Japanese machinery manufacturer Kubota, which sees the upcoming SEA Games as an ideal platform to foster interaction among people in the region, is providing a $1 million cash sponsorship.

The grant is the company's largest contribution to a sporting event in South-east Asia so far.

Praising its partnership with the Singapore South-east Asian Games Organising Committee (Singsoc), chairman of Singsoc exco Lim Teck Yin said: "The support provided by Kubota underpins the spirit of the Games in uniting communities and promoting meaningful cooperation in South-east Asia and beyond."

Kubota believes that the Games, which will be held from June 5-16, are the most prominent means to strengthen collaboration between the eclectic South-east Asian communities.

Said general manager of its corporate communication department Yoshihisa Hosotani: "With the heritage of the SEA Games and that it attracts the attention of over 600 million people, this represents the best platform to support the exchanges and developments in the societies of the region through sport."