Malaysia

Phase II

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MSMEs are a driver of socioeconomic development in Malaysia, comprising approximately 96 per cent of businesses. According to SME Corp Malaysia, in 2024, MSMEs contributed C$213.5 billion (652.4 billion Malaysian ringgits) to the country’s GDP, demonstrating their importance for the Malaysian economy. With the increased participation of women in the economy, MSME entrepreneurship arises as an instrument for women’s economic empowerment and poverty reduction. 

To help Malaysian MSMEs thrive, the APEC-Canada Growing Business Partnership (ACGBP) is working with local organizations to deliver programs that build capacity for MSME entrepreneurs, especially women and young women. Our project aims to enhance knowledge of business management practices and address gender equality at the individual level by improving gender-responsive and sustainable business practices among MSME entrepreneurs. 

Activities in Malaysia will include research studies for men and women MSME entrepreneurs on best practices for MSME business management, a capstone conference to reinforce these best practices, business management workshops for applying best practices, and an MSME Mentorship Program delivered to women and young entrepreneurs on adapting best practices for sustainable business management into their operations.