On August 17th, Starbucks Malaysia proudly announced 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 <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2016/deaf-partners-build-careers-at-starbucks/">Kuala Lumpur</a> and <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2019/career-opportunities-expand-in-malaysia-with-opening-of-new-starbucks-signing-store-in-penang/">Penang</a>. 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 &amp; 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.

Starbucks Malaysia launches first Signing Store in Borneo and the third in Malaysia : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Malaysia launches first Signing Store in Borneo and the third in Malaysia

On August 17th, Starbucks Malaysia proudly announced 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.

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https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2023/starbucks-malaysia-launches-first-signing-store-in-borneo-and-the-third-in-malaysia/

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More than 20 EV chargers are now installed at 17 stores across Klang Valley, Penang, Johor and Malacca

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On October 18th, Starbucks Malaysia, in partnership with Yinson GreenTech, unveiled the first of its electric vehicle (EV) charging station, powered by chargEV, at the Starbucks Eco Grandeur in Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. Over the next three years, more EV charging stations, comprising both DC fast chargers and AC charging points, will be built within Starbucks vast network of drive-thru stores in Malaysia as part of the brand’s commitment to be a more resource-positive company.

“Charging your car should be as seamless as ordering a cup of coffee,” said Dato’ Sydney Quays, Group CEO of Berjaya Food Berhad and managing director of Starbucks Malaysia &amp; Brunei. “As a company, we have always been passionate about protecting our planet and driving innovation to enhance the Starbucks experience for our customers. With the inclusion of EV chargers in our stores, it represents a significant milestone in our sustainability efforts as a company, and we hope will lead the retail industry towards a decarbonized future for Malaysia.”

The installation of EV charging machines at Starbucks stores is the first for a retail coffee chain in Malaysia. It also offers a unique opportunity for customers as they can look forward to unwinding inside the store with their preferred Starbucks beverage while their cars recharge outside.

YGT Senior Vice President of Electromobility Ruslin Tamsir said, "We are delighted to support Starbuck's ambition of innovating with more responsible stores by providing chargEV solutions to their outlets, and we are jointly committed to rolling out even more charge points over the next few years."

chargEV is the nation’s largest public charging network operating over 400 charging points nationwide. Two types of charging points are offered based on the EV users’ charging needs: the DC fast chargers at 50kW allow quick charging speed that typically do not exceed an hour while the standard AC chargers slowly charge EVs beyond the hour, which is suitable for those who are not in a hurry and want to enjoy a cup of coffee with friends or by themselves.

As of October 18th, there are 26 EV charging stations at 17 Starbucks stores within Klang Valley, Penang, Malacca and Johor in Malaysia.

Starbucks offers EV charging at stores in Malaysia : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks offers EV charging at stores in Malaysia

More than 20 EV chargers are now installed at 17 stores across Klang Valley, Penang, Johor and Malacca On October 18th, Starbucks Malaysia, in partnership with Yinson GreenTech, unveiled the first of its electric vehicle (EV) charging station, powered by chargEV, at the Starbucks Eco Grandeur in Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. Over the next three […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2022/starbucks-offers-ev-charging-at-stores-in-malaysia/

The iconic coffee brand now reaches all states and federal territories in the market

Starbucks Malaysia today announced the official opening of its first store in Perlis, completing the company’s presence in all states and federal territories in Malaysia. The new store is a drive-thru store located in the state’s capital of Kangar, the largest town in Perlis that has historically been known for its paddy field landscape and rice production.&nbsp; Customers visiting the store will be able to enjoy Starbucks signature handcrafted beverages prepared by passionate and skilled baristas, as well as locally inspired food items such as the recently launched Kuih Kerak Jagung. “We are delighted to bring the unique Starbucks Experience to customers in Perlis, the remaining state in Malaysia without a Starbucks store location until today,” said Dato’ Sydney Quays, Group CEO of Berjaya Food Berhad and managing director of Starbucks Malaysia &amp; Brunei. “This store marks a key milestone for the company and represents a great opportunity to deliver the exceptional coffee experience that so many Malaysians have come to love. We look forward to welcoming and sharing our coffee passion with all Perlisians. We are excited to be a part of this local community.”

The first Starbucks® store in Perlis has been designed to reflect the brand’s more than 50-year coffee heritage, while embracing Malaysia’s distinctive local traditions and culture. Key features include floor-to-ceiling glass windows that bring the beauty of the surrounding natural lighting into the store, where customers will find ample seating and also several artworks of Pike Place, Seattle, a tribute to the brand’s roots of revolutionizing café culture around the world.&nbsp; The beautiful interior of the store is made up of a composition of wood, metal and cement finishes to create a bright and welcoming Third Place for customers to go to between their home and workplace. The store also elevates the coffeehouse experience by including pops of green through its indoor plants and stunning landscaping to inspire its appreciation for the nature that surrounds the city, and also a nod to its sustainability commitments.

Starbucks Opens its First Store in Perlis, Malaysia : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Opens its First Store in Perlis, Malaysia

The iconic coffee brand now reaches all states and federal territories in the market Starbucks Malaysia today announced the official opening of its first store in Perlis, completing the company’s presence in all states and federal territories in Malaysia. The new store is a drive-thru store located in the state’s capital of Kangar, the largest […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2022/starbucks-opens-its-first-store-in-perlis-malaysia/

Starbucks Malaysia today unveiled Starbucks Reserve® Tropicana Gardens, the largest in the market. Located in the heart of the bustling community between Kota Damansara and Tropicana Indah, the store features two bars: a main bar offering all core and seasonal handcrafted Starbucks beverages, as well as a coffee bar that offers six different brewing methods, including pour-over, Chemex®, siphon, Black Eagle espresso and Nitro Cold Brew. 

The immersive coffee experience – spanning nearly 6,000 square-foot of retail space – celebrates all-things coffee. The layout of the store itself is similar to that of a coffee bean, with a large curvature and floor-to-ceiling windows that connect to a small garden and rapid transit station. The main highlight of the store is a 50-foot wide ‘Wall of Gratitude’, which features photos of more than 200 frontliners medical workers and Starbucks baristas. The mural serves as both a way to pay tribute to the people who have been fighting together against the COIVD-19 pandemic and also as a physical reminder of the events of the past year that have made Malaysians stronger and more resilient than ever.

“Over the past five years, the Starbucks Reserve® concept has brought about a catalyst of growth in the industry focusing on customer experience and passion for coffee in Malaysia. With the opening of Starbucks Reserve® Tropicana Gardens, customers can expect the same human connection and immersive coffee experience that will continue to inspire coffee passion to the community,” said Sydney Quays, Group CEO of Berjaya Food Berhad and managing director of Starbucks Malaysia &amp; Brunei. “We are delighted to be able to open this store and celebrate the commitment, resiliency and creativity of our partners and customers in these unique times.”

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Starbucks opens largest Starbucks Reserve® store in Malaysia : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks opens largest Starbucks Reserve® store in Malaysia

Starbucks Malaysia today unveiled Starbucks Reserve® Tropicana Gardens, the largest in the market.

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https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/starbucks-opens-largest-starbucks-reserve-store-in-malaysia/

Located in the heart of Penang’s historic Deaf community, the Penang Signing Store serves as the Third Place for community events and celebrations of Deaf culture

New store is Starbucks fourth Signing Store globally and second in Malaysia, the first Starbucks market to launch the Signing Store format

Today, Starbucks announced the opening of the Penang Signing Store, its second in Malaysia and fourth globally, as part of its ongoing commitment to inclusion, accessibility and diversity. Located in the heart of Penang’s historic Deaf community, the store creates new career opportunities for Deaf and Hard of Hearing partners (employees), while also serving as the Third Place for Penang’s long-established Deaf community to host sign language workshops and career development seminars. 

“The overwhelming success of our first Signing Store in Kuala Lumpur in 2016 demonstrated the importance of representation and belonging in the workplace,” said Sydney Quays, managing director of Starbucks Malaysia &amp; Brunei. “It taught us how valuing different perspectives not only contributes back to the business, but also make meaningful changes that enriches lives. The reason that we chose Penang is because of its rich culture and historic relationship with the Deaf community in Malaysia, spanning more than 50 years.”

Starbucks Malaysia partnered with the Penang Deaf Association to support the professional training and development of the store’s partners, including internship opportunities and sign language classes for the store’s seven hearing partners. “We’re very excited to partner with Starbucks to provide richer career opportunities and sense of belonging to the Deaf community in Penang,” said Razman Tan Abdullah, President of the Penang Deaf Association. “Starbucks stores are a place for many kinds of people to come together, and we’re proud to invite everyone to experience the vibrant Deaf culture that has thrived here in Penang for over 70 years.”

The three-story, 4,600 sq. ft. store in Penang showcases how digital innovation enhances inclusive design. Touchpoints around the store have been designed specifically to meet the needs of Deaf and Hard of Hearing partners and customers, including visual alarms, digital trays, and point-of-sale systems with an attached customer display.

The store design celebrates Deaf culture with a mural wall created by local Deaf artist Lim Anuar. Exclusive Signing Store merchandise will also be available, including the first Starbucks Cards to feature Starbucks in sign language, as well as mugs and keychains.

The U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia, Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir, attended the opening ceremony and praised Starbucks Malaysia’s innovative Signing Store format, which launched in the U.S. in 2018 and China in May 2019. “Starbucks should be lauded for their proactive approach to diverse hiring. It has set a positive example of how an American company can learn and adapt to a program that was initiated right here in Malaysia, by Malaysians. I continue to take great pride in promoting the commitment to inclusion and the outstanding corporate social responsibility work showcased by American firms like Starbucks that operate in Malaysia.”

“As a global brand, Starbucks believes that one of the most important contributions we can make is to serve as a catalyst for positive impact in the communities where we do business,” said John Culver, group president, International, Channel Development and Global Coffee &amp; Tea. “For nearly 50 years, we’ve aimed to live by our Mission and Values everywhere around the world. We are proud of our partners in Malaysia for taking the lead in inclusion, accessibility and diversity, and inspiring us to expand the Signing Store format around the world.”

In conjunction with the launch day, the store will offer the Vanilla Fig Frappuccino® blended beverage at a special opening price. For each purchase, Starbucks Malaysia will donate RM1 (0.24USD) to the Penang Deaf Association to develop programs that will support the community.

Since Starbucks opened its first store in Malaysia in 1998, Starbucks Malaysia has grown to 300 stores across 58 cities, employing more than 4,000 partners.

Starbucks partner takes customer's order in Malaysian Sign Language at Signing Store in Penang

Starbucks new Signing Store creates development opportunities for Deaf and Hard of Hearing partners in Penang, Malaysia.

Career Opportunities Expand in Malaysia with New Starbucks Signing Store : Starbucks Stories Asia

Career Opportunities Expand in Malaysia with New Starbucks Signing Store

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https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2019/career-opportunities-expand-in-malaysia-with-opening-of-new-starbucks-signing-store-in-penang/