The McDonald’s team sharing moments of joy with residents of Siri Jayanti Metta Care Centre.
THE business landscape in Malaysia has seen significant growth over the years, often propelled by strong leadership, continuous talent development and commitment to education in the workplace.
Among industry players, McDonald’s Malaysia stands as a prime example of how corporate leadership and talent development can fuel local growth.
Since 2017, under the leadership of managing director and local operating partner Datuk Azmir Jaafar, the company has significantly contributed to the development of local talent, education and career advancement, while aiming to provide “gold standard” customer service.
From its first outlet in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, in 1982, McDonald’s has expanded to over 370 stores nationwide.
The company has blended local culture into its global identity through unique menu items like Nasi Lemak McD and locally inspired architecture, such as Minangkabau designs, demonstrating a commitment to Malaysian heritage.
Growth with purpose
As a locally owned company, McDonald’s Malaysia is committed to ensuring that its business benefits the country’s economic growth and its people.
Azmir elaborated, “In the next 10 years, we are aiming to open more restaurants across Malaysia.
“This expansion is expected to generate many new job opportunities, significantly contributing to local employment and economic development.
“These efforts underscore our dedication not only to business growth but also to contributing positively to the broader Malaysian community and economy,” he further commented.
Community at heart
At the core of its operations in Malaysia are its local employees, including Persons with Disabilities (PWD) and the elderly.
The company has launched the McDonald’s Vocational Academy in partnership with the Human Resources Ministry (Kesuma), providing food service courses under the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Policy, with all associated costs covered for B40 youth.
Additionally, the company supports employees seeking career advancement through various training programmes offered by McDonald’s training facility, Hamburger U, or partner universities.
“McDonald’s Malaysia is committed to more than just providing jobs, we aim to support Malaysian youth in reaching their full potential and developing meaningful careers in the food service industry.
“Our focus on developing Malaysian youth ensures we remain their preferred employer.
“This approach embodies the Malaysian spirit, highlighting our dedication not just to profit, but to enriching the national economy and the local community through meaningful employment opportunities,” said Azmir.
Furthermore, McDonald’s Malaysia emphasises local sourcing, with all products – from raw materials to packaging – obtained from Malaysian suppliers.
This approach ensures that everything from farm to table involves Malaysians, showcasing a fully local ecosystem.
“Currently, McDonald’s Malaysia employs over 15,000 locals, has trained more than 5,000 youths through the McDonald’s Vocational Academy programme and partners with hundreds of Malaysian suppliers and vendors, underscoring our support for the local economy and community,” he added.
A local legacy
McDonald’s Malaysia is committed to being a caring neighbour, evident in its strategic locations around residential and commercial areas with its extensive community engagement.
Each year, McDonald’s Malaysia conducts more than 10,000 community activities nationwide, ensuring inclusivity across all segments of society.
These initiatives range from celebrating special occasions with the elderly and orphans to supporting frontline workers with food donations, as well as providing meal donations to mosques and other impactful efforts.
In partnership with its charity of choice, Ronald McDonald House Charities Malaysia (RMHC Malaysia), the company focuses on supporting children’s health, education and welfare.
This dedication highlights McDonald’s Malaysia as a local company deserving of national pride, particularly during the national month, for its efforts in uplifting the community.
Azmir concluded, “As we reach for the sky, we remain grounded in our roots, sharing our success with the community that has supported us from the beginning.
“Being 100% Muslim-owned and deeply local, we strive to ensure McDonald’s Malaysia continually makes a positive impact on the communities around us.”
