KUCHING: The collaboration between Starbucks Malaysia and Sarawak Society for the Deaf (SSD) has opened doors to promote equality by providing opportunities to the deaf community and offering chances to those who are differently abled.
Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the state government was honoured to see the collaboration which promoted inclusivity and awareness towards them.
“Community empowerment holds significant importance within the local community.
“Beyond the regular government aid provided to the disabled (OKU), we also anticipate contributions from the local community such as the involvement of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to further enhance the support directed towards the disabled,” she said.
Fatimah said this when declaring open the Kuching Starbucks Signing Store at Vivacity Megamall here yesterday.
“As a minority in the society, deaf people often face various challenges in their life. This may be caused by the barriers of communication and cultural differences and SSD plays an important role in connecting the deaf and hearing world,” she added.
Thus, she expressed her hope that other businesses in Malaysia will follow Starbucks’ footsteps in engaging with differently abled communities to create a more inclusive workforce.
“Congratulations to the Starbucks Malaysia and SSD for making the launching of the Kuching Starbucks Signing Store which is the first in Borneo, third in Malaysia and the 20th in the world, possible.
“It is my hope this effort to promote inclusivity and awareness will continue, and all parties join hands to implement such initiatives. Your dedication serves as an inspiration to us all, and I look forward to witnessing the continued growth of your meaningful endeavours,” she said.
Meanwhile, Fatimah said under the ministry, several steps to educate the community regarding sign language and various matters involving the deaf community were being taken.
For example, she said the ministry started to include sign language as a subject in the TASKA and SeDidik Kindergarten (TADIKA) in Sarawak.
With the introduction of the first Signing Store in Borneo, Starbucks Malaysia solidifies its position as a trailblazer in promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the workplace.
Starbucks remains the only coffee chain brand in Malaysia to establish a community store dedicated to supporting the deaf community.
Starbucks Malaysia works closely with the SSD to provide professional Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) interpretation services.
Through their partnership with SSD, the store will host various activities for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community – providing a platform where they can gather to share ideas, learn more about job opportunities, or connect with each other on current issues.
