The Journey of Social Entrepreneurs in the Malaysian Landscape
ISBN: 978-1-80382-102-3, eISBN: 978-1-80382-101-6
Publication date: 9 June 2022
Abstract
This chapter describes the journey of four social entrepreneurs in the Malaysian landscape. The objectives of the case study are to provide a description of the social entrepreneurship development in Malaysia and to illustrate how social entrepreneurs start their ventures, and mobilise change within this landscape. Primary data was collected through a survey and indepth interviews. Four social entrepreneurs participated in this study. The findings show that the Malaysian social entrepreneurship landscape is thriving and supportive, giving many opportunities for individuals to establish social enterprises. The indepth interviews revealed that the social entrepreneurs were motivated to start their social enterprises after being exposed to various socio-economic problems of diverse communities. They leveraged on their strength, both technical and business to create social enterprises. Digitalisation is a major enabler for the social enterprises where ICT tools are used to create solutions to optimise socio-economic impact. Training, coaching and mentoring are also widely used to empower the target beneficiaries. All the social entrepreneurs are deeply aware of the sustainable developmental goals (SDGs) and have strategically incorporated the relevant SDGs into their business model to guide impact measurement. This case study contributes to the field by providing insights on the what drives the ‘selfless side’ of an individual to start a social enterprise, and how do social enterprises leverage on available resources to grow and sustain their ventures. It also provides insights on how to pilot and scale social enterprises.
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Acknowledgements
Acknowledgment
The authors would like to thank the four social entrepreneurs for the time they have spared during numerous interview sessions and focus group discussions to gather and validate data for this study. Their openness and generosity to share their experience is most appreciated.
Citation
Mason, C., Hilmi Wan Ahmad, W.M. and Hashim, F. (2022), "The Journey of Social Entrepreneurs in the Malaysian Landscape", Crowther, D. and Quoquab, F. (Ed.) Social Entrepreneurs (Developments in Corporate Governance and Responsibility, Vol. 18), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 259-280. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2043-052320220000018013
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2022 by Emerald Publishing Limited