‘Terima kasih, Cikgu’: Upin & Ipin creators pay tribute to late Dr Hasmah as cameo clip goes viral

A still shows the likeness of Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali in an episode of Upin & Ipin, capture from the YouTube channel of Les’ Copaque Production.

By Ian Jeremiah Patrick

First Published: Tuesday, 29 Sep 2026 10:36 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 — A cameo featuring the late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali from Malaysia’s animated series Upin & Ipin has resurfaced online, drawing heartfelt tributes from fans across the country following her passing.

The scene, shared on Instagram by animation studio Les’ Copaque Production, is from the Season 6 special episode titled Terima Kasih Cikgu!. The three-part arc featured guest appearances by Dr Siti Hasmah and her husband, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, with the couple voicing animated versions of themselves.

In the clip, Dr Hasmah is seen offering gentle words of wisdom to Upin, Ipin, and their village schoolmates, encouraging them to work diligently towards their aspirations while reminding them never to forget the sacrifices of their parents and teachers.

Accompanying the video, Les’ Copaque posted a tribute expressing gratitude for her mentorship and presence in the show:

“Thank you for all the advice and guidance you shared with Upin, Ipin and their friends.

“The memories we shared with the late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah will always remain in our hearts,” the post read.

Dr Hasmah died yesterday at the National Heart Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur at the age of 100.

Born in Klang, Selangor, on July 12, 1926, she broke barriers as one of the first Malay women to graduate in medicine from the King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore, later pioneering nationwide maternal and child healthcare programmes for rural communities.