7-Eleven Malaysia Brings 20-Year Vision for Inclusive Employment with New CAFé by 7-Eleven at Universiti Malaya

From left to right: Professor Ir. Dr. Ramesh Singh Kuldip Singh, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya (Development), Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Noor Azuan Abu Osman, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya (UM), Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Zarinah Anwar, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Universiti Malaya (UM), Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Mohd Annuar bin Zaini, Chairman of 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Bhd, Mr. Steve Hayes Dacus, Representative Director, President & CEO of Seven & i Holdings, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Vincent Tan, Founder and Advisor of Berjaya Corporation Bhd, Mr. Wong Wai Keong​, Co-Chief Executive Officer at 7-Eleven Malaysia, and Mr. Ken Wakabayashi​, President & CEO of 7-Eleven International.

The initiative holds personal significance for Tan Sri Annuar, whose vision was inspired by his own rehabilitation experience at University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) around 20 years ago. While undergoing physiotherapy and occupational therapy, he encountered a young accident survivor whose disability raised concerns about his future employment prospects. The experience prompted Tan Sri Annuar to consider how 7-Eleven outlets could provide opportunities for vocational training and potential employment for individuals recovering from accidents or medical conditions.

In 2006, he proposed establishing a 7-Eleven outlet on the Universiti Malaya campus as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts. The opening of CAFé by 7-Eleven at UM represents a meaningful step towards realising that long-held aspiration.

Through its collaboration with UMMC, 7-Eleven Malaysia aims to support occupational therapy programmes for patients undergoing rehabilitation and explore suitable workplace exposure and employment opportunities within its stores upon completion of their rehabilitation. Opportunities will be considered based on each individual’s abilities and readiness, as well as the requirements of the role and outlet. Through this approach, the company hopes to help individuals rebuild confidence, develop practical workplace skills and work towards greater independence.

The opening ceremony was attended by Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Vincent Tan, Founder and Advisor of Berjaya Corporation Berhad, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Zarinah Anwar, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Universiti Malaya; Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Noor Azuan Abu Osman, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya; management from 7-Eleven Malaysia, 7-Eleven International and Seven & i Holdings; university administrators, students, and representatives from 7-Eleven Malaysia.

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Mohd Annuar bin Zaini, Chairman of 7-Eleven Malaysia, said the initiative reflects a personal commitment to creating practical pathways from rehabilitation to meaningful employment.

“At 7-Eleven Malaysia, we believe businesses can play a practical role in creating more inclusive pathways into employment. For individuals undergoing rehabilitation, workplace exposure and suitable employment opportunities can be important steps towards rebuilding confidence, developing independence and reconnecting with society.

“Our collaboration with Universiti Malaya and UMMC builds on our experience with Pusat Rehabilitasi PERKESO Sultan Nazrin Shah in Ipoh. By working alongside rehabilitation professionals, we aim to explore opportunities that match individuals’ abilities and readiness, while taking into account the requirements of each role and outlet.

“This initiative is personally meaningful to me, having been inspired by my own rehabilitation experience at UMMC more than 20 years ago. I hope it will encourage wider collaboration with hospitals, rehabilitation centres, universities, NGOs and other organisations to develop practical pathways from rehabilitation to employment.

“Whether through a CAFé by 7-Eleven outlet or other suitable employment opportunities, we welcome partners who share our vision of helping more individuals participate meaningfully in the workforce,” he said.

A Café Designed Around Community, Opportunity and Inclusion

Beyond its CSR focus, CAFé by 7-Eleven at Universiti Malaya has been designed to serve the needs of the university community, offering more than a conventional convenience-led café experience. Whether students are looking for a quick breakfast, coffee between lectures, a meal or a comfortable place to spend time with friends, the café aims to become a familiar part of campus life.

The café features a dedicated lounge area where students can study, work on assignments, socialise and unwind between classes. In collaboration with Universiti Malaya, students contributed to the café’s environment by designing and painting murals for the space, reflecting the outlet’s role as a shared community destination.

The outlet also introduces CAFé by 7-Eleven’s first noodle-making station and noodle library, offering students greater variety and a more interactive, convenient dining experience. An automated self-service checkout is planned for a future phase to further enhance convenience through technology.

Beyond providing a welcoming space for students to study, socialise and unwind, the café also aims to create part-time employment opportunities for Universiti Malaya students. These opportunities would allow students to earn an income while gaining practical workplace experience and developing skills alongside their studies.

Building Partnerships for a More Inclusive Workforce

The initiative reflects 7-Eleven Malaysia’s broader commitment to creating practical pathways for individuals who may face barriers to entering or returning to the workforce.

Working alongside medical and rehabilitation professionals, the company aims to explore suitable opportunities for workplace exposure, part-time employment and other roles within its retail network, taking into account individual abilities, readiness and operational requirements.

Building on its collaboration with Pusat Rehabilitasi PERKESO Sultan Nazrin Shah in Ipoh and its partnership with Universiti Malaya and UMMC, 7-Eleven Malaysia welcomes discussions with hospitals, rehabilitation centres, universities, NGOs and other organisations interested in developing similar initiatives. These may include hosting a CAFé by 7-Eleven outlet or exploring other suitable employment pathways for individuals undergoing rehabilitation.

As CAFé by 7-Eleven at Universiti Malaya opens its doors, the company will continue exploring how its retail network can contribute to meaningful employment opportunities and more inclusive communities.

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References

1. ^{^} Media OutReach Newswire (www.media-outreach.com)