Business Scene in Malaysia
Malaysia, one of the most diverse Southeast Asian countries with a multi-ethnic and multicultural population. The Business scene and Business culture in Malaysia can be a reflection of this diversity, exhibiting a thriving startup scene with a steady increasing number of entrepreneurs and Business owners. According to the study conducted by Business advisory organisation Grant Thornton, 45% of businesses are office-based, 52% have a hybrid and flexible approach, while 3% are home-based.
How does diversity and Business correlate with each other? Well, diversity encourages varying and innovative perspectives, opening new opportunities for growth in Business. This sentiment is especially appropriate in the rapidly evolving global Business environment, where having a diverse set of viewpoints will enable companies to more effectively analyse and navigate new landscapes. As such, there is a need to push for balance for men and women in Business, with emphasis on DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) policies.
According to the 2023 International Business Report (IBR) by Grant Thornton Malaysia, there is slight progress for women in senior leadership when compared to the previous year. Looking at the numbers, Malaysia has a percentage of 40% of senior management positions held by women.
Although observing slow progression, female entrepreneurs in Malaysia are definitely encouraged. This can be seen through implements of many initiatives to encourage Business and entrepreneurship among Malaysian women, who are traditionally assumed the role of primary household caretakers). One instance is the ‘WanitaBangkit@KPWKM’ initiative which embraces the goal of enabling women in Malaysia to achieve financial independence through entrepreneurial and Business means.
Top 5 Successful Business Woman in Malaysia
1. Jenn Low (Wanderlust + Co)
Jenn Low was born in Seremban, with an educational background of Accounting and Communications. Jenn is a managing director at Wanderlust + Co, an independent and global jewellery brand seen to be worn by influential celebrities including Gigi Hadid, Selena Gomez, Jessica Alba and Kendall Jenner. Jenn was also the winner of The Edge Inspiring Young Leaders Awards in 2019.
2. Neelofa (Naelofar)
Neelofa, known for her many ventures including her entrepreneurial venture Naelofar, has a fair educational background relating to International Business & Marketing. Her brand is sold in more than 37 countries including Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, Australia, UAE, United Kingdom and Europe. Neelofa has achieved many awards with a prominent one being included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list in 2017.
3. Jane Chuck (Chuck’s, Hejau)
Jane Chuck is social media influencer turned entrepreneur with Business ventures of the brand Chuck’s, along with Motherchuckers and the food Business Hejau. Jane was awarded with Tatler’s Asia Most Influential Malaysia Award back in 2021. She is definitely paving the way for inspiring young Business Women in Malaysia in the fashion and beauty markets.
4. Marion Caunter (Hairplay Salon)
Marion Caunter, known as a style-icon, is a graduate of Broadcasting and Electronics from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Initially a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, Marion ventured into the Business industry when Hairplay Salon opened its doors in 2013. The salon has provided service to royals, locals, international celebrities, as well as high profile clients. Back in 2021, Marion received the Tatler Malaysia’s Style Award presented by Chopard.
5. Fazreena Aziz (TudungPeople)
Fazreena Aziz is a managing director selling hijabs under the brand name Tudung People. She ventured into the brand at 21 years old while pursuing her degree in Architecture. Their collections cater to women from different backgrounds, students to athletic women, the career-minded, pregnant women and even mothers. As its name – A tudung (Hijab/Scarf) for the people.
Some other honourable mentions of up and coming young Business Woman in Malaysia consists of:
- Chairmaine Wong of Linlin Cake Shop
- Nurul, Amirah, Syahira of MimpiKita
- Izzana Salleh of Girls4Girls Malaysia
- Ivor Xian of hygr.my
- Former civil engineer Ana Abu of ANAABU
Key Pointers & Skills for a successful career in Business
- Substantiate the Business Mindset
A key point to owning a successful career in Business is to own and substantiate the Business Mindset consisting of attributes such as tenacity, resilience, and high motivation throughout the Business career, embodying the notion of how the grind never stops for Business owners. Maintaining a Business mindset is requisite to the success of a career in Business where perspective may shift in a lot of ways to make success your compass.
- Adapt Business Management Skills
A successful Business owner should equip solid management abilities and the qualities of a good Business manager such as the ability to multitask, properly delegate tasks, organise and manage time, which could be done by noting down goals, communicating achievable objectives, together with setting deadlines. Another way to implement this is to have an open mindset which encourages creativity as a way to create an innovative Business environment.
- Celebrate Mistakes & Wins
Another key pointer for a successful career in Business would be to celebrate mistakes as well as wins or successes. The reason for implementing this habit in a Business career is to ensure Business owners keep their own and employees’ Business spirit and motivation alive. Celebrating wins fuels the idea of success whereas celebrating mistakes fosters growth and development of the Business.
- Lifelong Learning
Incorporated in the Business mindset, is the growth mindset through lifelong learning which are simultaneously boundless and continuous. It is crucial for Business owners to continuously learn, develop, and refine skill sets either through experiences, mistakes, events, workshops, courses, or through other people.
- Network, network, network!
Networking is super crucial because establishing bonds and connections could be a major key for taking your Business career to new heights. Some of the ways Business owners can network is by attending events and workshops, joining online communities through LinkedIn, leveraging social media, or by seeking out mentorships. Networking can also be carried out through informal chatting, idea discussions, and project collaborations.
General Requirements to study Business in Malaysia
Academic Entry
Academic Entry | Minimum Score |
Foundation | CGPA 2.00 |
Diploma | CGPA 2.00 |
STPM | CGPA 2.00 |
UEC | 5Bs |
A-Levels | 2Es |
Australian Matriculation (ATAR) | 50% |
IB Diploma | 24 points |
Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
English Language Entry Requirements
Entry Level | Minimum Score |
IELTS | Pass |
MUET | Pass |
TOEFL | Pass |
Note: Universities may have different English Language requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
Top Universities to Study Business Degree in Malaysia
1. Monash University, Malaysia
Monash University Malaysia holds international accreditation. Graduates will have the opportunity to interact with students worldwide in a supportive campus environment, broadening their perspectives on the world and culture. Monash University in Malaysia combines academic distinction with affordability, it is a cost-effective option for those considering to pursue Business.
The Bachelor of Business and Commerce offered by Monash University will allow graduates to acquire business concepts and use their critical and analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and professional communication skills in the global business environment. Graduates can also participate in charitable initiatives with organisations like UNHCR, Teach for Refugees, and Biji-biji Initiative, as well as professional growth opportunities including research seminars, masterclasses, and leadership panels.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Business and Commerce |
Duration | 3 Years |
Intake | February, July, October |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 125,280 International Students: RM144,000 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
2. Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
With more than five campuses worldwide, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia holds the distinction of being the first in the nation to receive certification as a “green campus.” Heriot-Watt University Malaysia designs its educational programmes and modules with the goal of fostering students’ overall growth in addition to their academic success and pursuit.
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia’s Business programmes are highly recognised worldwide for their research and teaching quality because of their close ties to the Business industry, trade, and pertinent professional organisations. The ancient universities in Scotland and the UK award undergraduate honours degrees for their programmes, like the MA (Hons) Business and Finance and the MA (Hons) International Business Management. In contrast, the bachelor’s degree known as Bachelor of Arts (BA) is more typically awarded for undergraduate degrees in the humanities, arts, liberal arts, or social sciences.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2024) |
BBA (Hons) Bachelor of Business Administration | 3 Years | January, September | Local Students: RM 109,680 International Students: RM 128,544 |
MA (Hons) Business and Finance | 3 Years | September | Local Students: RM 109,680 International Student: RM 128,544 |
MA (Hons) International Business Management | 3 Years | January, September | Local Students: RM 109,680 International Student: RM 128,544 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
3. Taylor’s University
Taylor University stands with its reputation as a top-tier academic institution that provides cutting-edge facilities, creative teaching strategies, and highly qualified instructors to improve students’ educational experiences. Maintaining consistent top rankings, Taylor’s University can be considered one of the most renowned private universities in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
The goal of Taylor University’s Business programmes is to instil in its graduates the core skills and knowledge required to manage strategic Business operations and ventures which prepares them for executive and senior positions, as well as enable them to start their own businesses. Along with the chance of providing initial funding for Business and Business mentors, its other objectives include fostering an innovative mentality in fast-paced Business environments.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2024) |
Bachelor of Business (Honours) Specialisation Options:
| 3 Years | February, April, September | Local Students: MYR 120,794 International Students: USD 31,303 |
Bachelor of Business (Honours) in International Business and Marketing | 3 Years | February, April, September | Local Students: MYR 120,794 International Student: USD 31,303 |
Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (Honours) in Team Entrepreneurship | 3 Years | February, April, September | Local Students: MYR 101,678 International Student: USD 27,055 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
4. INTI International University & College (INTI)
INTI International University and College aspires to give its graduates the knowledge and tools they need to reach their full potential and follow their passions. INTI aims to accomplish this by providing suitable and conducive learning environments furnished with all the required facilities and equipment. Additionally, INTI maintains a wide range of collaboration and partnerships with Businesses and institutions of higher education abroad.
The INTI School of Business offers comprehensive development initiatives through a hands-on approach for their students, as well as strong collaborative ties to international corporations, local organisations, and prestigious foreign universities. The School of Business at INTI provides students with pathways that grants them the opportunity to get a dual degree in Business and transfer opportunities to universities in the UK or Australia. Contact us for additional details!
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2024) |
Bachelor of Business (Honours) Specialisation Options:
| 3 Years | January, May, August | Local Students: RM 75,850 International Students: RM 75,850 |
Bachelor of Business (Honours) Management | 3 Years | January, May, August | Local Students: RM 72,223 International Student: RM 72,223 |
Bachelor of Business (Honours) Digital Enterprise Management | 3 Years | January, May, August | Local Students: RM 72,223 International Student: RM 72,223 |
Bachelor of Business (3+0) Major Options:
| 3 Years | March, August | Local Students: RM 69,722 – RM 86,882 International Student: RM 69,722 – RM 86,882 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
5. UCSI University (UCSI)
UCSI University was initially established as a computer training centre and since then has developed into one of Malaysia’s private higher education institutions, offering its students a transformative education fostering professionalism, integrity, grit, and passion. UCSI also provides a diverse range of credentials through partnerships and collaborations with notable universities across the globe.
The Faculty of Business and Management at UCSI University offers a variety of degree programmes, each with unique aspects of their own. Some of the programmes include mobility internships in addition to the required professional accreditations from professional bodies and organisations like CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA. Through incorporating the values of professionalism, creativity, and innovation, the Faculty of Business and Management at UCSI University promotes its students to become benchmarks for excellence in the professional Business industries.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2023) |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Commerce | 3 Years | January, May, September | Local Students: RM 47,322 International Students: RM 60,272 |
Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) in Marketing | 3 Years | January, May, September | Local Students: RM 54,440 International Students: RM 65,140 |
Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) in Accounting and Finance | 3 Years | January, May, September | Local Students: RM 53,600 International Students: RM 64,240 |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Entrepreneurship | 3 Years | January, May, September | Local Students: RM 72,170 International Students: RM 82,450 |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Business Administration | 3 Years | January, May, September | Local Students: RM 69,620 International Student: RM 79,900 |
Bachelor of International Business (Honours) | 3 Years | January, May, September | Local Students: RM 54,440 International Students: RM 65,140 |
Bachelor of International and Sustainable Business (Honours) | 3 Years | January, May, September | Local Students: RM 71,660 International Student: RM 81,940 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
For more information regarding the university, programs offered, entry requirements and fees, contact Excel Education.
About The Author
Hannah Hir
Hannah appreciates various art forms, especially Asian literature, film and music. Most of her favorite Malaysian kuihs are green-coloured.