Kuala lumpur: Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM) has become the first institution of higher education to organise a national-level e-Sports tournament fully managed by students through the kick-off event of ACS Edu Tour Season 5. UPTM's Secretariat and Corporate Communications Unit announced that the programme utilises a 'knowledge transfer' approach, guided by lecturers and industry players, allowing students to gain firsthand experience in managing a national-level tournament campaign.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the event's organisation involved students from the Faculty of Business and Accounting, Faculty of Computing and Multimedia, as well as the Faculty of Education, Social Sciences and Humanities. ACS Edu Tour S5, targeting the amateur player segment, showcases the game Mobile Legends: Bang Bang with a total prize pool of RM200,000.

The seven-month programme is set to engage 111 universities, colleges, and polytechnics nationwide, involving 1,552 teams and over 6,200 participants. Among them, 32 teams represent UPTM students. The tournament, in partnership with CRIT e-Sport Malaysia, offers higher education students across the country the chance not only to compete but also to explore their potential in various branches of the e-Sports industry.

ACS Edu Tour also acts as a holistic development platform through collaboration between UPTM and CRIT, implementing initiatives such as the Students Influencer Programme, Student Entrepreneurship Programme, and Students Ambassadors Programme. These initiatives provide students opportunities to build personal branding, explore entrepreneurship, and engage directly with industry brands.

Students have the opportunity to try various roles in the e-Sports industry, including as entrepreneurs, e-Sports commentators, and organisers, which will help expand graduate employability in the digital and creative industries. Inclusivity is also emphasised, with participation open to women and persons with disabilities (PwD), aligning with efforts to broaden access and participation in the national e-Sports industry.

The programme continues the collaboration between the UPTM e-Sports Club and CRIT, initiated in 2023, with support from strategic partners such as Tune Talk, Vico, Maggi Hot Cup, and the 'Kuasa Orang Muda' programme by Impact Integrated.