On 18 October 2024, the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the National Budget 2025 with Malaysia’s largest spending plan ever at RM421 billion. The objective of the budget is to reinvigorate the economy and improve the living standards for Malaysians.
Several allocations were unveiled to support local businesses, including women entrepreneurs.
Allocations for women entrepreneurs
The government announced a total of RM470 million in financing funds provided by SME Bank, BSN, Bank Rakyat and MARA to support women in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). These funds will help them secure working capital and purchase assets, allowing them to increase business capacity.
RM40 billion is also provided as loan facilities and business financing guarantees under government organisations. RM650 million of this allocation will be designated to support women and youth in entrepreneurship.
These allocations are vital in improving the growth of women-owned businesses as they also contribute to the nation’s economy. By empowering women entrepreneurs, the government can encourage more women to venture into business and foster a more inclusive economic environment.
MSMEs are the backbone of Malaysia’s economy. According to the latest data published by the Department of Statistics, Malaysia (DOSM) in 2023, 96.9 per cent of total establishments in Malaysia are MSMEs. Their contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 5 per cent in 2023, contributing RM613.1 billion to the economy.
However, women only represent about 20 per cent of SME entrepreneurs even though they make up almost half of Malaysia’s population. Many of them face challenges which may include socio-cultural expectations to take on nurturing roles in the household, less networking opportunities compared to their male counterparts as well as difficulty in acquiring financing and loans for their business.
Providing these gender-specific allocations addresses the gender gaps faced by this group and helps them access more opportunities to compete in a male-dominated environment. If channelled properly, these funds can help increase the number of women-owned businesses in Malaysia.
Initiative for women in finance
Besides empowering women entrepreneurs, the government also declared an initiative to encourage women to return to work in the financial sector.
Known as the Returnship Programme, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and Securities Commision (SC) will provide training and link participants with prospective employers to facilitate their return to work. The government is also proposing to offer an additional income tax exemption of 50 per cent for a period of 12 months for employers who hire women returning to work.
By encouraging women to participate in the workforce, this group can improve their economic prospects and household incomes. They can also lessen the social stigma against them in the labour market. Providing tax benefits to employers who employ women demonstrates how this group is in demand and worth investing in as employees.
Study entrepreneurship and finance
The initiatives outlined by the government indicates a demand to have a more inclusive environment in entrepreneurship and the finance industry. Pursuing tertiary education in these fields is a great step to help you prepare for a rewarding career. Some universities in Malaysia offer special benefits for students studying courses in these disciplines.
Entrepreneurship
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Entrepreneurship students from Sunway University can start building their businesses at the Sunway Innovation Labs (iLABS). Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) offers students in the Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) Entrepreneurship programme a seed fund for their market research and product development.
You can also find postgraduate entrepreneurship courses. Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) specialising in entrepreneurship, allowing you to develop skills in various business areas that are essential to starting and running a business. Students of Master of Entrepreneurship from HELP University are given the opportunity to engage with SME leaders during their studies to understand real-world business challenges.
This degree focuses on in-depth knowledge of entrepreneurship through business planning, financing, marketing, management, information technology and consulting. You will explore every aspect of a business and have continuous opportunities to engage in various aspects of entrepreneurship which include innovation and creative thinking. Apart from traditional business models, you would be exposed to corporate entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, family business management and new ventures exploration.
Through industry speakers and networking opportunities, you will gain a contextual understanding of the dynamism and vibrancy in the entrepreneurial environment throughout your experience within the programme. The Sunway Innovation Labs (iLABS) provides you with the space to begin building your business, even as you are completing your degree.
On successful completion of the programme, graduates will also be awarded a degree from Lancaster University. They will be awarded two certificates, making them graduates of both Sunway University and Lancaster University.
This programme will equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. Alongside general business knowledge, the curriculum includes training in the entrepreneurial process, including business plan preparation and negotiation techniques. Additionally, the programme covers public policies related to the establishment of new business ventures.
UTAR Young Entrepreneurship Start-up Scheme (UTARYES)
A seed fund is available for UTAR students to develop products and conduct market research. The Unovate Centre offers various entrepreneurial programmes, including the structured entrepreneur cultivation programme, to give students hands-on experience.
International and professional accreditation
This degree is recognised by the following professional bodies:
- Malaysian Association of Company Secretaries (MACS)
- The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
Career paths
As graduates of this programme, you have the opportunity to explore a wide range of careers, such as:
- Sales and Marketing Executive
- Business Project Consultant
- Corporate Enterprising Executive/Manager
- Business Development Executive/Manager
- Entrepreneur
Job-ready skills, relevant for entrepreneurs
This course is designed for entrepreneurs, future business owners and those involved in entrepreneurship development. Its curriculum covers key aspects of starting and operating a business, including finance, management, marketing, human resources and digital entrepreneurship.
Career paths
MBA (Entrepreneurship) graduates will have a broad scope of business roles available to them, including but not limited to:
- Finance Manager
- Management Consulting
- Human Resources Manager
- Business Operations Manager
- Financial Analyst
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Investment banking
- Business Development Manager
- Business Analyst
- Entrepreneur
Real-world business exposure
This programme equips students with managerial, marketing and financial skills within the entrepreneurial context using experiential and practical learning. You will have the opportunity to interact with SMEs to understand real-world challenges and exercise entrepreneurial skills acquired from the course.
Contemporary curriculum focusing on real-life case studies
The course material is curated from real-life lessons and case studies of successful business ventures, as well as the experiences of entrepreneurs. Theoretical knowledge is also prioritised to provide students with an in-depth conceptual understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape.
Graduates are equipped to pursue careers such as:
- Entrepreneur
- Innovation Manager
- Business Development Manager
- Innovation Engagement Advisor
- International Business Advisor
Finance
Students who complete the Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) in Islamic Finance programme from Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) will obtain various Islamic finance qualifications from the Islamic Banking & Finance Institute Malaysia (IBFIM). SEGi University offers a double degree award from SEGi and the University of Central Lancashire in the UK for Bachelor of Accounting and Finance (Hons) graduates.
Getting certified by relevant professional organisations may also improve your credibility as a finance professional. Certification requirements may involve passing examinations and having relevant work experience. Some courses offer exam exemptions to help shorten your certification journey.
Master of Investment Management graduates from TAR UMT will get three module exemptions for the Certified Financial Planner certification programme. HELP University offers a maximum of three exam exemptions from Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) Australia for Master of Accounting and Finance students.
Modern BBA curriculum, job-ready skills
The programme aims to provide students with a wide variety of courses in the field of Islamic Finance, which will help them become industry experts. The programme’s ultimate goal is to produce competent graduates who possess a strong understanding of the principles and concepts of Islamic Finance, as well as functional management and leadership skills.
Professional certifications
Upon meeting the programme requirements, students will receive IBFIM’s Islamic Finance Qualifications:
- Associate Qualification in Islamic Finance (AQIF)
- Intermediate Qualification in Islamic Finance (IQIF)
- Certified Qualification in Islamic Finance (CQIF): Banking
- Islamic Financial Planner (IFP)
Career paths
Graduates will have a broad scope of roles available to them, including but not limited to:
- Finance Executive/Islamic Finance Executive
- Financial Analyst/Islamic Financial Analyst
- Financial Advisor/Islamic Financial Advisor
- Financial Planner/Islamic Financial Planner
- Wealth Planner/Islamic Wealth Planner
- Islamic/Sharia’ Compliance Banker
- Islamic/Sharia’ Research Executive
- Islamic/Sharia’ Risk Executive
- Islamic/Sharia’ Auditor
- Takaful and Re-takaful Executive
- Zakat and Waqf Advisor
- Lecturer in Islamic Finance
This programme is for those interested in a career in accounting and finance and becoming a qualified accountant. Trained business professionals are in high demand, and accountants must understand business operations to add value to an organization. A strong commercial awareness and financial system management skills are an advantage. This degree prepares you for a comprehensive finance and business qualification.
Dual Award Programme
Students under this programme will have the choice to opt-in for Dual Award. Under this scheme, students will receive two awards: one from SEGi University, Malaysia and one from the University of Central Lancashire, UK.
Paper Exemptions
Graduates of this degree will be given exemptions for:
- Six papers from CPA Australia.
- Nine papers from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Gain Entry Admission via Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)
Shorten your study duration through CREDIT EXEMPTIONS obtained via your work experience and prior learning.
Career Paths
Upon successful completion of this programme, graduates are well equipped to pursue a broad range of roles, such as:
- Financial Accountant
- Financial Analyst
- Credit Risk Analyst
- Budget Controllers
- Tax Adviser
- Internal Auditor
The Master of Investment Management graduates will develop the necessary knowledge and practical skills to pursue a career in finance and related fields.
- Accessible and flexible
Study full time or part time to suit your professional and personal commitments.
- Exemptions for the Certified Financial Planner programme
Graduates will be granted exemptions for three out of four subjects for the Certified Financial Planner certification programme.
Career paths
Master of Investment Management holders can gain employment in the investment, wealth management and finance industries:
- Investment Analyst
- Financial Advisor
- Fund Manager
- Treasury Manager
- Financial Analyst
- Foreign Exchange Derivatives Analyst
International and professional accreditation
Students can receive up to three exemptions for the Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) Australia professional examinations. You are advised to confirm the status of your CPA exemption when you register for this course and the exams.
Job-ready skills, relevant to industry
The programme is designed to equip accountants and financial managers with the knowledge and skills required to navigate today's complex global accounting landscape. It offers an in-depth study of accounting and financial management, allowing graduates to expand their academic expertise and professionals to enhance their practical knowledge.
Graduates will have a broad scope of roles available to them, including:
- Auditor
- Financial Controller
- Corporate Finance Manager
- Accountant
- Financial Analyst
- Investment Analyst
- Management Accountant
- Tax Advisor
- Academia
Pioneer your future in business
Women play a significant role in contributing to a nation’s economic development. The government must provide sufficient support for them to reach their potential. Getting the right education is also necessary to prepare for entry into the business world. Explore various entrepreneurship and finance courses offered by leading universities to start your journey.