SANDAKAN: Sepilok Jazz has the potential to become one of Sabah’s important international tourism products, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Jafry Arifin said.
He said the international jazz festival not only enriched Sabah’s cultural and artistic landscape but also contributed to Sandakan’s economy and tourism industry.
“Events such as Sepilok Jazz not only enrich our cultural and artistic landscape but also contribute to the economy and tourism industry of Sandakan.
“I believe that Sepilok Jazz has tremendous potential to become one of Sabah’s important international tourism products,” he said.
Jafry said Sepilok Jazz was more than just a music festival, as it brought together people, cultures and communities through the universal language of music while supporting wildlife conservation.
He said the festival also carried a meaningful mission of contributing to sea turtle conservation efforts at Walai Penyu Conservation Park on Libaran Island.
This year’s festival features two nights of music, three stages, 18 bands and more than 100 musicians, including local and international performers.
Among the featured artistes are Shila Amzah, Jeremy Monteiro, Italy’s Mezzotono, Indonesia’s Class Act 80s, Janet Lee, Tay Cher Siang, Roger Wang and Yap Ling.
Jafry also highlighted the festival’s commitment to nurturing young musicians through Bakat Sepilok Jazz, which he described as the biggest jazz music competition in Borneo.
He said the competition had grown from 85 participants in its first year in 2024 to 105 in 2025, while this year’s edition has 132 participants.
“This is a wonderful sign that jazz music is growing and that our young people are eager to learn, perform and develop their talents,” he said.
Another initiative highlighted by Jafry was the three-day “BIG BAND. BIG BANG!” Music Symposium and Mentorship Programme, involving 50 local students.
He said members of JASSYO! (Jazz Association Youth Orchestra) from Singapore, led by Jeremy Monteiro and Tan Wei Xiang, had shared their knowledge and experience with young musicians in Sabah during the three-day programme.
Following the symposium and mentorship programme, 80 musicians from Singapore and Sabah will perform together.
Jafry said Sepilok Jazz was also part of the Sabah Fest 2026 celebrations, which were extended beyond Kota Kinabalu this year to locations including Kudat, Sandakan, Tawau and Kuala Lumpur.
He said Sabah Fest 2026, held in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the Sabah Tourism Board, was supporting 50 tourism, cultural and community events and activities across Sabah throughout the month.
In Sandakan, he said, a special Sabah Fest 2026 cultural performance had been brought to Sepilok Jazz, featuring traditional dances from Sabah.
“Through this collaboration, we hope to showcase not only our music, but also the rich cultural diversity and heritage that make Sabah such a unique destination,” he said.
Jafry congratulated organiser FOSTER, particularly its president Alexander Yee, and the organising team for bringing the international event to Sandakan once again.
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