More than a game: How a Miri lass made Scrabble a global bridge

Borneo Post

28-06-2025

The participants focus on their game during ASCI 2025 at the KPPI in UM, Kuala Lumpur.
WHEN 22-year-old Vanessa Ting Mei Yu stood in the heart of the buzzing Research and Innovation Management Complex (KPPI) at Universiti Malaya (UM) in Kuala Lumpur, surrounded by rows of Scrabble boards and focused players from across the globe, she was not just witnessing a tournament.
The young woman was truly living her dream.
A second-year pharmacy student from Miri, Vanessa had just led one of the biggest students-run Scrabble tournaments in the world – the ASTAR Scrabble Challenge International (ASCI) 2025.
'Becoming the director of ASCI really pushed me to a level that I never imagined,' she told thesundaypost in Kuching.
'There were moments when I doubted myself, but then, I reminded myself that I was doing this not just for the event, but to prove what students like us were capable of.'
The recent ASCI 2025 brought together around 230 players of different ages and backgrounds, not only from Malaysia but also from countries such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Sweden, New Zealand, Thailand, and the Philippines.
The event was organised by the committee of UM's First Residential College (KK1), endorsed by the Malaysian Scrabble Association (MSA), and sanctioned by the World English Scrabble Players Association (WESPA).
Over the years, ASCI has earned the reputation as one of the most recognised international Scrabble competitions.
This year's edition featured a mix of seasoned veterans and enthusiastic newcomers, ranging in ages from 10 to 86.
Among them was the legendary Nigel Richards, widely hailed as the 'Greatest of All Time' (GOAT) having clinched five 'World Scrabble Championships' in English, as well as in French.
His presence added prestige and excitement to an already-electrifying tournament.
Players competed in four main categories: Under-12, Under-15, Under-18, and Open.
Guiding the organising team alongside Vanessa were advisors Dr Mohd Nur Ashraf Mohd Yusoff and Nor Arissa Yasmin Abdul Mo'men, whose experience was invaluable throughout the months of preparation.
What made ASCI 2025 truly special was not just its size, but also the dedication, the teamwork and the heart that brought it all together.
Legendary Scrabbler, Nigel Richards (front) seen during the intense ASCI 2025's Masters game. He won the category.
Leadership with a mission
Vanessa's journey with ASCI began last year when she first served as its treasurer, and later, she stepped up as director – a bold move motivated by a desire to grow and create something meaningful.
'I wanted to challenge myself. Being part of the team made me realise how much potential ASCI had to become something lasting and impactful,' she said.
'I learned so much, especially about leadership, communication, and working with people,' she added.
Balancing academic life with the responsibilities of running an international event was not easy, though.
From handling venue logistics and registrations, to managing a team and handling endless messages, Vanessa was constantly on her feet.
Still, her persistence paid off. The tournament ran seamlessly and drew the attention of the global Scrabble community.
'I wanted ASCI to be more than just a competition,' she said.
'I wanted it to be a space where young people could learn, connect and feel inspired – all through Scrabble.'
Vanessa (left) and fellow member of the organising committee seen at the ASCI 2025.
More than just a game
To some people, Scrabble may look like a quiet board game, but at the competitive level, it is a fast-paced mental battleground.
Every move demands sharp strategy, strong command in vocabulary, and a calm focus.
'Scrabble is where language meets logic,' said Vanessa.
'It's not just about fancy words, as it is also about quick thinking, staying calm, and adapting as the game unfolds.'
Since its debut in 2006, ASCI has grown into one of Southeast Asia's most respected Scrabble tournaments.
According to Vanessa, Scrabble is a game where language meets logic.
Aside from a one-year pause in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been held annually and has consistently attracted passionate players from across the region.
Beyond gameplay, ASCI upholds the values of the '3Ms': 'Membaca', 'Menulis', 'Mengira' (Reading, Writing, Arithmetic), while fostering critical-thinking and global friendships.
This year's event also hosted some of the top-ranked global players like Hubert Wee and Toh Wei Bin from Singapore, and Thacha Koowirat from Thailand, as well as Malaysia's own elite William Kang and Ahmad Amirul Hakimi.
Also present were international icons like Manop Phiphatboonserm of Thailand, Douglas Tsang of Hong Kong, and Mohamad Ali Ismail, the president of the MSA.
Young players attempt to outdo one another in their category.
Sarawak pride on the board
Vanessa was not the only one flying the Sarawak flag high. Three young players – Delbert Tiong Guo-Yi, Herby Liew Yong He, and Shelifina Dangkan – represented the state with pride and passion.
For Delbert, ASCI 2025 was deeply meaningful.
'It was a proud and unforgettable experience. I wasn't just playing for myself, but for Sarawak and everyone who has supported me,' said the student from Catholic High School in Sibu.
One of his highlights was finally beating his long-time Malaysian rival Dresden Lim, who had previously defeated him by over 100 points at a previous World Youth Scrabble Championship.
'This time, I won and it meant the world to me. It felt like all the hard work finally paid off.'
Herby, from SMK Simunjan No 1, echoed that sentiment.
'There aren't many Scrabble players in Sarawak, so I really hope that my journey would encourage more people to give it a try, even if it's just for fun.'
His toughest challenge came from Tsang, whom he faced three times.
'I won two of those games. It was intense, but I stayed focused and calm.'
Herby, who placed second in the Open category, accepts the prize from UM First Residential College principal Dr Mohd Istajib Mokhtar (right), as Mohamad Ali looks on.
For Shelifina, it was her first time competing outside Sarawak, and the experience left a lasting impression.
'It felt surreal. I met so many amazing players, even some of my idols,' said the student from SMK Pending in Kuching.
She said her most memorable game was against a player named Marten.
'I was leading until he played a bingo, 'REAPINGS', followed by 'QAID' for 72 points. That game really taught me the importance of tile tracking.'
Shelifina maintains focus on her strategy during her round.
All these three young Sarawakians shared a dream: to see ASCI hosted in their home state one day.
Delbert expressed hope that fellow Scrabblers from other countries could experience Sarawak's unique diversity and breathtaking landscapes.
Stating similar sentiments, Herby wanted visitors to feel the warmth and hospitality of Sarawakians.
For Shelifina, she knew exactly what she would share first.
'They should visit Sarawak Cultural Village and not leave without trying the 'kolo mee' and Sarawak Laksa!'
Delbert arranges the letter pieces for word options to be placed on the Scrabble board.
Building bridges
ASCI 2025 was never just about high scores or titles, as it was also about new friendships, lasting lessons, and the belief that when young people got entrusted and empowered, they could create something incredible.
For Vanessa, the most rewarding part was watching people come together.
'What touched me most was how Scrabble brought everyone together. People of all ages and backgrounds bonded over the same board.
'I hope that the ASCI would continue to grow and maybe one day, could make its way to Sarawak.
'Scrabble is more than just a game – it's a bridge between people, places, and ideas, and I'd love to see more people experience that.' bridge global kuala lumpur miri Scrabble Vanessa Ting Mei Yu