Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Malaysia: Key Success Factors and Challenges

Authors

  • Amiruddin Ahamat Fakulti Pengurusan Teknologi dan Teknousahawanan, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Malaysia
  • Amir Aris Fakulti Pengurusan Teknologi dan Teknousahawanan, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Malaysia
  • Sitinor Wardatulaina Mohd Yusof Fakulti Pengurusan Teknologi dan Teknousahawanan, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Malaysia
  • Mansor Shah Wahid Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32890/ijms2026.33.1.1

Keywords:

Women entrepreneurs, economic growth, qualitative case study, Malaysia

Abstract

This study investigates the factors contributing to the success of women entrepreneurs in Malaysia. Its aim is also to enhance our understanding of the role of these factors in economic development. Utilizing a qualitative case study approach, the research examines the experiences of Malaysian women entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. Data were collected through interviews and analyzed using descriptive and content analysis methodologies. The findings indicate that external factors, such as limited educational background and poor time management, serve as key motivators. Critical success factors include leadership styles and entrepreneurial skills that enhance competitiveness. The study has been able to contribute theoretically by offering insights into the unique challenges and success drivers of female entrepreneurs in Malaysia, and practically by informing policies and support mechanisms to boost women’s entrepreneurial success and its sustainability. It underscores the importance of family and social support, business networks, and government interventions in fostering a supportive environment for women entrepreneurs. The study advocates for targeted interventions to address specific needs, including enhanced access to finance, training, and business networks, to ensure the sustained success of women entrepreneurs in Malaysia.

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Author Biography

  • Amiruddin Ahamat, Fakulti Pengurusan Teknologi dan Teknousahawanan, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

    Amiruddin Ahamat received his PhD in Technology Entrepreneurship from the Management School, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom in 2013. For the past fourteen years, Dr. Amiruddin has been teaching more than 10 undergraduate subjects, two MBA subjects, and one elective PhD subject in Entrepreneurship. He is participating in mentoring entrepreneurship programs for the students. His performance is outstanding in these activities. Dr. Amiruddin is Mentor and Facilitator for the Mudapreneur (Youth Entrepreneurship Project), funded by the Ministry of Education, Malaysia. In recognition of his teaching and learning, he was recognised through a letter of acknowledgement by Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), the Excellence in Teaching Evaluation for International Business Management and Technology Entrepreneurship subjects for Semester 2, 2016-2017 and Semester 1, 2018-2019. Dr. Amiruddin research interests include entrepreneurship, technology management and international business. He has served as a subject matter expert (SME), postgraduate facilitator, consultant, trainer and trade advisor for various institutions and companies locally and internationally since 2003. Dr. Amiruddin serves as a PhD examiner for several universities in Malaysia and abroad. He also held the position of a Panel Assessor for the Malaysian Quality Assurance (MQA) from 2008 to 2016. Internationally, Dr. Amiruddin was previously attached to Abu Dhabi University, from 2014 to 2016. His tireless contribution in teaching, research and consultancy has led him to be awarded the 2017 Excellence Service Award by the university.

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Published

31-01-2026

Issue

Vol. 33 No. 1 (2026): International Journal of Management Studies (IJMS) Vol. 33, No. 1, January 2026

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Identifiers DOI 10.32890/ijms2026.33.1.1 OpenAlex W7128546599

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