Born without hands, he attended countless job interviews only to leave disappointed, repeatedly overlooked by employers unwilling to see beyond his disability.

Today, the 34-year-old from Shah Alam walks into work with pride and purpose – answering calls, welcoming visitors, and managing inquiries as a receptionist at a shipping company in Klang.

More importantly, he has built the life he once feared might never be possible.

“I can now support myself, help my family and live independently,” Yogeswaran, who was born with a congenital upper limb deficiency, told Bernama.

Although he was unable to complete his formal education, his parents made sure he attended tuition classes so he could learn to communicate and write effectively.

Nevertheless, finding stable employment proved difficult. “I had been turned away so many times that I did not want to expect too much anymore,” he said.

“Still, deep inside, I hoped someone would believe in me and give me a chance to prove myself.”

That opportunity finally came in 2019 after a chance encounter with his company’s CEO, R Jeyenderan, during an event. A brief conversation led to an invitation to visit the company office – and, later, a job offer.

Yogeswaran started work with a salary of RM1,500 and an additional RM500 transport allowance to cover his daily taxi fare from Shah Alam to Klang.

Beyond the income, he said it’s the sense of belonging that matters most. The supportive environment at the company helped him rebuild his confidence after years of self-doubt.

Now he takes pride in earning his own living and contributing to his family. One of his proudest achievements has been buying a double-storey house in Setia Alam – a milestone he once never imagined reaching.

‘Equally capable of contributing’

The company also employs 26-year-old S Kuhan, who works in operations despite physical disabilities affecting movement in his right hand and leg.

Kuhan manages files and documents to ensure records remain organised, and said the support he receives at work has helped him grow personally and professionally.

Yogeswaran’s and Kuhan’s stories serve as a reminder of the barriers many persons with disabilities continue to face in the workplace.

For their boss Jeyenderan, inclusive workplaces are not only about employment – they are about dignity, opportunity and changing perceptions.

“Persons with disabilities are equally capable of contributing given the opportunity and proper support,” he said.

“When society opens more doors for persons with disabilities, it not only changes lives – it helps build a more inclusive world for all.”