Nurturing the next generation: Determinants of entrepreneurial perceptions among undergraduate students at UiTM

Abstract

Entrepreneurship is increasingly recognized as a strategic pathway for addressing graduate unemployment and enhancing economic resilience in Malaysia. Despite the integration of entrepreneurship education within higher learning institutions, many undergraduate students remain hesitant to pursue entrepreneurial careers, suggesting the presence of underlying skill-related gaps. This study investigates the determinants of entrepreneurial perceptions among undergraduate students at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), focusing on four key entrepreneurial skills: decision-making, creativity, risk-taking capacity, and communication skills. A quantitative cross-sectional research design was employed, with data collected from undergraduate students at UiTM, using simple random sampling. The study utilized a structured questionnaire measured on a seven-point Likert scale. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics via SPSS. The findings are expected to provide insights into the key factors shaping students’ entrepreneurial perceptions and support the enhancement of entrepreneurship education, curriculum design, and skill-development initiatives within UiTM. Ultimately, this study contributes to the development of work-ready graduates equipped for entrepreneurial pathways, thereby supporting national economic growth.