SEA Games on the go

Singaporeans on the move will be able to follow their national athletes' quest for gold at the South-east Asia (SEA) Games from June 5-16, with official multimedia partner Singtel providing round-the-clock live coverage on its free TV GO mobile application.

The local telecommunications giant has been named the official Pay TV broadcaster of the Games, and will be dedicating two channels to live feeds for free.

Non-subscribers can follow the action via the Singtel TV GO app, or attend the live screenings of the Games that will be held at community centres across the island.

"We are aiming to be one of the most digital SEA Games," said Singapore SEA Games Organising Committee's (Singsoc) chief of community and corporate outreach, Toh Boon Yi.

Speaking at a media conference at the Singapore Sports Hub Library yesterday, he added: "We have always emphasised that Team Singapore doesn't always just refer to the athletes.

"It refers to the entire nation, and everybody has a role to play in supporting our athletes."

To drive home the message, Singtel will be launching their Cheer Aggregator - a programme that will draw on information from online platforms to show what the community is reading and discussing about Team Singapore.

Sporting voices

"This technology will consolidate and amplify all our sporting voices," said Singtel's CEO of Consumer Singapore, Yuen Kuan Moon.

"The public will not need to use any hashtags or change their online behaviour to show their support.

"They can continue to post regularly. Getting into the sporting action goes beyond just passive watching.

"This is a brand new way of bringing together views and what we talk and learn about the SEA Games in the social media and physical sense."

While the thought of being closely scrutinised by the entire nation during competition might be daunting to some athletes, wushu exponent Vera Tan intends to use the "stress" as a source of motivation.

"What I can do as an athlete is to just manage this stress," said the 17-year-old.

"As long as I give of my best, I think I can turn it into motivation to do well."

Vera, together with shooting star Jasmine Ser, were present yesterday to share the stories of the people who had inspired them - physiotherapist Hwee Koon for the wushu exponent, and sister Adrienne for the shooter.

Echoing Vera's sentiments, Ser said: "I don't see it as being stressful.

"I see it as a positive drive and a form of motivation."

Ser, 24, also voiced her approval for the Singtel Cheer Aggregator as part of an effort to garner support for Team Singapore athletes.

"While I'll be enjoying myself shooting during the Games, the supporters will be enjoying themselves looking at the updates through this platform," she said.

"I think it's a good way for everyone to come together."

This article was first published on April 30, 2015.
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