clinches victory at Initial M Media SIM Racing Grand Prix 2025

By Doreen Ling

KUCHING, Aug 30: DayakDaily representative Asyraf Halim emerged as the champion of the Initial M Media SIM Racing Grand Prix 2025—outspeeding six other media representatives in the finals, which was held at Metadise Sim Racing here today.

Meanwhile, second place went to Faisal Ahmad of the Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA), followed by The Borneo Post’s Roystein Emmor in third place.

Additionally, Alverdtekoster from the Sarawak Tribune was declared the Best Driver for his exceptional driving skills showcased during the tournament.

When asked to comment on his win, Asyraf expressed happiness that he was able to cinch first place despite facing some issues initially.

“It’s hard to put into words because all this time I’ve been overshadowed during practice by the Sarawak Tribune racer, who is also one of the best drivers.

“But today, I guess I was lucky because I had a really good start. In the qualifying round, I recorded the best time of 2:12, which got me the first position.

“During the race, I had a few issues at the start, but I managed to recover, hold the lead, and maintain it all the way to the finish line to become the champion,” he shared.

According to a press release, the race marked an important milestone in fostering a digital sports culture in the State.

“Merging high-performance simulators with immersive virtual environments, e-sim racing delivers the precision, strategy, and adrenaline of real-world motorsport, accessible to anyone, anywhere.

“As one of the fastest-growing sectors in global digital competition, it now reaches audiences in the hundreds of millions and enjoys Olympic recognition through the Virtual Series, offering aspiring athletes a clear path to international acclaim,” said the press release.

Meanwhile, Metadise Electronic Sports Club (MESC) president Afiq Fadhli Narawi described sim racing as holding untapped potential for community building in Sarawak.

“Beyond being a game, it connects people, nurtures local talent, and fosters a shared sense of purpose. By overcoming geographical barriers, enthusiasts from towns and longhouses across the State can compete virtually, creating a centralised, inclusive community,” he said.

In addition, Hazel Communication & Solutions (HazelComms) managing director, Hazel Jasni, said that the media play a critical role in shaping how esports is understood.

“Too often, esports is dismissed as ‘just a game’. Through media coverage, we can highlight the strategy, discipline, and innovation behind e-sim racing. This changes public perception, showing it as a sport that unites technology and talent, connects enthusiasts worldwide, and aligns with Sarawak’s digitalisation agenda.

“By telling these stories, media professionals not only amplify the competitive spirit but also position Sarawak as an emerging player in the global esports movement,” he said.

Furthermore, KDJA president Ronnie Teo said that the event was a reminder that behind every headline and news report are people who are always ready to embrace a new challenge.

“As journalists, our role is to understand and chronicle the world around us. The Initial M Media SIM Racing Grand Prix gave us a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in Sarawak’s growing esports scene.

“KDJA is proud to champion this initiative, as it not only fosters camaraderie among media practitioners but also equips us with firsthand knowledge to report on the digital economy with greater insight and authenticity. We look forward to making this event an annual tradition,” said Teo. — DayakDaily

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