By, Suhaimi Bin Mhd. Sarif
Since its inception in 2020, IIUM mKitchen has emerged as a transformative force in addressing poverty and social marginalization. The initiative provides a platform for individuals in need to shift from being recipients of zakat (charity) to zakat payers by equipping them with skills in food-based entrepreneurship. Through this model, mKitchen serves not only as a source of economic empowerment but also as a vehicle for social change. By offering a path to self-sufficiency, mKitchen ensures that participants move beyond reliance on aid and contribute actively to their communities.
IIUM mKitchen through Dr. Asmarani Binti Ahmad Puzi, Tuan Haji Abdul Rahman Ahmad Dahlan and I shared the experience of IIUM mKitchen intiatives at a webinar organized by the International Association of Economics and Business (IAEB) on 20 March 2025.
At the core of mKitchen’s mission is its goal of empowering the marginalized, particularly the B40 group among students at IIUM, and asnaf & B40 groups in the society by turning them into foodpreneurs. Traditionally, zakat is given to individuals in need (asnaf), ensuring they can meet their basic requirements. However, mKitchen challenges this conventional model by providing an alternative where individuals can generate their own income through food-based businesses. This transition from receiving charity to paying zakat is both a practical and spiritual transformation. By becoming foodpreneurs, beneficiaries not only improve their economic circumstances but also regain their dignity, positioning themselves as contributors to society.
Mkitchen offers discounted lunch packs at RM5 daily from Monday to Thursday at the Mkitchen Food House (Rumah Makan Mkitchen). On Fridays, Mkitchen opens its doors to anyone who wishes to cook and distribute free food to those in need. In addition, Mkitchen collaborates with individuals and organizations to provide catering services for their events, with the support of dedicated Mkitchen volunteers.
Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement
The success of mKitchen is rooted in strategic partnerships and strong community engagement. The initiative has achieved significant milestones, such as the launch of Rumah Makan mKitchen (RMMK) and the distribution of free Iftar meals during Ramadan. mKitchen’s ability to engage a diverse range of stakeholders, including volunteers, activists, local institutions like IIUM, and community organizations such as Masjid As-Syakirin Batu 6 Jalan Gombak, Masjid Muaz bin Jabal Setiawangsa, and Surau Al-Firdaus at PPR Lembah Subang, has been instrumental in its success.
Volunteers play a crucial role by providing manpower and expertise, while beneficiaries actively participate in meal distribution and preparation. This involvement fosters a sense of ownership and shared purpose, which is central to mKitchen’s community-based empowerment approach.
Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement
The success of mKitchen is rooted in strategic partnerships and strong community engagement. The initiative has achieved significant milestones, such as the launch of Rumah Makan mKitchen (RMMK) and the distribution of free Iftar meals during Ramadan. mKitchen’s ability to engage a diverse range of stakeholders, including volunteers, activists, local institutions like IIUM, and community organizations such as Masjid As-Syakirin Batu 6 Jalan Gombak, Masjid Muaz bin Jabal Setiawangsa, and Surau Al-Firdaus at PPR Lembah Subang, has been instrumental in its success.
Volunteers play a crucial role by providing manpower and expertise, while beneficiaries actively participate in meal distribution and preparation. This involvement fosters a sense of ownership and shared purpose, which is central to mKitchen’s community-based empowerment approach.
Foodpreneurial Training: The 3E Model
A significant feature of mKitchen is its foodpreneurial training program, structured around the “3E” model: Employment, Empowerment, and Entrepreneurship. This model focuses on equipping B40 students and community members with practical skills in food entrepreneurship, from food preparation to managing the financial aspects of a business. By offering hands-on experience, mKitchen nurtures an entrepreneurial mindset that goes beyond technical skills, instilling the confidence needed to run sustainable food-based businesses.
The success of this program is evident through the growth of its graduates, many of whom have taken active roles in food-related ventures. The program not only provides technical training but also fosters a sense of agency, enabling participants to create their own business opportunities. Graduates are celebrated through special events where they present their achievements, further motivating them to continue their entrepreneurial journeys.
Expansion and Continued Impact
Looking towards the future, mKitchen plans to expand its impact by reaching more communities and stakeholders. The expansion strategy includes increasing the number of foodpreneurial training programs and enhancing its food-based business initiatives. By involving more marginalized groups, mKitchen aims to create a ripple effect that promotes self-sufficiency across a broader demographic.
Sustainability will also be a key focus in mKitchen’s future plans. The initiative is committed to reducing food waste and promoting environmentally conscious food production. By integrating sustainable practices into its operations, mKitchen aims to contribute not only to economic empowerment but also to environmental sustainability.
Theoretical Frameworks: Integrating Values for Holistic Development
The operational success of mKitchen is grounded in several key theoretical frameworks that guide its mission and approach.
a) Tawhidic Epistemology: This Islamic framework emphasizes that economic activities, including entrepreneurship, should align with spiritual principles. For mKitchen, this means that business practices are seen not as merely profit-driven but as forms of worship and service to humanity. By aligning its mission with Tawhidic Epistemology, mKitchen integrates ethical and moral values into its business practices.
b) Social Entrepreneurship Theory: mKitchen exemplifies this theory by creating a sustainable business model that addresses social issues. Through its focus on food-based businesses, mKitchen empowers marginalized groups economically while maintaining social responsibility. This dual focus on social impact and financial sustainability aligns with the core principles of social entrepreneurship.
c) Sustainable Development Theory (Triple Bottom Line): The Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework focuses on achieving sustainability across three pillars: economic, social, and environmental outcomes. mKitchen’s initiatives address these three areas by providing economic opportunities, fostering social empowerment, and reducing food waste, thus contributing to the broader goals of sustainable development.
The IIUM mKitchen initiative stands as a model of social entrepreneurship that empowers marginalized communities through food-based entrepreneurship. By transitioning zakat receivers to zakat payers, mKitchen not only helps individuals escape poverty but also contributes to the wider goals of social and environmental sustainability. The integration of Islamic values, social entrepreneurship principles, and sustainability practices ensures that mKitchen not only meets the immediate needs of the disadvantaged but also contributes to long-term, holistic development. As mKitchen continues to expand, its impact on community empowerment and sustainable development will undoubtedly grow, providing individuals with the tools to achieve self-sufficiency and contribute positively to society.
IIUM Mkitchen Contact Details:
Email: mkitchen@iium.edu.my
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mkitchen.iium
Websites:
https://masjidkitchensaf.blogspot.com
https://sites.google.com/view/mkitchen2021/home
(These are the views of Prof. Dr. Suhaimi Bin Mhd. Sarif, affiliated with the Department of Business Administration, Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia which do not represent IIUM Today’s.)
