Astro Forges Animation Pact with Les’ Copaque

Astro Malaysia and Les’ Copaque Production have entered into a partnership for content sharing, distribution and marketing of animated IPs made by the latter company.

This pact is meant to combine the expertise and media assets of both companies to strengthen the local and regional animation industry. Les’ Copaque’s animated content, including Upin & Ipin, Upin & Ipin Iqra, Pada Zaman Dahulu and Puteri, will be available to both Astro and NJOI viewers across TV and OTT platforms as well as on-ground events.

Astro and Les’ Copaque’s deal also involves selling exclusive merchandise on Go Shop and a variety of fans activities for customers under Astro Circle.

Putri Yasmin Megat Zaharuddin, the VP of GenNext Astro, said: “Astro is committed to entertain and make learning fun and creative for its younger viewers with a rich variety of family and educational content. In line with our aspiration, Upin & Ipin’s engaging stories seek not just to entertain but also to deepen learning. Our close collaboration with Les’ Copaque will increase [the] Upin & Ipin content slate not only in Malaysia but also in ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei. With Upin & Ipin garnering even international recognition, Les’ Copaque is an animation studio to be reckoned with. I believe the combined expertise and sharing of media asset between the two companies will create waves in the local and regional animation industry, and at the same time optimizing returns on investment in content IPs.”

Tuan Haji Burhanuddin Md. Radzi, the managing director of Les’ Copaque Production, added: “We are confident our collaboration with Astro has transformed the business model of the creative industry, whereby the producer works closely with the broadcaster to determine the direction and business strategies of key areas including content, marketing, target market and development of new markets. The success of the Upin & Ipin animation not only contributes to the development of the local animation industry but also paves the way for business partnerships that leverage on each other strength to further grow Malaysia’s economy.”