SANDAKAN: The upcoming Sepilok Jazz 5th Edition 2026 has received the full support of Majlis Perbandaran Sandakan (MPS), reaffirming the local authority’s commitment to positioning Sandakan as a leading destination for tourism, arts, culture, and environmental awareness.
The support was reaffirmed during a coordination meeting held on Saturday at the Majlis Perbandaran Sandakan headquarters, where MPS President Datuk Walter Kenson expressed the council’s strong endorsement of the festival and its continued contribution to promoting Sandakan on both national and international platforms.
According to Datuk Walter Kenson, MPS will continue to support initiatives that generate positive economic, tourism, and community impact for Sandakan. He acknowledged that Sepilok Jazz has grown into one of Sabah’s signature events and serves as an important platform to showcase Sandakan’s biodiversity, cultural vibrancy, and unique identity to visitors worldwide.
“As long as programmes such as Sepilok Jazz continue to promote Sandakan positively and contribute to the growth of tourism, arts, and community engagement, Majlis Perbandaran Sandakan will continue to provide its support. Events like this strengthen Sandakan’s profile and create lasting benefits for the local economy and community,” he said.
Organised by Friends of Sea Turtles Education and Research (FOSTER) in collaboration with the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) and Majlis Perbandaran Sandakan (MPS), the Sepilok Jazz Event has evolved into one of Sabah’s most recognised cultural music events, combining world-class jazz performances with conservation awareness and community development initiatives.
Sepilok Jazz continues in its fifth edition, the festival continues its mission of using music as a platform to promote awareness, education, and action for environmental conservation. This year, the event will support ongoing sea turtle conservation efforts at Walai Penyu Conservation Park, Libaran Island, helping protect one of Sabah’s most important marine conservation sites.
Under the theme “Conservation Through Music,” Sepilok Jazz 2026 will feature 18 bands and more than 100 musicians performing across three stages, creating a vibrant cultural experience set against the rainforest surroundings of Sepilok.
Visitors can look forward to performances by 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.
Speaking about the upcoming event, FOSTER President Mr Alexander Yee said they are excited to bring another world-class edition of Sepilok Jazz to Sandakan.
“For 2026, we are delighted to bring many talented musicians from Malaysia and abroad to Sandakan. Their participation will not only elevate the event experience but also create meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange, learning, and collaboration among musicians and audiences alike,” he said.
Mr Yee added that the Sepilok Jazz remains committed to its founding objectives of promoting conservation and placing Sandakan on the international jazz map.
“While we remain steadfast in our objective of using the platform of music to create awareness for sea turtle conservation and to place Sandakan firmly on the international jazz map, we cannot achieve this alone. The support of our partners, sponsors, volunteers, government agencies, and the community is essential. We encourage everyone, especially the people of Sandakan, to join us in this meaningful celebration.”
Sepilok Jazz Music Director, Mr Cheong Kok Ann, said the event continues to invest in developing young musical talent through structured education and performance opportunities.
One of the flagship programmes, Bakat Sepilok Jazz, has seen strong growth since its introduction. It attracted 85 participants in 2024, increased to 105 participants in 2025, and has reached a record-breaking 132 participants in 2026, reflecting rising interest in jazz among young Malaysians.
The top three winners from both Student and Open categories will earn the opportunity to perform on the main stage of the event, sharing the spotlight with internationally recognised musicians.
The event will also feature the Big Band Music Symposium, a three-day programme led by JASSYO! Jazz Association Youth Orchestra Singapore, offering workshops and collaborative learning sessions for local musicians.
In addition, the Young Jazz Musicians Exchange Programme, led by Ivan Hii, Sepilok Jazz Youth Ambassador, will facilitate cultural exchange between Malaysian youth musicians and visiting artists from Singapore, including members of SideQuest.
Cheong Kok Ann expects approximately 5,000 visitors over the two-day event. Guests can enjoy live performances, food vendors, networking opportunities, and the unique experience of music in the heart of Sepilok’s natural environment.
The event will be held 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 . For Early Bird Promotion (Now until 30 June 2026 – 20% discount) with One-Day Pass: RM80 and Two-Day Pass: RM120
Standard Pricing is One-Day Pass: RM100 and Two-Day Pass: RM150 for VIP Experience (Limited 60 tickets per day): VIP Day Pass: RM640, this 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 be part of this unique international jazz event 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 event held in Sepilok, Sandakan, Sabah by FOSTER. The festival showcases world-class jazz performances while promoting music education, youth development, community engagement, tourism growth, and environmental conservation initiatives.
Through the power of music, Sepilok Jazz continues to connect communities, inspire positive change, and strengthen Sandakan’s reputation as a premier destination for culture and conservation.
