Singapore: Journey to SEA Games 2015

Naypyidaw, Myanmar - It was a closing ceremony performance befitting the high energy levels that has typified the 27th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. 

As the curtain dropped on what has been a marvellous spectacle over the last 12 days in Myanmar, all eyes now turn to Singapore as the next host of the region’s biggest multi-sport event.

On Sunday evening, the SEA Games flag was formally handed over by His Excellency U Tint Hsan, Chairman of the Myanmar SEA Games Organising Committee to Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, Acting Minister for Manpower and Singapore National Olympic Council Executive Committee Member.

5,000 Signed Up to be Volunteers for 28th SEA Games 2015

More than 1,000 people registered their interest to be volunteers for the 28th SEA Games 2015 at the Singapore SEA Games Organising Committee’s (SINGSOC) very first volunteering event of the year. This brings the total number of sign-ups to almost 5,000 since SINGSOC began its search for volunteers last year.

SINGSOC’s aim to engage the community started the New Year with a bang on January 5, 2015 at the NTUC building located at 1 Marina Boulevard.

S$50 Million Sponsorship Target For 28th SEA Games

Regional event profile, link to Singapore’s 50th anniversary celebrations and long term brand building offer compelling sponsorship opportunities

Singapore, 3 October 2013 
The 28th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games may be some two years away, but the organisers - Singapore Southeast Asian Games Organising Committee (SINGSOC), are already deep into discussions with companies looking to sponsor the region’s largest multi-sport extravaganza which will take place during Singapore’s 50th anniversary year. 

While organisers have set their sights on attracting some S$50 million in both cash and value-in-kind sponsorships, organisers highlighted that forging long term partnerships with businesses beyond the games is also a key priority.

2) Mr Richard Seow, Chairman of the 28th SEA Games Sponsorship and Marketing Advisory Sub-Committee, said: “We are pleased by the interest we are seeing in our preliminary discussions with potential sponsors across a wide range of industries from MNCs to SMEs. Having gotten feedback from a good cross section of corporate leaders, many have shared their excitement for the SEA Games being hosted by Singapore again. 

Corporate branding and sponsorship for the SEA Games with a potential audience of 600 million presents compelling opportunities for local, regional and international corporations. The event's regional profile which will take place during Singapore’s 50th anniversary celebrations and the opportunity for long term brand building topped the list of reasons why they see potential in sponsoring the games.  Several corporates are also keen to see how we can customise sponsorship packages so that they can realise the benefits up to and after the SEA Games by using sport as a vehicle to enhance their brand image and activate their marketing or CSR programmes.”

3) Opportunities to sponsor specific sports or venues during the SEA Games and extending beyond that are available to sponsors who wish to tailor their sponsorship for the long term.

4) Said Mr Chaly Mah, Chief Executive Officer, Deloitte Asia Pacific and a member of the SINGSOC Sponsorship and Marketing Advisory Sub-Committee: “Over the years, more companies are seeing sport as a multi dimensional vehicle that is able to connect them with their consumers at the personal and emotional level. For example, companies such as Singtel and DBS Bank have provided long term support for signature sports events like the Formula One and dragon boat race respectively that have become imprinted in people’s minds over the years. 

The Return On Investment in sports sponsorship grows exponentially over time as these companies use sports to grow market share and enhance their brand equity. Companies looking at sponsoring the 2015 SEA Games should also consider continuing their involvement in sports beyond the games. They may want to see how they could spearhead an annual signature sports event that can become synonymous with their brand.”

5) Mr Chan Chong Beng, President, Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, who is also a member of the Sponsorship and Marketing Advisory Sub-Committee, said: “Branding is a relatively nascent subject matter in SME circles. Nonetheless, many forward looking companies are beginning to see the value proposition of strong branding and how it will ultimately strengthen their bottomline. Sport is a powerful branding platform that SMEs should tap on as part of their growth strategy. The 2015 SEA Games is the perfect opportunity for companies to come on board and use sport as a platform to jump start their branding efforts. Being a regional event, this is a valuable opportunity not to be missed to reach out to their regional consumers.”

A Compelling Event
6) The 28th SEA Games is expected to be one of the biggest regional sports events in 2015. Over 7,000 athletes and officials are expected at this event which will take place over 10 days during the June 2015 school holidays. To be held across multiple venues in Singapore including Singapore’s new Singapore Sports Hub, organisers are committed to deliver a differentiated and unforgettable experience for everyone, in partnership with other partners and stakeholders.

7) The 28th SEA Games will have something for everyone, and not just sport aficionados.
Programmes and activities would include F&B, entertainment as well as other elements for the whole family.
The ticketing and pricing strategy will be carefully designed to ensure that the Games is accessible to all.

8) Marketing Advisory Sub-Committee said: “SEA Games 2015 doesn't just bring sportsmen and fans together, it is an opportune moment to connect brands with their audience.  Leveraging on a viewership that reaches out to the region, brands can strengthen their position and aim to expand their presence.  Ultimately, the SEA Games champions unity and camaraderie - whether it's between nations, athletes and their fans, or brands and their supporters."

9) This will also be the most digital games in Singapore’s history. Organisers will develop a robust content strategy that can maximise reach: where content, once created, can be published and searchable everywhere – whether it is YouTube, Google, Facebook or other online media platforms. To sustain the virality of the Games, an Official 28th SEA Games documentary along with over 50 creative videos will be produced to feature athletes, coaches, and the various sports. 

On top of this, a targeted 600 web content articles will be created to activate search engines and seed social media traffic. These articles will be written by content creators and story-tellers to provide a different, compelling and heartfelt side of the Games.

10) Mobile applications will be built to provide Games related information on-the-go. The use of second screen technology is also being explored, to enhance visitors’ on-venue experience as well as facilitate engagement with the social community.

11) Another member of the SINGSOC Sponsorship and Marketing Advisory Sub-Committee, Mr John Vamvakitis, Head of Sport, Google Asia Pacific: “Digital provides a powerful and cost effective platform that will extend sponsors’ reach beyond traditional channels. How far we can go using digital is limited only by our imagination. 

With the SEA region boasting one of the fastest growing digital adopters, digital will play a crucial role in engaging consumers during the games.  Digital will also enable participants to enjoy the games in more ways than one for example through the use of second screens, mobile applications as well as social media.”

12) The Games will be held in conjunction with Singapore’s 50th anniversary – a major milestone in the Republic’s history. The 28th SEA Games has been identified as one of the official major events that will be part of the 50th anniversary celebrations.  Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Mr Lawrence Wong, who is also the SINGSOC Steering Committee Chairman, is co-chairing the Culture & Community Committee under the Singapore 50 (SG50) Steering Committee.

Big Names in Sponsorship and Marketing Advisory Sub-Committee
13) Apart from Mr Mah, Mr Chan, Ms Lim and Mr Vamvakitis, the sub-committee also includes other accomplished and experienced advisory committee members (see Annex A for list of members). They include heavyweights such as Mr Piyush Gupta from DBS, who is no stranger to the business community.

14) The advisory committee has had two meetings so far.

15) The 28th SEA Games will be held in Singapore from 5th June to 16th June 2015.

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Five Reasons Why The 28th SEA Games is Important to You

The region's biggest multi-sports event is heading to Singapore's shores in June 2015. Sports fan or not, here is why you should sit up and take notice!

1) Experience the Kallang Roar again

The Kallang Roar was more than just local fans cheering for the national football team, it was, in the words of former Football Association Singapore Chairman Nadesan Ganesan, "an unprecedented mantra that united Singaporeans".

Myanmar SEA Games Closes With a Splash of Colours

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  27th SEA Games Closing Ceremony

  Nawpyitaw, Myanmar, 21 December 2013
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  27th SEA Games Closing Ceremony

  Nawpyitaw, Myanmar, 21 December 2013
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  27th SEA Games Closing Ceremony

  Nawpyitaw, Myanmar, 21 December 2013
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  27th SEA Games Closing Ceremony

  Nawpyitaw, Myanmar, 21 December 2013
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  27th SEA Games Closing Ceremony

  Nawpyitaw, Myanmar, 21 December 2013
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  27th SEA Games Closing Ceremony

  Nawpyitaw, Myanmar, 21 December 2013
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  27th SEA Games Closing Ceremony

  Nawpyitaw, Myanmar, 21 December 2013
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  27th SEA Games Closing Ceremony

  Nawpyitaw, Myanmar, 21 December 2013
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  27th SEA Games Closing Ceremony

  Nawpyitaw, Myanmar, 21 December 2013
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  27th SEA Games Closing Ceremony

  Nawpyitaw, Myanmar, 21 December 2013
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  27th SEA Games Closing Ceremony

  Nawpyitaw, Myanmar, 21 December 2013
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  27th SEA Games Closing Ceremony

  Nawpyitaw, Myanmar, 21 December 2013
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  27th SEA Games Closing Ceremony

  Nawpyitaw, Myanmar, 21 December 2013
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  27th SEA Games Closing Ceremony

  Nawpyitaw, Myanmar, 21 December 2013
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  27th SEA Games Closing Ceremony

  Nawpyitaw, Myanmar, 21 December 2013

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MYANMAR UPDATED. The Myanmar SEA Games themed "Green, Clean and Friendly" came to colourul close at Wunna Theikdi Main Stadium here tonight. The arrival of Myanmar President, U Thein Sein, wife Daw Khin Khin Win and guets at the stadium were met with a fireworks display.

A large group of children who formed the 27th SEA Games logo got the closing ceremony underway.

The audience were entertained with cultural performances such as the elephant dance and the Myanmar traditional sport 'Chinlone.'

Also read : SEA Games Medals Report, 22 December 2013

The ceremony continued with the procession of athletes representing the 33 sports contested at the games held over 19 days.

Lawrence Wong: Preparations for 2015 SEA Games Underway

SINGAPORE UPDATED — The organisers of the 28th Southeast Asian Games to be held in Singapore in 2015 have entered a detailed phase of preparations, said Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong.

He also said that some 15,000 volunteers will be roped in for the event.

In just 18 months’ time, Singapore will play host to the region’s biggest sporting spectacle, and organisers will begin to announce details of the event from mid-February next year.

SEA Games Highlights for Dec 21, 2013

Traditional Boat
Thailand finally broke through at traditional boat race on Saturday, winning gold in the men’s 20-crew 2000m race by 2 and a half seconds over silver medalists Myanmar.

The Thais finished the Nga Lite Dam course in 7 minutes, 32.275 seconds, Myanmar, which tried vainly in the last 250m to reel the roaring Thai boat in, ended in 7:34.705

Indonesia got bronze in 7:45.690.

Spectators Relatively Lessen in Present SEA Games

MYANMAR UPDATED. The number of spectators at the 27th SEA Games being hosted has taken a sharp drop after Myanmar Men’s Football Team has been eliminated from the group level after the last round of competition.
 
The Identification cards to enter the Wunna Theikdi Stadium in Nay Pyi Taw was being issued at No.4 Gate of the Stadium where much of the SEA Games sporting events were taken place. Before Myanmar Men’s Football Team was eliminated from competition, people were lining up to make the entrance card.

Ayo Bawa Pulang. Emas SEA Games Masih 130an Medali

INDONESIA UPDATED. Perburuan tambahan medali emas SEA Games 2013 di Myanmar tinggal tiga hari hari lagi. Bahkan pada hari terakhir yang bertepatan dengan pesta penutupan hanya tinggal menuntaskan cabang olahraga sepak takraw saja.

Hingga Kamis (19/12/2013) sore kemarin, dari total 460 medali emas yang disediakan penyelenggara, sedikitnya sudah 328 medali emas yang telah terdistribusikan kepada para atlet-atlet pemenang lomba dan pertandingan. Sisanya kurang lebih tinggal 120-130 medali emas yang akan diperebutkan.

Thai Event Business Helps Myanmar Kick off SEA Games

THE EVENT Management Association believes that the 27th Southeast Asian Games will help Myanmar improve its national image and boost the confidence of international firms, including event businesses from Thailand.

"After having not held the SEA Games for 44 years, Myanmar aims to use this sports event to shine its light to the world in terms of its compe?tency and readiness to hold a regional event that will also instil more confidence in international businesses," Sermkhun Kunawong, chairman of the EMA said.

Myanmar Media Complain SEA Games Access Is Restricted

MYANMAR UPDATED. As the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) got underway this week, local Burmese media groups say access to events has been restricted, limiting their ability to cover the landmark sporting event.
 
Although the opening ceremony is not until Dec. 11, some SEA Games events began in Naypyidaw on Wednesday. It is Burma’s first time hosting the regional games, and the occasion offers the country a chance to show that it can successfully organize international events, ahead of its debut chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in 2014.

Myanmar Spares No Expense for SEA Games Opening

MYANMAR UPDATED. Myanmar laid on a spare-no-expenses opening ceremony for the Southeast Asian Games on Wednesday, part of efforts by the government to convince the world it's open for business following a half-century of brutal military rule and isolation.

The four-hour extravaganza, complete with parades, fireworks, singers, dancers and a sound-and-light show, was held to loud cheers and bursts of applause in a packed 30,000-seat stadium.

SEA Games Highlights for 10 December 2013

MYANMAR UPDATED Thailand’s men’s sepak takraw hoop team showed their mettle in the final match of the day at Wunna Theikdi Indoor Stadium (B), scoring 830 to win gold and push Myanmar (650) to the silver medal.

Brunei and Singapore won bronzes.

In the women’s action, Myanmar outclassed Laos 760-300 to take the hoops gold. Laos got silver and Cambodia the bronze.

Myanmar won the opening match of the women’s football at the 27th SEA Games, scoring goals in both halves to beat Philippines 2-0 at mandalarthiri Stadium in Mandalay.

Equestrian Culture to Feature in Opening Ceremony

According to information from the Myanmar Equestrian Federation, a special procession of brightly decorated horses will be included in the Opening Ceremony of the 27th Myanmar SEA Games.

“In Myanmar Buddhist tradition, every family with a male offspring has to consecrate their male child to Buddhism. This consecration introduces the child into the Buddhist monk society where they learn reading and writing skills through Buddhist scriptures. For all Myanmar people, it is a very auspicious occasion for them and they try to make the ceremony as grand as possible. 

In ancient days, animals were the only means of transportation and horses are thought to be of highest value after the elephant. So, they use horses to carry their sons to monasteries where the boys spend a few days of monkhood after the inauguration ceremony,” explained U Win Aung, head of the Myanmar Equestrian Committee.

“Today, horses fit for this kind of ceremony are hard to find and it is even harder to see this kind of procession because people are replacing horses with motor vehicles. For the SEA Games, we will use three dressage horses from Shan State and 30 local men and women for the display called Shin Laung,” he added.
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Brunei National Team Arrive in Naypyidaw

BRUNEI UPDATED. The national SEA Games contingent is safely in Naypyidaw and ready to start their campaign in Myanmar.

Led by chef de mission Hj Muhd Zamri Dato Paduka Hj Hamdani, the team arrived in Yangon on Monday and reached the country’s capital after a five-hour bus ride on Tuesday, according to yesterday’s daily report sent by the contingent’s secretariat.

China's Technical Assistance to Help Myanmar Successfully Host SEA Games

MYANMAR UPDATED. China's provision of technical assistance to Myanmar is to help the country successfully host the 27th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and strengthen cooperation and exchange between the two countries in culture and sports, a senior Chinese official said here on Tuesday.

The assistance would also enhance understanding and friendship between the two countries, Wang Shengwen, Director General of Department of Aid to Foreign Countries of Chinese Ministry of Commerce, told a press conference.

No Taking It Easy for Philippines SEA Games Quintet

PHILIPPINES UPDATED. There’s no such thing as a sure gold medal as far as the national basketball team bound for the Southeast Asian Games in Burma (Myanmar) is concerned. 

Basketball’s perennial title favorite knows all too well that overconfidence, even just a little of it, can spell disaster in the biennial meet. 

“We just can’t look past the teams there (in the SEA Games),” assistant coach Josh Reyes said at yesterday’s PSA Forum in Shakey’s Malate. “Whether we win by one point or 50, what’s important is we win the gold.” 

Menpora Roy Suryo Lepas Kontingen SEA Games (Video)

Menteri Pemuda dan Olahraga (Menpora) Roy Suryo mengukuhkan sebanyak 621 atlet dari 33 cabang menjadi kontingen Indonesia di ajang SEA Games di Myanmar. Mereka akan berjuang dalam berbagai cabang olahraga untuk meraih prestasi terbaik, mempertahankan peringkat juara umum.

Perjuangan kontingen Indonesia bukan hal mudah. Sebanyak 125 medali emas harus direbut untuk jadi juara umum. Sejak 1997 hingga kini, Indonesia meraih predikat juara umum hanya ketika menjadi tuan rumah.

Simak video klik disini.

First Batch of SEA Games Bets Off Today

PHILIPPINES UPDATED. The first wave of Filipino athletes from wrestling, wushu and sailing will leave today for the 27th Southeast Asian Games set Dec. 11 to 22 in Burma (Myanmar). 

Double gold medalists Margarito Angana Jr. and Jason Balabal, the country’s flag-bearer during the opening ceremony, are bound for Yangon where the wrestling competitions will be held beginning Dec. 9. With them are fellow grapplers Joseph Angana, Alvin Lobrequito, Noel Norada and Jhonny Morte. 

Vietnam Aims for 70-85 Gold Medals at SEA Games

VIETNAM UPDATED. The Vietnamese sporting delegation is expected to reach the top three of the medal tally at the 27th SEA Games in Myanmar this December, said Hoang Vinh Giang, Deputy Chairman and Secretary General of the Vietnam Olympic Committee.

In a recent interview with a VOV reporter, Hoang Vinh Giang stated many popular Vietnamese sporting events, such as gymnastics and fencing are not listed in the competition schedule for the coming SEA Games.