WEST JAVA: October 20, 2026 – The acting talent of Telupid native Dezelynn Sonny, 21, shone on the international stage after being crowned Best Lead Actress for her role as Oyong in the theatre production Bila Ajung Berlabuh at the SAGARA ASEAN 2026 Theatre Competition at Universitas Indonesia (UI), Depok, West Java.
The recognition was earned at the competition held from 16 to 12 October. The second-year Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) student represented Malaysia. Dezelynn’s achievement was a highlight for the UMS team, which was crowned Overall Champion or First Champion of the competition.
The UMS team also received the SAGARA 2026 Special Award, Best Artistic Director, Best Director and Best Lead Actor.
Dezelynn viewed her maiden participation in the ASEAN-level theatre competition as an opportunity to test her acting abilities. It also opened up opportunities to gain experience and knowledge in the performing arts from theatre practitioners from various countries.
The journey to that stage was not easy. The UMS team faced financial constraints and a short training period of two weeks to prepare the production.
The challenge was met by securing support from certain parties, making the best use of training time to refine the performance and improve weaknesses.
A total of 13 UMS students participated in the competition, comprising 10 students in the theatre and dance field and three creative writing students, accompanied by four lecturers.
SAGARA ASEAN 2026 brought together six entries from Indonesia, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam and Thailand.
Following her success through the role of Oyong, Dezelynn has the potential to continue her involvement in the theatre world through the Teater Duzung staging in Sarawak, whether in production management or acting, but the matter has yet to be finalised.
Dezelynn’s achievement proves that the talent of Telupid youth can shine on the regional stage and raise Sabah’s name in theatre performing arts. The success serves as an inspiration to performing arts students that the quality of acting, training discipline and the courage to perform on the international stage can open up broader pathways.
