Bridging the Gap:
From Athletic Passion to the Lifelong Connection
The Malaysian Sports Festival (MSF)
The Malaysian Sports Festival (MSF) is NAMSA’s premier athletic gathering in the United States. It is a day where competition meets community, bringing together Malaysian students, alumni, and the diaspora to celebrate sportsmanship and shared heritage.
Malaysian Hearts in American Courts
Studying abroad can often feel isolating, but sports have a unique way of making the distance feel smaller. MSF is designed to promote a healthy lifestyle while fostering a deep sense of Malaysian identity—even when we are thousands of miles from home. ​
In collaboration with local Malaysian Student Associations (MASAs), we transform U.S. university recreation centers into hubs of Malaysian pride. ​
What we achieve:
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Unity Through Competition: Strengthening inter-campus ties across 17+ U.S. institutions.
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Holistic Wellbeing: Encouraging an active lifestyle to balance rigorous academic schedules.
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Community Bonding: Creating a space where students, alumni, and families can connect through sports and leisure.
Historically Co-organized by:
Malaysian Students Association at the U.S. Universities
(2024 - Pennsylvania States University; 2025 UW-Madison)
And we hope to collaborate with more different MASAs!
A Day of
Motion &
Emotion
Our festival is designed to include everyone, from the elite athlete to the casual participant. ​
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Competitive Sports: The heat of the game in Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, and Pickleball. ​
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Leisure & Wellness: Inclusive activities like Zumba sessions to keep the energy high for all fitness levels. ​
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Community Spirit: Family-friendly spaces like "Art Attack!" for non-competitive relaxation and creativity. ​
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Cultural Connection: A closing ceremony that celebrates more than just winners—it celebrates our collective Malaysian spirit.
On 8th November 2025, NAMSA partnered with MySA (University of Wisconsin–Madison) to host the return of our flagship sports gathering under the theme "Jejak Amerika, Jiwa Malaysia." ​
Highlights of the Day:
​
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The Atmosphere: 345 participants and guests filled the Bakke Recreation Center and Near West Field with the sights and sounds of home.
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New Traditions: The successful introduction of Pickleball as a competitive discipline, driven by student interest.
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The Champions: MySA (UW–Madison) emerged as the Overall Champion, showcasing incredible teamwork and home-turf pride. ​ Impact by the Numbers:
17
61
Universities Represented
345
Total Participants
Dedicated
Volunteers
This Year, We Have
15
Teams of
Badminton & Pickleball
17
Teams of
Soccer, Volleyball & Basketball
A Community Effort: Our Sincerest Gratitude
The success of MSF 2025 was made possible by the collective effort of our community.
We wish to extend our deepest appreciation to those who brought this event to life.​
To Our Participants
Thank you for your sportsmanship and for bringing the "Jiwa Malaysia" energy to the courts. You are the reason we host this festival every year.
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To Our Volunteers
You were the backbone of this event. From refereeing to logistics, your tireless work behind the scenes ensured a smooth and memorable experience for everyone.
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To Our Partners & Sponsors
We are deeply grateful for the generous support of the Embassy of Malaysia, CGNY, MARA, JPA, MAFS, Yeo’s, and our local partners. Your investment in our students is an investment in Malaysia’s future.
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To MySA x NAMSA Committee
Thank you for months of hard work and collaboration. Together, we have successfully upheld the prestige of our flagship sports tradition.