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The Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF) is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Korean Electronic Sports Association (KeSPA). With the common goal and objective of looking beyond merely the promotion and advancing the Esports scene, this MoU presents a show of solidarity and unity by all parties involved.

This collaboration plays an integral part to further develop Esports in multiple areas including, but not limited to, education, grassroots development, business cooperation, integrity and most importantly Esports athletes.

With South Korea being one of the leading national Esports associations, the outcome of the signed MOU includes the shared vision to continue the development of Esports across the continent. Through this MoU, both the AESF and KeSPA plan to collaborate in various areas by relying on enriched experience, expertise, and available resources of the two organisations.

The major areas for collaboration in the memorandum are;-

• Development of standard Esports manuals and guidelines;
• Development of manuals and guidelines for international Esports facilities;
• Development of guideline and criteria for AESF Game Title Selection Pool program;
• Development of measures to protect the rights and interests of stakeholders;
• Development and the cultivation of talents;
• Promotion of business development between corporations and Esports stakeholders;
• Strategic cooperation for the official recognition of Esports as a sport;
• Expansion of cultural and educational cooperation between regions; and
• Promotion of Esports for people with disabilities by launching ‘Esports for All’ program

Alongside AESF’s efforts to raise the global profile and stature of Esports via its inclusion as an official medal sport in international multi-sports events such as the SEA Games and Asian Games, this move also greatly elevates the status of the industry to new heights.

_{Left to right: AESF President Mr. Kenneth Fok and AESF Director General Mr. Sebastian Lau} 

Sharing his thoughts on behalf of the federation, AESF President, Mr Kenneth Fok said “We have always worked closely with KeSPA on many fronts and in many projects over the years yet this MoU is momentous for us for so many reasons. Many regard South Korea as the epicenter of Esports - be due to history or even the performance of South Korean teams and players in recent times. But to me, it is because of the solid groundwork and grassroots ecosystem which have brought them to where they are today. It is definitely something we can help share their experience and knowledge with our members and aspire to elevate the Esports to a next level with other member associations in Asia.”

“I look forward to a very productive and fruitful working relationship with my counterparts from KeSPA moving forward.”

_{Left to right: KeSPA General Secretary Mr. Cheolhag Kim and KeSPA President Mr. Young Man Kim}  

Mr. Young Man Kim, the President of the Korea Esports Association (KeSPA), said: “It is meaningful that we will strengthen our cooperation with AESF, starting with task force team launch for the ‘Esports for All’ program and further research collaboration in many areas.” In addition, Mr Kim emphasized the importance of collaboration between AESF and KeSPA, saying “AESF’s role and platform is critical for our member associations to develop and grow further and KeSPA is more than happy to be an integral part and able to contribute by sharing our experience and knowledge on how we have developed Esports, its supporting system and especially on establishment and governance for esports at all levels for over 20 years. I am confident that the MoU will bring a synergy of collaboration between for our Esports community and look forward to working closely with AESF.”

Considered by many to be the mecca of Esports, South Korea has a long and well established Esports ecosystem which many countries try to emulate. Meanwhile, the AESF, with its ever-growing network thanks to an unrelenting effort in creating links and collaborations on all fronts could serve as an outlet for KeSPA to share their knowledge and best practices to better the Esports in many different areas.