On May 17, 2022, the Make It Right Movement (MIRM) joined forces with PERKESO (Social Security Organisation) at the Mini Karnival Kerjaya Golongan Khas, a specialised career carnival aimed at promoting employment opportunities for people with disabilities (PWDs). A key focus of the event was to introduce and promote specialjobs.com.my, an innovative online platform dedicated to connecting PWD job seekers with inclusive employers across Malaysia. This event underscored MIRM's ongoing efforts to advocate for diversity, inclusion and equal access to employment for marginalised communities, especially people with disabilities.

This Mini Karnival brought together PWD job seekers, employers and service providers in an inclusive environment that aimed to create meaningful connections and highlight the opportunities available to people with disabilities. MIRM, through its collaboration with specialjobs.com.my, used the event as a platform to raise awareness about the benefits of inclusive hiring and to help PWDs access tools and resources that can improve their employability.

Specialjobs.com.my: A Platform for Inclusive Employment

Specialjobs.com.my is a dedicated job portal designed to address the employment gap for PWDs in Malaysia. The platform connects employers who are committed to diversity and inclusion with job seekers from the PWD community, offering opportunities across various industries. The website features job listings that are specifically geared toward individuals with disabilities, ensuring that they have access to employment opportunities that cater to their unique skills and needs.

The goal of Specialjobs.com.my is not only to provide a platform for PWDs to find employment but also to promote an inclusive work environment that values diversity and supports the professional growth of people with disabilities.

Objectives of the Mini Karnival Kerjaya Golongan Khas

The PERKESO Mini Karnival was organised with several key objectives in mind:

Promote Inclusive Hiring Practices: The primary goal of the event was to promote the importance of inclusive hiring practices among employers. By showcasing the capabilities and potential of PWD job seekers, the event aimed to change perceptions and encourage more companies to embrace diversity in their workforce.

Introduce Specialjobs.com.my: The event served as a platform to introduce specialjobs.com.my to a wider audience, including both job seekers and employers. Through hands-on demonstrations and guidance, attendees were shown how to use the platform to find job opportunities or post job listings.

Provide Networking Opportunities: The Mini Karnival provided a unique networking opportunity for PWD job seekers and potential employers. By facilitating direct interactions between job seekers and inclusive employers, the event helped bridge the gap between talent and opportunity.

Empower PWDs with Employment Resources: In addition to promoting specialjobs.com.my, the event aimed to empower PWDs with practical tools and resources that could help them succeed in their job search. Workshops, one-on-one consultations and skill-building activities were provided to help attendees build confidence and improve their employability.

MIRM’s Role in the Mini Karnival

MIRM played a central role in the event by promoting specialjobs.com.my and facilitating connections between PWD job seekers and inclusive employers. As a long-time advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, MIRM brought its extensive experience in community engagement and support to ensure that the event had a lasting impact on participants.

Key activities led by MIRM during the Mini Karnival included:

Introducing the Specialjobs.com.my Platform:

MIRM representatives provided demonstrations on how to navigate specialjobs.com.my, guiding job seekers through the process of creating profiles, uploading resumes and applying for jobs. Employers were also shown how to post job openings and search for candidates who meet their diversity and inclusion criteria.

One-on-One Consultations:

MIRM offered one-on-one consultations for PWD job seekers, helping them tailor their resumes to specific job openings, practice interview techniques and build confidence in their job search. These consultations provided personalised advice and support to help job seekers present their skills and qualifications in the best light.

Inclusive Employment Workshops:

As part of the event, MIRM hosted workshops for both job seekers and employers. For job seekers, the workshops focused on building soft skills, such as communication and teamwork, that are essential in the workplace. For employers, the workshops provided insights into the benefits of inclusive hiring and strategies for creating a supportive work environment for PWDs.

Raising Awareness about Diversity and Inclusion:

MIRM used the Mini Karnival as a platform to advocate for the rights of PWDs and raise awareness about the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Through conversations with employers, MIRM highlighted the value that people with disabilities bring to the workforce and the need to create more inclusive hiring practices across all industries.

Impact and Outcomes of the Mini Karnival

The PERKESO Mini Karnival Kerjaya Golongan Khas was a successful event that made a tangible impact on both PWD job seekers and employers. Some of the key outcomes included:

Increased Awareness and Usage of specialjobs.com.my:

One of the most significant achievements of the event was the increased awareness and adoption of specialjobs.com.my among PWD job seekers and employers. Many job seekers registered on the platform for the first time, while employers expressed interest in using the portal to find qualified candidates from the PWD community.

Meaningful Connections Between Job Seekers and Employers:

The event facilitated meaningful interactions between PWD job seekers and employers, with many attendees expressing optimism about their prospects. Several job seekers were invited to interview for positions and some employers reported finding potential candidates who met their needs.

Empowerment of PWD Job Seekers:

For many attendees, the Mini Karnival was an empowering experience. By receiving personalised advice, participating in workshops and connecting with potential employers, PWD job seekers left the event feeling more confident and prepared to enter the workforce.

Promotion of Inclusive Hiring:

The Mini Karnival helped promote the benefits of inclusive hiring to a wider audience. Employers who attended the event gained a better understanding of the unique skills and perspectives that PWDs bring to the workplace and many committed to exploring ways to make their hiring practices more inclusive.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Opportunities for PWDs

Following the success of the Mini Karnival, MIRM and PERKESO plan to continue working together to expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Specialjobs.com.my will remain a key platform for connecting PWD job seekers with inclusive employers and MIRM will continue to provide ongoing support through consultations, workshops and advocacy.