Baking Inclusion One Cookie at a Time at Silent Teddies

By Ainna Syahirrah | Asia School of Business

For the recent TBN Asia Conference impact trip, we visited Silent Teddies Bakery, a social enterprise that empowers the Deaf community through baking and entrepreneurship. The visit began with a guided tour around the bakery, where we witnessed the daily operations and met the talented bakers who bring each recipe to life. Their dedication and passion shone through in every detail. We then enjoyed a tasting session; freshly brewed coffee paired with their signature chocolate cookies as each bite carrying the story of resilience and care behind their work. 

Beyond the kitchen, we also learned about Silent Teddies’ business model and how they sustain their impact through partnerships. Collaborations with brands like Starbucks and AirAsia have allowed them to expand their reach, create consistent market demand, and provide more opportunities for the Deaf community to thrive. One of the most memorable parts of the visit was learning basic sign language, from the ABCs to simple greetings, which gave us a deeper appreciation of inclusivity and the importance of meaningful communication. 

As Dorothy Ching, TBN Asia’s first Executive Director, shared: “Silent Teddies does amazing work to uplift the Deaf community and to provide a sustainable livelihood for them. I was so encouraged meeting the staff and team. And the cookies they make are great too!” 

The visit reminded us that impact doesn’t always come from big actions. Sometimes it’s as simple as supporting a cookie that sustains livelihoods and creates opportunities. We left Silent Teddies with more than just baked goods; we left with lessons on resilience, inclusivity, and the true power of impact-driven enterprise. 

– Ainna Syahirrah –