Women-led micro and small businesses now make up over 20% of SMEs in Malaysia. With stronger public-private partnerships, technology-driven solutions, and growing institutional support, women entrepreneurs are transforming the nation’s business landscape despite persistent gender gaps in labour force participation and access to resources.
MALAYSIA, 23 APRIL 2025 – Women-owned businesses are on the rise in Malaysia, with micro and small women entrepreneurs (MSWEs) accounting for 21% of the country’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) — translating to approximately 241,767 women-led businesses. These ventures play a critical role in Malaysia’s economy, where SMEs represent 97.4% of all businesses.
Yet, a notable gender gap persists. While Malaysia targets a 60% female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) by 2033, the most recent figure stands at 56.3%, compared to 82.9% for men. Bridging this gap is essential to unlocking the country’s full economic potential.
In a push to empower women in business, leading self-service laundrette dobiQueen recently hosted a panel discussion titled “Empathy Meets Innovation: How Women Entrepreneurs Utilise Purposeful Technology & Empathetic Leadership to Transform Businesses.” The event featured voices from the public and private sectors, including TalentCorp’s Wanita MyWira, Khazanah Research Institute (KRI), and Strive Malaysia.
Challenges Facing Women Entrepreneurs
A study by Strive Malaysia revealed three key barriers MSWEs face:
- Time poverty: A staggering 97% of women entrepreneurs cited juggling childcare, household responsibilities, and business operations as their top challenge. Gender roles in Malaysian society continue to place the burden of unpaid care work largely on women.
- Digital disconnection: While 80% of MSWEs are digitally literate and actively use social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, many lack the skills or confidence to leverage these tools for business growth.
- Limited financial literacy: Only 50% of MSWEs felt confident in their financial capabilities, and 78% expressed the need for more accessible information on loans, grants, and market insights from financial institutions.
In response, Strive Malaysia launched Strivers’ Hub, a digital platform offering free self-assessment tools, tailored training, and mentorship — a one-stop solution for women entrepreneurs seeking to upskill and scale their businesses.
DobiQueen: A Purpose-Driven Business Model
As a standout example of empathetic entrepreneurship, dobiQueen has redefined convenience through technology. Co-founder Nini Tan shared how the business began with a mission to ease women’s household burdens. “Women spend 63.6% more time on unpaid chores than men. After work, many women continue with an additional 3–4 hours of housework. We wanted to help reduce that ‘second shift,’” she said.
Now operating 90 outlets across Klang Valley, dobiQueen offers innovative services including Drop-off & Pickup and Same-Day Delivery — all accessible through its mobile app. These services, powered by advanced washing and drying systems, are designed to meet the needs of time-strapped families, especially women.
Public Sector Support for Women in Business
Efforts to uplift women entrepreneurs are also gaining traction in the public sector. Through Budget 2025, the Government has allocated RM470 million to support women-led enterprises.
TalentCorp’s Wanita MyWira initiative is helping women enter or re-enter the workforce, offering skill-building, career support, and industry engagement. “We support women across the career lifecycle — from students to leaders — by embedding DEI practices and expanding job opportunities,” said Natasha Alias, Head of Wanita MyWira.
With support from the Career Comeback Programme (CCP) and upcoming Gender Action Lab Report, TalentCorp is strengthening the national workforce with a focus on gender equality, inclusion, and sustainability.
Women in Agriculture: Breaking the ‘Invisible Farmer’ Stereotype
Dr Teoh Ai Ni of Khazanah Research Institute (KRI) highlighted women’s roles in the agrifood sector. While women contribute significantly to agrifood production, they are often under-recognized. “Traditionally, women were seen as ‘farmer’s wives,’ but with digital tools and evolving perceptions, they are stepping into leadership roles — though challenges remain,” she explained.
The KRI study among 3,300 smallholders showed that women face more significant barriers in resource access, workload, and recognition — issues that must be addressed to ensure inclusive growth.
A Shared Vision for an Inclusive Economy
With rising female entrepreneurship, increased digital adoption, and targeted government policies, Malaysia is moving steadily toward its 60% female LFPR target by 2033. Women are not just participating in the economy — they are transforming it.
From laundromats to farmlands, women-led businesses are showing that empathy, innovation, and resilience are powerful tools for growth. By unlocking access to finance, technology, and inclusive ecosystems, Malaysia is laying the foundation for a more equitable and prosperous economic future.
