How Malaysia’s Starbucks Signing Store brewed up a game-changing model for deaf workers

A decade ago, Starbucks Malaysia launched an ambitious experiment to create meaningful career opportunities for the nation’s deaf community. The initiative evolved from offering entry-level jobs into establishment of the world’s first Starbucks Signing Store in Kuala Lumpur. Now, deaf employees are even able to build long-term careers and advance to management roles. As the pilot project changed lives, the concept was expanded to 26 stores around the world. But despite the programme’s success, major communication and educational barriers remain for disabled people hoping to enter the mainstream workforce.