The workshop, held in Hotel Maya, Kuala Lumpur, was attended by some 36 participants comprising parents, educators and individuals from corporate organisations.
During the workshop, representatives from McDonalds, Mydin, Intercontinental Hotel Kuala Lumpur and Job Coach Network Malaysia came forward to share their experiences, skills and knowledge after hiring person with disabilities within their respective organisations. There were also various role play sessions, group discussions and sharing of real-life situations about the process of interviewing a person with disability and what the various phases entail.
More than just an SDB Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, SDB group managing director Ms Teh Lip Kim also opened up about her own personal experience with her 14-year-old son, Ming, who is a special needs child.
“Since Ming came into my life, he has shaped me into a better, nicer person and has changed me from what I am to who I am. He has shown me what the world needs – more love, generosity and sincerity that comes from the heart,” shared Ms Teh.
“It is because of Ming, and the plight of the communities that need us, that has touched me. I wanted to embark on this journey of job coaching as a platform to help parents, teachers and corporate organisations to know that there is hope for people with disabilities.
“It humbles me to know that the world has changed indeed from 10 years ago, when people with disabilities were looked down upon. However, they are now highly sought after and some even agree that they indeed perform better than those without disabilities,” she further said.
Meanwhile, Mrs Lim Geok Cheng, a parent who had attended the workshop, was very grateful to learn more about job coaching.
“My son is special needs and he is 17 years old, and I am very worried about him. However, I feel a lot more comfortable and secure after I heard about job coaching,” she said. “I am so touched that so many companies are embarking on this journey as it brings hope for me, my son and the community with disabilities.”
Grace Gan, a senior trainer with Job Coach Network Malaysia, shared that that hiring a person with disabilities can be a challenging, yet an exciting journey which requires a lot of patience.
“An employment support plan is crucial to help people with disabilities enter the workforce,” she said. “Processes would include job matching and modification to the job role. However, when you witness the person growing into the role, there is great fulfilment, especially if that person with disability has gained meaningful and sustainable employment.”
SDB have also initiated the “One-Two-Juice” juice bar and “One-Two-Wash” car wash CSR initiatives to empower individuals with disabilities with the necessary confidence to enter the workforce.
“These initiatives are not just about providing temporary assistance and providing physical training, but also emotional support and coaching. Once they are developed, we encourage them to move on and take up bigger challenges,” said Ms Teh.
From the job training workshop, participants were tasked with choosing an individual to coach, and applying what they have learnt on the individual.
“I hope this initiative makes a difference to people in need. Imagine how their lives would change, and the worries of their caregivers will eventually fade away, as they learn to take a train by themselves and eventually excel in their job,” Ms Teh added.
“It brings me deep satisfaction, and pride, much so than the dollars and cents or materialistic things we all chase at some point in our lives.”
SDB’s upcoming CSR initiative in weeks ahead is called “One-Two-Gift”, a soap-making project, to produce 1200 pieces of naturally-made soaps handcrafted by individuals with disabilities.
“These soaps will then be given to new homeowners in one of our completed developments. Everyone wants to give, and be part of giving, one can, you know, and you can,” she concluded.
Picture Link:
https://wetransfer.com/downloads/58c8cd43b71962b0bcf1
7e711acd3d6720190131071947/89af7d
SOURCE: Selangor Dredging Berhad (SDB)
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name : Anusha K
Assistant Manager, Comm. & Corp.Affairs
Tel : 603.2161 3377
Fax : 603.2161 6651
Email : anusha.k@sdb.com.my
www.sdb.com.my
--BERNAMA
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