Kuala lumpur: In the past, most graduates dreamed of securing stable salaried jobs in the public sector or large corporations. Today, however, many young people are choosing a far more challenging path - entrepreneurship.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this phenomenon is more than just a passing trend; it reflects a real shift in mindset and aspirations among the new generation as they define their own career paths. In Malaysia, one of the standout figures riding this wave is Khairul Amin Kamarulzaman, better known as Khairul Aming. At just 33, he has not only made a name for himself as a social media influencer but has also built a successful business empire with his sambal products, recording sales in the millions of ringgit.
Khairul Aming continues to serve as a source of inspiration for young people - admired not only for his courage in creating new ideas but also for his creativity and innovation.
On the growing trend, senior lecturer at the Faculty of Management and Business, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Dr. Ehsan Fansuree Surin, said there are many reasons why the younger generation prefers entrepreneurship over salaried employment. He noted that while some come from business-oriented families, others venture into entrepreneurship out of passion, the desire to be independent, or due to difficulty in securing jobs.
Ehsan explained that the economic conditions often compel people to seek alternative sources of income. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many workers who were laid off likely had insufficient savings, prompting a move to business as one of the quickest ways to earn an income. In the context of a modern economy, he emphasized that relying solely on salaried jobs is no longer sufficient due to the competitive and uncertain job market.
A report by SME Corporation Malaysia further highlights the significance of this trend. The small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, largely driven by young entrepreneurs, contributed over 38 percent to Malaysia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2020. This includes job creation, increased exports, and the introduction of competitive new products to the global market.
The entrepreneurship landscape is also undergoing a major transformation. Previously, businesses relied heavily on physical stores and conventional marketing methods. Today, young entrepreneurs are charting a new course, powered by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0) and the influence of social media. Ehsan pointed out that adapting to technology is now essential, as IR4.0 represents an industrial transformation combining digital and physical technologies.
Meanwhile, Director of Technopreneurship at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Associate Professor Sr Dr. Nazirah Mohamad Abdullah, affirmed that digital technologies and online tools have made it easier than ever for anyone to start a business. She observed that some university students have already become entrepreneurs even before completing their studies.
Nazirah emphasized that academic knowledge alone is not enough to shape a successful entrepreneur. It must be supported by practical experience, continuous training, mentorship, access to technology, and opportunities to network with industry players. She advocates for entrepreneurship education to be compulsory across all programs, alongside the establishment of entrepreneurship development centers in educational institutions.
Government-initiated programs also play a crucial role in guiding and empowering young entrepreneurs. Nazirah highlighted programs like the Maju Usahawan MADANI and the National Entrepreneurship Policy 2030 (DKN 2030), which provide a solid foundation for growth. These initiatives emphasize capacity building, technology-driven innovation, and greater access to global markets and financing facilities.
In conclusion, the synergy between national policies and educational action plans indicates a shift towards creating graduates who are not merely job seekers but job creators. Nazirah urged young people to seize the opportunities provided by the government and universities, as these institutions now serve as breeding grounds for future entrepreneurs capable of competing in the global market.