adminSINGAPORE. — It has already been six months since Paul J. Foster started serving as CEO of the Global Esports Federation.
After his six-month mark, as CEO, he has been addressing a number of questions related to the organisation.
Question — The GEF’s flagship event, the Global Esports Games (GEG), is set to take place in just over two months in Singapore. What is progress like so far and what can the world expect come December?
Paul J. Foster – ‘’Not even two years has passed since we were founded, and we’re about to see the first GEG — Singapore 2021 Global Esports Games — take flight.
“It feels right that we will return to Singapore, where we launched and where our global headquarters are, for the inaugural event. In true Singapore style — as we saw during the 2010 YOG — a whole-of-government approach and united community are leaning in to support the goal.
“The Organising Committee, IMG and the complex web of delivery partners are supported by an experienced superstar GEF Coordination Commission.
“The teams are deep into the precise details now and no stone is left unturned in terms of detailed planning. We want it to feel unique, powerful and human in terms of scale. A few surprises are on the horizon.
“The GEG is constructed to be hyper-inclusive and offers parallel programming — something for everyone.
‘’In addition to fantastic esports competition, we will see the whole Singaporean community come together to celebrate GEFestival: our art, music, culture, food and fashion showcase highlighting the diverse esports culture, and some of the world’s leading voices at GEFcon, our global thought leader exchange and ideation convention.
“Our motto says it best when it comes to what to expect: #worldconnected. We want people to feel human connection.
“The epic power of esports provides that opportunity. It is real, authentic and so is the community that live it and love it.’’
Question — What are the areas that you want the GEF to put more focus into next?
PJF –”We are completely focused on our community. We will do more — much more.
“More resources, more knowledge exchange and limitless opportunities. You will see some of the world’s most innovative esports events in remarkable global cities.
“These events will manifest the power and potential of esports in their communities and light up the entire ecosystem.
“New meaningful jobs, new communities will rise. New opportunities for education and economic potential yet unseen. New opportunities for the most underserved populations, not just those that already enjoy success. “A lot of our strategic partners are guiding our work with our Global Social Impact Initiatives that interweave our values, immerse communities and propel systemic change and growth. “As global citizens, we are contributing to delivering on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals via our signature #Elevate2030 programme and Performance+ initiative launched with Thomson X and football star Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Question — Where do you see the GEF a year from now? What role do you want the GEF to play, and what do you envision and hope for the organisation?
PJF — “We know a year from now will be very different for us. For starters, we will be deep into planning for Istanbul 2022 GEG.
“What we are focused on — what we are consciously, mindfully building every day with our 104 Member Federations, Partners and more than 200 colleagues across the world — is the building of an inclusive community where we all want to live and dwell.
“An esports community with strong foundations and where every single human, finds joy, fun and feels welcome. — GEF
Online Reporter