KUCHING, 23 MAY 2025 – Young Sarawak siblings SJ Borneo have made Malaysia proud by winning the Gold 2nd Runner-up title at the 2025 World Championship International Competition Grand Final in Bangkok, Thailand. The event took place from 9 to 12 May and featured 178 acts from around the world.
SJ Borneo, made up of 15-year-old Shawn Thien Shuen and 12-year-old Jane Thien Jing, represented Sarawak and Malaysia with a unique musical performance that highlighted traditional culture. Shawn played the Djembe, an African drum, while Jane played the Sape’, a traditional string instrument from Sarawak.
For the competition, they rearranged the classic Malay song “Anak Kampung” and performed it in both Malay and Chinese. Dressed in traditional Sarawak attire, their performance was a beautiful mix of traditional and modern elements. Their efforts wowed the judges and the audience, earning praise from more than 500 international spectators.
The event included participants and judges from over 25 countries including Australia, China, Indonesia, Germany, Japan, the United States, and more. In such a global setting, SJ Borneo stood out by showcasing the sounds and colours of Sarawak on the world stage.
SJ Borneo said their participation was made possible with the help of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak. The ministry provided support through the Dana Mudahcara Facilitation Fund. The siblings thanked the ministry for believing in their talent and said they are ready to perform at any future cultural events to continue promoting Sarawak’s culture.
“This competition gave us the chance to represent Malaysia and Sarawak. Our culture is beautiful and we want to share it with the world. We thank the Ministry for helping us make this dream come true,” said SJ Borneo.
The duo also expressed their gratitude to the teachers and mentors who supported them. Some of the teachers who guided them include Ms. Elizabeth Bungan, Mr. Danison Manium, Mr. Frederick Maldini, Mr. Sim Kok How, Mr. Sky Lim, Mr. Narawi Rashidi, Ms. Wong Yung Fong, Ms. Jenny Tan, and Ms. Jong Wei Khim.
They also thanked their schools — Chung Hua Middle School No. 1 (for Shawn) and SJK(C) Chung Hua No. 3 (for Jane) — for giving them many opportunities to perform and grow. Special thanks were given to their principals, Mr. Bong Nyuk Siong and Mr. Lee Chee Beng, for their strong support.
SJ Borneo also shared their appreciation for Sape’ pioneers such as Alena Murang, Jerry Kamit, Matthew Ngau Jau, and Hezekiah Asim, whose music and dedication continue to inspire them.
Two non-profit groups that played a key role in their journey are Persatuan Anak Seni Sape’ Kuching (PUSAK) and Perintis Orkestra Tradisional Remaja Sarawak (POTRES Orkestra). PUSAK helped introduce Jane to the Sape’ and gave her access to training and cultural experiences. POTRES Orkestra gave both siblings stage training and performance opportunities to build their skills and confidence.
As they look to the future, SJ Borneo says they will continue their mission to promote traditional Bornean music. Their motto, “Sape for All,” shows their belief that music can connect people and that Sarawak’s rich culture deserves global recognition.
To follow their journey and watch future performances, visit their Facebook page: SJ Borneo – Shawn & Jane.
