It is an industry first among major fast-food franchises in Malaysia, in an effort to be more inclusive to those with disabilities.
The initiative is in partnership with The Society of Interpreters for the Deaf (SID) to promote opportunities for the deaf throughout the country.
“We are proud to be working with Starbucks to provide job opportunities for deaf people,” Alvin YM Wong, Malaysia SID chairman, said in a press release.
The outlet is located at Bangsar Village II.
“Through Starbucks, these deaf partners are trained and empowered to move forward in their careers, which will give them a sense of pride and accomplishment in the long run.”
Customers will be able to order via sign language or through a digital kiosk where they can check their card balance for any rewards and request drinks.
The barista will key in the order on a point-of-sale dual screen, so customers can double check that their beverage order – and name – is accurate.
The Star quoted Sydney Quays, managing director of Starbucks Malaysia and Brunei, as saying: “We are proud to support people with disabilities through work fulfillment, to create a culture of empowerment and to bring new perspectives to the workplace… which ultimately makes us a better company.”
The idea for the initiative was seeded a year ago, when then-barista Muhammad Aizad Ariffin expressed a wish – to be the first deaf shift supervisor at Starbucks – in the company’s employer branding video.
His drive and message inspired his colleagues, and sparked the move that should put Starbucks Malaysia on the inclusive employment opportunities map worldwide.
Aizad is now the shift supervisor at the Bangsar Village II outlet. His next goal is to become Starbucks Malaysia’s first deaf Coffee Master, according to The Star.
According to Yvonne Kua, Starbucks Malaysia’s assistant manager for public affairs and communications, Starbucks Malaysia already has three deaf partners (as it refers to its employees) working as baristas, one each in the MidValley Megamall, Pavilion KL and Berjaya Times Square outlets.
The Bangsar Village II outlet has had its ordering and collection system adjusted for the 10 deaf partners who work there.
