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Singtel, the largest mobile network operator in Singapore, has partnered with South Korean telecommunications operator SK Telecom. Their mutual goal is to develop, support, and grow esports in Asia.
Scaling regional esports events and leagues
By signing a Memorandum of Understanding, the two companies look to cooperate and leverage each other’s assets and capabilities to further expand competitive gaming in Asia. With its massive fan base and numerous professional organizations, Asia represents one of the biggest markets for esports globally. Singtel and SK Telecom say they will develop and provide digital gaming content, solutions, and services for esports fans.
“SK Telecom is synonymous with gaming and has been a leader in the industry since the beginning,” said Singtel International Group CEO Arthur Lang. “Coupled with the Singtel Group’s deep local knowledge, telco assets and reach to over 675 million customers in the region, of which almost a third are gamers, we have the synergies and opportunity to really grow and develop the gaming ecosystem for gamers in Asia.”
Serving an audience of 190 million, the Asian esports scene has flourished in the past couple of years. The two companies are aiming to capitalize on this development, looking to scale up regional esports events and leagues to meet demand and push esports “further into the mainstream,” according to SK Chief Strategy Officer Peter Ha.
Two giants contributing to the growth of Asian esports
Both Singtel and SK Telecom have been active in the esports realm for quite some time.
Singtel signed a similar agreement last October with its affiliates in Southeast Asia, Australia, and India to grow esports in these regions. Moreover, the telecommunications company organized last year’s PVP Esports Championship, a $300K international esports tournament in Dota 2 and Arena of Valor. The event saw huge success with over 3,600 competing teams and 13 million online viewers during the tournament’s finals.
SK Telecom, a name well recognized in the Asian esports scene, has been present in the industry for over 10 years. The brand not only backs the popular League of Legends team SK Telecom T1 but also operates its own game portal service. According to the company, the gaming outlet serves over 35 million users.
Image credit: ROSLAN RAHMAN / Stringer / Getty Images
