Forget “charity” as a corporate checkbox. Selangor Dredging Berhad (SDB) is out here playing the long game, proving that a sustainable business model isn’t just about green buildings, it’s about neurodiverse power. Since popping up at Mid Valley Megamall in June 2025, SDB’s One-Two-Boost (OTB) flagship hasn’t just been selling herbal soups; it’s been rewriting the rules of the Malaysian workplace. We’re talking about an ecosystem where “inclusive hiring” isn’t a buzzword—it’s the actual engine room.
The Vibe: High-Performance, High-Empathy
Walk into the OTB outlet and you’ll find a meticulously curated collection of over 50 herbal wellness products from immunity-boosting soups to artisanal balms. But the real “secret ingredient”? The team behind the counter.
OTB currently employs 13 neurodiverse young adults who aren’t just “fitting in”—they’re leading.
- The Career Path: This isn’t a one-off internship. SDB has employees who have been with them for nearly 15 years. * The Paycheck: Full-time team members earn RM1,700 and above, with full benefits and legal protection. It’s real work for real pay.
The “Secret Sauce”: Job Coaches as the Backbone
How do you make a high-stakes retail environment work for everyone? SDB doesn’t leave it to chance. They fully fund five full-time, certified Job Coaches.
“Too often, we ask if neurodiverse individuals can fit into existing systems. The real question is: can the systems adapt to them?”
Teh Lip Kim, SDB Group Managing Director.
These coaches provide the daily “emotional regulation” and skill reinforcement that turn a two-month onboarding programme into a lifetime career. Most importantly, SDB pays these coaches out of the corporate budget—meaning the support stays rock-solid even if the retail market gets a bit shaky.
The Hustle: Wellness with a Mission
OTB isn’t just “playing shop.” They’ve collaborated with TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) physicians to develop a commercial-grade product line that actually competes on the shelves.
- The Product: Herbal beverages and nourishment packs produced and packed by the neurodiverse team.
- The Result: A commercial enterprise where training and work are embedded into the economic value chain.
Editor’s Take:
SDB is Building the “New Normal”
For the Malaysian Business crowd, OTB is a masterclass in ESG that actually makes sense. By treating inclusion as a “sustainable business case” rather than a discretionary effort, SDB is showing that you can build a scalable, profitable, and deeply human brand all at once.