If you've ever taken a step into the Starbucks store at Bangsar Village II, you would notice a rather a little difference in the vibes that the baristas present. And no - I'm not talking about a lack of service but rather smiles that seem warmer than any other Starbucks stores nationwide. But why indeed is this very store just that much special? I'll tell you in just 1 picture...
It's because you'd be proudly served by Deaf partners!
That's right! The world's first Starbucks Signing Store at Bangsar Village II had just celebrated their 3rd anniversary and grand moment was further commemorated by the celebration of their Deaf partners achieving the certification of Advanced Coffee Masters.
Leaning into growth opportunities, the Advanced Coffee Masters Program educates qualified baristas new coffee mastery skills for different equipment. By achieving this certification, Starbucks' newly minted Deaf Advanced Coffee Masters can now serve you quality Pour Over coffee and hold coffee chat sessions using sign languages. This is much like the experience you would have from Starbucks Reserve(TM) stores - except it's made special by the Deaf partners of Starbucks Malaysia.
Lin - a Deaf partner and certified Advanced Coffee Master from the Starbucks Signing Store, Bangsar Village II
Dedicated to empowering the hearing-impaired community nationwide, Starbucks Malaysia has also announced plans to open the first Starbucks Signing Store in Penang. Mirroring the success of its Klang Valley counterpart, the Deaf partners of the Starbucks Signing Store Penang will also be exposed to developing soft skills such as work ethics, teamwork, and be offered further career advancement opportunities.
"At Starbucks, we always endeavor to create a culture of diversity and inclusion. This was how the concept of the Signing Store came about more than three years ago and our deaf partners have come so far in achieving this certification through hard work and determination," said Rina Siew, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager of Starbucks Malaysia and Brunei.
The team of Starbucks Signing Store at Bangsar Village II
So the next time you're down at Bangsar Village II, how about dropping by this uniquely uplifting Starbucks Signing Store to get your cuppa to kickstart your morning? And don't worry if you haven't picked up any sign language - ordering is made simple here. Upon entering the store, simply mark your drink through a menu card and pass them over to the friendly Deaf partners to place your order. Be sure to look at your number on the receipt after, and you'll know when your drink is ready for pick up once your number is called on the digital screen in-store!
For more information, do visit the Starbucks Malaysia website at www.starbucks.com.my
