AND THE THIRD IN MALAYSIA
Today, Starbucks Malaysia is proud to announce the inauguration of its first Signing Store in Borneo, located at Vivacity Megamall, Kuching. This store marks a significant milestone in the market as the third Signing Store in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur and Penang. The store aims to uplift the local community by fostering inclusivity and celebrating the vibrant culture of the Deaf and hard of hearing people. Since its soft launch on 27 July 2023, the store saw an overwhelming and positive response from its customers.
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“Creating a space that truly embraces diversity and empowers the Deaf and hard of hearing community has been a journey close to our hearts. The opening of the Signing Store at Vivacity Megamall reflects our unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the communities we serve,” said Dato’ Sydney Quays, Chief Executive Officer of Berjaya Food Berhad and Managing Director of Starbucks Malaysia & Brunei. “Through this store, we aim to create a welcoming environment that not only offers exceptional coffee but also fosters a sense of belonging and equal opportunity.”
Over the past 24 years, Starbucks Malaysia has strived to be a transformative force in Malaysia, driven by a vision that places humanity at the core of its operations and the Starbucks mission to nurture the limitless possibilities of human connection. With the introduction of the first Starbucks Signing Store concept globally back in 2016, the company took a bold step towards this aspiration, fostering personal growth and empowerment, and enhancing self-confidence and self-reliance of the Deaf and hard of hearing community in Malaysia. Since then, Starbucks has opened 20 Signing Stores in China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and United States.
With the opening of the third Signing store in Malaysia, the company advances further in its goal to promote awareness and appreciation of the Deaf community by creating employment opportunities and advancement for Deaf partners (employees), fostering meaningful connections between partners and customers. Starbucks remains the only coffee chain brand in Malaysia to establish stores dedicated to supporting the Deaf community.
Starbucks Malaysia works closely with the Sarawak Society for the Deaf (SSD) to provide professional Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) interpretation services and to 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.
“This inclusive effort by Starbucks Malaysia to foster a supportive environment for the Deaf and hard of hearing community is truly commendable. Such initiatives pave the way for greater community integration and empowerment.” said Dato’ Sri Hajah Fatimah Abdullah, Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development.
Every detail of the Signing Store, from the carefully designed touchpoints catering to the Deaf and hard of hearing, to the spacious café area ideal for community workshops, reflects Starbucks commitment to creating an inclusive and enriching environment.
Moreover, Starbucks Malaysia is dedicated to endorsing local artists, including those with disabilities. This commitment is exemplified through collaborations with Deaf artists on exclusive commissioned artwork featured in Signing Stores as well as a core Starbucks® stores. Inside this third Signing Store is a captivating mural by Deaf artist Madang Ding Anyi, from the Orang Ulu community in Sarawak, celebrating the coffee growing essence of Asia Pacific and depicting the flora of Borneo.
As part of this occasion, Starbucks Malaysia introduces an exclusive range of Signing Store merchandise, including keychains, tote bags, ceramic mugs, stainless steel tumblers, plastic cold cups, and limited-edition Starbucks Card, available exclusively in Signing Stores.