STARBUCKS Malaysia marked yet another milestone today with the opening of its first signing store in Penang which is the second of its kind in the country.
Berjaya Food Bhd chief executive officer (CEO) and Starbucks Malaysia & Brunei managing director Sydney Quays said the store would be dedicated to offer employment and development opportunities for the deaf and hard of hearing community in the state.
“We created the Starbucks Signing Store three years ago as a place to celebrate the contributions of our deaf and hard of hearing partners.
“By valuing the perspectives that people with disabilities bring into the workplace, we were able to provide a uniquely uplifting experience that made people feel represented and gave them a sense of belonging.
“Thus, these stores demonstrate Starbucks commitment to building a company where everyone is welcome, with inclusion at its core,” Quays said in his speech during the opening ceremony of Starbucks Signing Store in Burmah Road in Pulau Tikus today.
To date, the Starbucks Signing Store in Burma Road is operated by seven deaf and hard of hearing partners from across the state who are fluent in the Malaysian sign language.
According to Quays, Starbucks Malaysia also partnered with Penang Deaf Association (PDA) to facilitate the professional training and development of the store partners.
“This is including Malaysian sign language classes and internship opportunities.
“Just like other Starbucks partners, the signing store partners also give a chance at career progression.
“They can undergo the Coffee Master Program to deepen their coffee knowledge and barista craft.
“After completing the certification, they are distinguishable by their black aprons that feature a special embroidery with ‘Starbucks’ in Malaysian sign language,” he added.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who graced the opening ceremony of the event, praised the innovative approach by Starbucks Malaysia as the right step towards aiding and empowering the disability community.
“It is truly inspiring and humbling to know the many ways by which Starbucks, a company with humanity at its core, supports and empowers the communities in which it serves.
“In many ways, the community and social values embodied by Starbucks also reflect the vision of the state government to create a truly inclusive society where nobody is left behind.
“So, I believe that through this innovative approach, members of the deaf community will feel empowered to develop their careers in a vibrant and supportive environment.
“Thus, I am confident there will be an increase in employment opportunities as well as accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing people in Penang,” Chow said.
Chow also encouraged other organisations to follow the example set by Starbucks in empowering the disability community.
The new Starbucks Signing Store underwent a transformation where touchpoints around the store have been modified to cater to the deaf and hard of hearing partners as well as customers alike.
The three-storey store also features a mural designed by local Penang deaf artist, Lim Anuar.
In conjunction with the opening, Starbucks Malaysia also launched a new signing store keychain and an exclusive Starbucks card specially designed for the Starbucks signing store in Burma Road.
Also present during the opening ceremony were the United States ambassador to Malaysia Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir, Berjaya Group CEO Datuk Seri Robin Tan Yeong Ching, state Welfare, Caring Society, and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, Ayer Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang, Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee Chun Kit and PDA president Razman Tan.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Alvie Cheng
Video by Chan Kok Kuan