When Team Liquid Philippines revealed its retooled roster for MPL Philippines Season 17, plenty of questions followed. One stood out immediately: who would lead the team from the sidelines?
For the first time in league history, an imported head coach would enter the MPL Philippines stage. While some might point to Korean coach Brian “Panda” Lim as a precedent, the former RSG gaffer was largely considered “homegrown” within the Philippine scene.
This time, things were different.
Ong Wei “Aeon” Sheng arrived from Singapore to take the helm of the Cavalry—marking a rare cross-regional move in one of the most competitive MLBB ecosystems in the world.
Compare and Contrast
When Techbeat Gaming spoke with Aeon during the media day, he revealed that it was only his first full day in the Philippines since officially joining Team Liquid PH. Yet culturally, the transition felt surprisingly smooth.
“Not much difference actually,” Aeon said, comparing Singapore to the Philippines in terms of infrastructure and climate.
But when it came to esports, the contrast was much sharper.
“For Singapore, due to the cost of living, and because of the esports scene, the players there are mostly not full-time,” Aeon said candidly. “They were trying their best, but they are like either students or they are working.”
In the Philippines, he said, the approach is entirely different.
“Here you can tell that they are fully committed, like their whole esports life is about winning,” Aeon explained. “That’s why they are achieving the level they are achieving, and that’s why they are performing at this level.”
From Player to Coach — and Financial Consultant
Long before he arrived in MPL Philippines, Aeon had already spent years immersed in competitive Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.
He competed across multiple organizations during the early days of MPL Malaysia-Singapore, suiting up for teams such as Tyrants, Flash Tyrants, RSG, EVOS SG, Team Flash, and Team SMG SG. Aeon was present throughout all years of MPL MYSG and the birth of MPL Singapore. He was even a top global Gusion player at some point.
But like many Singaporean esports professionals, he lived a double life.
While competing, Aeon also built a career outside the game—as a financial consultant. Back home, he worked with one of Singapore’s top financial advisory firms while also managing his own startups and consulting ventures.
“It’s not easy for sure, but at different points in my life, I prioritize different things,” he said.
After more than five years of juggling competitive play and coaching responsibilities, burnout eventually caught up. He stepped away after a stint with Team SMG SG, leaving esports for more than two years.
“There was a point where I was a bit burnt out, tired from esports,” Aeon shared. “So I took a break and focused more on my career. And now that I’m back, I’m more focused here.”
There were moments when esports demanded full attention—such as when EVOS SG qualified for the M2 World Championship.
“We went full time for about two months,” Aeon recalled of the team’s bootcamp period.
But beyond those rare stretches, most Singaporean players balanced multiple careers. “Other than that, it’s always part-time in a way, because we have to do other things,” he explained.
When asked if that reality was the biggest hurdle for Singapore’s esports growth, Aeon didn’t hesitate.
“I think that’s the biggest hindrance. I do believe personally that Singapore has the talent, but it just doesn’t make sense, based on the ecosystem, to go full-time especially when you reach a certain age.”
Carrying the Weight of a First
Being the first imported head coach in MPL Philippines history is both a milestone and a challenge.
The Philippine MLBB ecosystem is widely regarded as the most competitive in the world, not only producing world champions but also exporting some of the game’s most respected analysts and coaches. From long-time standouts like Michael “Arcadia” Bocado, to the recently-signed Anthony “Ynot” Senedrin.
For Aeon, the opportunity carries immense significance.
“I’m honored, obviously,” he said with a smile. “Especially not just being the first imported coach, but also by a team like TLPH. Talking to Mitch (Liwanag), talking to the bosses and the players, they have put their trust in me. I hope that I can repay them with results.”
But Aeon also knows the job ahead won’t be easy. Not only is he coaching a back-to-back champion roster, he’ll also be matching wits with some of the Philippines’ most decorated coaches—figures like Aniel “Master the Basics” Jiandani, Francis “Ducky” Glindro, and Kristoffer “BON CHAN” Ricaplaza.
“There is definitely a certain level of pressure,” Aeon admitted. “Compared to coaching a new organization or a new team where obviously there’s no pressure.”
Still, it’s not something he allows to weigh on him.
“It’s not something that bothers me. I don’t think too much about it,” he said. “The only thing I’m thinking about is how can we improve and how do we keep up and do better than last year.”
Discipline, But With Freedom
Every coach brings a different philosophy to the game. Some lean heavily on drafting and analytics. Others focus on player management and discipline.
For Aeon, the approach lies somewhere in between.
“I would say that I like to think outside the box,” he said. “But at the same time, we have to do what is best within the team.”
He emphasized that collaboration will remain key—especially when working with a roster stacked with world-class talent. “I’m pretty open, and especially having players of this level, you have to take their input.”
Still, Aeon plans to bring a touch of Singaporean discipline into the system. “I think it comes from also having to serve the army for two years,” he said with a laugh.
But he’s also mindful not to disrupt a system that’s already proven successful.
“What they are doing now is working,” he admitted. “It can be optimized for sure. But you don’t want to put a leash on players like Sanford or KarlTzy.”
Leadership Beyond the Draft
Interestingly, Aeon believes his experience as a financial consultant translates directly into coaching.
The connection, he says, comes down to one word: leadership.
“There are a lot of things, especially when it comes to finances, that you have to lead,” he explained, referring to how consultants guide clients through major decisions.
That same principle applies to esports teams. Trust, communication, and direction. All of them must work together.
Managing the Cavalry
Many coaches enter esports the same way Aeon did—balancing ordinary careers while quietly nurturing a competitive passion. Then one day, the opportunity arrives.
The real test comes afterward.
Can he deliver the results expected of a championship team? Can he maintain Team Liquid Philippines’ place among the world’s elite?
For Aeon, the challenge might look familiar. After all, he spent years managing portfolios and financial risks.
Now, the assets are different.
Instead of investments and clients, he’s handling some of the best players in Mobile Legends history.
The goal remains the same: maximize gains, minimize losses, and adapt to shifting markets—or in this case, the ever-changing meta.
And if the gamble pays off, Team Liquid PH might just prove that Aeon is the calculated risk worth taking.
