Singtel and SK Telecom commit to MOU to grow gaming and esports in Asia

Singtel and South Korea’s SK Telecom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”). The MOU will see both companies cooperate and leverage each other’s assets to grow gaming and esports in Asia.  The release further details that the MOU will see both companies work together on ‘developing and providing digital gaming content, solutions and services for gamers in the region’. The two companies will use their platforms and channels to upscale local events and leagues, as well as provide bespoke content for their respective portals.  Singtel and SK Telecom will jointly utilise their platforms and channels to scale up regional esports events and leagues, as well as provide curated original and third party gaming content for their respective local portals. Mr Arthur Lang, CEO of Singtel’s International Group, commented: “SK Telecom is synonymous with gaming and has been a leader in the industry since the beginning. They have a wealth of experience and one of the most recognisable esports teams and personalities in the world today. 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. I am very excited about this partnership and looking forward to working together to delight the gaming community in the region.” Mr Peter Ha, Chief Strategy Officer of SK Telecom, mentioned: “Singtel is one of the world’s leading telcos, with a strong presence in Asia. They have been strengthening their competitiveness in the gaming sector through numerous initiatives such as their PVP Esports Championship. SK Telecom is South Korea’s largest telco with an abundance of experience, technology, and infrastructure in gaming distribution and operation. Together we will be able to provide gamers in Asia with quality content and services, giving gaming a boost in the region and pushing it further into the mainstream.” The partnership will allow SK Telecom to extend its business and tap into markets where Singtel is strong such as Singapore, Australia, India, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines. Singtel, similarly, will look to take advantage of SK Telecom’s broad presence in Korea – where it’s one of the clear market leaders.  It’s not the first move from Singtel in the industry. Back in October they signed their first MOU in the esport space and this pledge, with a giant such as SKT, looks to be a double-down on the commitment to growing the space. Esports Insider says: Good news coming out of Asia and SEA where there’s obviously huge market potential. As we all know, SKT are no strangers to esports & Singtel are repeatedly saying the right things. Now we’ve just got to wait and see what materialises.