UNIQLO is enhancing workplace inclusivity in Malaysia through a collaboration with Early Autism Project (EAP) Malaysia. This initiative is designed to equip employees with the skills and resources needed to effectively support individuals with disabilities, creating a more inclusive environment for both staff and customers.
EAP Malaysia specializes in providing individualized therapy for people with autism using the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) method. Since December, EAP has been offering specialized training to UNIQLO Malaysia employees, helping them better engage with individuals with disabilities.
Evelyn Tan, Director of Legal and Sustainability at UNIQLO, shared insights with TRP on how the partnership will benefit the disabled community.
Specialized Training for Store Managers
Tan highlighted that the main objective of the collaboration is to provide store managers with the necessary training to engage appropriately with individuals with disabilities.
“Our aim is to give our employees the tools to foster an inclusive environment that benefits everyone—both employees and customers,” she said. She added that UNIQLO hopes to set a new standard for accessibility in the retail industry.
At present, UNIQLO Malaysia employs 27 individuals with disabilities across 27 stores and is committed to expanding this number as the company continues to grow.
Empowering Employees Through Training
The training provided by EAP equips employees with the skills needed to interact effectively and empathetically with individuals with disabilities. It helps raise awareness and offers practical strategies for creating an inclusive and supportive environment.
Tan mentioned, “Through this training, our team gains the confidence to adapt to a variety of situations and provide personalized service to meet the unique needs of each customer.”
Jochebed Isaacs, Director of EAP Malaysia, noted that the training covers communication techniques, accessibility considerations, and creating a workplace that supports inclusivity.
Improving Store Accessibility
In addition to training, UNIQLO has also been enhancing the accessibility of its physical stores. The Damansara Avenue Square outlet, for example, features universal fitting rooms, wheelchair-accessible facilities, and designated parking spaces for individuals with disabilities.
Tan emphasized that inclusivity extends beyond physical features: “It’s about creating a culture where everyone feels respected and valued, both as customers and as employees,” she said.
Inclusive Hiring Practices
UNIQLO Malaysia is committed to hiring individuals with disabilities, focusing on matching roles to their abilities and offering reasonable accommodations. There are no strict limitations regarding the severity of disabilities in the hiring process.
Employees with disabilities receive equal pay, benefits, and opportunities for career growth, along with personalized support to help them succeed in their roles.
Expanding Partnerships to Support Disabled Employment
To address the challenges faced by individuals with autism in securing employment, UNIQLO Malaysia has also partnered with Enabling Academy (EA), a project by Gamuda Berhad aimed at helping adults with autism transition into the workforce.
Through this collaboration, UNIQLO offers a Retail Training Course that combines classroom instruction with hands-on in-store experience. Employees with disabilities lead the course, sharing their personal experiences and insights.
Several graduates of the EA program have already joined UNIQLO’s workforce, and Tan expressed the company’s commitment to continuing these efforts. She also stated that UNIQLO is open to exploring further collaborations with like-minded organizations to create more meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
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