On the 9th of December 2025, the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) officially began in Bangkok, Thailand, marking the country’s return as host after nearly two decades. Thousands of spectators had filed into Rajamangala National Stadium for the opening ceremony, which commenced with a drone show illuminating the night sky, paying tribute to Thailand’s history of hosting the SEA Games, as well as a message to their late Queen Mother.
SEA Games 2025 Opening Ceremony (photo by CNA Sports)
Subsequently, various performances lit up the stage. A key segment named ‘We Are One – Connected by the SEA’ displayed underwater ballet, along with jet-ski and flyboard stunts which dazzled onlookers. However the loudest of screams were directed at the popular member of K-pop idol group GOT7, BamBam, who performed his hit single Wheels Up. The Parade of Nations followed, with athletes from across Southeast Asia marching proudly behind their flags, a show of unity despite trying times.
Prior to the event, the competition venues that were originally scheduled to take place in Songkhla, were relocated to Bangkok and Chonburi. This was due to the severe flooding affecting Southern Thailand at that time. Despite this, the games proceeded successfully in their new locations. Over the next two weeks, the games featured dozens of sports. Traditional Olympic disciplines such as athletics, swimming, and gymnastics drew widespread attention while sports such as Muay Thai and Pencak Silat highlighted Southeast Asia’s cultural heritage. Some highlights of the Games include Indonesia’s weightlifter Rizki Juniansyah setting two world records in the men’s 79kg category, as well as, Singapore’s 14-year-old swimmer Julia Yeo’s last minute relay replacement, contributing to their team earning their gold medal in record time.
Singapore’s swimming team on the podium (photo by SportSG)
Thailand made strong use of home advantage, topping the medal tally through dominant performances in combat sports, cycling and weightlifting.
The final medal tally goes as follows:
Thailand – 500
Indonesia – 333
Vietnam – 278
Malaysia – 231
Singapore – 202
Philippines – 276
Myanmar – 73
Laos – 39
Brunei – 9
Timor Leste – 8
Cambodia – Withdrew
Team Malaysia were able to reach their 200 medal target, with 231 medals overall, the highest ever total of medals outside of Kuala Lumpur. Malaysian athletes excelled particularly in swimming, squash, and gymnastics, where consistent podium finishes contributed significantly to the medal haul. Several breakthrough performances came from young athletes making their SEA Games debut, signalling a promising future for Malaysian sport.
Malaysian Rhythmic Gymnastics Team (Photo by BERNAMA)
According to Nurul Huda Abdullah (former Malaysian competitive swimmer) ‘the fourth place was earned through unity, consistency, teamwork and lost of preparation and planning, and unwavering effort from every sport, every athlete, every official and all of us who have worn the Jalur Gemilang with pride’. Overall, team Malaysia’s achievement at the SEA Games 2025 was seen as a major success, meeting expectations and boosting national pride.
However, the sporting atmosphere was inevitably shaped by the century-old disagreement over the Thailand-Cambodia border during the Games. Midway through the Games, Cambodia officially withdrew its athletes following escalating conflicts along the border. According to the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) the decision made to withdraw the athletes amidst the games was due to requests from the athletes’ families to have them return home for safety reasons.
Despite these challenges, sportsmanship remained a defining feature of SEA Games 2025. The continuous demonstration of respect from athletes and officials reminded everyone that the Games were more than just a contest of medals, but a celebration of regional solidarity. Across the stadiums, athletes shared moments of laughter, and support, showing how connections can be formed through sport.
As the curtain fell on the SEA Games 2025, the closing ceremony once again brought together athletes, officials and fans in a vibrant celebration of achievement and unity. Held on the 20th of December 2025 at the Rajamangala Stadium, the ceremony featured cultural performances, music as well as a symbolic handover of the SEAGF flag to the Malaysian representitives, the next host of the games.
Beyond the medals and records, SEA Games 2025 will be remembered for its resilience, despite many difficult circumstances. In retrospect, SEA Games 2025 stood as a powerful reminder of the role sports play in uniting Southeast Asia. As the athletes returned home, they carried with them not just their medals, but memories of a Games that showcased the strength of unity through sport.
Written by: Anjitha
Edited by: Sarah Wong
