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Upin & Ipin Theme Park closer to reality

o Proposed tourist landmark in Genting Highlands estimated to cost RM350m, will feature immersive indoor attractions, says Les’ Copaque Production founder

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

With immersive attractions, we can change content whenever needed,” he said after the launch of LC Xpo 2025 at the World Trade Centre, where Les’ Copaque celebrated its 20th anniversary. Asked how the project compares with established regional parks such as Legoland Malaysia and Universal Studios Singapore, Burhanuddin stressed that the Upin & Ipin Theme Park aims to offer something fundamentally different, something emotionally and culturally close to Malaysians. “We want something close to the hearts of the people. We proposed this idea even before Legoland was built, but many didn’t believe in using an original local brand content name. Many doubted us.” He said Upin & Ipin brand’s strength lies in authenticity, adding that despite its kampung setting, the story has proven universal, resonating with audiences across Southeast Asia and other continents. “We’ve proven with Upin & Ipin that a local story can explode. People said: Can a village story sell overseas? We said the story is universal. Only the setting is a kampung . If we want to sell globally, it must be original. Don’t fake it.”

KUALA LUMPUR: Les’ Copaque Production Sdn Bhd founder and managing director Datuk Burhanuddin Md Radzi’s dream to build an Upin & Ipin Theme Park is inching closer to reality, as the award-winning studio lays out plans for an immersive, locally inspired attraction that could soon become Malaysia’s next major tourism landmark. Speaking to the media, Bur hanuddin confirmed that the proposed park in Genting Highlands, based on the globally recognised Upin & Ipin franchise, is estimated to cost RM350 million and will be built in collaboration with King’s Park Management Sdn Bhd. The concept, according to him, focuses on fully immersive indoor attractions rather than open-air rides, a strategic choice to avoid Malaysia’s unpredictable weather and to reduce wear and tear. “We want the attractions to be immersive so we can use our local talent and update the content at any time. If we use open rides, our climate isn’t suitable, and main tenance becomes a major challenge.

Burhanuddin and Syed Ibrahim (right) viewing a scale model of the proposed Upin & Ipin Theme Park in Genting Highlands.

struggle to survive. “This is an extraordinary achievement. It’s rare to have a company that can sustain itself, remain consistent, and keep im proving from one level to another. We’ve seen that happen before our eyes,” Syed Ibrahim said. He added that Les’ Copaque should serve as an inspiration for local animation studios to create their own opportunities and future. “This is proof of what can be achieved. At MDEC, we support efforts to grow the creative industry, not only to develop local creative talent but also to contribute significantly to the national economy.”

Copaque to create a world-class family destination in King’s Park Genting Highlands. Upin & Ipin is a cultural icon, and this theme park will celebrate Malaysian creativity on a global stage.” Meanwhile, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) chairman Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh praised Les’ Copaque at the same event, calling its 20-year journey a rare achievement in Malaysia’s animation industry. He said the company’s ability to sustain itself and continuously improve its capabilities over two decades is extraordinary, especially in a sector where many studios

“We’re already 20 years old, almost like The Simpsons,” Burhanuddin said, chuckling. On ticket pricing for the future park, he cautioned that Malaysians should not expect unrealistically cheap entry fees. “We’re running a business. Don’t expect RM5 tickets. That’s what happened in Indonesia, many theme parks around Jakarta charged RM10 RM12, so they couldn’t maintain standards and eventually died.” Earlier, King’s Park Management director Warren Yang said the company is honoured to partner with a local globally known brand. “We are honoured to partner with Les’

Milestone for Malaysia’s entertainment and property landscape KUALA LUMPUR: The announce ment of the proposed Upin & Ipin Theme Park marks a significant milestone for Malaysia’s enter tainment and property landscape, with the joint development by King’s Park Management Sdn Bhd a rare commitment in the industry and a major step forward for a homegrown intellectual property.

The project, undertaken in part nership with Les’ Copaque Pro duction Sdn Bhd, has been years in the making and represents a long term vision finally materialising. According to Erman Taib, CEO of Quality Home Realty (M) Sdn Bhd, the journey began nearly a decade ago as the team sought the right collaborator capable of elevating Upin & Ipin into a world-class attraction. Various proposals and locations were explored over the years, each contributing to deeper industry understanding and strengthening the pursuit of the ideal partnership. “The process taught us patience and clarity. We knew the right partnership required more than just land or funding – it needed belief in the potential of a uniquely Malaysian IP,” Erman shared when met at the announcement event at the World Trade Centre. Industry players were consulted throughout the process, including surveyors, developers and strategic advisers, who played an essential role

Les’ Copaque celebrated its 20th anniversary at the World Trade Centre last Thursday, marking the occasion with the announcement of an Upin & Ipin Theme Park.

collaborations of this nature to happen – and it is a process every growing business should take seriously,” he added. He hopes the landmark project will encourage more Malaysian companies to recognise the strategic importance of safeguarding their intellectual property. “Malaysia has world-class creativity and innovation. With proper IP protection, SMEs can position themselves for partnerships, funding and expansion far beyond the domestic market. Strong IP is the foundation that allows a business to scale with confidence,” Ziadi said. - by IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE

driver of commercial growth. “In today’s market, IP is not merely a legal formality. It is a business asset that determines scalability, investor confidence and long-term commercial potential. Many SMEs only realise this after opportunities pass them by,” he explained. Ziadi emphasised that successful partnerships of this magnitude are built upon proper IP structuring, documentation and protection conducted at the earliest stages. “When ideas carry commercial promise, the right IP framework transforms them into tangible economic value. This is what enables

Its managing partner, Ahmad Ziadi Zaidon, said, the partnership represents a significant development for Malaysia’s creative, com-mercial and intellectual property ecosystem. “This collaboration underscores the maturity and commercial strength of Malaysian intellectual property. When a single local IP like Upin & Ipin is able to anchor a project of this scale, it reflects increasing confidence from industry players in the value of homegrown brands,” Ziadi said. He noted that the development serves as a strategic reminder to Malaysian businesses, particularly SMEs, that intellectual property is no longer a peripheral asset, but a core

in identifying a partner with the capability and confidence to under take such a large-scale entertainment venture. Affiq Hakim Kamisan, the chartered surveyor involved in the early assessments, noted that the development’s first phase will span more than 50 acres within King’s Park’s master plan. “The Upin & Ipin theme park will eventually sit among other major brands, bringing together a vibrant entertainment ecosystem in Genting Highlands,” he said. From a legal standpoint, Asiah & Hisam Advocates & Solicitors served as the legal adviser for the collaboration.