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

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/pr-news/7-eleven-malaysia-brings-20-year-vision-for-inclusive-employment-with-new-cafe-by-7-eleven-at-universiti-malaya
- Published: 2026-10-21T09:00:00+07:00
- Author: Media OutReach

#### _Inspired by a personal rehabilitation experience, the initiative builds on a long-standing vision to connect rehabilitation with workplace exposure and potential employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and individuals undergoing rehabilitation._

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – [Media OutReach Newswire](https://www.media-outreach.com/)–
21 October 2026 – 7-Eleven Malaysia today officially opened CAFé by 7-Eleven at 
Universiti Malaya (UM), marking the realisation of a vision first proposed by the
Chairman of 7-Eleven Malaysia, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Mohd Annuar bin Zaini, two decades
ago.

![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.](https://images.media-outreach.com/release.php/Thumb/
1600x1067/826367/826367-UM-Cafe-Store-Grand-Openi.jpeg)

 _ **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 opening marks the company’s second institutional partnership aimed at creating
meaningful pathways from rehabilitation to employment, following its collaboration
with Pusat Rehabilitasi PERKESO Sultan Nazrin Shah in Ipoh, Perak.

 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.

Hashtag: #7eleven

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

#### About 7-Eleven Malaysia

7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Berhad through its subsidiary 7-Eleven Malaysia Sdn. 
Bhd. is the owner and operator of 7-Eleven stores in Malaysia. Incorporated on 4
June 1984, 7-Eleven Malaysia has made its mark in the retailing scene and has been
a prominent icon for over 40 years. 7-Eleven Malaysia is the pioneer and largest
24-hour standalone convenience store operator in Malaysia with over 2,700 outlets
nationwide and serves more than 1 million customers daily. 7-Eleven stores can be
found across bustling commercial districts to serene suburban residential compounds
throughout Malaysia, from petrol stations and LRT stations to shopping malls and
medical institutions. My7E loyalty app boasted an impressive membership of 3.7 million
users. As we forge ahead, our commitment remains steadfast in enriching the experience
for our valued members, offering an array of rewards that enhance their journey 
as My7E enthusiasts. 7-Eleven is Always There For You. To learn more, please visit
our website at [www.7eleven.com.my](https://www.7eleven.com.my/)

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**Source** : [7-Eleven Malaysia Brings 20-Year Vision for Inclusive Employment with New CAFé by 7-Eleven at Universiti Malaya](https://www.media-outreach.com/news/malaysia/2026/10/21/495449/?rand=186006)

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