Vietnam took a leading role in the development of regional esports following the election of Do Viet Hung as the first president of the Southeast Asian Esports Federation (SEAEF). The appointment took place on October 8 in Bangkok, where representatives from 11 countries officially established this new organization.
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Hung, who currently chairs the Vietnam Esports and Entertainment Association (VIRESA), was unanimously elected to lead the federation for the 2025-2029 term. His experience in managing and planning esports development strategies also includes his role as vice president of the Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF), where he specifically represents the Southeast Asian region.
The Executive Board also included two vice presidents: Ng Chong Geng from Singapore and Muhammad Naim Al Amin Bin Saharudin from Malaysia. The positions of Executive Committee members went to Brian Lim from the Philippines and Camacho Ramos de Silva Pinto from Timor Leste.
An organization to integrate the region led by Vietnam
The creation of SEAEF represents a decisive step towards the professionalization of esports in Southeast Asia. The federation aims to become the central hub connecting all components of the regional esports ecosystem. This includes video game publishers, competition organizers, training centers, and educational institutions specializing in the sector.
“SEAEF is built on a spirit of solidarity. By joining forces and working together, we will create a sustainable ecosystem: we will support athletes, strengthen national federations, and bring Southeast Asian esports to the world,” declared Hung after his election to lead the Southeast Asian Esports Federation (SEAEF), which puts Vietnam on the esports map.
Short- and long-term goals for esports
The work plan of the Vietnam-led federation includes several areas of action. Firstly, it seeks to build a sustainable foundation for the grassroots esports movement, meaning competitions and activities developed at amateur and semi-professional levels. In parallel, it will work on developing high-level professional tournaments.
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Another key objective is to create a clear roadmap that allows Southeast Asian athletes to progress towards international competitions. This strategy addresses the need for players in the region to have defined pathways to reach the highest global competitive level.
During this initial term, the Executive Committee will focus on guiding the federation’s general activities and building mechanisms for effective cooperation among member countries. The goal is to achieve synchronous development that allows for the professionalization of the sector in a homogeneous manner across the entire region.
Expected Impact
Organizers expect SEAEF to create the necessary conditions for the synchronous development of esports in Southeast Asia. The federation aims to facilitate international cooperation, the exchange of professional experiences among countries, and improve the region’s position in the global esports landscape.
With an esports industry that generates billions of dollars globally and attracts millions of viewers, Southeast Asia is taking this step to consolidate its presence in a constantly expanding market. The creation of this regional structure headed by Vietnam represents a coordinated effort to capitalize on the potential the region holds in a sector where it already has significant players, teams, and audiences.
The establishment of SEAEF is expected to create a solid foundation for the synchronous development of esports in the region, contributing to the promotion of international cooperation, the exchange of professional experiences, and improving Southeast Asia’s position on the global esports map.
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