Kukii: Where Sincerity Meets Sweetness at Gombak Food Festival 2.0

By, Syuhada Yusoff & Aysha Afrin

At the bustling heart of the Gombak Food Festival 2.0, where the scent of yummy food and the rhythm of cheerful footsteps echoed across IIUM’s Riverside from 3-4 June 2025, there was one humble booth that radiated warmth beyond taste, which was a modest cookie stall named Kukii. More than just a sweet treat, Kukii is a small business built upon Islamic principles, entrepreneurship passion, and youthful sincerity.

In a sea of food vendors showcasing culinary creativity and Instagram-worthy dishes, Kukii stood out
not just for its delightful flavours but for the values that shape every cookie. Owned and managed by
the owner known as Nur Afiqah, a young university student and aspiring entrepreneur, Kukii brings a heartfelt touch to this year’s Gombak Food Festival 2.0, reminding everyone that business isn’t just about profit.

From Campus Kitchen to Community Favourite
“I started Kukii last year, just as a way to earn a little extra money while studying,” shared Afiqah, smiling as she arranged her neatly packed cookies. “I began by taking small weekend orders inside the university, then my mom suggested we collaborate. That’s when we started joining more events, selling at car booth sales and then eventually, we were invited to this festival by one of the Communication students.” The name Kukii, she admits with a laugh, came about quite casually. She explained, “We didn’t know what else to name it. Since we sell mostly cookies, we just played around with the word and decided on Kukii!”

What Makes Kukii Special?

While cookies are a common sight at any food event, Kukii offers something refreshingly different.
“We focus on keeping our prices student-friendly,” Afiqah explained. “Our cookies start at only RM4,
and even our most premium flavour which is Kunafa Pistachio that is RM7 only. But we never
compromise on quality. We use local and premium ingredients, making sure that every bite is worth
more than what you pay.” From chewy chocolate chunks to melt-in-the-mouth butter cookies, Kukii offers a wide range of flavours that tempt students and staff alike.

Marketing with Heart and Integrity

In the age of digital influence, Kukii fully embraces social media as a marketing communication tool. “We actively post on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and more,” said Afiqah. “We usually post every week to keep our customers updated. Events like Gombak Food Fest 2.0 also help us reach new people.” But what truly
elevates Kukii’s marketing approach is Afiqah’s sincere commitment to Islamic values in business
communication.

“According to the Islamic perspective, we are not allowed to lie, especially in business,” she said. “If
any of my cookies are cracked or broken, I won’t sell them unless I inform the customer. I always ask
first like if they’re okay with it, then Alhamdulillah. If not, I’ll keep it aside. I want every customer to
feel that they’ve received something honest and good”. This act may seem small, but in a marketplace
where appearance often overrules honesty, her commitment reflects true Islamic values as she applies
honesty, trustworthiness, and transparency in her business.

Islamic Marketing Communicator in Action
What Afiqah represents is more than a businesswoman. She actually represents an Islamic marketing
communicator, with someone who integrates Islamic principles in the way how she communicates,
sells, and engages with her customers. Her dedication to truthful advertising, respectful customer
service, and cleanliness in food handling have in line perfectly with the Prophetic example of commerce.
For Afiqah, success isn’t just about money, but it’s about earning blessings and pleasure from Allah.
“When you’re sincere and honest, customers will come back,” she said. “Even if they try once, they’ll
remember the taste and the quality of your cookies.”

A Message to Muslim Youth
As a young Muslim woman juggling university life and business, Afiqah is passionate about encouraging others to do the same. “Don’t be afraid to start,” she advises. “Even if you fail, that doesn’t mean you won’t succeed later. I’ve learned a lot by just doing. If you want to begin something, just learn, and just do it.”

Kukii and Kindness at Gombak Food Festival
The Gombak Food Festival 2.0 is more than just a food event. It is a vibrant platform that celebrates not only flavors but also faith, values, and community spirit. Kukii embodies this perfectly, delivering not just cookies, but a powerful reminder that Islamic values can and should shine in every area of life, including marketing and business. As the crowd continues to gather, and cookie boxes fly off the table, one thing is clear at Kukii, every bite is made with sincerity, every sale with honesty, and every customer treated with care and all in line with the beautiful values of Islam. So, if you’re looking for something sweet, soulful, and sincerely mom-made, don’t miss your chance to stop by Kukii at the Gombak Food Festival.***

*Photo taken from Kukii Instagram page.