To read this content please select one of the options below:

Dialogue in the Dark Malaysia: reimagining an inclusive society through social innovation

Yit Sean Chong (School of Business, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia)
Yong Yuan Teh (Faculty of Accountancy, Finance and Business, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

Publication date: 10 May 2024

Issue publication date: 30 July 2024

Abstract

Research methodology

This case was developed via primary data collected from personal (one to one) interview with the CEO and founder of Dialogue in the Dark Malaysia (Dialogue Malaysia), Stevens Chan. With Stevens’ contact, the authors also conducted personal interviews with Kaye Chan (co-founder and wife of Stevens Chan), Lynn Foo (project manager since inception until early 2022) and Dr Foo Yin Fah (academic researcher in social entrepreneurship and advisor for Dialogue Malaysia). Secondary data included reports on visually impaired context in Malaysia, Dialogue Malaysia’s annual reports and online articles. Prior to the primary data collection, the authors obtained ethics approval from the University Human Ethics Committee (Project ID: 35461).

Case overview/synopsis

This case narrative focuses on Stevens Chan, a blind social entrepreneur who champions the empowerment of the disabled and marginalised community. Through a social franchising model, Stevens founded Dialogue in the Dark Malaysia in 2012. As a social start-up, Stevens showcases the strengths of blind and visually impaired individuals through transformative experiential encounters and reimagining future possibilities. Although there are constant challenges in securing financial and human capital, Stevens never lacks psychological capital, characterised by hope, self-efficacy, optimism and resilience. His vision is to educate society on the power of empathy (and not sympathy) and to create a holistic experience of celebrating diversity and inclusion through an innovative discovery centre, where the elderly and the disabled community (including the deaf, mute and those with mobility issues) share their lives with the public through fun activities. However, the future of this social enterprise is uncertain, and this case invites participants to embark on this journey with Stevens to uncover future pathways for growth and social impact.

Complexity academic level

The case is tailored for higher level undergraduates and entry-level and mid-level managers of executive education programs.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful for the funding received from Monash University Australia (Monash Dean’s Award, Faculty of Business and Economics), which made this scholarly endeavour possible.

Disclaimer. This case is intended to be used as the basis for class discussion rather than to illustrate either effective or ineffective handling of a management situation. The case was compiled from published sources.

Citation

Chong, Y.S. and Teh, Y.Y. (2024), "Dialogue in the Dark Malaysia: reimagining an inclusive society through social innovation", , Vol. 20 No. 5, pp. 1259-1292. https://doi.org/10.1108/TCJ-12-2023-0260

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

Related articles