Kebuff was first conceived in 2019, after a visit to Taipei Toy Festival (TTF) and Thailand Toy Expo (TTE). The inspiration came from a local nickname: “Kedah Cow”—a term once used pejoratively by Penangites to describe people from Kedah. But instead of shying away from it, the idea was reimagined with pride.
Historically, the most iconic working animal in Kedah was not the cow, but the buffalo. Strong, resilient, and deeply tied to the state’s farming roots, the buffalo became the symbol behind the character’s name—Kebuff.
More than just a buffalo, Kebuff is a self-reflective character, projecting the journey of its creator—a kid from the little town of Alor Setar, wandering curiously into the wider world. Through Kebuff, stories of exploration, identity, and imagination take shape.
Kebuff didn’t stay flat on paper for long. In 2020, he got his first big break when the local toy collector group My Toy Hoard invited him to join their online exhibition, “My Childhood Junk Food.” The challenge? Mix your toy with your favorite childhood snack.
For Kebuff, this was more than just playtime—it was his chance to step out of 2D doodles and finally transform into 3D form. From sketchbook scribbles to a toy you could actually hold, Kebuff made the leap, carrying with him that same playful spirit and a love for turning ordinary memories into extraordinary adventures.
That was the start of Kebuff’s journey as more than a drawing—he became a character you could collect, display, and share.
For the “My Childhood Junk Food” exhibition, Kebuff got to dress up in one of the artist’s all-time favorite snacks — The Cracker “Mimi.” The original Mimi character was a pink cat with a guitar, so Kebuff jumped right into the role: he turned pink, grabbed a guitar, and rocked the look in his own buffalo way.
To complete the piece, the artist painted a nostalgic snack-themed background on canvas. From there, Kebuff literally popped out—stepping from 2D art into 3D form for the very first time.
It was playful, it was quirky, and it marked a milestone: Kebuff was no longer just a sketch on paper—he had officially entered the toy world.
That was just the beginning of Kebuff’s journey—from a cheeky idea inspired by Kedah’s roots, to his first 3D leap through “My Childhood Junk Food”.
Thank you for following along with Kebuff’s story up until this point. Every step, every experiment, and every playful twist means the world. The adventure is still ongoing, and we can’t wait to share more future projects where Kebuff continues to wander, grow, and surprise.
Stay curious, stay playful—and see you in the next chapter of Kebuff’s journey!
