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KUCHING, 26 February 2025 – A talented sibling duo from Sarawak, performing under the name SJ Borneo, is making waves in the international music scene by showcasing the beauty of the Sape’ and Djembe to the world.
Meet SJ Borneo: Sarawak’s Rising Musical Duo
Shawn Thien (15) from Chung Hua Middle School No.1 and his younger sister, Jane Thien (12) from SJK(C) Chung Hua No.3, have captivated audiences with their remarkable skills in playing the Sape’, a traditional Sarawakian instrument, and the Djembe, an African drum. Through their motto, “Sape’ for All”, they promote the idea that traditional music transcends race and ethnicity.
Double Wins for SJ Borneo: USA & Thailand Finals Await
SJ Borneo recently achieved an incredible milestone at the Malaysia Championship of Performing Arts (MCOPA) 2025, where they won a gold medal. This victory has earned them a prestigious spot to compete at the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) 2025 in Hollywood, USA, which will be held from 16th to 24th July 2025.
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Their success didn’t stop there. The duo also secured the Gold 2nd Prize in the Malaysia selection round of the 2025 World Championship International Competition organized by APIAF. This win has qualified them for the Grand Final in Bangkok, Thailand, scheduled from 9th to 12th May 2025.
Competing on a Global Platform
SJ Borneo will be up against top talents from around the world, including Australia, Brunei, China, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, the United States, and many others.
By blending the Sape’ and Djembe in a unique and innovative way, SJ Borneo is not only bringing Sarawak’s musical heritage to the global stage but also inspiring the next generation to appreciate and embrace traditional music. Their journey represents the spirit of Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity and artistic excellence.
As they prepare for these prestigious international competitions, SJ Borneo carries the hopes and pride of Sarawak and Malaysia. Let’s rally behind them as they bring the enchanting melodies of Sape’ to audiences worldwide!