AS one of the largest employers of people with disabilities (PwD) in Malaysia’s electronics industry, Flex is providing its PwD employees with opportunities to thrive in the workforce.
In collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Social Sciences and the Centre for Research on Women & Gender (KANITA), Flex launched the PwD Professional Certification Programme in February this year.
Speaking at the launch event, Flex Penang Plant 5 operations director Dinesh Dharan Labrooy praised the initiative, highlighting its role in equipping PwD employees with personal development skills.
“At the end of this four-month programme, participants will receive a Professional Certificate in the Well-being of PwD Employees from USM,” he said.
Dinesh highlighted that the training would help employees overcome communication barriers and enhance their career growth during the training period.
“These skill sets are crucial for workplace success. We aim to support our employees’ development while fostering an inclusive working environment,” he said.
He also expressed hopes that the initiative would inspire other corporations to follow suit.
“This is just the beginning as we want to create a wave where more companies invest in PwD training and development,” he added.
Flex currently employs around 280 PwD individuals across its Malaysian facilities, with most having hearing or speech impairments.
Dinesh said that Flex’s commitment to inclusivity by stating the importance value of PwD employees and their contributions to the industry.
“We want to ensure they are integrated into society and given equal opportunities to succeed,” he added.
Flex’s efforts have earned recognition as a PwD Caring Employer by Perkeso and as an exemplary employer in Malaysia.
USM School of Social Sciences deputy dean Dr Boo Harn Shian lauded the partnership, describing it as a step forward in empowering individuals with disabilities.
“We are honoured to collaborate with Flex in this initiative. At USM, we are committed to nurturing graduates who are sensitive to community needs,” she said.
Dr Boo added that the programme’s curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ensuring participants reach their full potential in their roles at Flex.
“We look forward to strengthening our partnership with Flex and continuing to support PwD employees in their professional growth,” she said.
One of Flex’s PwD employees, Rekha Arumugam, 27, shared her excitement about the programme and her experience working at the company.
“Flex provides a safe and supportive environment where we can excel. The staff are friendly, and we have direct access to the management team,” she said through a sign language interpreter.
Rekha, who commutes daily from Taiping, Perak, praised both Flex and USM for their efforts in creating opportunities for PwD employees.
Also present at the event was Flex Penang Plant 5 operations director Vithyavathy Nanoo.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis