SANDAKAN: The fifth edition of Sepilok Jazz 2026 is being positioned as a key international tourism product for Sabah, drawing visitors to Sandakan while supporting wildlife conservation and showcasing the state’s cultural heritage.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the two-night festival at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) in Sepilok brings together 18 bands and more than 100 musicians from Malaysia and abroad, creating a high-profile event that enriches Sandakan’s tourism calendar.
“Events such as Sepilok Jazz not only enrich our cultural and artistic landscape but also contribute to the economy and tourism industry of Sandakan,” he said during his speech on 5 September.
“I believe that Sepilok Jazz has tremendous potential to become one of Sabah’s important international tourism products,” Jafry added.
The festival, organised by FOSTER under president Alexander Yee, features local and international acts including Shila Amzah, Jeremy Monteiro, Italy’s Mezzotono, Indonesia’s Class Act 80s, and Malaysian artists Janet Lee and Tay Cher Siang, alongside Sabah performers such as Roger Wang and Yap Ling.
Beyond the main stage, the event nurtures future talent through Bakat Sepilok Jazz, now the biggest jazz competition in Borneo, which has grown from 85 participants in 2024 to 132 this year.
A three-day “BIG BAND. BIG BANG!” Music Symposium and Mentorship Programme involved 50 local students, with mentors from Singapore’s JASSYO! (Jazz Association Youth Orchestra) led by Jeremy Monteiro and Tan Wei Xiang.
Following the symposium, 80 musicians from Singapore and Sabah performed together, underscoring the festival’s role in cross-border cultural exchange and skills development.
Sepilok Jazz also carries a conservation message, channeling support to sea turtle efforts at Walai Penyu Conservation Park on Libaran Island, aligning tourism with environmental stewardship.
The event forms part of Sabah Fest 2026, which was launched in Kota Kinabalu alongside the 50th anniversary of the Sabah Tourism Board and is extending celebrations to Kudat, Sandakan, Tawau and Kuala Lumpur.
Throughout the month, Sabah Fest is backing 50 tourism, cultural and community activities across the state, creating a wider platform to promote Sabah’s destinations, people and experiences.
In Sandakan, a special Sabah Fest 2026 cultural performance was staged at Sepilok Jazz, adding traditional Sabah dance to the festival’s programme and highlighting the state’s diverse heritage.
“Through this collaboration, we hope to showcase not only our music, but also the rich cultural diversity and heritage that make Sabah a unique destination,” Jafry said.
With its blend of international-calibre music, youth development, conservation advocacy and cultural showcase, Sepilok Jazz is emerging as a signature event that can draw visitors to Sandakan and strengthen Sabah’s position as a year-round cultural and eco-tourism destination.
Also present during the event were Datuk Josie Lai Permanent Secretary for KePkas, Julinus Jeffery Jimit , CEO Sabah Tourism Board (STB), Datuk Walter Kenson Sandakan Municipal Council President and Alexander Yee, FOSTER President and Sepilok Jazz Organising Chairman.-pr/BNN
