KOTA KINABALU: In a significant step towards strengthening Sabah’s jazz and performing arts scene, Persatuan Pencinta dan Pemuliharaan Hidupan Penyu Negeri Sabah (FOSTER), organiser of Sepilok Jazz and Bakat Sepilok Jazz, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Sabah Institute of Art (SIA) to formalise a strategic collaboration for the annual Bakat Sepilok Jazz competition.
The signing of the MOU marks an important milestone in the shared vision of both organisations to promote jazz music in Sabah while creating a platform for young talents to grow, perform, and gain meaningful exposure through an established cultural event.
Bakat Sepilok Jazz is an annual jazz competition designed to encourage artistic development, musical exchange, and community appreciation of jazz music. Over the years, the competition has gained recognition for nurturing emerging performers and creating a supportive environment for musicians of various ages and backgrounds.
Through this collaboration, Sabah Institute of Art will play a key role as the Working Partner and will also be recognised as the Official Venue for the competition. This partnership strengthens the operational and educational elements of the programme, ensuring a more structured and professional competition experience for all participants.
As part of the agreement, SIA will provide the venue and essential facilities to support the event, including basic musical instruments and sound system arrangements. The institution will also assist with event preparation and setup, ensuring a smooth and well-managed experience for contestants, judges, and audiences.
FOSTER, as the organiser, will continue to oversee the planning and management of the competition, including coordination of judges, prize arrangements, promotional efforts, and overall competition execution. The organisation will also manage contestant registration, media documentation, and the preparation of awards and participation recognition.
Commenting on the collaboration, FOSTER President, Mr Alexander Yee, expressed optimism that the partnership will further strengthen the platform for jazz talent development in Sabah. “This MOU is a meaningful step forward for Bakat Sepilok Jazz. It reflects our commitment not only to conservation work, but also to youth empowerment through arts and education. We believe that music has the power to unite communities and create positive awareness, and this collaboration will elevate the competition to a new level,” he said.
Meanwhile, Music Director of Bakat Sepilok Jazz and Sepilok Jazz, Mr Cheong Kok Ann, described the partnership as a strategic move to build stronger opportunities for young musicians. “Bakat Sepilok Jazz has always been about discovering and shaping talent. With SIA as a working partner and official venue, we can create a more professional environment for participants while strengthening jazz appreciation among students and the wider public. We look forward to seeing more talented performers emerge from this platform,” he shared.
Representing Sabah Institute of Art, Chief Executive Officer Mr Jay Roy W. Anggang welcomed the collaboration and highlighted the importance of supporting artistic development in Sabah. “SIA is proud to be part of this initiative. This partnership aligns with our mission to nurture creativity and provide meaningful exposure for aspiring musicians. We believe Bakat Sepilok Jazz will not only enhance students’ learning experiences, but also contribute to Sabah’s cultural growth and music industry,” he said.
Founded with a strong focus on marine turtle conservation, FOSTER (Friends of Sea Turtles Education and Research) is a Sabah-based non-governmental organisation committed to protecting sea turtles through education, research, community engagement, and conservation programmes. Beyond its environmental work, FOSTER actively promotes creative awareness initiatives that connect conservation with arts, culture, and youth empowerment—making Sepilok Jazz one of its signature outreach platforms.
The Bakat Sepilok Jazz 2026 competition will feature two categories, namely the Open Category and Student Category, providing opportunities for both emerging young musicians and experienced performers to showcase their jazz talent. The competition also offers attractive prizes, with the First Prize winner receiving RM3,000, along with recognition and exposure through Sabah’s growing jazz network.
The preliminary rounds will be held in two locations: 1 May 2026 in Sandakan, followed by 2 May 2026 in Kota Kinabalu. The Final Round will take place at Trinity Arts and Music Academy, Sandakan, bringing together the best talents from both preliminary sessions for a final competitive showcase.
One of the most exciting highlights of the competition is the opportunity for winners to gain a performance slot at the highly anticipated 5th Edition Sepilok Jazz, scheduled to take place on 4 and 5 September 2026. This prestigious invitation offers the champion a rare platform to perform in front of a wider audience alongside notable performers and jazz enthusiasts.
The collaboration between FOSTER and Sabah Institute of Art reflects the growing importance of partnerships between arts institutions and community-based organisations in developing Sabah’s creative ecosystem. It also highlights a shared commitment to building a sustainable talent pipeline and nurturing the next generation of jazz musicians in the region.
Registration for Bakat Sepilok Jazz 2026 is now open, and aspiring participants are encouraged to register early to secure their spot. For registration and further information, please contact 019-524 6507 or email persatuanpencinta@gmail.com.
