Foster, Sabah Institute of Art formalise collab for Bakat Sepilok Jazz 2026

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 7): In a move set to further develop Sabah’s jazz and performing arts scene, Friends of Sea Turtles Education and Research (Foster), the organiser of Sepilok Jazz and Bakat Sepilok Jazz, has formalised a strategic collaboration with the Sabah Institute of Art (SIA) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the annual Bakat Sepilok Jazz competition.

The MoU marks a milestone in the shared vision of both organisations to promote jazz music in Sabah while providing a platform for young talents to grow, perform, and gain exposure through a well-established cultural event.

Bakat Sepilok Jazz is an annual competition designed to foster artistic development, musical exchange, and community appreciation of jazz.

Over the years, it has earned recognition for nurturing emerging performers and creating a supportive environment for musicians of all ages and backgrounds.

Under the collaboration, SIA will serve as the Working Partner and Official Venue for the competition, providing essential facilities including basic musical instruments and sound system arrangements.

The institution will also assist with event preparation and setup to ensure a smooth and well-managed experience for participants, judges, and audiences.

Foster will continue overseeing planning and management, including coordination of judges, prize arrangements, promotion, registration, media documentation, and award preparation.

“This MoU is a meaningful step forward for Bakat Sepilok Jazz,” said Foster President Alexander Yee.

“It reflects our commitment not only to conservation work, but also to youth empowerment through arts and education. We believe music has the power to unite communities and create positive awareness, and this collaboration will elevate the competition to a new level.”

Music Director Cheong Kok Ann added that the partnership will create 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,” he said.

Representing SIA, CEO Jay Roy W. Anggang welcomed the collaboration, emphasising its importance in supporting artistic development in Sabah.

“This partnership aligns with our mission to nurture creativity and provide meaningful exposure for aspiring musicians. We believe Bakat Sepilok Jazz will enhance students’ learning experiences while contributing to Sabah’s cultural growth and music industry,” he said.

Founded with a focus on marine turtle conservation, Foster is a Sabah-based NGO committed to protecting sea turtles through education, research, community engagement, and conservation programmes.

Beyond environmental efforts, Foster actively promotes creative initiatives linking conservation with arts, culture, and youth empowerment.

The Bakat Sepilok Jazz 2026 competition will feature Open and Student Categories, offering opportunities for emerging and experienced performers to showcase their talent.

The First Prize winner will receive RM3,000 along with recognition and exposure within Sabah’s jazz network.

Preliminary rounds will be held this May 1 in Sandakan and May 2 in Kota Kinabalu, with the Final Round at Trinity Arts and Music Academy, Sandakan, bringing together the best performers from both preliminaries.

A key highlight is the chance for winners to perform at the 5th Edition Sepilok Jazz on September 4-5, offering exposure to a wider audience alongside established performers and jazz enthusiasts.

The collaboration underscores the value of partnerships between arts institutions and community organisations in developing Sabah’s creative ecosystem, building a sustainable talent pipeline, and nurturing the next generation of jazz musicians.

Registration for Bakat Sepilok Jazz 2026 is now open, and aspiring participants can register early by contacting telephone 019-524 6507 or email [email protected].