KUALA LUMPUR / SINGAPORE, 25 May 2026 — Upin & Ipin palm oil episodes, produced by Les’ Copaque Production Sdn Bhd in partnership with the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), won two awards at the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting+ (APB+) Awards 2026 held at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore, on 21 May 2026. The episodes have accumulated 171 million views on YouTube, reaching families, children, and educators across Southeast Asia and beyond. Les’ Copaque received the Animation Storytelling award for the Minyak Sawit episode from Upin & Ipin Season 18, and the Audience-Centric Multi-Platform Solutions award for Wira Minyak Sawit from Season 19. Both categories are judged on uniqueness, innovation, and societal impact, reflecting the quality and reach of content that has integrated Malaysia’s palm oil story into one of the region’s most-watched animated franchises.
The Minyak Sawit episode examined the palm oil value chain through structured narrative development, covering plantation operations, downstream applications, and the sector’s contribution to Malaysia’s economy. Sustainability elements, including biomass reuse, replanting practices, and biodiversity considerations, were woven throughout. Distributed across ASEAN television networks and digital platforms, the episode has reached 119 million views on YouTube. Educators and parents have since referenced the episode in classroom instruction and informal learning contexts across the region.
Wira Minyak Sawit introduced palm oil to a festival setting, with Upin & Ipin characters engaging in sustainability practices and industry functions across broadcast, streaming, and social media channels. The episode accumulated 52 million views on YouTube.
The Minyak Sawit episode was also named Malaysia’s national winner in the Best Animation category at the Asian Academy Creative Awards 2024. The Asian Academy Creative Awards is a regional content recognition programme covering more than sixteen Asian countries, with each country conducting a national selection to determine its representative entries for the Asia-wide competition.
Commenting on the recognitions, Ms. Belvinder Sron, Chief Executive Officer of MPOC, said:
“Animation series such as Upin & Ipin play an important role in shaping international perceptions of Malaysian palm oil. Through authentic storytelling, strong cultural values and relatable characters, these platforms allow us to engage global audiences in a positive and meaningful way. They help humanise the Malaysian palm oil sector by showcasing the people, communities and everyday livelihoods connected to the industry, while also communicating broader themes of sustainability, inclusivity and responsible development. In today’s environment, where narratives matter as much as data, creative content and edutainment have become powerful tools for building trust, understanding and long-term engagement with international stakeholders.”
Datuk Haji Burhanuddin Md Radzi, Founder and Managing Director of Les’ Copaque Production Sdn Bhd, said:
“The Upin & Ipin palm oil episodes were built on the same creative principles as every series we produce, centred on authentic characters, culturally grounded storytelling, and genuine respect for the audience’s intelligence. The recognition from the APB+ Awards affirms that education and entertainment are not competing priorities when the content is made well. We are grateful for the collaboration with MPOC, which ensured the industry content was accurate, accessible, and relevant to the audiences who matter most.”
Established in 1983, Asia-Pacific Broadcasting+ has served as a trusted source of information for the broadcast and multimedia industry across the region for over four decades. The APB+ Awards draw entries from major public and commercial broadcasters across fifteen countries and recognise excellence across categories judged on uniqueness, innovation, and societal impact. The Animation Storytelling category recognises the originality of narrative and creative quality in animated content, while the Audience-Centric Multi-Platform Solutions award acknowledges content that demonstrates measurable engagement and reach across broadcast and digital platforms simultaneously.
Looking ahead, both organisations intend to build on this content model, with further Upin & Ipin episodes and supplementary educational and digital materials in development. The collaboration sits within MPOC’s broader mandate to champion market access for certified sustainable Malaysian palm oil globally.
Watch the episodes on YouTube:
Minyak Sawit — Upin & Ipin Season 18: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYMI8adms7c
Wira Minyak Sawit — Upin & Ipin Season 19: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OujCu95VxJ4
For more information on MPOC and Malaysian palm oil, visit www.mpoc.org.my and www.lescopaque.com
For all media enquiries, please contact:
Kartigha Ayamanny, Assistant Manager, Sustainability, Promotions and Communication
Email: kartigha@mpoc.org.my
The Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC)
The Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) is dedicated to promoting the global market expansion of Malaysian palm oil and its derivatives by enhancing its image and acceptance through technological innovation, economic value, and environmental sustainability, with a vision to position Malaysia as the world leader in certified sustainable palm oil. Through a strategic network of international offices in key markets – including China, India, the Middle East, Africa, and ASEAN – MPOC actively engages stakeholders, opens new market opportunities, and strengthens the global presence of Malaysian palm oil. As a cornerstone of Malaysia’s economy, the palm oil industry contributed RM 112.5 billion in export earnings in 2025. MPOC remains committed to driving sustainable growth and global leadership in the palm oil sector.
Les’ Copaque Production Sdn Bhd
Founded in 2005, Les’ Copaque Production is a pioneering and award-winning animation studio that has played a key role in shaping Malaysia’s animation industry over the past two decades. Recently celebrating its 20th anniversary, the studio is best known as the creator of the globally recognised Upin & Ipin franchise, one of Southeast Asia’s most successful intellectual properties (IP), reaching audiences in over 100 countries through television, digital platforms, merchandise, licensing, films, and other entertainment experiences. The studio has received numerous local and international accolades, including recognition for its feature film Upin & Ipin: Keris Siamang Tunggal, which was shortlisted among the Top 32 titles for nomination in the Animated Feature Film category at the Oscars 2019. Les’ Copaque continues to expand its storytelling and IP ecosystem while bringing Malaysian culture and creativity to audiences worldwide.
