Starbucks Malaysia just opened their 4th “signing store”!

If you’ve ever wondered how ordering your caramel macchiato could help change someone’s life… well, it can. Starbucks Malaysia has officially opened its FOURTH Signing Store in Permas City, Johor, on December 17, 2024, just in time to celebrate its 26th anniversary.

This isn’t just your average Starbucks, though — it’s a cafe where the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community takes center stage, offering both a heartwarming story and a cool (and caffeinated) learning experience for all of us.

From the first signing store to opening it’s 4th in Malaysia

Over the past 26 years in Malaysia, the brand has promoted Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), exemplified by its innovative Signing Store concept established in 2016. But what is a signing store?

A Starbucks Signing Store is run by Deaf and Hard of Hearing baristas who communicate using Malaysia’s sign language, Bahasa Isyarat Malaysia (BIM). You might be familiar with the world’s first Signing Store, which opened at Bangsar Village II in 2016 (yes, Malaysia made history with that one!). Since then, Starbucks has brewed up more Signing Stores in Penang and Sarawak (first in Borneo), and now Johor joins the list — marking the very first in the southern region.

“We are excited to see how this effort will enhance awareness and collaboration in support of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing  community.”

Mohd Yazid Bain, President of Society Deaf Johor (SDJO)

This fourth store is not just about your kopi fix — it’s also a platform to empower and celebrate the talents of the Deaf community. Take, for example, Mohd Akmal, who started as a barista back in 2016 and just got promoted to store supervisor at this new location.

“When I joined Starbucks as a barista when the world’s first Signing Store was established at Bangsar Village II in 2016, I never thought I’d one day be leading a team.”

Mohd Akmal

What makes each signing store stand out?

Let’s talk art. Each Signing Store collaborates with a Deaf artist, and the spotlight in Permas City shines on Wong Jia Yaw, whose artwork, The Colors of Joy, reflects the beauty and resilience of Deaf culture. It features vibrant coffee cherries growing from green to red, symbolizing growth and connection, and incorporates handshapes that spell J.O.Y. in sign language. (The next time you drink your latte, remember there’s a little J.O.Y. in every sip.)

“As we open our fourth Signing Store and the very first in the southern region, we are proud to continue expanding our mission of creating inclusive spaces and opportunities,”

Dato’ Sydney Quays, Group CEO of Berjaya Food Berhad and Managing Director of Starbucks Malaysia

“We are honored to establish this store in such a vibrant location and are excited to expand our Signing Store footprint, ensuring that more people across Malaysia can experience the inclusivity and connection these stores represent. We invite everyone to visit and be part of this meaningful journey.”

Dato’ Sydney Quays

Awesome deals for everyone… especially those with PWD/OKU cards

To mark the celebration, Starbucks is giving a little something-something to those with PWD/OKU cards, yesterday they were able to indulge in a complimentary grande-sized handcrafted Starbucks beverage at all stores nationwide all customers could enjoy a 26% off on all items. BUT that’s not all, to further uplift and empower the PWD/OKU community, a 15% discount will be given out to all PWD/OKU cardholders from 18 December 2024 (today) onwards.

Additionally, from 17 December 2024, customers who spend a minimum of RM50 in a single receipt will receive a FREE coaster, while stocks last. All promotions are exclusively available at the Starbucks Signing Store Permas City and subject to terms and conditions.

Malaysians can celebrate the opening of Starbucks Signing Store Permas City with exclusive promotions from 17 to 21 December 2024. The first 40 visitors each day who sign ‘Starbucks’ in Malaysia sign language (BIM) will be treated to a free Tall Americano or Freshly Brewed Coffee. A ‘Buy One Free One’ deal on beverages will be available daily from 12PM to 3PM, with even more exciting activities to be unveiled soon.

The opening promises to be an inclusive and interactive experience, offering a variety of engaging features. There will also be fun games and activities available, ensuring that all guests have unforgettable experiences. To add a special touch to the event, Signing Store merch and limited-edition Permas City Signing Store Starbucks Cards will be available, offering customers keepsakes to commemorate this meaningful occasion.

If you wanna learn sign language, now’s your chance

If you want to learn to be more inclusive and be able to communicate with individuals that are hard of hearing, Starbucks will host a Malaysian Sign Language Workshop on Friday and Saturday (20 and 21 December 2024). The best part it that it is open to the public.

This workshop is designed to promote understanding and appreciation of Deaf culture, providing a unique opportunity to connect with and learn about the community. For those interested in joining, click here to learn more and secure your spot as it is limited!