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

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 - 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.

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

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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

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 October 2026 – To mark the annual World Sight Day, international sight-saving organization Orbis, in partnership with the Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society (HKOS), Southern District Office, and Southern District Services & Community Care Teams (Southern District Care Teams), held the "World Sight Day: Southern District Eye Care Day" at Wah Kwai Community Hall in Aberdeen. Combining medical expertise, government administrative support, and local district networks, the event featured interactive sensory games, medical seminars, and in-depth eye screening to promote eye disease prevention and early screening for underprivileged seniors.

Cross-Sector Collaboration For World Sight Day: Orbis, HKOS, Southern District Office, and Southern District Care Team Jointly Launch "Southern District Eye Care Day" - Calling on the Next Generation to Accompany and Protect Senior Vision

Intergenerational Care: The Earlier the Eye Protection, The Better - "When Vision Fades, It's Already Too Late"

Eyes are the windows to the soul, and good vision is key to maintaining quality of life and dignity for seniors. Clear vision allows everyone to live life to the fullest. Yet, many local seniors dismiss deteriorating vision as an inevitable sign of aging and choose to endure it. As early-stage eye diseases are often painless and asymptomatic, by the time seniors experience noticeable blurriness or vision impairment, they have often missed the golden window for effective treatment.

On World Sight Day, the message from organizers was clear: caring for aging eyes is a shared family responsibility. Through twin themes of "Intergenerational Care" and "Early Screening, Early Control," they called on younger generations to accompany their elderly loved ones on the journey to better vision. Eye care should never be put off until problems arise. A gentle word of concern, a thoughtful reminder, or simply offering to accompany parents to an eye exam could be the very thing that catches a silent disease early and protects seniors' clarity, confidence, and quality of life.

Three Key Program Highlights: From Interactive Sensory Games to In-Depth Eye Screening

The full-day event offered a comprehensive eye care experience:

• Interactive Sensory Games: Featured 5 interactive eye care booths (including AR eye disease simulation and Braille challenges), allowing residents and young caregivers to experience visual challenges faced by seniors firsthand while learning eye care knowledge.
• Professional Medical Seminars: 3 specialized seminars hosted by HKOS specialist ophthalmologists unraveled "silent vision thieves" like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration in accessible terms, attracting over 500 seniors and caregivers.
• In-Depth Eye Screening: On-site HKOS specialist ophthalmologists provided free Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans and diagnostic consultations to 120 underprivileged seniors from the Southern District, issuing specialist referral letters to cases requiring further medical follow-up.

Quotes from Officiating Guests

Ms. Sandy CHEUNG, JP, District Officer (Southern)

"The Southern District Office has always been committed to bringing together government, charitable organizations, and community forces to serve residents. We are delighted to coordinate the Southern District Care Team, partnering with Orbis and the Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society to bring top-tier eye care resources directly to Wah Kwai Estate for free screenings for local seniors. The Care Team will continue to leverage its community network to care for the physical and mental well-being of the elderly."

Ms. Kathleen SHERWIN, President & Chief Executive Officer of Orbis International

"For over 40 years, Orbis has firmly believed that cross-sector collaboration is key to preventing and treating avoidable blindness. Hong Kong has always been a vital global hub for Orbis. As a centerpiece of Orbis's World Sight Day community initiatives, this event aims to promote 'Intergenerational Care' and encourage the younger generation to actively care for their elders' eye health."

Prof. YAM Cheuk Sing, Jason, President of Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society

"Common elderly eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration often develop silently in their early stages. By the time seniors notice blurred vision, irreversible vision damage may already have occurred. HKOS is honored to mobilize specialist ophthalmologists into the community to conduct screenings, putting the medical philosophy of 'Early Screening, Early Control' into practice."

Ms. HUI Sze Man, Orbis "Sight Ambassador" & Senior Artiste

"Having had cataract surgery myself, I was fortunate that my habit of regular eye checkups allowed me to recover my vision completely post-surgery! My five grandchildren are always caring for my eyes. I strongly urge fellow seniors not to endure vision problems silently, and encourage the younger generation to show more care by taking their elders for regular eye checkups!"

Cross-Sector Unity to Achieve "Early Screening, Early Control"

The event featured a simple yet solemn kick-off ceremony. Officiating guests affixed colorful "E" chart props onto a giant eye chart backdrop, symbolizing the four-party partnership across government, medical, charitable, and district sectors, uniting to restore clear vision to Southern District seniors. This was followed by a mass photo op with over a hundred seniors and family members holding eye care props and chanting slogans in a warm, enthusiastic atmosphere.

Photo Captions

Photo 1 (Joint Kick-off Ceremony): Ms. Kathleen SHERWIN, President & CEO of Orbis International (right 3); Ms. Sandy CHEUNG, JP, District Officer (Southern) (left 3); Prof. YAM Cheuk Sing, Jason, President of HKOS (right 1); Ms. LAM Yuk-chin, BBS, MH, Representative of the Southern District Care Team (left 2); Ms. Mary LAU, Executive Director of Orbis Hong Kong (right 2); and Ms. HUI Sze Man, Orbis "Sight Ambassador" (left 1) officiate the "World Sight Day Senior Eye Care Action" launch ceremony by placing colorful "E" props on a giant eye chart.

Photo 2 (Mass Intergenerational Group Photo): Officiating guests pose with nearly 160 Southern District seniors, residents, and family members, holding eye care props and calling for "Early Screening, Early Control" and promoting "Intergenerational Care".

Photo 3 (Free Specialist Eye Screening): HKOS specialist ophthalmologists provide free comprehensive consultations and OCT scan evaluations for underprivileged seniors in Wah Kwai Estate.

Photo 4 (Sight Ambassador Experience): Orbis "Sight Ambassador" Ms. HUI undergoes a professional eye checkup on-site and shares her story of overcoming cataracts to encourage seniors not to endure eye issues silently.

Photo 5 (Community Eye Care Booths and Seminars): The event featured AR eye disease simulation booths and medical seminars to help residents experience patient perspectives and deepen community eye health education.

Hashtag: #Orbis

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