First Signing Store by Deaf Partners @ Bangsar Village II, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Definitely, all of us know about Starbucks as it is famous franchises and have a lot of outlets around the world. Otherwise, I am really proud and delight to hear that Starbucks Malaysia opening the special store for Deaf People. I am grateful to Selina who is my good friend who invited me to attend the special event which has launched by Starbucks Coffee has an unique store, this outlet make "First Signing Store" located at Bangsar Village II which located at Kuala Lumpur. It is very meaningful and enjoyable event where it is getting overwhelm response among Deaf people who are coming to explore and witness the event especially a lot of Deaf Association of members and Deaf students, teachers and others who support Deaf Community Malaysia. Clap Clap! My friends and I are very happy to see them.

Cindy (middle), The Society of Interpreters for the Deaf (SID) make a collaboration with Starbucks Malaysia

Anyways, The Society of Interpreters for the Deaf (SID) make a collaboration with Starbucks Malaysia to launch this store and dedicate to provide the employment opportunities for Deaf Employees. “We are proud to be working with Starbucks to provide job opportunities for Deaf people,” and “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.” said Alvin YM Wong, Chairman of the Society of Interpreters for the Deaf (SID), Selangor and Federal Territory, Malaysia.

Mohammad Aizad Bin Ariffin, 1st Deaf Shift Manager, Starbucks Bangsar Village II, Malaysia

In addition, a hearing impaired Barista named Mohammad Aizad Bin Ariffin who has experience to work in Starbucks for 3 years and his dream is to be 1st Deaf Starbucks Shift Manager and his desire become true. “Since I joined Starbucks three years ago as a barista, my goal has been to become Starbucks Malaysia’s first Deaf store manager and after my recent promotion to shift manager,  I’m well on way to achieving this dream,” and “It’s an incredible feeling to share my journey and help develop other Deaf partners.”said Ariffin.

VIPs and guests are listening from Mr Ariffin's inspiration of speech

Mr Ariffin shares his success story with everyone

Currently, this Signing Store hired 10 Deaf employees and 3 Hearing staff. It is very proudly served by Deaf Partners to serve the customers who dine in at Starbucks Coffee. Ariffin always encourage and give his inspiration story to make Deafs who have a dream job or interested to be Barista for Starbucks Malaysia, it welcomes Deaf People to join them as part of the Starbucks. Besides that, it can boost and develop their self confidence, self esteem and self reliance and many more. 

A Starbucks staff give a speech for the VIPs while Rose Ng, SID sign language interpreter explained about how the Deaf Starbucks set up...

The VIPs answered the questions by the Media and Deaf guests - Q & A via Rose Ng, SID sign language interpreter

If you spend minimum around RM30 in s single receipt, you will get  a FREE Deaf Starbuck keychain, and you love a signing glass mug, buy one (RM32). Credited by Deaf Boleh! Malaysia

Curious how a Deaf Employee serve the customer especially how the hearing customer make an order a coffee? Nervous? No worries, Bangsar Village II Starbucks welcomes the hearing customer experience the warm and friendly environment in the real situation. Just a pay a visit at Bangsar Village Starbucks, I am sure that you will enjoy to explore about it especially learn a basic Sign Language from hearing impaired Baristas. There is also selling the special things such as Sign Language Book Limited Edition (RM35), Frosted Glass Mug (RM32) and complimentary of keychain Starbucks with a minimum spend of RM30 in a single receipt! So cool and interesting! Of course, my friend and I enjoyed to explore about this Signing Store. So enjoyable!

When you visit 1st Deaf Starbucks in Bangsar Village II, you can check out on the board which have a history of story, Deaf stories'community, and etc.

This is a truly amazing and wonderful event ever I see! Absolutely, I am proud to be Deaf and part of Deaf Community Malaysia. I would like to share a meaningful quotes which is "Nothing is impossible and Everything is possible" and "Disability is NOT an obstacle to stop us to purse a high ambition and big dream to be achieved". Anyways, I represent Deaf Community Malaysia to say thank so much, Starbucks Malaysia and The Society of Interpreters for the Deaf (SID) for providing job opportunity for Deaf people across Malaysia. Hope this inspiration story can inspire deaf people and raise the public awareness of the value people with disabilities bring to the workplace for the society.


Do not miss to pay a visit at Bangsar Village II Starbucks! For more information at https://news.starbucks.com/news/deaf-partners-build-careers-at-starbucks and https://www.facebook.com/StarbucksMalaysia

Next time, I will go to visit this store again!