SEA Games 31: Singapore grabs first medal in 400m hurdles event since 1969
Singaporean runner Calvin Quek won a bronze medal in the men’s 400m hurdles race at the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) on May 17 – the first medal in for the Singaporean athletics team in the category since 1969.
Hanoi (VNA) – Singaporeanrunner Calvin Quek won a bronze medal in the men’s 400m hurdles race at the 31st Southeast AsianGames (SEA Games 31) on May 17 – the first medal in for the Singaporean athletics team in the category since 1969.
With a time of 51.19 seconds, Calvin Quek broke his national record.
Calvin’s "breakthrough" achievement atSEA Games 31 is remarkable because when he started working with current coachLuis Cunha in August 2021, his best result was only 53.65 seconds.
After six months of training under the Portuguese coach’s guidance, Calvin seta new national record of Singapore with a time of 51.73 seconds.
Calvin said the achievement is a great honour for him, expressing the hope thathis triumph can inspire young athletes to take part in the 400m hurdlescompetition.
The Singaporean athletics team had pocketed one gold, two silverand four bronze medals at the Games by the end of May 17./.
Vietnamese fencer Bui Thi Thu Ha defeated her opponent from Singapore Ong Shu Hui Jessica in the women’s sabre individual event in Hanoi on May 15, earning the country the third gold in fencing at the SEA Games 31.
Singapore’s Straits Times newspaper on May 15 ran an article spotlighting the progress and successes of Vietnam’s athletics at the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).
Pairs from Singapore and Thailand exerted their dominance to qualify for semi-finals of table tennis’s mixed doubles at the ongoing SEA Games 31 held in the northern province of Hai Duong.
The Philippines and Singapore secured gold medals in the men's and women's singles bowling events at the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) on May 16.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
These are impressive achievements, not only showing the efforts and prowess of Vietnamese paddlers but also serving as proof of the sports sector’s strategic and systematic investment.
Singaporean runner Calvin Quek (Photo: Straitstimes) 
