The Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) has formally asked the Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF) to investigate technical problems that emerged during the evening session of the athletics finals on Friday, December 12. In a letter from SNOC secretary-general Mark Chay, viewed by CNA, the SNOC expresses “deep concern” over what it describes as a failure of the timing system.
SNOC confirmed to CNA that the affected session included performances by Singaporean athletes Kerstin Ong and Ang Chen Xiang, who both achieved personal bests and set national records in the women’s and men’s 110m hurdles, respectively. However, those national records will not be recognized due to the timing issue, according to SNOC.
Asian Athletics reportedly informed SNOC that timing-system technical problems compromised the session’s statistical integrity, though athletes’ placements remain valid. The SNOC spokesperson said:“While the placings are correct, the recorded times cannot be used for statistical purposes.”
SNOC said it has submitted the matter to SEAGF to uphold the games’ standards and currency in results. In his letter, Mr. Chay describes the issue as a grave concern because it prevents accurate accounting of results for statistical records such as records, qualifications for major events, and world rankings. He noted that, although correct placing was ensured, the inability to validate timing results undermines the competition’s integrity and the athletes’ hard work.
Chay also questioned the reliability and preparedness of the timing contractor and requested an official SEAGF statement to clarify the situation, outline corrective steps, and reaffirm commitments to fair and accurate competition standards.
He urged SEAGF to provide clear guidance to National Olympic Committees on how this incident will affect athletes’ paths, especially regarding major-event qualifications, record recognition, and world rankings. He called for accountability for the timing company and immediate corrective actions for the remaining sessions, along with a review and tightening of technical protocols to prevent similar issues in future Games.
Chay stressed that addressing such technical failures is urgent to avoid further disruptions and to preserve the SEA Games’ credibility as a platform for sport, fairness, and excellence. He expressed confidence that SEAGF will act quickly to address the matter and offer assurances to all participating NOCs.
CNA has reached out to SEAGF for comment.
