STARBUCKS MALAYSIA RAISES RM105,842 FOR ‘SILENT TEDDIES’ BAKERY TO EMPOWER THE DEAF

 Starbucks Malaysia has announced that it has successfully raised over RM105,842 through the sale of its popular Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookies from 2018 to 2024, specially handcrafted by Silent Teddies Bakery, a social enterprise supported by the Community Service Centre for the Deaf (CSCD).

Now, the funds raised through the Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookies have been channeled into the revitalization of CSCD’s building, a project that has plans to bring key areas of the facility back to life.

For years, the centre faced serious deterioration, with over 50% of the building rendered unsafe due to collapsed ceilings, broken asbestos roofing, water leakage, and compromised electrical wiring. These unsafe conditions posed significant challenges for both students and staff.

Thanks to the support from Starbucks and the Malaysian public, CSCD is undergoing a major transformation. The revitalized space will include a modern learning centre, café, and event space designed to support Deaf youth and other PWDs through education, vocational training, and real-world entrepreneurial opportunities.

This time last year, Starbucks Malaysia took the opportunity to donate 72 chairs, 41 tables, and a prep station. With 28 dedicated volunteers contributing 84 community service hours during the session, creating a more welcoming and functional environment for learning and community engagement.

The new building will also integrate sustainable features, including solar energy generation, rainwater harvesting, passive cooling, natural lighting, and even an edible garden, setting a benchmark for eco-conscious, inclusive community spaces.

The collaboration between Starbucks Malaysia and Silent Teddies began in August 2018, driven by a shared mission to create opportunities for Malaysia’s Deaf community. What started as a small initiative soon evolved into a meaningful, long-term partnership, focused on empowerment through education, employment, and social enterprise.

In 2018, Starbucks Malaysia began offering cookies from Silent Teddies in stores nationwide, pledging to contribute RM1 for every cookie sold. More than just a sweet treat, each cookie represents a step toward empowering the Deaf community, helping to sustain Silent Teddies and CSCD’s education and training programmes while fostering greater awareness and inclusion across the country.

A Milestone for Inclusion

This inspiring collaboration also led to the launch of the world’s first Starbucks Signing Store in Bangsar Village II in 2016, operated by Deaf employees. What began as one store has grown to four outlets nationwide, each a powerful symbol of representation, empowerment, and inclusivity.

These groundbreaking stores were made possible through the support and mentorship of CSCD, and the dedication of former CSCD members, who became pioneering Starbucks partners and advocates for the Deaf community.