Delegation visits a Singaporean media booth at Main Press Centre (MPC) and International Broadcast Centre (IBC) National Convention Centre. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The Main Press Centre (MPC) and International Broadcast Centre (IBC) for the SEA Games 31 officially opened on Monday, welcoming approximately 3,000 local and international reporters. 

Located on the third floor of the National Convention Centre, the two centres have a total area of 2,000sq.m and are fully equipped for news production.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoàng Đạo Cương said: “Among the key infrastructure for SEA Games 31, the Main Press Centre and International Broadcast Centre are considered the ‘heart’ of communications for the Games.

“This is not only a place that welcomes journalists, provides them with the necessary support, information and services, but also acts as a ‘common house’ for them throughout the event.”

The press centre will be in charge of registration, issuing press passes, and managing and facilitating the working processes of journalists at the SEA Games 31. 

It will also produce the press handbook, handle the operation of the Games' website and its visual database, and provide support to the press. 

The centre is equipped with 40 laptops connected to the internet for reporters, photojournalists and press conferences, along with a six-channel interpretation system. 

Two large screens and six smaller ones will broadcast live sports events. The facility also offers high-speed internet, wifi and 5G connection for quick and effective reporting on the Games.

The Main Press Centre (MPC) can host up to 200 reporters at the same time, said the organisers of SEA Games 31.

Visitors at the studio of Việt Nam Television (VTV) at SEA Games 31's International Broadcast Centre.  VNA/VNS Photo Minh Đông

The International Broadcast Centre (IBC) meanwhile is the production studio coordinated by Việt Nam Television (VTV), with support from countries participating in the Games and international broadcasting services.

This centre is divided into smaller booths measuring 55sq.m each, serving as the workspace for local and foreign media. It is built to meet rigorous standards in space, temperature, and sound insulation in production.

The area also includes coordination and production centres, studios, operation rooms and booths for broadcast channels from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, among others. 

Technical support and instruction will be available 24 hours a day to promptly assist the press according to their requests. 

The capacity of both the MPC and IBC allows for up to 600 journalists at the same time. It also provides waiting rooms and a common area, along with a dining space and break rooms that are located separately with their own exits to ensure safety. 

Acknowledging that there might still be shortcomings in the preparation process, Deputy Minister Cương said: “We look forward to receiving constructive feedback from the journalists to perfect the infrastructure’s services, and to best respond to the working requirements of the reporters during the Games.”

The National Convention Centre added that the highest level of fire prevention and security is guaranteed during SEA Games 31. All personnel entering and leaving the central building must possess the press cards issued by the Games’ organising committee. People and their belongings will also be screened through two layers of security checkpoints. 

On the same day, the 2nd International Media Conference will begin at the National Convention Centre, following the launching ceremony of the MPC and IBC.

At the conference, the delegates will be provided with information on the opening ceremony of SEA Games 31, tourism activities associated with the Games, new features from Google, an introduction to the Green and Smoke-free SEA Games programmes, and to Sao La - the mascot of this year’s Games. — VNS