“Brewing Legacy, Empowering Generations — From Memory to Movement, Bonie & Rebecca Redefine the Modern Lifestyle Café Through Atukuupi.”

Brewing Legacy, One Cup at a Time:

The Visionary Journey of Bonie & Rebecca, Founders of Atukuupi

In the heart of Sabah, where tradition hums quietly beneath the rhythm of modern life, two women have redefined what it means to build not just a business, but a legacy steeped in memory, meaning, and quiet resilience.

This is the story of Bonie Tan and Rebecca Kok, the visionary founders behind Atukuupi—a brand that does not merely serve coffee, but revives a cultural heartbeat.

Atukuupi one of the largest branches at Gaya Street

Where It All Began: Two Journeys, One Destiny

Bonie’s journey reads like a masterclass in reinvention. Originally from Kuala Lumpur, she relocated to Kota Kinabalu in 2007, stepping into the world of sales and marketing before venturing boldly into entrepreneurship. From cosmetics to mobile accessories, from advertising to design and build ventures, her path was anything but linear. Yet each chapter sharpened her instinct for opportunity and resilience.

Branch in Riverson - The Walk 

Two powerful brands in one

Rebecca’s story, by contrast, is grounded in quiet determination. Born and raised in Kota Kinabalu, her journey began without the privileges of higher education. Armed with only an SPM qualification, she navigated through roles as an office clerk, insurance agent, and later, a real estate negotiator. A decade in insurance and years in property shaped her understanding of people, trust, and perseverance.

Two different paths. Two different rhythms. Yet when they met, something clicked.

Not just partnership. Alignment.

The Power of Partnership

In 2018, an opportunity brought Bonie and Rebecca together. What began as a collaboration in the food and beverage space quickly evolved into something far greater—a shared vision rooted in trust, transparency, and an unshakable belief in growth.

Their first venture into F&B was not without turbulence. Branding challenges forced them to pivot within a year, a moment that could have ended the journey entirely. Instead, it became the catalyst for reinvention.

Bonie and family on recent oversea trip

By 2019, they launched a new concept—expanding into a chain store model and introducing their own brand identity. Yet the market shifted again. Trends evolved. Competition intensified.

And so, they did what true entrepreneurs do.

They adapted.

Atukuupi: A Brand Born from Memory

In 2022, Atukuupi was born—not as a trend, but as a tribute.

A tribute to childhood mornings.
To the familiar sight of a grandfather reading the newspaper.
To the unmistakable aroma of thick, robust kopi—“kopi kaw”—lingering in the air.

Atukuupi is more than a kopitiam. It is a sensory time capsule. A modern interpretation of Malaysia’s deeply rooted coffee culture, where “kopi” meets “tiam,” and tradition meets contemporary refinement.

With a vision to bridge generations, the brand reimagines the kopitiam experience—preserving its soul while elevating its presentation for a new audience.

Today, with multiple outlets across Sabah and growing, Atukuupi stands as a proud Borneo-born brand—authentic, nostalgic, and forward-looking.

Built on Love, Driven by Purpose

Behind the brand lies a philosophy that transcends business metrics.

“Bonie & Rebecca offer a complete pathway for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to venture into the F&B industry. From professional training and SOP development to full brand concept creation, menu design, and end-to-end café setup, they provide everything needed to launch and operate a successful business. Through Atukuupi, they also welcome individuals to be part of this growing lifestyle café movement with guided support at every stage.”

Love. Joy. Shine.

These are not just words within their company culture—they are the foundation of everything they build. Love for their craft, their people, and their purpose. Joy that fuels creativity and momentum. And a quiet radiance that impacts everyone they encounter.

Even in moments of uncertainty—during the MCO, when sales dropped and survival hung in the balance—they chose persistence over retreat. They evolved their strategies, embraced delivery models, and continued forward when standing still would have been easier.

Because for Bonie and Rebecca, this was never just about business.

It was about belief.

A Vision Beyond Coffee

Atukuupi is not simply a brand to consume—it is a platform to empower.

With a strong commitment to SME growth, Bonie and Rebecca aim to create opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs. From guidance to setup, from small beginnings to full-scale outlets, they envision a future where passion meets possibility.

Their mission is beautifully simple:
To create spaces where people connect, where conversations flow, and where relationships are brewed as meaningfully as the coffee itself.

The Art of Becoming

The story of Bonie and Rebecca is not one of overnight success. It is a story of evolution—of daring to begin again, of learning through every misstep, and of building something that carries both heart and heritage.

In every cup served at Atukuupi lies a quiet reminder:

That success is not just built on ambition,

but on courage, faith, and the willingness to keep going.

And perhaps, that is the true luxury.

Not what is poured into the cup—

but the story behind it.