Equipped with the right tools and resources, they serve as powerful drivers of growth and transformation in the tourism industry.

According to the Women Leadership Foundation( WLF) Chairman, Datuk( Dr) Hafsah Hashim, Malaysia has undergone three small and medium enterprise( SME) censuses since 2004, with the SME population growing from 600,000 to approximately 2 million micro, small, and medium enterprises( MSMEs).

Currently, more than 80 per cent of business establishments in Malaysia are micro-sized, with small companies making up about 12 per cent and medium-sized businesses accounting for three per cent.

“ Small is the new big. It’ s because MSMEs contribute about 40 per cent to the national Gross Domestic Product( GDP). They also account for more than 70 per cent of national employment,” said Hafsah.

“ We are also seeing micro, small, and medium enterprises moving towards the export market. Hence, we are now looking into the participation of women entrepreneurs in this space.

“ When we conducted the first census back in 2004, we found that only about six per cent of business establishments were owned and operated by women entrepreneurs. But today, I believe more than 25 per cent of total business establishments are owned and managed by women entrepreneurs.”

She noted that many women-owned businesses are not formally registered and encouraged women entrepreneurs operating small businesses to register with the Companies Commission of Malaysia to facilitate business growth and development. – RnR

Opening ceremony of ASEAN Women Economic Summit 2025.

CHALLENGES FACED BY WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN MALAYSIA

• Cultural Expectations – balancing business with family responsibilities

• Access to Financing – stricter requirements from financial institutions

• Digital Adoption – need for greater support in embracing digital tools

• Perception Barriers – lingering misconceptions about women in leadership

BUSINESS STRENGTHS OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

• Strong financial and operational discipline

• Effective people and resource management

• Attention to detail and a structured approach

• Collaborative and resilient leadership style

Scan Me

More than 80 per cent of business establishments in Malaysia are micro-sized, with small companies making up about 12 per cent and medium-sized businesses accounting for three per cent.

Datuk( Dr) Hafsah Hashim

HIGHLIGHTS

Untapped Potential in Wellness Malaysia’ s spa and wellness industry remains underdeveloped compared to Thai, Indian, and Chinese concepts. There is a strong need to build uniquely Malaysian offerings with greater visibility and marketing.

Rising Role of Women Entrepreneurs Government grants and dedicated financing are available to support women venturing into the spa industry. With the proper tools, women can play a more significant role in this growing service sector.

Shift from Manufacturing to Services The wellness industry reflects

a broader economic trend where personalised services are becoming more prominent than manufacturing, catering to affluent customers seeking quality experiences.

Pioneering Muslim-Friendly Spas Malaysia has the potential to become the first country to establish Muslim-friendly spas as a premium segment,

supported by certification and tailored services for Muslim clients.

Collaboration for Growth Partnerships between organisations like the Women Leadership Foundation( WLF) and the Islamic Tourism Centre( ITC) can raise awareness, strengthen credibility, and attract ASEAN-wide interest in Malaysia’ s wellness offerings.