FOSTER Pays Courtesy Visit to MPS President Ahead of Sepilok Jazz

23 July 2026

SANDAKAN: Friends of Sea Turtles Education and Research (FOSTER) paid a courtesy visit today to the President of the Sandakan Municipal Council (Majlis Perbandaran Sandakan, MPS), Walter Kenson, in anticipation of the highly awaited fourth edition of Sepilok Jazz.

The delegation was led by FOSTER President Alexander Yee, accompanied by Deputy President Johnny Lim, Secretary Aliza Alawi, and local singer-songwriter Cris Aban, one of this year’s featured performers. The meeting took place at the MPS headquarters in Sandakan.

During the session, Yee provided an overview of FOSTER’s ongoing conservation efforts, particularly at the Walai Penyu Conservation Park on Libaran Island. He also shared the vision and development of Sepilok Jazz, a unique music festival that aims to blend environmental conservation with cultural celebration.

FOSTER anticipates over 4,000 attendees this year, making it one of Sandakan’s largest community-led environmental events. The festival will take place on 5–6 September 2025 at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), Sepilok.

The event seeks to raise awareness of sea turtle conservation through the universal language of music, while also offering a platform for local artists and emerging youth talent.

This year, FOSTER is proud to announce that Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew, Sabah’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, will serve as the Guest of Honour. Her presence reflects growing recognition and support for initiatives that integrate conservation with tourism and culture.

The fourth edition of Sepilok Jazz will feature an exciting international line-up, including the Jeremy Monteiro Trio ft. Tony Lakatos (Germany & Singapore), Flèche d’Or Swing Quartett (Germany), and Seoul Fizz (Korea). Representing Malaysia will be acclaimed local acts such as Sonny B & Wan G, Appy Tot, Cris Aban, Suave Swing, Trinity Jazz Band, and Zizi Safira. Hosting duties will be carried out by the dynamic DJ Diddy, returning as MC for the event.

Yee emphasised that Sepilok Jazz is more than a music festival , it is a call to action. All proceeds from ticket sales will directly support FOSTER’s conservation work, including turtle nest monitoring, hatchery operations, environmental education, and coastal clean-up initiatives.

In line with this, FOSTER is calling on the public and media to help spread the message. “This event is for the turtles, for our environment, for our future. Every ticket sold helps safeguard Sabah’s sea turtles,” said Yee.

Walter Kenson welcomed the initiative and expressed the council’s full support, noting the value of uniting culture, tourism, and environmental stewardship.

“Any effort that benefits Sandakan’s economy and protects our natural heritage will always receive our full backing,” he said.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties agreeing to continue fostering collaboration between civil society and local government in promoting eco-tourism and sustainability through meaningful initiatives such as Sepilok Jazz.

Members of the public interested in attending or supporting the event may purchase tickets by emailing persatuanpencinta@gmail.com or messaging 019-5246507 via WhatsApp. Tickets are limited and expected to sell quickly.