MASCA National Conference & Games 2008

click here to view the NCG 08 timetable.

click here to view the package options for athletes and supporters.

Over the last few years, the annual MASCA National Conference & Games (NCG) was held at the following states:

• 2003 - Queensland
• 2004 - Victoria
• 2005 - NSW
• 2006 - ACT
• 2007 - Victoria

This year's NCG will be held in Brisbane from 1st July - 4th July, 2008. In addition to the sporting competitions between the states, there will also be a dinner - Malaysia Night - where NCG participants can meet and mingle in a formal setting.

Details have not yet been finalised. However, cost estimates can be derived from the 2003 NCG which was also held in Brisbane. The event cost A$250 per student, resulting in a total of A$3286 for the entire ACT contingent. Please note that the 2003 ACT contingent travelled by coach. This year however, MASCA ACT plans to travel by plane so this may affect cost estimates significantly.

Please check this page for further updates.

Here's one participant's memories of last year's NCG in Melbourne:

One word to describe it all: FANTASTIC! Last year I had the chance to join the carnival for the very first time as a freshman. Given the relatively small population of Malaysian students in Canberra, I would say that the turnout was very encouraging. I witnessed for myself unity as everyone cheered for one another, and I saw how friendship was formed and team spirit built as we took on challenge after challenge for these games. One of the highlights was during the finals of our men singles’ match for badminton. I remembered everyone in the sports hall anticipating the final match (badminton) between the defending champion and Adrian. It was an exciting game as we could see the two of them battling it out and giving their best in the spirit of sportsmanship.

Champions from each sports category were then determined. On June 29th 2007, the ACT delegates (comprising around 40 of us) head down to Melbourne for the MASCA NCG Melbourne 2007. Our spirits were high and mostly, I felt very proud of the committee members who went all out to make the event successful despite the hectic schedule as it was somewhere near the final exam period as well. Their efforts and selflessness should be lauded. We arrive into Melbourne City at about 5 in the evening. I was very excited and I can easily sense the warmth of Malaysians as I stepped down and start to make new friends.

NCG is held annually for all Malaysian based (mostly students) in Australia. One will see teams made up of different races joining effort and working hand in hand to bring glory to their respective states. Such experience is invaluable particularly when the cheering team also competes in terms of decibels to support their own team (ACT IS HOT TO GO!!)

For many, the highlight of the 3-day meet is the Malaysian Night, a formal dinner for all those who have participated in MASCA NCG ’07. Talents were showcased as MASCA Idols from various states competed for the MASCA Idol award. There was also a prize giving ceremony for winners of various games. Once again, it was the cheering that made the whole event joyful and memorable as every state cheered with spirit and without abandon for their contingents during the award presentation.

Personally, joining this meet was a wonderful opportunity for me as I got to meet my old friends from different parts of Australia and getting to make new friends. Needless to say, I am already looking forward to the next NCG, and to more fun and play!

- Tan Sze Huey
Australian National University