KOTA KINABALU : – A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between jazz maestro Jeremy Monteiro and Friends of Sea Turtles Education and Research (FOSTER), marking a new phase in Bakat Sepilok Jazz, a programme that blends music education with marine conservation awareness for youth.
The partnership is especially meaningful to Monteiro, who spent part of his childhood in Kota Kinabalu while his father was posted there for work.
“Those were deeply formative years; I fell in love with Sabah and began to find my voice as a musician thanks to my most influential piano teacher, Mr Tan Tze Tong.
It’s gratifying to now give back to a place that shaped my early life.” Said Monteiro
Reflecting on the spirit of the programme, Monteiro added, “Jazz is about freedom, resilience, and authenticity — all of which I see in the young people of Sabah. This collaboration isn’t just about discovering talent; it’s about giving youth a sense of belonging, purpose, and voice.”
Famed internationally as “Singapore’s King of Swing”, Monteiro is a pivotal figure in Asia’s jazz scene. He currently serves as Executive Director and Music Director of the Jazz Association (Singapore) and as Visiting Professor at the University of West London, holding fellowships with the London College of Music and the Royal Society of Arts, UK.
Under the MoU, Monteiro will play a light-touch but impactful role as an artistic advisor and mentor, helping to shape the programme’s direction while guiding young talents. His contributions will include refining judging criteria, supporting curriculum design, and offering mentorship during the final stages of the competition. He also intends to connect emerging Sabahan musicians to regional jazz platforms.
Datuk Josie Lai, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, hailed the initiative as a bold vision for how creativity, conservation, and community engagement can flourish together in a lasting legacy for our young talents and for Sabah’s reputation as a culturally rich and environmentally conscious state.
“Our ministry is pleased to play a role in this event through full funding support, underscoring our commitment to youth development and artistic innovation in tandem with conservation efforts.” Said Datuk Josie
Datuk Josie Lai concluded, “When we bring together conservationists and creatives, policymakers and performers, something extraordinary happens. Sabah’s future lies in collaborations like this — ones that break silos and build bridges. I congratulate both FOSTER and Professor Jeremy Monteiro for showing us what that future can look like.”
FOSTER, a registered non-governmental organisation based in Sabah, has long focused on marine conservation through community engagement, particularly via its work on Libaran Island and through educational outreach in the Sandakan region. One of its flagship music initiatives, Bakat Sepilok Jazz, was launched a second time as a grassroots programme aimed at empowering youth through creative expression while instilling values of environmental stewardship.
The other initiative being the annual Sepilok Jazz.
The newly signed MoU outlines several mutually agreed areas of cooperation. Monteiro will contribute to the competition format, help shape overall artistic direction, and serve as a mentor to selected participants.
He will also participate as a judge during the finals and help bridge local talent to opportunities at jazz events in Singapore and the broader region.
FOSTER will continue to lead as the primary organiser, overseeing logistics, participant recruitment, promotion, and engagement with local partners. The MoU stresses inclusivity, with a strong emphasis on reaching youth across Sabah’s districts regardless of background or formal music training.
The Bakat Sepilok Jazz competition is designed to nurture both musical excellence and environmental awareness. Participants are encouraged to explore themes of nature, biodiversity, and local identity through their performances. The programme has already attracted youth from rural schools, indigenous communities, and urban centres — offering them both a platform and a purpose.
Selected finalists will receive mentorship not only from Monteiro but also from a wider network of jazz educators across Southeast Asia. Plans are underway to conduct masterclasses, hybrid learning sessions, and exchange initiatives to broaden the musical vocabulary and career possibilities for young Sabahan musicians.
A key component of the MoU is the development of an educational jazz curriculum tailored to youth. Monteiro will help shape modules covering improvisation, theory, ensemble performance, and musical storytelling.
These will be infused with lessons on the social and ecological roles of artists in addressing today’s global challenges.
The partnership is expected to amplify international attention toward Sabah’s emerging jazz landscape. Monteiro has committed to scouting and recommending top Sabahan talents for future appearances at regional jazz festivals and showcases, thus creating valuable performance and networking opportunities.
Cheong Kok Ann, Music Director of Bakat Sepilok Jazz, described Monteiro’s involvement as a “turning point” for the programme. “His presence will open doors for Sabahan musicians to be part of a global jazz dialogue. It’s a partnership grounded in shared values — using music to educate, inspire, and elevate.”
“With the growing enthusiasm for Bakat Sepilok Jazz, we are also aware of the responsibility we carry to make it inclusive and sustainable. This means going beyond the stage — offering mentorship, mobility, and resources to support young musicians on their journey.” said Cheong Kok Ann.
This year’s competition introduces a refreshed format, including new musical categories, ensemble-based entries, and the debut of a public showcase night.
Beyond the stage, FOSTER and Monteiro are exploring the creation of a digital jazz archive for Sabah. This will document original compositions, creative journeys, and community performances, serving as a lasting educational resource and a celebration of youth-led creative activism.
The MoU is valid for an initial term of three years, with provisions for review and renewal. A joint implementation committee will monitor progress, assess impact, and ensure the programme evolves in response to the needs of Sabah’s youth and music ecosystem.
The Bakat Sepilok Jazz programme is fully funded by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah (KePKAS), whose steadfast support ensures that every young musician, regardless of background, can participate meaningfully.
The organisation will continue seeking support from both public and private sectors to sustain its outreach and expand its educational offerings.
As Sabah continues to position itself as a leader in eco-cultural tourism and sustainable youth development, initiatives like Bakat Sepilok Jazz stand as shining examples of what can be achieved through creativity, courage, and collaboration.
The 2025 edition of Bakat Sepilok Jazz is already generating significant buzz throughout Sabah. Preliminary rounds will be held on 2 May in Kota Kinabalu and 5 May in Sandakan, while the final round is set for 2 August 2025 at Trinity Arts and Music Academy, Sandakan. Winners will earn the opportunity to perform at Sepilok Jazz 4th Edition, scheduled for 5 and 6 September 2025 at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), Sepilok.
As of today, over 105 participants have registered across the Open and School Categories — a record turnout that reflects the growing influence of the programme and its ability to inspire musical ambition, environmental empathy, and cultural pride.
FOSTER extended heartfelt thanks to all participants, educators, and community partners who continue to make Bakat Sepilok Jazz a vibrant, inclusive, and transformative platform.
