Shell Malaysia and MIRM Sign MOU to Improve Lives of PWDs

On September 14, 2022, Shell Malaysia and the Make It Right Movement (MIRM) took a significant step towards promoting diversity and inclusion in the workforce by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on initiatives focused on supporting people with disabilities (PWDs). This landmark partnership reflects both organisations’ shared commitment to creating a more inclusive society where everyone, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the workforce.

The MoU outlines a range of collaborative efforts designed to empower PWDs, with a focus on enhancing employment opportunities, raising awareness about the challenges faced by PWDs and providing necessary training and resources to help them succeed in corporate environments.

The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion for People with Disabilities

Diversity and inclusion are no longer just buzzwords—they are essential principles for creating fair and equitable societies. For individuals with disabilities, these principles are particularly important, as they often face significant barriers in accessing education, employment and other opportunities. Despite the existence of various laws and policies aimed at promoting equality, PWDs frequently encounter challenges such as discrimination, lack of accessibility and limited support in the workplace.

The collaboration between Shell and MIRM seeks to address these challenges by ensuring that PWDs are given the tools, training and opportunities they need to thrive in a professional environment. By fostering inclusivity, this partnership will help break down the barriers that have traditionally kept PWDs from fully participating in the workforce.

Details of the Shell Malaysia and MIRM Collaboration

Under the MoU, Shell and MIRM will work together on several key initiatives aimed at improving the lives of PWDs in Malaysia. These initiatives include:

Diversity and Inclusion Training: One of the core elements of the collaboration is providing diversity and inclusion training to Shell employees and management. MIRM, drawing on its extensive experience in working with marginalised communities, will conduct workshops and training sessions to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by PWDs. These sessions will also provide practical strategies for creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace.

Improving Accessibility: Shell and MIRM will work together to identify and remove barriers that prevent PWDs from accessing employment opportunities. This includes making physical workplaces more accessible, ensuring that recruitment processes are inclusive and providing accommodations for employees with disabilities. MIRM’s expertise in supporting PWDs will be instrumental in helping Shell create an environment where everyone can thrive.

Enhancing Employment Opportunities: A key focus of the collaboration is to increase employment opportunities for PWDs. Shell will explore new ways to recruit, train and support employees with disabilities, ensuring that they have the same opportunities for career advancement as their peers. Through MIRM’s extensive network, Shell will connect with qualified candidates from the PWD community, offering them meaningful employment opportunities in various roles within the company.

Awareness Campaigns: In addition to internal efforts, Shell and MIRM plan to launch public awareness campaigns to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about PWDs. These campaigns will aim to change societal attitudes towards disability, encouraging other companies and organisations to follow Shell’s lead in creating inclusive work environments.

Supporting the Immersion Programme for Divergent Learners: As part of the MoU, Shell has committed to supporting MIRM’s Immersion Programme for Divergent Learners, which provides training and workplace experience for PWDs. The programme focuses on equipping individuals with both hard and soft skills, preparing them to transition into the workforce with confidence. Shell will provide opportunities for participants of the programme to gain real-world experience through internships and job placements within the company.

Speaking at the event, Brian Lariche, CEO of MIRM, emphasised the importance of the collaboration: “This MoU marks a significant step forward in our mission to create a more inclusive society. By working with a company as respected and influential as Shell, we have the opportunity to set a new standard for how corporations can support people with disabilities. Together, we can ensure that PWDs have the opportunities they deserve to thrive in the workforce.”

Shell Malaysia’s Country Chair also echoed these sentiments, stating, “At Shell, we believe that diversity and inclusion are key to our success. We are proud to partner with MIRM to champion the rights of people with disabilities and ensure that our workplace is a place where everyone feels valued and supported.”

The Impact of the Shell Malaysia and MIRM Collaboration

The partnership between Shell and MIRM is expected to have a far-reaching impact, both within Shell and across the broader corporate landscape in Malaysia. By setting an example of how companies can embrace diversity and inclusion, this collaboration has the potential to inspire other organizations to adopt similar practices. For people with disabilities, the collaboration promises to open up new opportunities for employment and career development. By removing barriers to employment and providing the necessary support and accommodations, Shell and MIRM are helping PWDs take their rightful place in the workforce, contributing to Malaysia’s economic and social development.

In addition, the awareness campaigns launched as part of this collaboration will play a crucial role in changing public perceptions of disability. By highlighting the talents and capabilities of PWDs, these campaigns will challenge stereotypes and encourage more companies to take proactive steps towards creating inclusive workplaces.

Looking Ahead: A Long-Term Commitment to Inclusion

The signing of the MoU is just the beginning of what Shell and MIRM envision as a long-term collaboration. Both organisations are committed to continuously improving their initiatives, adapting to the evolving needs of PWDs and expanding their efforts to create a more inclusive society.

As the partnership progresses, Shell and MIRM will monitor and evaluate the outcomes of their initiatives, using the feedback from PWDs and employees to refine their approach. By maintaining an open dialogue and a shared commitment to inclusion, Shell and MIRM are well-positioned to lead the way in promoting diversity in Malaysia.