That is the aim of the ceremony, said Do Dinh Hong, Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports and Vice Chairman of the Sub-Committee for SEA Games 31’s opening and closing ceremonies.

The opening of the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31), which will take place on May 12 night at My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi.

After a parade and a hoisting ceremony of the national flag of Vietnam and the flags of ASEAN and SEA Games 31, 11 outstanding Vietnamese athletes will carry the torch and light the Games cauldron, followed by a three-chapter show.

The first chapter, themed “Friendly Vietnam” will feature the unique cultural identity of Vietnam as well as the hospitality and friendliness that the country offers to people from all countries in the region and the world.

Meanwhile, the second chapter will highlight a “Strong Southeast Asia”, with the message that the strength of a connected ASEAN community will bring the bloc a strong position in the world.

The third and last chapter will have the theme of “Shining Southeast Asia,” reflecting the strength from the solidarity and friendship between Vietnam and other ASEAN member countries for a strong community and rising role of the association in the world arena.

A highlight of the event will be the use of state-of-the-art technologies, including mapping, augmented reality - AR, and extended reality – EX, among others.

Notably, the symbols of 40 sports will be displayed using the Dong Ho folk painting art, a traditional craft of Vietnam, through graphic images.

The show will be rounded off with an enticing ensemble performance of the Games’ official song “Let’s shine”, which will gather popular Vietnamese musical artists, the saola mascot, 110 dancers, and 250 athletes. The song by composer Huy Tuan is about the people born with a mission to strive for new summits and leave behind difficulties on their journeys by passion and extraordinary efforts, and with support from friends. They together shine in the welcoming and hospitable atmosphere of host Vietnam.

Director Huy Tuan said that a special version of “Lets’ shine” for SEA Games 31’s opening ceremony will be presented at the event, bringing a nice surprise to audience. Famous Vietnamese singers will perform the song with saola mascot, the symbols of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups and 11 Southeast Asian countries.

Earlier, the song’s MV was introduced to the public via SEA Games 31’s official channels.

Tran Ly Ly, Acting Director of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism’s department of performing arts and the general director of the opening ceremony, said that the organising committee has had only two months to prepare for the ceremony.

Competitions in the framework of SEA Games 31, themed “For a stronger South East Asia,” are taking place in Hanoi and 11 nearby localities until May 23.

SEA Games 31: Vietnam grabs second silver medal in diving

Ngo Phuong Mai secured the second silver medal diving for Vietnam after she and her teammate Mai Hong Hanh achieved the second highest score in the women’s synchronised 3m springboard event on May 9.

SEA Games 31: Numerous special events, tours in Hanoi to promote tourism

Hanoi is holding a myriad of events and tours to capitalise on the ongoing 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) to popularise images of the capital and Vietnam as a whole among international friends.

Vietnam target 140 golds, top place at 31st SEA Games

Vietnam's athletes are ready to compete at the coming 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and will bring home the best results.

Vietnam ready to welcome SEA Games 31

With only a few days left, the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) will officially kick off in Hanoi and 11 neighbouring provinces and cities, featuring the participation of more than 7,800 athletes, coaches and officials from 11 countries throughout the region.

Due attention paid to promoting tourism development and SEA Games 31

(BGO) - The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism (DCST) has issued document to request departments, localities, business, accommodation facilities, tourism site and complexes in Bac Giang province to enhance communication and promotion of tourism development and the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31).

Source: NDO/VNA