28TH SEA GAMES OPENS WITH SPECTACULAR SHOW

"I declare open the 28th Southeast Asian Games!"

As President Tony Tan Keng Yam's voice rang across the new National Stadium, the crowd roared. After 22 years, the region's biggest sporting event was finally back in Singapore.

Held on 5 Jun, the 28th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games Opening Ceremony was an extravaganza that introduced Singapore's rich history and multiculturalism to the international audience. Centered on the theme, "DNA", the five-act show celebrated the uniqueness of individuals, coming together to build strong bonds. The performance was led by Creative Director Beatrice Chia-Richmond and featured original music composed by Singaporean songwriters.

The 40,000-strong audience was kept on the edge of their seats by more than 5,000 performers and some 50 giant props specially flown by an aerial system. They were even able to participate in the performance via an Audience Interaction System that transformed every audience member into an LED pixel on a human LED screen. Capping off the night of celebrations was the lighting of the SEA Games torch at the cauldron located at the waterfront of the National Stadium.

"I've been looking forward to the torch relay and finding out who is lighting the cauldron!" said Mr Rizal Rasudin excitedly. "It's been a while since Singapore hosted the SEA Games, so I'm here to support the nation." He was at the opening ceremony with his wife and their two young children, who were happily munching on the goodies from the Fun Pack.

As for Mr C. Vijayakumar, the opening ceremony was a family affair. Seated with his wife and son, they were there to support daughter Sneha Vijayakumar, who was performing in the Indian cultural dance segment.

"We are thrilled to see such a big turnout, especially since my daughter is performing," he said proudly.

He was also grateful to the organising Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel for the support they had provided to the performers, including 15-year-old Sneha.

"They did a very good job, in terms of security. When my daughter travelled from her dance school to the stadium for rehearsals, the SAF personnel would escort the bus. It made us less worried (about her)," he said.

No one would be more pleased to hear such positive feedback than the men and women of the SAF's Artillery Formation, who had been working hard for months to ensure that this would be a SEA Games Opening Ceremony to remember.

Just like in 1993, the Singapore Artillery (SA) was once again tasked to helm the organising of the opening and closing ceremonies. Colonel (COL) Lawrence Lim, Chief Artillery Officer and Chairman of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies (OCC) Committee, was grateful for the sense of continuity that the opportunity offered: "We studied what our Gunners had done 22 years ago, and many of the Gunners who were involved back then came forward to offer their help and advice. Some even volunteered their time and services."

Planning began as early as two years ago, and the 4,500 service personnel, including performers from the SAF Band and SAF Military Police Silent Precision Drill Squad, spent countless weekends rehearsing and preparing for the big day.

"The OCC offered many opportunities for the SA to work hand-in-glove with other government agencies such as the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, and Sport Singapore, as well as organisations from the private sector and Singapore's top creative talents."

Working with the various parties was an eye-opening experience for Captain (CPT) Ng Tat Siong, Officer Commanding of Support Company, 6th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment.

"(Working on) this national event allowed me to understand the different requirements from different agencies and creative teams. The biggest challenge I faced was managing the expectations of all these agencies and providing the best for everyone. We achieved this through constant communication with all agencies involved and ensuring all information was disseminated to the organisations and relevant agencies," said CPT Ng. He was part of the team providing support for the opening ceremony, managing the logistics for the performers.

He also witnessed the dedication of the SAF team to their task. He said: "My most memorable experience was seeing how the soldiers and commanders from my unit resolving (issues with) the costumes, working until 2am, when almost everyone else had left the stadium. Their unwavering commitment and effort gave me motivation."

As for Corporal First Class (CFC) Loe Kian Hern, being a part of the SEA Games enriched his National Service (NS) experience. He helped to ensure that the performers were ready with their props and places prior to entering the performance area.

"It wasn't an easy journey," admitted the Full-time National Serviceman from 24th Battalion, Singapore Artillery. "But after months of rehearsals, we were functioning like a well-oiled machine. Everyone's goals were aligned and I believe we delivered a show that all Singaporeans can be proud of."

"I am glad that during my NS, I've had the opportunity to contribute to the success of the 28th Sea Games Opening Ceremony, as part of SG50 celebrations," he added.