The Director of the Education Bureau (DSEJ), Leong Lai, wants Macau to improve its acceptance and understanding of eSports – calling for the global phenomenon to be included as part of Macau’s education curriculum.
Speaking on TDM’s Forum Macau, Ms Leong said that society needs to improve its understanding of eSports, which are very different from online gambling such as sports betting. She added that it is listed as a sport in many countries and can help train participants’ reactions and problem-solving skills.
“I think the school should have the initiative to bring in eSports on condition that they’re quite well-known about e-Sports, including the regulations and so on.
“But as I understand it, if it is a pure athletic in nature, it should be allowed on the curriculums.”
Ms Leong said that the DSEJ was open to the possibility of including eSports in Macau’s schools but added to do so would require a full-discussion involving segments of society, family and education institutions.
Chairman of Macau eSports promotor Grow uP eSports, Mr Frederico Alexandre Dos Santos Rosario, told Inside Asian Gaming that eSports could provide a valuable addition to the local curriculum.
“Grow uP eSports’ mission is to educate society and parents about the multiple benefits associated to eSports,” he said.
“We believe that eSports can serve as a platform to improve personal and transferable skills, such as leadership and teamwork, when it’s practiced in a healthy and controlled environment.
“DSEJ indications are in accordance with what’s being followed internationally, and Grow uP eSports Association is already developing eSports-related courses to be launched later this year.”
