Malaysian women entrepreneurs’ challenges in the local and international business markets

• Main Authors: Md Isa, Filzah, Cheng, Wei Hin, Othman, Siti Norezam, Tantasuntisakul, Warangkana
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: AENSI Publisher 2015
• Subjects: HB Economic Theory
• Online Access: http://repo.uum.edu.my/17978/1/AJBAS%209%2028%2057-63.pdf; http://repo.uum.edu.my/17978/; http://www.ajbasweb.com/old/ajbas_Special-IPN-HCM%20(August)_2015.html
• Institution: Universiti Utara Malaysia

Background: To date, more Malaysian Women involve in entrepreneurship, and the positive trend started with the implementation of Malaysia Economic Transformation Plans in 2010.Ever since, women entrepreneurs have become a catalyst for SMEs development, and their innovation and involvement are treated as a vital contributor to the country‟s economic growth.Despite a significant increase in the number of women entrepreneurs in Malaysia, and various government incentives and supports, the number of Malaysian women who make it to the international market is not impressive.Their sustainability in the market place is still questionable. Objective: This paper focuses on those challenging experiences that Malaysian women entrepreneurs faced during their business startup; the strategies they embark in maintaining their current business status while competing in the market place; and when and what make them decide to venture into international markets to ensure their business long life survival and sustainability.Results: Both Malay and Chinese entrepreneurs faced various challenges during the business start-up period, and they develop different business strategies that suit their product service offerings.To be more competitive and to persevere in the business, they venture into the international market.Conclusion: Similarly, like other women entrepreneurs in the global market, Malaysian entrepreneurs, regardless of their ethnicity, face various challenges and have to be creative in designing business strategies that fit their differentiated product or service offerings.