Shaping future entrepreneurs: Insights from university students in Malaysia

Abstract

Entrepreneurship among university students is increasingly viewed as a solution to youth unemployment and a driver of innovation. This study provides insights into the entrepreneurial landscape among students at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Negeri Sembilan. Using a quantitative approach, data from 240 respondents across three campuses highlight how financial accessibility, entrepreneurial education, family background, and digital platforms contribute to students' interest in entrepreneurship. The findings show a strong preference for hybrid business models, with food and beverage, services, and apparel emerging as the most popular industries. While many students rely on family and university support, such as MASMED, financial constraints and limited awareness of available funding remain significant challenges. The study also reveals the impact of students' prior entrepreneurial experiences on their intentions and emphasizes the role of education and mentorship in bridging support gaps. These insights underscore the importance of tailored policies and institutional initiatives to support student entrepreneurs, fostering economic resilience and self-employment opportunities in the evolving digital economy.