Sarawak-based sibling duo SJ Borneo (Shawn Thien & Jane Thien) achieved outstanding success this year by being selected as finalists in the “17th International Art Performing Troupe 2025 – ASEAN International Talent Competition”, organised by China Beijing CCTV Colorful Planet, and by winning the Gold Award in the Music Instrument category at the Grand Final.
The competition was highly competitive. In July, SJ Borneo advanced through the Malaysia Preliminary Audition, standing out among 350 contestants nationwide to secure a place in the international finals. In August, they participated in the final round of judging and impressed the panel with a performance rich in ethnic character and artistic excellence, earning unanimous recognition from the judges and being awarded the Gold Award.
Shawn and Jane perform using traditional Bornean instruments, the sape’ and the djembe. Through their distinctive musical fusion, they blend the cultural spirit of Sarawak with contemporary stage artistry, successfully showcasing the depth, vitality, and soul of Bornean music to international judges and audiences.
CCTV Colorful Planet is a prestigious global event that brings together outstanding youth art groups from around the world, aiming to promote aesthetic education and cultural exchange. SJ Borneo’s achievement is not only a strong affirmation of their musical artistry, but also a meaningful symbol of Sarawak’s traditional music continuing to shine on the international stage.
SJ Borneo shared that they look forward to more opportunities to use music as a bridge, carrying the sounds of Sarawak and Borneo onto larger international platforms, and allowing the world to hear the cultural beauty of their homeland.
