Digital/E-sports

Editorial staff

Garena (Thailand), a leading online games developer and publisher, has announced the expansion of its Garena Academy into the "Esports Classroom 2024" program.

This initiative aims to leverage games and e-sports as educational tools, broadening horizons for the new generation to explore a wider array of career opportunities and develop essential skills for the digital era.

The "Esports Classroom 2024" program is set to engage over 400 students and teachers in Bangkok and other regions across the country. In collaboration with universities, the program will offer scholarships and integrate the esports curriculum into a university course related to event production.

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s governor Chadchart Sittipunt, presided over the program launch, emphasizing the rapid development of the digital world and the emergence of new careers.

Chadchart Sittipunt

"Educational curricula must evolve constantly to keep up with the fast changing pace," Mr Chadchart said. "Learning in various aspects leads to analysis, sedimentation, and practical application, which is crucial for life, study, and self-management outside the classroom."

Puttawan Suphataranant, director of corporate communications, Sea (Thailand), highlighted the significant attention games and e-sports have garnered from multiple sectors.

Puttawan Suphataranant

"By collaborating with a network of educators, we aim to use games and esports to cultivate skills for the digital age, preparing Thai students for future challenges," she explained.

Participants in the "Esports Classroom 2024" will receive hands-on training from esports professionals, including competition coordinators, coaches, commentators, and media teams.

They will also have the opportunity to organize school-level esports competitions, culminating in a final event at the Garena Esports Studio.

This partnership signifies the education sector’s recognition of the gaming and esports industry’s potential and its commitment to equipping students with the skills and knowledge for tomorrow’s opportunities.

This year, the program has already attracted participation from 16 schools, with more than 400 teachers and students involved. ANT DPU is offering 12 scholarships to outstanding participants, reinforcing the program's commitment to fostering talent and preparing students for the digital workforce.