On June 3, the 12th ASEAN Para Games officially opened in Cambodia. The event attracted 2,692 athletes from 11 countries, competing in 14 official events. Among them, "Mobile Legends: Bang Bang" was the only esports project selected and became the first international para esports project in the world.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
Dozens of players from four countries participated in the event, using different techniques according to their physical conditions to compete and provide exciting matches for the audience.
After two days of competition, the Philippines swept Malaysia 3-0 in the finals on June 5 to win the championship. Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand finished second, third, and fourth, respectively.
Thai player Pongsakorn Lekthongdang playing with his two feet
It is reported that in recent years, Moonton has launched a series of public welfare initiatives through the "Moonton Cares" program, allowing more users with health problems and physical disabilities to participate in esports. Through the joint efforts of Moonton and the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, MLBB was successfully selected for the ASEAN Para Games, becoming the first international para esports project in the world.
Cambodian player Vichet Sokchea playing with his only hand
On May 27, Moonton and the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports held a special seminar in Phnom Penh with the theme of "Making esports a career for everyone," exploring how to open up career paths for people with disabilities in the esports industry. Duong Meas Chamroeun, Deputy Minister of Education, Youth and Sports of Cambodia, Lee Xin, Manager of Burn X Flash Esports Team, and Kheng Sophorn, a Cambodian para esports player, attended the seminar.
Wu Jianrong, the head of Moonton's event ecology, said at the seminar:
"Moonton esports has always adhered to the principles of inclusiveness and equality. Everyone's talents, physical conditions, and abilities will vary. As one of the global leaders in mobile esports, Moonton hopes to ensure that esports can provide equal opportunities for everyone."
Duong, the Deputy Minister of Education, Youth and Sports of Cambodia, also spoke at the seminar, saying: "Esports can promote the dissemination of information and knowledge, relieve the pressure of daily learning and work for users, and also help young people discover their interests and keep them away from the influence of bad hobbies. Moreover, the esports industry can also provide job opportunities for them, allowing them to learn and benefit from what they love."
After the ASEAN Para Games, Moonton will also invite para MLBB players to participate in the MLBB Southeast Asia Cup Activity Day scheduled for June 8, 2023, to enhance communication between para-athletes and Southeast Asian Cup players and teams. They will participate in activities such as exchanging team uniforms and logos.