Beginning of September 2011, the StarCraft 2 category in TGX 11 had concluded with the dominating of team Flash eSports with Revenant and Muse. The champion would go to Korea to compete at the largest international tournament in October, IeSF 2011. However, both 1st and 2nd winners they decided to leave out the IeSF in last minutes.

At this time, the Singapore StarCraft community wondered who would take over this responsibility, who would had enough ability to hold tight the mighty sword and to be the Singapore representative to clash the battle in Korea, the kingdom of StarCraft, and bring back the glory. And there were one warrior could response the call of duty. Yes, I’m telling about Malcolm Baey 'aLtEscapist', the representative for Singapore to clash in the largest battle in Korea, the IeSF 2011.

Malcolm Baey (left) in Korea

RGN managed to catch him online right after his comeback, and do an interview about his journey to the frozen Eastern Asia land.

RGN: Hi, could you briefly introduce yourself?

Malcolm: Annyeong Haseyo! My name is Malcolm Baey. I’m studying at Singapore Polytechnic, currently in Year2.

 

RGN: Ohhh, are you Korean? I saw you said hello in Korean.

Malcolm: Haha, I get that a lot due to my surname, but unfortunately, no. I’m learning Korean at the moment though.

 

RGN: How did you approach to play in TGX 11? What is your current team?

Malcolm: To be honest, I have no idea. I got persuaded to join IeSF at TGX 11, and it just went from there. I’m from clan aLt (aLternative).

Malcolm competes in TGX 11, Singapore

RGN: When did you start playing for clan aLt (aLternative)? 

Malcolm: It was recently. Our clan placed top2 for WCG, so hoping our performance has been attracting sponsors.

 

RGN: Could you tell something about your team?

Malcolm: A legendary Singaporean based clan. We have been around since 2000 starting with StarCraft and we are all pretty good friends in real life, too. We are now all older and because of our real-life responsibilities are more of a bunch of friends playing together for fun, semi-competitively. We have recently recruited a fresh generation of players whom remind us a lot of past selves, as well as expanded our clan, to be not just have Singaporean but Australian members as well, we have placed 1st in WCG about 8 times. You can find out more about us and our clan roster at alt.sc2sea.com

 

RGN: When did you know that you had become the representative for Singapore at IeSF 2011? How did you feel about this?

Malcolm: As Korea was a country I had never been to, I initially felt uncertain, but after thinking about it, I decided to make use of this opportunity. And I have no regrets thereafter.

 

RGN: The 1st and 2nd winners in TGX 11 dropped in last minutes. Did you have time to prepare for the competition?

Malcolm: I had adequate time, I practiced specific match up's with my clanmates and it helped me pass the group stage against Bulgaria and Spain!

 

IeSF 2011 StarCraft 2 Tournament Draw

RGN: How was the competition going on? What was your achievement in this competition?

Malcolm: I lost to the eventual winner Sjow, 2-0, although the score was one sided, I was satisfied with my performance as the games were closer than I expected. I was surprised during the second game that I actually had a chance of taking a game off him, but unfortunately a crucial mistake cost me the game. Knowing that Sjow was undefeated through the whole tournament did make me feel better though.

 

RGN: This year, the Korean gamers were banned on their feature game, StarCraft 2. Do you think who could take over their dominating position in StarCraft 2 scene?

Malcolm: To be honest, I don’t see anyone taking over anytime soon, their dedication of 13 hours a day/7days a week makes their play so refined it’s scary to even see how they macro. If anyone even has a shot, I would put my money on the Europeans, just my two cents.

 

RGN: What do you think about Singapore SC2 scene nowadays?

Malcolm: I wish there would be more events, and that these events, when they occur, would be better supported. So there would be more players joining our community.

 

RGN: Who could be your biggest rival in SC2 Singapore scene?

Malcolm: For biggest rival, I know him and he’s a cool guy, but i have to say, Revenant! Sorry!

 

RGN: So this is the first time you visit Korea. How do you feel about Korea?

Malcolm: I can’t speak for the general population of Korea, however the Koreans I met in Andong/Daegu were not only extremely friendly but expressive as well. If they are sad, they won’t just frown, but bury their face in their hands and hunch forward and what not. So although there was a slight language barrier, it was quite easy to communicate with them =D
The food isn't what you think Korean food is, unlike ‘Korean’ restaurants and eateries in Singapore, the real deal is very different, but nice is a different way. Claim to fame: semi eating cockroach eggs.

Korean BBQ, yummy!

RGN: Cockroach eggs? 

Malcolm: Yes, something of the sort, it was among other ‘normal’ food at buffets. So I assumed it would be edible.

 

RGN: How was the weather in Korea at this time? Did it affect to your performance?

Malcolm: It was around 6-9 degrees, about 1/3 of Singapore, so I could definitely feel the difference. I don't think It affected my performance too much as the stadium we were playing in was about room temperature.

 

RGN: After the competition, did you visit somewhere else in Korea?

Malcolm: Yes, but if it’s alright I'll rather not talk about it =D

 

RGN: Last question! What is your future plan for gaming?

Malcolm: Hopefully get sponsorship and go further. eSports is not well supported in Singapore, and I hope that this changes.

---END---

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