On 14th September 2026, Prof. Dr. David John O’Regan was invited to help organize the Malaysian element of this national competition. The winner earned an all-expenses-paid trip to EACTS in Barcelona to compete in the global final. He set out a scoring rubric that, for the first time, included the ability to assist. Twelve cardiac trainees from around Malaysia attended to participate. They had a tie-break, resolved using the Black Belt Academy of Surgical Skills (BBASS) Banana Skill Test — you can't hide behind the banana, and everyone present agreed on the winner. As a consequence, BBASS will be setting up a stand at the MACTVS meeting at the Sheraton, 17–19 September.
