HYUNDAI WIA takes an initiative to expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities in Gyeongsangnam-do through an equity investment in a standard workplace for people with disabilities.

HYUNDAI WIA announced on July 2 that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korea Employment Agency for People with Disabilities (KEAD) on July 1 to advance the ‘Gyeongsangnam-do-Type Inclusive Job Program for People with Disabilities’. ‘Gyeongsangnam-do-Type Inclusive Job Program for People with Disabilities’ is public-private partnership initiative led by Gyeongsangnam-do, with participation from KEAD, relevant local organizations, and businesses. Through this program, Gyeongsangnam-do plans to establish new standard workplaces and provide stable employment opportunities for people with disabilities in the region.

Under this MOU, HYUNDAI WIA will invest in a 7.5% equity stake in Teo Co., Ltd., a standard workplace for people with disabilities scheduled to be established in July. The workplace will support employees with disabilities  in engaging in economic activities centered on culture, arts, and sports. Employees will have opportunities to develop their skills across a variety of fields, including arts, music, sports training, and participation in sports competitions for people with disabilities.
HYUNDAI WIA’s equity investment and operational support funds will be used to support employment programs for people with disabilities. The workplace aims to hire 200 workers with disabilities by 2027, with plans to expand the number to 400 in the future.

HYUNDAI WIA plans to continue making equity investments aimed at expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Last year, the company invested in JAESUNG Co., Ltd., a standard workplace for people with disabilities designated by the Gyeonsnagnam-do Eastern Branch of KEAD. HYUNDAI WIA also purchases salads, coffee, tea, and other products from the workplace at least once a month, using them for employee gifts and donations to underprivileged communities .

In addition to equity investments, HYUNDAI WIA is expanding collaboration with disability-linked employment workplaces in service transactions while also broadening its social contribution activities for people with disabilities. The company is increasing collaboration with such workplaces in the production of promotional print materials, banners, and decorative  structures used for internal events.
Furthermore, through its social contribution program Dream Car, HYUNDAI WIA provides vehicles each year to welfare institutions, including sheltered workshops for people with disabilities, to help enhance mobility and support independent living. Since 2013, HYUNDAI WIA has donated a total of 180 vehicles.

HYUNDAI WIA will continue to expand programs supporting people with disabilities and its broader social contribution activities, while strengthening its ESG management efforts. “For HYUNDAI WIA, which has grown alongside Gyeongsangnam-do, the Gyeonsangnamdo -Type Inclusive Job Program for People with Disabilities is a meaningful initiative in which local communities, businesses, and public institutions come together to expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities. We hope this MOU will create new employment opportunities for people with disabilities who face barriers to entering the labor market,” said an official from HYUNDAI WIA.