The National Pesta and Convention (also commonly known as ‘Pesta’) began as the National Review and Display in 1966. It was initially held as a National Review and Display to give BB Malaysia a sense of unity and better understanding. It was preceded by two days of rehearsals and band competition in which six bands took part. Today, the Pesta has evolved to include more competitions, with Foot Drill, Group Singing and recently – Group Dancing. However, the core principle of the Pesta remains steadfast, which is an avenue for fellowship, understanding and unity, and is unique to the Boys’ Brigade in Malaysia. Today, participation is open to all current members of the Boys’ Brigade in Malaysia, as well as members of overseas Boys’ Brigade companies. In recent years participants from other Asian Countries have attended the Pesta.

Whilst games and other activities vary across each Pesta, it has been customary since 1966 for a national band competition to be held at every Pesta except during 1988, 1992 and 2001. A foot drill competition and a group singing competition was added to the tradition in later years. During the Pesta in Malacca, more elements were considered for the Pesta overall title, which includes a State Council march past, size of contingent, banner design and other much more complicated processes in determining the overall champion. The Kuala Lumpur Pesta 2006 retained a more traditional system of determining the overall champions, whilst including a state sports competition. Since 2006, the Pesta has been a bi-annual event, and the production of badges and memorabilia is unique to each Pesta, being either issued for attendees, or gaining place in competition and events.