Spectacular: Performers take part in the opening ceremony of the 2015 Singapore SEA Games. — VNA/VNS Photo Quoc Khanh

HA NOI — The 28th Sea Games flame was officially lit last night.

Directed by Beatrice Chia-Richmond, the five-act, 40-minute show turned the floor of Singapore's National Stadium into a giant screen featuring a map of the country, and a record-breaking 160 HD projectors were used during the show.

The Straits Times said it was the largest projection system ever used for sporting event in the world.

392 athletes from Viet Nam will compete in 28 out of 36 disciplines at the Games.

The squad is expected to strike gold, despite some of its stronger events being dropped from the schedule, such as chess and Vovinam martial art.

Grouping itself among the leading teams such as Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, Viet Nam expects to win between 56 and 65 gold medals.

The country's fencing team got off to a flying start, winning four golds prior to the opening ceremony.

Visiting the entire team in Singapore, Minster of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh said: "I congratulate you on winning the first four gold medals in fencing. This is very encouraging news."

The Viet Nam National Assembly is currently in session at home.

"The representatives I met during the National Assembly session were very enthusiastic about the U23 football team's win over Malaysia," he said. "This is just the beginning, we need to work harder.

Midfielder Que Ngoc Hai, captain of the team, said in response: "We have set our goal at the highest level."

Other events Viet Nam expects to win more gold medals include gymnastics, with the country's golden girl Phan thi Ha Thanh; wushu with Duong Thuy Vi, Tran thi Minh Huyen; Anh Vien and Quy Phuoc in swimming; and Thu Thao and Nguyen Van Lai in athletics. — VNS