Meet Simon Lim, the visionary founder of Malaysia Poker Federation (MPF), which has quickly grown into a major force in Malaysia’s poker scene. Lim has a deep passion for poker and his vision of uniting the Malaysian poker community has been a driving force behind MPF’s massive success. From its humble beginning as a small WhatsApp group where Lim and his friends just shared and discussed strategies and hands, MPF has grown into a national force with over 1,100 active members.
Simon Lim’s inspiration for MPF came from his travels, where he saw countries like Taiwan and Japan building strong poker communities. Recognizing the need for a unified platform in Malaysia, he decided to create one. His efforts led to the creation of MPF, which has not only fostered camaraderie but also ensured an inclusive environment for players to improve their skills through strategy discussions, training sessions, networking opportunities, and community-run poker events.
Simon Lim: Making Poker Accessible for Everyone in Malaysia
Simon Lim believes that poker should be a game for everyone, not just for elite professionals. Through MPF, he is committed to ensuring that players of all levels—from beginners to seasoned pros—feel welcomed.
According to him, top pros like Soyza and Webster, have all been beginners at some point and he often reminds the community. This philosophy has shaped MPF into a unique support system where everyone gets to learn, improve, and connect and feel welcomed and supported.
Beyond community building, Simon Lim has implemented several key initiatives such as strategy classes, game discussions, community-run events, social gatherings. Besides, there are Monthly Game Theory Optimal (GTO) discussions, live Q & A sessions, and interviews with top professionals, thus providing players opportunities to refine their skills.
The idea is to ensure that players of all skill levels get access to poker and feel welcome and supported. The focus of this grassroots community is not on the quantity; it is on quality, ensuring that only genuine Malaysian poker enthusiasts become part of this all-inclusive poker community, which works more like a family.
Simon’s vision extends beyond community building and skill development—he wants to build a true family. MPF is not just about connecting, learning and competing but also about forging friendships and strengthening Malaysia’s poker ecosystem. Whether through online discussions, in-person meetups, training classes or the community-run events, the federation thrives on collaboration. Its members organize trips, casual games, and social gatherings, reinforcing the idea that the game of poker is as much about camaraderie as it is about strategy.
MPF has witnessed rapid growth and recognition in Malaysia and the future looks bright as Simon Lim wants to grow its impact further. He plans to gain international recognition for MPF with official accreditation from international bodies like the World Poker Federation and the Asian Poker Sports Association. MPF also plans to bring in professional coaches, run more structured events and launch their media channels. Simon’s long-term vision is to establish MPF as a cornerstone of Malaysian poker, offering local players opportunities to shine and rise on a global stage.
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Image Credit: SMP
