Post by Baktiar Hasnan

The barista in the wheelchair isn't just making coffee—he's rewriting the rules of inclusion. Picture this: You walk into a cozy cafe in Bandar Dato Onn, Johor Bahru. The aroma of Ayam Chikopi and freshly brewed coffee fills the air. You glance toward the kitchen. There, a barista in a wheelchair is expertly pulling a perfect espresso shot, while another colleague in a wheelchair manages the bustling kitchen. It looks effortless. But for decades, society told them: "You can't do this. Your body isn't built for this." That narrative ends right here. Last week, I finally sat down online with Dr. ruzimi mohamed—the CEO of Chikopi Cafe—after virtual conversations. And I walked away not just inspired, but humbled. Dr. Ruzimi was born with his left arm truncated at the elbow, and both legs truncated at the thighs. Yet, he didn't let his physical reality dictate his limits. He earned a PhD in Computer Science from UTM Skudai. He holds a Master’s in Information Technology Entrepreneurship. He’s a Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Person with Disabilities (PWD) Icon, a Johor State PWD Icon, a published author, a motivational speaker, and a true social innovator. But here’s what moved me the most—not the degrees, not the titles. He built an ecosystem. Out of his 8 staff members, 3 are physically disabled (wheelchair users). They are the backbone of his kitchen and barista team. Who says individuals with disabilities can’t be culinary masters? They are proving otherwise, every single day. And Dr. Ruzimi doesn’t stop at his own staff. He opens his cafe doors to other vendors with disabilities. Morning food suppliers, evening part-timers, and fellow entrepreneurs with disabilities—they all have a seat at his table. He’s not just offering jobs; he’s offering agency. Now, let’s talk about the vibe. Chikopi blends the nostalgia of traditional Kopitiam with modern, library-like comfort. But here’s the genius part: while waiting for their orders, customers don't bury their faces in their phones. They pick up comics and books from the mini-library. Families read together. They talk. They connect. In an era dominated by doom-scrolling, Dr. Ruzimi has created a space where human connection takes priority over digital distraction. His story forces me to ask myself a tough question: How many times do we underestimate potential just because it looks different? Dr. Ruzimi didn't just "overcome" his disability—he weaponized his experience to build a thriving business, nurture talent, and redefine what inclusive career development looks like for persons with disabilities. If you’re in Johor, I highly encourage you to drop by Chikopi Cafe. Sip a cup of their famous coffee, grab a book, and witness resilience in action. Let's support a founder who is actively turning inclusion from a buzzword into a daily reality. 👉 mychikopi.com