SANDAKAN : The fifth edition of Sepilok Jazz 2026 has received the full backing of the Majlis Perbandaran Sandakan (MPS), underscoring the local authority’s commitment to establishing Sandakan as a leading destination for tourism, arts, culture and environmental awareness.
The endorsement was confirmed during a coordination meeting on Saturday at the MPS headquarters, where MPS President Datuk Walter Kenson expressed the council’s strong support for the festival and praised its ongoing role in promoting Sandakan on both national and international stages.
“Majlis Perbandaran Sandakan will continue to support initiatives that deliver positive economic, tourism and community outcomes for Sandakan,” Datuk Walter Kenson said. “Sepilok Jazz has become one of Sabah’s signature events and provides an important platform to showcase Sandakan’s biodiversity, cultural vitality and unique identity to visitors from around the world.
“As long as initiatives such as Sepilok Jazz continue to present Sandakan positively and contribute to the growth of tourism, the arts and community engagement, MPS will remain a committed partner. Events like this enhance Sandakan’s profile and create lasting benefits for the local economy and community.”
Organised by Friends of Sea Turtles Education and Research (FOSTER) in collaboration with the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) and MPS, Sepilok Jazz has evolved into one of Sabah’s most recognised cultural music festivals, combining world-class jazz performances with conservation awareness and community development initiatives.
Returning for its fifth year, the festival continues to use music as a platform to promote awareness, education and action for environmental conservation.
This year’s event will support ongoing sea turtle conservation efforts at Walai Penyu Conservation Park, Libaran Island — one of Sabah’s most important marine conservation sites.
Under the theme “Conservation Through Music”, Sepilok Jazz 2026 will present 18 bands and more than 100 musicians across three stages, creating a vibrant cultural experience set against the rainforest backdrop of Sepilok.
Audiences can look forward to an impressive line-up of international and regional artists, including Shila Amzah, Jeremy Monteiro, Mezzotono (Italy), Janet Lee, Tay Cher Siang, Roger Wang, Yap Ling and many other distinguished performers from Malaysia and abroad.
FOSTER President Alexander Yee said the organisation was thrilled to deliver another world-class edition of Sepilok Jazz in Sandakan.
“For 2026, we are delighted to bring numerous talented musicians from Malaysia and overseas to Sandakan. Their participation will not only enhance the festival experience but also create meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange, learning and collaboration between musicians and audiences,” he said.
Mr Yee added that Sepilok Jazz remains true to its founding objectives of promoting conservation and placing Sandakan on the international jazz map.
“While we remain steadfast in our objective of using music to raise awareness for sea turtle conservation and to elevate Sandakan’s international jazz profile, we cannot do this alone. The support of our partners, sponsors, volunteers, government agencies and the local community is essential. We encourage everyone, especially the people of Sandakan, to join us in this important celebration.”
Sepilok Jazz Music Director Cheong Kok Ann said the festival continues to invest in the development of young musical talent through structured education and performance opportunities.
One flagship programme, Bakat Sepilok Jazz, has shown strong growth since its inception: 85 participants in 2024, 105 in 2025, and a record 132 participants in 2026, reflecting a rising interest in jazz among young Malaysians.
The top three winners in both the Student and Open categories will have the opportunity to perform on the festival’s main stage alongside internationally recognised musicians.
The event will also host the Big Band Music Symposium, a three-day programme led by JASSYO! Jazz Association Youth Orchestra Singapore, offering workshops and collaborative sessions for local musicians.
In addition, the Young Jazz Musicians Exchange Programme, led by Sepilok Jazz Youth Ambassador Ivan Hii, will facilitate cultural exchange between Malaysian youth musicians and visiting artists from Singapore, including members of SideQuest.
Mr Cheong Kok Ann expects approximately 5,000 visitors over the two-day festival. Guests can enjoy live performances, food vendors, networking opportunities and the unique experience of music set within Sepilok’s natural environment.
Sepilok Jazz will take place at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), Sandakan, on 4 and 5 September 2026, from 6.00 pm to 10.00 pm.
Tickets are available via www.myfoster.org. Early-bird promotion (now until 30 June 2026) offers a 20% discount: One-Day Pass RM80, Two-Day Pass RM120.
Standard pricing is One-Day Pass RM100 and Two-Day Pass RM150. VIP Experience (limited to 60 tickets per day): VIP Day Pass RM640, which includes access to a private lounge with free-flow food and beverages, premium seating and exclusive opportunities to meet performing musicians.
The public is invited to take part in this unique international jazz festival that celebrates music, nature, culture, tourism and conservation while contributing to meaningful environmental impact for future generations.
About Sepilok Jazz:
Sepilok Jazz is an annual international music festival held in Sepilok, Sandakan, Sabah and organised by FOSTER.
The festival showcases world-class jazz performances while promoting music education, youth development, community engagement, tourism growth and environmental conservation.
Through the power of music, Sepilok Jazz connects communities, inspires positive change and strengthens Sandakan’s reputation as a premier destination for culture and conservation.-pr/BNN
