GEORGE TOWN, December 18 — Penang’s iconic nature learning destination, Entopia, has signed an exclusive franchising agreement with DEMED Group of Turkiye, marking the brand’s first international expansion into eight countries, including Türkiye, Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, and Greece.
The historic agreement, witnessed by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and State EXCO for Tourism YB Wong Hon Wai, will see two Entopia projects in each country over the next decade, elevating the Penang-born butterfly and insect sanctuary into a global educational and tourism platform.
Entopia Managing Director Joseph Goh highlighted the organisation’s 40-year journey, from its founding as the Penang Butterfly Farm in 1986 to its rebirth as Entopia in 2016, noting that the expansion reflects the brand’s philosophy of nature learning and commitment to biodiversity education.
Chief Minister Chow praised the partnership as a milestone for Penang tourism, demonstrating the state’s ability to nurture homegrown brands that compete internationally while supporting sustainability, education, and meaningful visitor experiences.
DEMED Group’s Honorary President Firuz Bağlıkaya emphasised the alignment of values and vision between the two organisations, citing DEMED’s extensive experience in museum operations and tourism as key to Entopia’s global growth.
The signing ceremony concluded with a celebratory toast, the unveiling of Entopia’s 40th Anniversary logo, and a symbolic butterfly release, marking the beginning of a decade-long international expansion that positions Penang as a hub of innovative and sustainable tourism.
