Strive Malaysia

The International Labor Organization reports that women entrepreneurs in Malaysia have less access to banks and financial institutions, which often leads to constrained growth and a relatively low share of women-owned businesses in the country, with only one in five MSEs led by women.   

Enabling women entrepreneurs to access and scale their businesses in the digital economy contributes to economic growth. Research shows that by addressing the entrepreneurship gender gap and providing targeted support to more women entrepreneurs, Malaysia has the potential to increase its GDP per capita by up to six percent.

Strive Malaysia will work to understand the gaps experienced by women entrepreneurs in their digitalization journeys and provide tailored solutions, including access to the right tools, networks, and resources to help them grow their businesses online.  

Mastercard and The Asia Foundation will work with government and private partners to provide support services to the identified MSEs in Malaysia. This initiative contributes to the government’s vision to build an inclusive digital society. 

About The Asia Foundation

The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives and expanding opportunities across Asia and the Pacific. Informed by decades of experience and deep local expertise, their work across the region is focused on good governance, women’s empowerment and gender equality, inclusive economic growth, environment and climate action, and regional and international relations.