Borneo Jazz Festival returns for 20th edition
KUCHING, 17 September 2026: Borneo Jazz Festival will be marking its 20th anniversary with a bold new format upon its return on December 4 and 5, 2026, which will take place at the heart of Miri city centre at Pullman Miri Waterfront for the very first time under the theme "Beyond Jazz."
The milestone edition was unveiled at a press conference in Kuching today, where organisers described the festival's evolution from a traditional concert into a wider celebration of music, culture and community across Borneo. 10 acts representing 7 countries will take to the stage across two evenings, spanning genres from jazz and jazz fusion to contemporary R&B, hip-hop and electronic music, with stronger participation this year from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and Indonesia alongside regional and international performers.
During the press conference, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah stated that reaching a 20th edition was a reflection of the festival's enduring appeal. "20 editions is an important milestone. It reflects the passion for music, creativity and cultural exchange that has sustained Borneo Jazz over the years," he said. "The theme 'Beyond Jazz' reflects the direction we want the festival to take, growing beyond the traditional concert experience into a wider platform for music, culture, creativity, tourism and community, while remaining firmly connected to Borneo."
Performances will run nightly from 7pm to midnight at the Main Ballroom of Pullman Miri Waterfront, with 5 acts taking the stage each evening. Opening night on 4 December brings together Elisha Tiga Eksperiment from Brunei, Marter from Japan, LaidThis Nite from Indonesia, Q Sound from the United States, and homegrown headliners Dato' Zainalabidin & Julian Chan Jazz Orchestra. The following night will see Sarawak's own Nathanie Ngu taking the stage alongside Berklee Asia Rising performers Greg Tan and Ai Furusato, Indonesia's Matthew Sayersz and Marclesia Karim, Australia's Brekky Boy, and Sweden's Platina Jazz.
The concerts will be complemented by the newly introduced Borneo Jazz Festival Village, a free outdoor space beside Pullman Miri Waterfront opening from 10am to 10pm across both days. Designed with families in mind, the Village will host food and beverage vendors, retail booths, arts and crafts, live performances and interactive brand activations, alongside an All Borneo Pavilion bringing together participation from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and Indonesia.
According to A&W Malaysia's Chief Operating Officer, Angelina Fernandez, said the brand's involvement as a Diamond Sponsor carries particular significance this year as it opens its first outlet in Miri. "We are proud to support Borneo Jazz Festival 2026 and celebrate one of the region's most anticipated music and cultural events," she said. "We look forward to growing alongside the community and creating more 'Good Food, Good Times' moments with Sarawakians."
Talent development remains a key pillar of the festival through its continued collaboration with Berklee Asia Rising, a programme under Berklee College of Music. Beyond performances from programme artists Greg Tan and Ai Furusato, the festival will host workshops, masterclasses and collaborative sessions led by Assoc. Prof. Edvard Lee, a Malaysian-American lecturer at Berklee and founder of Berklee Asia Rising, who will deliver a remote lecture and artist-development masterclass during the festival.
Music lovers looking for a more active way to join the celebrations can take part in the Borneo Jazz Fun Run, a non-competitive 5km run open to all ages, flagging off at 6.30am on 5 December in front of Pullman Miri Waterfront.
With the festival now anchored in the heart of Miri, organisers expect the surrounding city to come alive across both days, drawing visitors and locals alike while giving nearby businesses a lift. As Borneo Jazz enters its 20th year, the festival hopes to cement Miri's place as a destination for music, culture and events, while continuing to grow Sarawak's wider tourism and creative industries.
Also present at today’s press conference, Deputy Minister of Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Chairman of Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), Dato Dennis Ngau, CEO of STB, Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP), Julin Alen, Councillor Sean Huang Hong Siong of Miri City Council and Front Row Entertainment Executive Director, Zaid Zaini.
Festival-goers are encouraged to save the date, with ticket categories and pricing to be announced ahead of sales opening at midnight on 3 October 2026 via Jazzborneo.com
