A TEA SESSION WITH DABRA SIA - Sabah’s Powerful Voice Steps Into the Spotlight of Borneo Rising 2026

By Favstyle Media Magazine

A 15-Minute Personal Interview with Dabra Sia
Featuring Mr Alfred Allen Ginsos, Editor-in-Chief

There are performers who command a stage, and then there are performers who make a stage feel like home.

Dabra Sia belongs to the latter.

A familiar and much-loved face in Sabah’s entertainment scene, Dabra is celebrated not only for her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence, but also for a quality that is increasingly rare in the spotlight: genuine humility.

Warm, approachable, friendly and unmistakably down to earth, Dabra carries herself with an effortless charm that makes conversation feel less like an interview and more like catching up over tea with an old friend.

Recently, Mr Alfred Allen Ginsos, Editor-in-Chief of Favstyle Media Magazine, sat down with Dabra for an intimate 15-minute conversation at a café in one of Kota Kinabalu’s shopping malls.

The conversation began with a simple question.

“Hi, Dabra…”

Alfred Allen Ginsos:
“Hi, Dabra. Do you prefer I address you as Dabra, or should I call you Dabra Sia, like everyone else?”

Dabra smiled.

Dabra Sia:
“Just Dabra is fine.”

It was a small response, delivered softly, but it immediately revealed the personality behind the performer. No airs. No distance. Just Dabra.

A NEW STAGE, A NEW CHALLENGE

The conversation soon turned to exciting news surrounding her career.

Dabra is among the 12 selected finalists for the highly anticipated ASTRO reality show Borneo Rising 2026, which is set to begin on 6 September 2026.

For a performer who has already experienced numerous stages and performances, this opportunity represents something entirely different.

Alfred:
“We are getting an update that Dabra is one of the 12 selected finalists for the upcoming ASTRO reality show, Borneo Rising 2026, starting this 6 September. How do you feel?”

Dabra admitted that the emotions come in two very different colours.

Dabra:
“First of all, I feel extremely excited, but at the same time, nervous. This is one of the biggest stages and reality shows that I have ever participated in, compared with my previous events and performances.”

Then came a statement that perhaps best captures the magnitude of what lies ahead.

“Borneo Rising 2026 is another level.”

And indeed, this is not simply another performance opportunity.

With weekly eliminations, every appearance becomes a test of consistency, creativity, resilience and stagecraft. Contestants are not merely expected to perform well. They must bring their best performance every time they step onto the stage.

“ARE YOU READY FOR THIS?”

The Editor-in-Chief posed the question directly.

Alfred:
“Are you ready for this?”

There was no hesitation.

Dabra:
“Yes, I’m ready. And I need every one of you to support me in this journey throughout the competition.”

Behind those words is an understanding of what a reality competition demands. Talent may open the door, but perseverance, audience connection and the ability to rise to every challenge will determine how far a performer travels.

BORNEO RISING: A STAGE FOR BORNEO

Asked what she could share about the upcoming competition, Dabra spoke enthusiastically about what makes Borneo Rising 2026 particularly significant.

Dabra:
“As I know, this is one of the most anticipated events organised by ASTRO, and it is happening right here at Kota Kinabalu, at ITCC Hall.”

The competition brings together aspiring performers from Sabah and Sarawak, creating a larger platform for Bornean talent to be seen, heard and celebrated.

With elimination taking place week by week, public participation also becomes an important part of the journey, with audiences able to vote for their favourite performers.

The excitement extends beyond the contestants themselves. The programme also features a line-up of established personalities, hosts and judges, adding another layer of prestige and pressure to an already highly competitive stage.

For Dabra, the journey is therefore not simply about singing.

It is about proving herself, connecting with audiences and representing the immense talent emerging from Borneo.

THE FINAL WORD

As the brief but memorable tea session drew to a close, Alfred offered Dabra one final opportunity.

Alfred:
“Thank you, Dabra, for your time. Do you have anything else to add before we end this interview?”

Dabra smiled and delivered a message directly to the people who will matter most during her Borneo Rising 2026 journey.

Dabra:
“Please follow my fan page and vote for me. I love you all.”

And with that, the conversation ended.

Fifteen minutes may seem brief, but sometimes a short conversation reveals more than a lengthy interview. Behind Dabra Sia’s powerful voice is a performer who understands the importance of humility, gratitude and the people who stand behind her.

As the countdown to 6 September 2026 begins, Sabah will be watching.

And Dabra?

She is ready to sing.

Favstyle Media Magazine wishes Dabra Sia the very best as she takes on the Borneo Rising 2026 stage.

The spotlight is waiting.