Getting to Know The Malaysia Poker Federation Through Simon Lim

The Malaysia Poker Federation (MPF) has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting developments in the country’s poker scene. In just under a year, this grassroots community has grown into a national force, bringing together poker enthusiasts from across Malaysia. At the heart of this movement is Simon Lim, the founder of MPF, whose passion for poker and his vision of a united Malaysian community in the game have sparked a rapid and organic growth.

Simon Lim: The Spark That Ignited a Revolution

For Simon, the idea of creating the Malaysia Poker Federation didn’t happen overnight. It was a vision that had been brewing for years, ever since his early travels to the Philippines.

“I’d often hear people ask, ‘Do you know Victor from Malaysia?’ And I realized I didn’t know anyone,” Simon shares.

It was then that he had an epiphany: Malaysia needed a stronger, more unified poker community. He saw how other countries, like Taiwan and Japan, rallied behind their players, creating a sense of camaraderie and national pride. It made him wonder: “Why not Malaysia?“

By 2023, Simon moved to Kuala Lumpur and found himself in the perfect position to turn this vision into reality. He started with a small group of friends on WhatsApp, where they could discuss strategies and share hands. The group quickly grew to 60 members, and the conversations became unmanageable. So, Simon turned to Discord, where he could create more organized channels for different topics. The result? The Malaysia Poker Federation was born. Simon added,

“In fact many Malaysian heroes before me laid the foundation and we just merely continued building. People like Paul Phua, Richard Yong, Chow Hing Yaung and the late Ivan Leow and Wayne Beh amongst many others who in their ways made this all possible. That’s the beauty of MPF. We are all somehow connected.” 

A Federation Fueled by Passion and Community

From there, things escalated quickly. Within a few months, the MPF Discord server had amassed more than 100 members, and Simon decided to take the next step by creating a Facebook page. The response was overwhelming. Within eight months, the MPF community boasted over 1,100 active members, nearly all of them Malaysians. “We want to make sure the community is authentic. We reject non-Malaysian accounts and spammy profiles,” Simon explains.

This focus on quality over quantity is one of the cornerstones of MPF’s success. But it wasn’t just about numbers. What Simon had unknowingly done was create a space where Malaysians could connect, learn, and grow together. “The Federation isn’t just about playing poker; it’s about building relationships and supporting each other,” he says.

A Model of Collaboration and Growth

The growth of the MPF has been nothing short of organic. While Simon was the catalyst, he credits much of the success to the community itself. “It started with just me and my top student,” Simon reflects. His “top student” is a player who, like Simon, is incredibly disciplined and knowledgeable. Together, they began running events, teaching strategy classes, and even organizing interviews with renowned players. Before long, others started stepping up to help. Volunteers took on roles in organizing events, running interviews, and managing the growing Discord server.

Now, MPF has a committee of over 14 members from across Malaysia, all working together to create a sustainable community for poker players. “The sense of belonging is key. It’s not just about playing poker; it’s about creating friendships and connections that will last a lifetime,” Simon says.

Making Poker Accessible and Approachable

A defining feature of MPF is its commitment to making the game accessible to players of all levels. Simon emphasises that the Federation is not just about elite pros, but about welcoming everyone. “The top pros, like Soyza and Webster, have all been beginners at some point,” he reminds the group. “We’re all in this together.”

This philosophy has helped foster a supportive atmosphere in the community, where experienced players share their wisdom and newcomers feel comfortable asking questions. The monthly GTO (Game Theory Optimal) discussions, hosted by members, allow everyone to join in and learn from each other in a relaxed, non-judgmental environment. Simon also highlights the impact of interviews with seasoned players like Webster, who share their experiences and offer invaluable advice to the next generation of players.

A Federation with a Purpose

While the Federation has grown rapidly, Simon insists that it’s not just about numbers or accolades. “We’re not trying to make money. The goal is to help our members. Whether that’s through classes, events, or simply providing a platform to connect, everything we do is for the community,” he says.

Even when there are monetary aspects to some of MPF’s initiatives, such as paid events or sponsorship deals, the proceeds are reinvested into the Federation to fund more activities and keep the community thriving.

Simon also shares that the Federation isn’t just about poker—it’s about building a sense of community that transcends the game itself. He talks about organizing trips with fellow players to cities like Johor, where the focus is on bonding and building friendships, rather than simply playing poker.

“We’d stay in Airbnbs, share meals, and talk poker until the early hours of the morning,” Simon recalls fondly. “It’s these moments that create the lasting memories. Poker is just the excuse to bring people together.”

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for MPF

With a solid foundation now in place, Simon is looking to the future with excitement. The Federation is planning to expand its activities, including offering coaching and running more events. MPF is also looking to gain official recognition from international bodies like the World Poker Federation (WPF) and the Asian Poker Sports Association (APSA).

“We’re not in it for personal gain,” Simon reiterates. “Our goal is to make Malaysia proud, to represent our country in the global poker community and create opportunities for our members to shine.”

The upcoming year looks poised to be a game-changer for MPF. With plans to open an office, bring in professional coaches, and even launch their own media channels, Simon believes the Federation is just getting started.

“Proud Malaysians Making Malaysians Proud”, that’s our slogan.

As the Federation continues to expand and evolve, one thing remains clear: the Malaysia Poker Federation is a testament to the power of community, passion, and the shared love of poker. For Simon Lim and the growing MPF family, the best is yet to come.