One man's crusade to empower the deaf

DR ALLEN TEH, 52, has a vision to someday become the world’s biggest employer of the deaf.

He has already embarked on his plan and his Deaf-In-Business (DIB) Coffees Of Hawaii restaurant at Menara Gamuda in Damansara Perdana is operated by nine deaf and two able-bodied staff.

DIB is a gourmet coffee restaurant which focused on Western food and coffee.

The non-profit community business project was set up in 2011.

Teh invested his life savings of RM500,000 into the business, and was not embarrassed to admit that his business was running at a loss.

He funded DIB, with the income from his separate business entity, as he wanted to empower the disabled community especially the deaf.

Teh said he was trying hard to secure government related funds to continue providing job opportunities to the disabled community.

Although he was able-bodied, Teh’s passion towards helping the deaf stemmed from a time, when he worked with the deaf at a fast food restaurant chain in the 1980s.

“When I was younger, I was very vocal and the company’s management disliked me.

“I was ordered to work with the deaf, and, I had no such experience.

“I had to train the deaf when I didn’t even know sign language.

“To my surprise, I fell in love working with them as they are a dedicated group,” he said.

This inspired him to set up DIB after he quit his years of service in the corporate world and from his high paying salaried job.

He had staff from around the country including those from East Malaysia.

“DIB’s venue is sponsored by Menara Gamuda and we are very grateful to the company.

“However, the overhead cost is high. I support this business with my income from another training related business.

“The staff at DIB receive a monthly salary and they are offered hostels to stay. Their transportation is also taken care of,” he said.

A high achiever in his career, Teh’s heart was close to the deaf hence he set up DIB.

His family was less supportive over his business, but he struts on, with greater plans in store for the deaf community .

“I was a regional human resource director and something inside me just wanted to help this community and I can’t turn back now,” he said.

Teh said he was trying hard to secure government funds to continue his business but he has failed, so far.

He was also disappointed that despite his personal crusade to help the deaf, he had never received any assistance from non-governmental organisations dealing with the deaf.

“Most funds are only available to the disabled.

“I am an employer who hires the deaf. I am not sure how long I can sustain this business and continue providing jobs for the deaf.

“I hope someone will sincerely come forward and help us,” he said adding that DIB’s monthly operational cost was RM20,000.

Teh hoped to one day venture into reality shows to showcase the multi-faced lives of his deaf staff.

He hoped the TV stations would be keen with his idea.

“There are many cooking shows highlighting famous personalities, but nothing for the disabled group,

“Despite not being able to talk, staff are able to appreciate what goes on at work and at their dormitory.

“One of my staff often gets into arguments with his fellow co-worker, and he was last consoled with an ice-ceam.

“They have even taken my bike for a ride without my knowledge, and returned home with minor bruises.

“They lead colourful lives but are very diligent at work. They take their job seriously and are able to work independently.

“All the cooking at DIB is done by them,” he said.

One of Teh’s staff will soon set up a mini food kiosk in a local college.

This would enable the deaf to become entrepreneurs, and they would be able to provide job opportunities to other deaf people, in the future.

Teh hoped more organisations would employ the disabled community and that employers like him should be better welcomed with government grants and funds to help the community further.

For details, call 019-352 3082 (Allen) or visit www.dibcoffeesofhawaii.org, [e-mail]