In conjunction with the world’s first Starbucks Signing Store 2nd Anniversary celebration, Starbucks Malaysia announced today the launch of the Starbucks Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookies across all its stores throughout Malaysia. For every purchase of the cookies at Starbucks, RM1 will be channeled to the Silent Teddies Bakery, a social enterprise started by the Community Service Centre for the deaf (CSCD) to support their programs and its schools for the Deaf children.
“It is heart-warming to see how Malaysians are coming together to support the under-represented groups in Malaysia. I am especially inspired by how the Starbucks Signing Store has provided a platform for the Deaf community to work and also to continue developing soft skills that would allow them to live a fulfilling life. With the help of corporations like Starbucks, I believe there is potential for more workplaces in Malaysia to become more inclusive, and more diverse.” said Yang Berhormat Puan Hannah Yeoh, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development when she officiated the Starbucks Signing Store’s 2nd anniversary celebration.
As part of the continuous learning and development initiatives at Starbucks, the Starbucks Signing Store in Malaysia now houses a total of nine Deaf baristas who are 100% certified coffee masters. The Deaf Coffee Masters in Malaysia will be distinguishable by black aprons that feature a special embroidery with ‘Starbucks’ in Malaysian Sign Language. In addition, these Deaf baristas are also qualified to conduct coffee chat sessions with the public using sign language much like the baristas at the Starbucks Reserve™ stores in Malaysia.
Chief Executive Officer of Berjaya Food Berhad and Managing Director of Starbucks Malaysia and Brunei, Mr. Sydney Quays said, “A big part of what we do at Starbucks is to create a culture of diversity and inclusion. Through this partnership with Silent Teddies Bakery, we hope to further improve the lives of the Deaf community than just providing them with job opportunities. Being the first country to introduce the Starbucks Signing Store concept into the world was a stepping stone for us. Its success has even inspired our North American Starbucks partners to learn and study our business model, which has now materialized into the first Starbucks in the United States which plans to open this October.”
Each Starbucks® Jumbo Cookie are unique as they are all handmade with no preservatives added. The cookies will be priced at RM 6.90, and will gradually be rolled out to all Starbucks stores nationwide, including East Malaysia, starting from 8 August 2018 onwards (Refer to Appendix 1). Starbucks Malaysia has also launched the exclusive Signing Store 2nd Anniversary merchandise which are only available at the Starbucks Signing Store at Bangsar Village II.
A uniquely uplifting Starbucks Experience
Inside the Starbucks Signing Store, customers will be familiar with what they see and smell: the rich aroma of the finest Arabica coffee, served by partners in the iconic green aprons in a warm, bustling environment. But while Deaf partners engage with customers with the enthusiasm, passion and craft that they expect from Starbucks, they deliver the iconic Starbucks Experience in a uniquely uplifting way.
When customers go to order, they will notice something different, as the usual greeting and sound of baristas calling out beverage orders is replaced by sign language. Customers place orders using a simple menu card which they mark before passing it to the barista and Deaf partners use handwritten notes to communicate with customers. Upon placing the order, each customer is given a number on the receipt and once the beverage has been prepared, the number is displayed on a screen telling them it’s ready.
Strengthening Communities across Asia
Starbucks Malaysia has a proud history of employing under-represented groups in the workplace. This includes the launch of the Starbucks VIP Program three years ago to attract mature partners who are 55 years of age and above. As part of the program, Starbucks provides flexible work hours and other benefits for seniors. There are currently more than 10 VIP partners working in Starbucks Malaysia stores, the oldest being 73 years old.
For more information, please visit the Starbucks Malaysia website at www.starbucks.com.my.