SANDAKAN: The grand finale of Bakat Sepilok Jazz 2025 lit up the stage recently at Trinity Arts and Music Academy Sandakan, showcasing the finest performances from 12 outstanding groups and soloists representing Malaysia and Singapore.
Organised by Friends of Sea Turtles Education and Research (FOSTER), the event aimed to blend the artistry of jazz music with a powerful message on sea turtle conservation.
This year’s competition attracted an impressive 112 participants from Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, and Singapore, competing in two categories; Student Category and Open Category following the preliminary rounds held in August.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});In the Student Category, the six finalists were The 4 Jazzer, The Hansens, Lyam Chung Lik En, No Sonsog Band, Jangers, and The Clarks. Meanwhile, the Open Category finalists were Synergy, Chrishyelle & Accompanies, Trinity Jazz Band, The Cubr, Rhythm Strollers, and Jazzettes from Singapore.
The judging panel featured internationally renowned jazz icon Jeremy Monteiro as the chief judge for this competition, alongside guest judges Cheong Kok Ann, Music Director of Sepilok Jazz, and Dr Ian Stephen Baxter.
All performances were evaluated based on creativity, technical skill, stage presence, and musical interpretation.
On 2 May 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between jazz maestro Jeremy Monteiro and FOSTER, formalising his role as the organisation’s Technical and Acoustic Advisor.
Monteiro’s expertise has been instrumental in guiding the competition’s artistic and technical standards.
“Jazz is a language of connection, it brings people together across cultures, just as the shared responsibility to protect our oceans unites us all. Learning jazz nurtures creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability; whether you go on to be a musician, an engineer, a teacher, or even a surgeon, the skills you gain from improvisation and innovation will serve you for life.
To the young musicians here in Sabah: keep playing, keep exploring, and let your music carry the same spirit of care and curiosity that we need to protect the gentle sea turtles of your shores. In both jazz and conservation, every small, thoughtful act can make a big difference,” said Jeremy Montero.
Meanwhile, FOSTER President, Alexander Yee, emphasised that Bakat Sepilok Jazz is more than just a search for musical champions.
“Music and art are universal languages that transcend borders. Through this event, we want to inspire young people to become advocates and protectors of marine life, especially the increasingly threatened sea turtles,” he said.
Sepilok Jazz Music Director, Cheong Kok Ann, also expressed his pride in the competition’s purpose and quality.
“Bakat Sepilok Jazz proves that music can unite communities and serve as a powerful communication tool. I’m truly impressed by the talent showcased this year, and even more excited that the event carries such an important conservation message,” he said.
This year marks the second edition of the competition, following the successful inaugural event in 2024.
Beyond showcasing musical talent, the programme provides a platform for participants and audiences to learn about threats to sea turtles such as plastic pollution, global warming, and unsustainable fishing practices.
By merging music with conservation, Bakat Sepilok Jazz 2025 is poised to become an annual highlight that strengthens community engagement and positions Sabah as a creative hub for environmental awareness initiatives.