Sarawak sibling duo shines at global music competition in Thailand
The siblings perform at the World Championship International Competition Grand Finals in Thailand.
KUCHING (May 23): Sarawak sibling duo SJ Borneo earned international acclaim by clinching the Gold 2nd Runner-up title at the 2025 World Championship International Competition Grand Finals held in Bangkok, Thailand from May 9 to 12.
Representing Malaysia, 15-year-old Shawn Thien Shuen and 12-year-old Jane Thien Jing stood out among 178 acts from 25 countries, drawing praise for a performance that blended modern flair and traditional elements while highlighting Sarawak's indigenous cultural heritage.
Their award-winning piece was a rearrangement of the classic Malay song 'Anak Kampung', performed in both Malay and Chinese.
The performance featured traditional Sarawak attire and musical instruments – Shawn on the djembe and Jane on the sape.
Held before a crowd of over 500 spectators, SJ Borneo's act received unanimous praise from the panel of international judges.
'This competition gave us the opportunity to stand on the world stage representing Sarawak and Malaysia, and to share our culture through music.
'Sarawak's heritage is unique and precious. We want the world to hear, see, and treasure it,' the duo said in a statement.
Participants from countries including Australia, Germany, South Korea, Italy, Russia, the United States, and more took part in the international-level event.
SJ Borneo's performance, showcasing the soulful tones of the sape and tribal rhythms of Borneo, positioned the pair as young cultural ambassadors for Sarawak.
The duo credited their success to support from the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, under the Dana Mudahcara Facilitation Fund.
'We are deeply grateful to the ministry for the support through Dana Mudahcara, which helped make this journey possible,' they said.
The Kuching siblings also extended heartfelt thanks to their teachers and educational institutions for continued encouragement and guidance.
Shawn currently studies at Chung Hua Middle School No. 1, while Jane attends SJKC Chung Hua No. 3.
They thanked their principals Bong Nyuk Siong and Lee Chee Beng along with a number of educators and mentors, for providing stage opportunities and musical guidance.
They also acknowledged the inspiration of sape pioneers including Dines Ngau Wan, Hallan Hashim, Alena Murang, and Mathew Ngau Jau, whose contributions have inspired their journey.
Looking ahead, the pair is committed to promoting traditional Sarawak music with their motto, 'Sape for All'.
The duo aims to explore new ways to preserve and evolve cultural heritage through performance.
Their journey and latest updates can be followed on their official Facebook page: SJ Borneo – Shawn & Jane.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
7 hours ago
- The Sun
Sipping Tea while Enjoying Opera: The 2025 Beijing Chaoyang International Tea Culture Week Showcases Cultural Charm
BEIJING, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 3 June 2025 - On May 29, the 2025 Beijing Chaoyang International Tea Culture Week officially opened. This year's festival, with a main venue at the Junwangfu Hotel, and a satellite venue at the China Central Place, creates a tea culture feast that blends tea tasting, opera appreciation, cultural experiences, and consumption. The Junwangfu Hotel, a cultural landmark near Liangma River, features Qing Dynasty architecture and traditional Chinese gardens. During the festival, the hotel is filled with the rich aroma of tea. Visitors can purchase tickets to immerse themselves in the 'Royal Tea Gathering' and enjoy the leisurely atmosphere of 'a view with every step, a tea with every seat.' The tea market brings together more than 70 modern tea brands, offering international flavors from New Zealand, Nepal, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Azerbaijan, as well as regional specialties from Yunnan, Guizhou, China's Taiwan region, and others. The market also features tea-themed cultural and creative products. At the 'Floating Fragrance Tea Market' located in the sunken garden of The Ritz-Carlton at China Central Place, more than ten food and beverage businesses, renowned tea companies, and emerging tea drink brands offer special tea drinks, DIY tea-blending experiences, and tea art performances. Sipping tea while enjoying opera—tea in the teahouse, opera on the stage—reflects the romantic lifestyle of ancient Chinese society and has become a novel form of social interaction today. As the scent of tea wafts through the air, the Junwangfu Hotel echoes with traditional melodies and captivating performances. Peking Opera, Yue Opera, Nanyin music, and folk instrumental ensembles take the stage in turn. Between performances, visitors can experience Song-style whisked tea, Chaozhou gongfu tea, and the craftsmanship behind West Lake Dragon Well tea at the Yinan Hall, gaining a deeper appreciation for the cultural richness of tea. From 'Tea and the World' to 'Tea and the City' and 'Tea and Culture,' Chaoyang District has hosted the Tea Culture Festival for three consecutive years, consistently promoting the theme: 'Sharing a Cup of Fine Chinese Tea with the World.' The event continues to elevate Chinese tea as a cultural symbol that speaks to the world. Once, the fragrance of tea traveled the ancient Tea Horse Road and the Silk Road to reach distant lands. Today, tea is grown in more than 60 countries and regions, with over two billion people worldwide enjoying it. 'With Chaoyang's tea, we welcome friends from around the world.' Chaoyang District extends a warm invitation to global friends to join us in savoring fine teas and traditional operas.
Borneo Post
11 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Kian Kok Middle School's Chinese Orchestra enthralls audience with 'Traces' concert
Chin Sin Ni conducted the orchestra performance. KOTA KINABALU (June 3): The Chinese orchestra of Kian Kok Middle School recently held a concert at the school hall, drawing an enthusiastic audience of parents, primary school students and Chinese music enthusiasts. It featured a rich and emotive musical program, offering a delightful night where tradition met youthful passion. The event was graced by Dr Deledda Tan Hui San, president of the SME Association of Sabah, as the guest of honour. Datuk Clement Yeh, chairman of the Board of Directors of Kian Kok Middle School, delivered an opening speech. Both guests expressed their deep appreciation for the orchestra's dedication to promoting traditional Chinese music on campus and in the broader community over the years. Themed 'Traces,' the concert symbolized the footprints of growth, the heritage of culture, and the youthful journeys of learning and perseverance. The repertoire for the evening showcased a diverse blend of traditional and contemporary Chinese music, including Forest Nocturne, Purple Reed and Butterfly, Light Clouds and Faint Moon, Pipa Whisper, In That Faraway Place, Liyue, Ussuri Boat Song Fantasy, Prosperous Times, Chasing Chasing Chasing, and Swaying Love. The evening featured outstanding performances under the baton of several experienced conductors, including Leong Han Kui, Chin Sin Ni, Chong Cheng Chong, and Vui Chen Yew. Together with the dedicated student performers, they brought the music to life, earning waves of applause from the captivated audience and demonstrating the orchestra's remarkable musical maturity. In his speech, Yeh highlighted the history of the school's Chinese orchestra, which was founded in 1989 and has since become a pillar of the school's cultural life. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all supporters of the orchestra, noting that despite the wear and tear on instruments over time, generous community support has enabled the group not only to replace damaged instruments but also to acquire new ones, thereby enhancing the orchestra's performance capabilities. Yeh called on all parents to be more involved in their children's school life. 'A round of applause, a few words of encouragement, or just being present – these small gestures are powerful sources of motivation for our children,' he said. He further encouraged the public, corporate sector and alums to continue supporting the school's growth and cultural development. Dr Tan herself a parent of two Kian Kok alums, shared her emotional connection to the school. She expressed her admiration for the students' dedication and the orchestra's role in preserving Chinese cultural heritage, urging young performers to cherish this rare opportunity to learn and grow through music. The success of 'Traces' was a testament not only to the students' musical talent and teamwork but also to the community's shared commitment to cultural continuity. Through persistent practice and unity, the Chinese orchestra once again proved that the roots of Chinese culture remain strong in the hearts of today's youth. Kian Kok Middle School's Chinese Orchestra will continue its mission to cultivate musical talent and promote Chinese cultural values, bringing more inspiring performances to the community in the years to come.
The Star
12 hours ago
- The Star
Fugitive capybara caught by China zoo after two months on the run
Capybaras lounge in the Zhuyuwan Scenic Area in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province. - CMG SHANGHAI: Officials have captured the last member of a runaway capybara gang that escaped from a zoo in eastern China two months ago, a statement said on Tuesday (June 3). The missing male rodent, named "Doubao" -- "Bean Bun" in Chinese -- absconded from an enclosure at the Yangzhou Zhuyuwan Scenic Area along with two other capybaras in early April. Doubao remained at large for weeks after his companions were caught by zoo officials. "The runaway child has returned home!" the zoo wrote in a social media post. The capybara -- a rodent the size of a six-year-old child -- walked into a humane trap early Tuesday morning and was returned to his enclosure by zoo staff. Despite spending two months on the run, Doubao gained weight and his fur was still "smooth and glossy", the zoo said. "It looks like he was doing well out there!" it added. Capybaras are native to South America but in recent years have become popular attractions at zoos worldwide, with the semi-aquatic rodents becoming unlikely darlings of the internet. The zoo said the trio made their April breakout when another capybara Bazong -- "Big Shot" -- broke through a fence. Bazong was later found relaxing in a lake. It took seven or eight zoo staff to trap the second accomplice, Duoduo or "Hide Hide", in a rubbish bin. But Doubao eluded capture, with the zoo in May issuing a mock wanted poster accusing him of engaging in a mass jailbreak. Officials at one point offered a reward of frozen fried rice, a carton of eggs, capybara-themed merchandise and lifetime entry to the zoo to anyone with information about his whereabouts. A zoo representative also repeatedly pleaded for Doubao's return on livestreamed videos, Tuesday's statement said. - AFP
