By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 12: Sarawak sibling duo SJ Borneo (brother Shawn Thien and sister Jane Thien) has been crowned National Champion in the ‘Singing with Music Instruments’ category at the Kids Got Talent Malaysia 2025 Grand Finals, held in Kuala Lumpur on June 7–8, 2025.
Their bilingual rendition of ‘Anak Kampung’, featuring a fusion of the traditional Bornean sape and African drum—both accompanying and harmonising with their vocals—alongside a carefully choreographed dance, won over the judges and earned them a Free Access Audition Pass for America’s Got Talent Season 21, shining a spotlight on Sarawak’s musical heritage.
This year’s Kids Got Talent Malaysia drew nearly 400 acts from across all states, including both solo performers and groups, competing in categories such as singing, dance, various instrumental performances, singing with instruments, face-changing (Bian Lian), public speaking, and more.
The competition was among the most fiercely contested in recent memory.
At the Sarawak state auditions on March 22, 2025, SJ Borneo impressed judges with a creative medley incorporating sape and African drum into a bilingual mashup of the Kenyah song ‘Lan E’ and the Mandarin classic ‘The Moon Represents My Heart’.
This performance earned them the coveted Golden Pass, granting direct entry to the national finals.
At the Grand Finals, Shawn’s steady African drum rhythms blended seamlessly with Jane’s masterful sape lines.
Their graceful dance movements, combined with Malay‑Chinese bilingual vocals of ‘Anak Kampung’, perfectly conveyed the song’s heartfelt nostalgia and rural charm, moving the audience to goose bumps.
Multiple music industry professionals on the judging panel nodded in approval throughout the performance.
Ultimately, SJ Borneo secured the ‘Singing with Music Instruments’ National Champion title and the opportunity to participate in the America’s Got Talent audition.
Following their win, the siblings expressed deep gratitude and pride in representing Sarawak.
“We are incredibly grateful and thrilled. This victory not only validates months of hard work but also proves that Borneo’s traditional culture can shine on the national stage,” the siblings said in a statement.
They also expressed heartfelt gratitude to their family, friends, and mentors for their unwavering support and encouragement: “Your companionship and guidance gave us the confidence to stand on this grand stage and proudly convey the essence of Sarawak’s culture.” — DayakDaily
