors.

Goodday Charge will premiere a limited reality series documenting Team eMAS’s journey, hosted by Malaysian caster Tash Bunny with a special appearance by mentor Sir Cloud. Releasing on Astro Arena, this will be the first esports content to air on the sports-focused channel, further legitimizing esports. For updates on the release date and more on Goodday Charge’s efforts in legitimizing esports, follow Goodday Milk Malaysia on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.