Starbucks Malaysia recently broke new ground by opening an outlet exclusively using sign language for communication. This innovative move not only emphasizes inclusivity but also creates job opportunities for the deaf community.
According to Bernama, this move is more than just opening another store for Starbucks Malaysia. It’s their third ‘signing store’ across the country, aiming to establish deeper connections between staff and customers.
Sydney Quays, the Managing Director of Berjaya Starbucks Coffee, made clear the company’s intent to roll out this initiative nationwide during a press event. This announcement came in the presence of Fatimah Abdullah, Sarawak’s Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Minister.
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Quays elaborated on the dual goal of this initiative: firstly, creating job openings for the deaf community, and secondly, bolstering public awareness and self-confidence within the community. Many from the deaf community often hesitate to step forward because of their condition.
Taking their commitment further, Starbucks Malaysia is partnering with Sarawak Society for the Deaf. The collaboration will usher in professional Malaysian sign language services and an array of activities at the new store.
There’s another feather in Starbucks Malaysia’s cap from earlier this year. As part of their Positive Planet campaign, Starbucks collaborated with Zoo Negara Malaysia to foster animal conservation. How? By adopting a giraffe named Mas Boy aligned with their Happy Giraffe & Friends Collection launch.
To engage their customers in this noble cause, Starbucks announced a donation of RM2 to Zoo Negara for every purchase from this collection. This contribution will fund the care and maintenance of Mas Boy, covering his food, veterinary care, and overall upkeep for an entire year.
But Starbucks Malaysia didn’t stop there. They took their campaign to the next level by teaming up with local celebrities. Personalities like singer Yazmin Aziz, basketball star Austin Veloso, songbird Mia Lateefa, and ex-Miss Universe Malaysia, Shweta Sekhon, visited the zoo to pose with Mas Boy, drawing more attention to the cause.
News source: Marketing Interactive.
