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Rakyat Post
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Rakyat Post
Sarawakian Siblings Bag Gold At International Music Competition In Thailand
Subscribe to our FREE It was a proud moment for Sarawakian brother and sister musical duo SJ Borneo when they earned the Gold second runner-up title at the 2025 World Championship Grand Finals organised by Asia Pacific International Arts Festival in Bangkok, Thailand, from 9 to 12 May. Through a post on Facebook, 15-year-old Shawn Thein Shuen and his younger sister 12-year-old Jane Thien Jing put Malaysia on the map as they garnered praise for a performance that highlighted Sarawak's indigineous cultural heritage. They were bestowed the winning title for a unique rearrangement of 'Anak Kampung', a song made popular by Sabahan musician Jimmy Palikat. What made it more special was that the siblings sang the song in both Malay and Chinese. To complete the look and sound of the performance, they played the number dressed in traditional Sarawakian attire and musical instruments – Shawn on djembe (a percussion instrument) and Jane on the sape (a string instrument). Image: Facebook | SJ Borneo – Shawn & Jane SJ Borneo received unanimous praise from the panel of international judges for their act, which was witnessed by a crowd of over 500 spectators. '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. Shawn and Jane thanked the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, under the Mudahcara Facilitation Fund, for the support which led to their success. Image: Facebook | SJ Borneo – Shawn & Jane 'We are deeply grateful to the ministry for the support through Dana Mudahcara, which helped make this journey possible,' they said. The Kuching locals also extended a heartfelt thanks to their teachers and educational institutions for encouragement and guidance. They also acknowledged the inspiration of sape pioneers including Dines Ngau Wan, Hallan Hashim, Alena Murang, and Mathew Ngau Jau, whose contributions inspired their journey. Image: Facebook | SJ Borneo – Shawn & Jane Looking ahead, the pair is committed to promoting traditional Sarawak music with their motto, 'Sape for All'. The massive international art event saw many participants from all over the world taking part, including Australia, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kosovo, Malaysia, the Philippines, Qatar, the Republic of North Macedonia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
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.
Borneo Post
25-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Tiong: Sibu International Powerboat Race can propel Sarawak tourism to global stage
Tiong (third left) admiring a remote control powerboat during the launch ceremony. SIBU (April 25): The 2025 Sibu International Powerboat Race offers a prime opportunity to attract global participants and elevate Sibu—as well as Sarawak—as a premier destination for international tourism and water sports, said Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing. Speaking at the launch of the championship at Pulau Li Hua today, he highlighted the event's potential to position Sibu as a viable venue for world-class water sports competitions. 'This is a very good programme and has the potential to elevate our tourism sector. If possible, we should upgrade it into an international-level event,' he said. Tiong urged all stakeholders to work together in promoting the race not just locally, but globally. He also expressed openness to exploring the possibility of hosting Formula 1 powerboat races in Sarawak, provided organisers submit a well-structured and feasible proposal. 'Organising such world-class events will require close cooperation between the organisers, the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism and the state government,' he said. Tiong also noted that the Pulau Li Hua Waterfront holds significant potential to be developed into a landmark hub for water sports in Sibu. This, he said, would require strategic planning and cooperation across agencies. 'We need to engage with the Resident's Office, government agencies, and local NGOs to draft a comprehensive development plan for the necessary infrastructure and facilities,' he said, suggesting that the proposal be elevated to the state government and eventually to the Ministry of Economy for further consideration. The Bintulu MP and Dudong assemblyman also called on race participants to compete with professionalism and uphold safety. 'I hope no untoward incidents occur due to emotions. Compete professionally,' he said. Tiong estimated between 10,000 and 20,000 spectators would attend the three-day event, with over 3,000 recorded on the opening day. He expressed satisfaction with the strong public turnout and said he hopes next year's race will be held on a larger scale with even greater international participation. To support the organisers, Tiong also announced a RM200,000 grant for future activities. Also present at the event were Deputy Minister of Digital and Hulu Rajang MP, Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong; and event organising secretary Maria Nadja Jimmy. Sibu International Powerboat Race Tiong King Sing tourism
