SHOWS TO REMEMBER

Malaysia’s oldest entertainment management company, Memories Entertainment Sdn Bhd, established in 1963, was behind the opening and closing ceremonies of the 29th Sea Games and 9th Asean Para Games. It proved yet again that when it comes to delivering wor

“SPECTACULAR, spectacular... electric lights, machinery, Oh! the electricity!”

These lyrics from a song in Australian director Baz Lurhman’s hit musical Moulin Rouge (2001) aptly described the atmosphere at the opening and closing ceremonies of the 29th Sea Games and 9th Asean Para Games in August and September.

The sporting events were held at the newly-refurbished Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

Looking back at one of the highlights of this year, the four events, with their surprises, thrills and creative technology, bowled over Malaysians of all ages and from all walks of life.

Perhaps, the best part was the fact that the creative and entertaining extravaganza was 100 per cent helmed by Malaysians and utilised Malaysian talent.

To showcase new ideas, a specially-built stage was necessary and Memories Entertainment Sdn Bhd did not hold back when it came to creating a showstopper.

Designed and constructed based on the shape of the Wau Bulan — the official logo of the games — it took 50 people to build it.

They worked on the project 18 hours a day for three weeks.

The main challenge of the construction was building a structure strong enough to support a five-tonne cauldron that would be lit to mark the start of both events.

Inspired by the traditional Malaysian oil lamp used to welcome guests during festivals, the 10m-high steel, hydraulic cauldron highlighted the five principles of Rukun Negara engraved on the structure, while its weave motif signified strength in unity, the athletes and officials rising together as one.

Another memorable first was the use of 100 drones in an enclosed stadium area and the introduction of floor projection mapping in a stadium-held event.

Managed by a team of seven engineers, the drones were used to represent fireflies from the jungles of Orang Asal at the 29th Sea Games’ opening ceremony.

Here’s a quick recap of other highlights from the four events:

1. SURPRISE!

A massive torch bearing a cauldron ascended from beneath the stage to be lit. Diver Nur Dhabitah Sabri did the honours, ascending into the air and lighting the cauldron, signifying the beginning of the 29th Sea Games.

2. FLOOR PROJECTION MAPPING

This was the first time a floor projection mapping was done for a Malaysian event.

It took more than six months for the team to conceptualise the design of the floor projection mapping and 88 high-definition projectors were used for the production.

3. PIXEL TABLETS

A total of 40,000 tablets were installed to support the floor projection mapping in the spectator seating area.

It took the team about a month to fine-tune the programming. This was the first time such technology was applied in Malaysia to create an interactive effect and a 360-degree viewing experience for the audience.

4. CULTURAL SHOW

The cultural show at the 29th Sea Games’ opening ceremony paid homage to Orang Asal of the land. It showcased Malaysia’s diversity in four parts — Provenance, Similarities in Diversity, Together We Are Stronger and A Nation Built on Inclusion.

Collectively titled “Kita Serumpun”, the event told the story of Malaysia’s beginnings and celebrated its diverse cultures and ethnicities, with more than 2,000 performers taking to the field.

5. FIREWORKS

The night sky was awash with glowing colours from the spectacular fireworks display to signal the end of the opening ceremony of the 29th Sea Games.

6. LIGHTING OF THE CAULDRON

Para athletes lighted the cauldron at the opening ceremony of the 9th Asean Para Games with the assistance of a pulley-system.

7. FLAME ON!

Bukit Jalil National Stadium was bathed in gold as the cauldron was lit and the flame burned to signify the start of the 9th Asean Para Games.

8. INTRODUCING PARA RIMAU

The official mascot of the 9th Asean Para Games, Rimau, was introduced to the crowd.

For the first time ever in the history of the Asean Para games,

a para mascot made its debut.

9. INSPIRING

Floor projection mappings at the opening ceremony of the 9th Asean Para Games featured the phrase “ability, possible, together”, promoting the spirit of inclusivity and to inspire, and be inspired.

10. BIDDING ADIEU

As symbolic as its opening ceremony, the closing ceremony of the 9th Asean Para Games celebrated athletes of the Para Games.

11. THE ‘WAU FACTOR’

The “Wau Factor” referred to a volunteer programme where a team of 2,000 volunteers was the backbone of both the opening and closing ceremonies of the 29th Sea Games and the 9th Asean Para Games.

They assisted Memories Entertainment in handling logistics, communications systems, artistes and the athletes’ parade.

12. PEOPLE WHO MADE IT HAPPEN

The events were helmed by three industry experts — Francis Danker, Abdullah Ismail and Nur Christine Danker Abdullah of Memories Entertainment. It took the team 12 months to put on the world-class shows, setting the bar for others.