SEA Games 2025: Team Singapore kicks off campaign as 33rd SEA Games begin

More than 100 Singapore athletes and officials attending the opening ceremony of the 33rd SEA Games on December 9. The Singapore contingent was led by flagbearers Noah Lim (ju-jitsu) and Yeo Jia Min (badminton). Photo: SNOC/Lim Wei Xiang

Singapore’s largest SEA Games contingent celebrated the official start of the event’s 33rd edition on December 9 with an opening ceremony that highlighted the unity of Southeast Asian nations. 

Performers at the Rajamangala Stadium delivered thrilling stunts and energetic music acts on a main stage surrounded by water, in line with the theme: ‘We Are One – Connected by the SEA’.

Exhilarating jet ski stunts and flyboard performances were part of the line-up at the opening ceremony of the 33rd SEA Games at the Rajamangala Stadium. Photo: SNOC/ Lim Wei Xiang

Ju-jitsu exponent Noah Lim and badminton player Yeo Jia Min represented the 930-strong Singapore contingent as flagbearers at the opening showcase. 

Lim, who in 2019 made history after clinching Singapore’s first SEA Games gold in the sport, enjoyed the electrifying atmosphere at the stadium. He said: “I’m very impressed with the ‘Green’ theme and love how they’re blending technology with traditional Thai art.”

The December 9-20 Games are introducing sustainability initiatives in a bid to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. This was illuminated during the Lighting Ceremony, where the first “Green Flame” was introduced as part of a symbolic reimagining of the symbolic cauldron. This is in alignment with the Games’ sustainability vision, with a digital cauldron illuminated to minimise the usage of fuel. 

While Lim is impressed with the organisers’ efforts to go green, his sights remain set on gold. 

“My goal for this year’s SEA games is to hopefully win another gold medal for Singapore,” said the 23-year-old, who also won gold at the 2021 and 2023 SEA Games. “My plan is to be aggressive yet calm, and make good decisions under pressure. While anything can happen, I want to give my best and leave everything on the mats. I’m excited to showcase how far Singapore’s ju-jitsu team has progressed and hope our performance here inspires the next generation back home.”

The 33rd SEA Games will feature over 12,000 athletes competing in 50 sports. SNOC/Lim Wei Xiang

For Yeo, the experience of being flagbearer will be a treasured memory. She said: “Thailand has been a warm and welcoming host, and I’m incredibly proud of my teammates for giving their all in every match. Wishing all athletes the very best for the rest of the Games.”

Singapore have already clinched two medals at the biennial Games with bronzes from the men’s and women’s badminton team events. 

Team Singapore athletes were also in action on December 9 before the opening ceremony began. Singapore faced Thailand in both fixtures, going down 12–9 in women’s T10 cricket and 6–4 in men’s baseball. 

Both sports will continue to be in action on December 10, as will other disciplines such as swimming, gymnastics, and taekwondo. 

The 33rd SEA Games are held in Thailand from 9 to 20 December 2025. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.