Audiolab, Grab collaborate to aid hearing-impaired partners

Audiolab Hearing Care Centre has rolled out a new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at improving hearing health and supporting the welfare of Malaysia’s gig economy workers, starting with Grab partners diagnosed with hearing difficulties.

Through a collaboration with Grab Malaysia, Audiolab identified individuals in need and sponsored four Grab partners with fully sponsored Signia Intuis 4.1 digital hearing aids, valued at a total of RM7,700. The hearing aids were officially presented during the Grab Karnival #OrangKuatUsaha, a platform celebrating the resilience and contribution of Grab’s partner community.

Beyond the symbolic handover, the initiative focused on ensuring practical, long-term benefits. Audiolab conducted thorough hearing assessments and customised fittings for each selected partner, ensuring the devices matched their specific levels of hearing loss. The hearing aids were supplied as brand-new units from Audiolab’s headquarters and come with a two-year warranty. Each recipient also received a complimentary starter maintenance kit during the fitting and delivery session, reinforcing Audiolab’s emphasis on proper care and sustained use.

Ensuring safety, dignity and quality of life

For gig economy workers, especially those who spend long hours on the road, hearing is closely linked to safety, communication and confidence. Audiolab said the initiative reflects its belief that access to essential hearing care should not be limited by financial constraints.

Mohd Nor Bin Che Ta, Managing Director of Audiolab Sound Hearing Solution Sdn Bhd, highlighted the broader purpose behind the collaboration. “We are honoured to collaborate with Grab Malaysia on this meaningful initiative. Hearing plays a vital role in safety, communication, and overall well-being. By providing our partners with high-quality hearing aids, we hope to empower them with greater confidence and enhance their quality of life, both personally and professionally,” he said.

To ensure continuity of care, Grab Malaysia is supporting the programme by covering all chargeable maintenance items for the next two years. This includes batteries, dry capsules and annual loan charges, allowing the selected partners to use their hearing aids reliably without additional financial burden. The approach recognises that assistive devices require ongoing support, not just one-off contributions.

Advancing inclusivity and early hearing awareness

Grab Malaysia described the initiative as a meaningful extension of its long-standing commitment to inclusivity, particularly for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) within its partner ecosystem.

“Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) have long been vital members of our partner community, and we are committed to providing the necessary support and access for them to succeed in the digital economy. This initiative from Audiolab is a highly valued extension of this commitment, ensuring that four of our partners receive essential hearing aid assistance and continuous maintenance support. We are grateful to Audiolab for their expertise and for recognising the significant contributions of our PWD partners, helping us to further promote greater inclusivity and accessibility across our platform,” said Rashid Shukor, Director of Country Operations and Mobility, Grab Malaysia.

Beyond immediate assistance, Audiolab said the CSR effort also underscores its wider mission to raise awareness about the importance of early hearing care. By encouraging timely assessments, the company hopes more Malaysians will take proactive steps to protect their long-term hearing health before conditions worsen.

Members of the public interested in learning more or scheduling a hearing test can visit any Audiolab branch, call the toll-free number at 1-800-22-0202, or email [email protected]. Updates are also available through Audiolab’s official website and its Facebook, Instagram and TikTok pages.