Alexander Yee presents a memento to Vivian Wong
SANDAKAN : – The Sepilok Jazz 3rd Edition, a cultural event that merges the enchanting sounds of jazz with a deep commitment to environmental conservation, was successfully held on 6th and 7th September 2024 at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) in Sandakan.
The event drew an impressive crowd of over 1,500 attendees across the two nights, celebrating not only the richness of jazz music but also Sabah’s natural heritage.
The event was officiated by Vivian Wong Shir Yee, Member of Parliament for Sandakan, and was graced by the presence of several distinguished guests, including Mary Isidore Malanking, Deputy Permanent Secretary 1 of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment Sabah; Julinus Jeffery Jimit, Chief Executive Officer of Sabah Tourism Board.
Also present were Saiful Azian Mokhtar, Judicial Commissioner of the Sandakan High Court; Datuk Frankie Poon Ming Fung, Member of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly for Tanjong Papat, along with his wife; Dr. Arthur Chung, Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests (R&D), Sabah Forestry Department; Alexander Yee Kok Tsen, President of Friends of Sea Turtles Education and Research (FOSTER); and Cheong KokAnn, the Music Director of Sepilok Jazz 3rd Edition.
The festival featured a stellar lineup of artists who captivated the audience with their performances, including:
1. Soulcutz (Australia)
2. Mabel Air Jazz (Philippines)
3. Tonal Alchemy (Penang, Malaysia)
4. Le’Lucky (Sabah, Malaysia)
5. Winners of Bakat Sepilok Jazz – Suave Swing and Trinity Jazz Band
DJ Diddy, the event’s MC, skillfully guided the proceedings, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for all attendees.
Since its inception in 2022, Sepilok Jazz has grown into one of the most anticipated cultural events in Sandakan. The festival has consistently offered a unique platform that not only showcases mesmerizing jazz performances but also raises awareness and funds for vital environmental and conservation efforts, particularly sea turtle conservation on Libaran Island.
This year’s edition continued the tradition of uniting music lovers, environmentalists, and the local community in a shared mission to protect Sabah’s natural heritage.
The event provided a meaningful platform to highlight the ongoing challenges faced by conservation efforts and the crucial role of community involvement in safeguarding Sabah’s unique biodiversity.
The Sepilok Jazz 3rd Edition was a resounding success, further solidifying its reputation as a key event that beautifully intertwines art and nature, making a lasting impact on both the cultural and environmental landscape of Sabah.
About FOSTER
Friends of Sea Turtles Education and Research (FOSTER) is an association dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles and the preservation of their natural habitats on Libaran Island, Sabah. Founded over 13 years ago by Alexander Yee, FOSTER operates the multi-award- winning Walai Penyu Conservation Park on Libaran Island, located a 45-minute boat ride from Sandakan. To date, the conservation work has released more than 43,000 baby turtles and provided employment to about 15 staff members, primarily from the island.
Alexander Yee extends heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has supported Sepilok Jazz since its inception, emphasizing that this support is vital to sustaining and expanding their conservation efforts.
