The Sepilok Jazz Festival, held on September 4 and 5 at the Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sandakan, Sabah, has emerged as a unique initiative combining music and conservation efforts. Now in its fifth year, the festival directs its proceeds toward the Friends of Sea Turtles Education and Research (Foster), supporting the protection of sea turtles on Pulau Libaran, an island off Sandakan.
Founded by Alexander Yee, the festival aims to extend its influence beyond fundraising by using music as a medium to raise awareness about environmental conservation. Yee emphasized that creating awareness is a long-term effort and that immediate results should not be expected. Instead, he highlighted the importance of inspiring attendees and musicians alike to carry the message of conservation beyond the festival itself.
Over the past two years, Foster has arranged visits for participating musicians to Pulau Libaran, allowing them to observe sea turtle conservation activities firsthand. Yee noted that these experiences tend to leave a lasting impression, prompting the musicians to share their encounters with wider audiences, thus amplifying the message about the island’s conservation challenges. Foster also works with WWF-Malaysia to conduct marine education programs in local schools, further extending its outreach.
In addition to its conservation mission, the Sepilok Jazz Festival serves as a platform to develop young musical talent in Sabah. Through the Bakat Sepilok Jazz programme, emerging musicians are given opportunities to compete and perform, gaining exposure and experience. This year, the competition attracted 135 entries, the highest number recorded to date. Selected students from four Sabah schools participated in workshops and performed alongside seasoned jazz artists, fostering skill development within the local music community.
Yee remarked that both environmental awareness and musical talent take time to cultivate. However, he expressed confidence that the combination of educating musicians about sea turtle conservation and providing young performers with a stage would create lasting impacts.
As the festival momentarily concludes and the rainforest quiets, Foster hopes that the messages conveyed through the music will continue to resonate in wider circles, contributing to ongoing efforts to protect Sabah’s sea turtles and promote environmental stewardship.