The inaugural edition of the games took place in General Santos, Mindanao, Philippines from 25–27 April 1996.
[1] The former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos proposed the said subregional economic co-operation initiative between the border areas of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines in order to accelerate the economic development between these countries.
The first friendship game was inaugurated in General Santos, Philippines, on 25–27 April 1996.
Subsequently, the second friendship games were held at Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia in 24–26 October 1997.
The friendship games was in hiatus for 5 years and only made a comeback in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines on 23–26 April 2003.