"Betul, betul, betul!" Who doesn't know this iconic phrase? For many, the cheerful voices of Upin & Ipin have become a nostalgic part of a colorful childhood. This Malaysian animated series tells the exciting stories of five-year-old twin brothers who live in Kampung Durian Runtuh with their grandmother, Opah, and older sister, Kak Ros.
Produced by Les' Copaque Production, Upin & Ipin began as a collection of short cartoons. However, it has grown into a beloved phenomenon across generations. Its success is all the more remarkable considering that it was created by an independent animation studio founded in December 2005 and began production in 2007.
Over the years, Upin & Ipin has grown beyond just an animated series—it has become a cultural icon, not only for Malaysia, but also for Southeast Asia. With more than 500 episodes as of February 2025, the series continues to expand its influence and solidify its status as both a cherished entertainment franchise and a global representation of Malaysia's and the region's rich cultural heritage.
Our Beloved Animation Takes Over the World
Since its debut in 2007, Upin & Ipin has grown rapidly and crossed international borders. In 2009, the animated series introduced Mandarin and English dubbing for the global market and began airing on Disney Channel Asia.
This success continued with the release of their first animated movie "Geng: The Adventure Begins" in 2009, which had a production cost of RM4 million and earned RM6 million at the local box office.
In 2011, Upin & Ipin was recognized by the Malaysia Book of Records as the "Most Successful Animation" due to its widespread popularity across the region.
The series expanded further with the release of Laksamana Upin & Ipin in 2012 and the live-action film Upin & Ipin Jeng Jeng Jeng in 2016. The 2016 live-action film was a collaboration between two major Malaysian studios—Les’ Copaque and KRU Studios—and was distributed to 32 countries across the Middle East.
In 2014, Upin & Ipin extended its influence by collaborating with Japan’s Tsuburaya Productions to produce the first 3rd-generation Ultraman and develop Ultraman Ribut. The series even introduced silat (a traditional Malay martial art) into the Ultraman universe. This collaboration became a source of pride for Malaysia, as Ultraman Ribut eventually appeared in Ultra Galaxy Fight: The Absolute Conspiracy.
The series’ success extended across Southeast Asia and India. In 2019, Upin & Ipin aired on Disney Channel India and quickly ranked third in viewership.
The popularity of Upin & Ipin also inspired business expansions. In 2009, Les’ Copaque established LC Merchandising Sdn Bhd to produce a variety of licensed products, ranging from stationery to food items.
In 2013, Upin & Ipin was also appointed as an ambassador for UNICEF Malaysia to raise awareness about violence against girls.
In 2024, Les’ Copaque Productions Sdn Bhd reportedly launched an Upin & Ipin console game after developing paid games since 2023. With an investment of RM15 million, the game is set to be released on several consoles to be announced later, marking a new chapter in the remarkable journey of Upin & Ipin.
