Ma Yansong was recently invited to speak at two prestigious American institutions.

On September 24, 2008, he gave a lecture at GSAPP, Columbia University, entitled "MAD in China". Mark Wigley, Dean of the Columbia Architecture School, introduced Ma and MAD Office. The lecture took place in the Wood Auditorium in Avery Hall.

The next day, Ma gave another lecture to the American Institute of Architects and the Center of Architecture (AIA).