Kota Kinabalu: State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew expressed her Ministry’s full support for the 4th Edition of Sepilok Jazz scheduled to be held on Sept 6 at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) in Sandakan.
She said the contribution from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment and its agency, Sabah Tourism Board, (STB) is in aid of the Friends of Sea Turtles Education & Research (Foster) Walai Penyu, a sea turtle conservation project in Libaran.
“By integrating music, tourism, culture and marine conservation through events such as Sepilok Jazz and Bakat Sepilok Jazz, Foster demonstrates that sea turtles conservation can be celebrated in creative and inclusive ways.
“These events not only celebrate cultural diversity but also position Sandakan as a premier ecotourism destination on the global stage,” she said after receiving an invitation to grace the Sepilok Jazz 4th Edition during a courtesy call from the President of Foster Alexander Yee and Music Director Cheong Kok Ann on Monday.
On the just-concluded 2nd Edition of Bakat Sepilok Jazz that had attracted international contestants, Liew noted that this competition is fast becoming a vital platform for emerging musicians to gain global recognition.
Yee thanked the Minister for the strategic collaboration and ministry support for the organisation of both the 4th Edition of Sepilok Jazz and the 2nd Edition of Bakat Sepilok Jazz.
“There is growing international interest in Sepilok Jazz, so we are targeting 3,000 visitors this time around. I hope future editions will attract even broader participation,” he enthused.
According to Yee, its 4th Edition will feature world-class acts from Singapore, Germany, Thailand and Korea.
This year’s stellar line-up includes Jeremy Monteiro All Star Quartet feat. Tony Lakatos (Singapore/Germany), Fleche D’Or Swing Quartet (Germany), and Seoul Fizz (Korea), alongside Malaysian talents Cris Aban Trio, Wan G, Sonny B & The 1, Zizi Safira, and Appy Tots.
Foster is a Sabah based non-profit organisation established in 2013, dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles, particularly around Pulau Libaran in Sandakan. Its core initiatives include turtle monitoring, hatchery management, community education, and public outreach.
Since its inception, Foster has released tens of thousands of hatchlings into the sea, fostering strong partnerships with local communities, government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and eco-conscious travellers to protect these endangered marine species.
Also present was the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai.
