Brunei is the seventh country to host the Southeast Asian Games after Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines.

The final medal tally was led by Thailand, followed by Malaysia and Indonesia with host Brunei in seventh place.

Besides being physically near to the Hassanal Bolkiah Sports Complex, it was hoped that it will add vibe to the city and reduce post-games costs in converting a dedicated games village to other uses.

"Awang" is a title for Bruneian males, while the name "Budiman" represents the wise and courteous characteristics of Brunei as the host of the games.

These include the theme song of the games: "Mencari Kejayaan" (In search for success) which was composed by Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah and was sung by Ak Mohd Yusri.

[11][12] The opening ceremony began at 20:00 BST with the arrival of guests, VIPs and Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, President of the National Olympic Council of Brunei Darussalam and Chairman of the 20th SEA Games Organising Committee into the stadium, the marching performance by the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and the Royal Brunei Police Force and the stage performance by local artists including Ak Mohd Yusri who performed the games' theme song, Mencari Kejayaan.

At 20:30 BST, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muizaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha and the members of the royal family arrived at the stadium.

The host Contingent, Brunei led by Crown Prince Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, Prince Abdul Mateen, Princess Azemah Ni'matul Bolkiah and Princess Fadzillah Lubabul Bolkiah, received the warmest welcome when they marched into the stadium.

The reading of the SEA Games oath was led by the 15th SEA Games Gold Medalist in Shooting event, Lieutenant Colonel Dato Setia Haji Md Samid Haji Abdul Aziz.

After that, a video clip on the highlights of the 20th SEA Games was broadcast, followed by the Games Mascot performance which portrayed the images of some of the sports events during the nine days sport meet, the parade of athletes competed at the games with Prince Abdul Mateen, Princess Azeemah Niqmatul Bolkiah and Princess Fadzillah Lubabul Bolkiah leading the Brunei contingent by order of sports.

A song presentation entitled "Skuad Negara" composed by the President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council was performed by a Bruneian choir group.