First-generation immigrant entrepreneurship in Malaysia: What do we know so far?

Abstract

     Research on entrepreneurship in Malaysia has grown timidly in recent years. In fact, immigrant entrepreneurship, as a globally growing avenue of research, has not captured much interest among scholars in developing countries. What is abnormal is that the lack of interest over immigrant entrepreneurship research comes despite the strong presence of immigrants in the country and their large involvement in and contribution to the economy of the country. This paper reviewed the few studies found in the literature that take in their essence first generation businesses in Malaysia and discussed their scope of interest, findings, strengths, and weaknesses in light of the findings available in the literature. Ultimately, the paper aimed to further our understanding on how the link between migration (especially the migration of workers) and entrepreneurship in Malaysia is shaped, to invigorate our understanding on what characterizes the behavior of immigrant businesses, and to provide guidelines for future research in this discipline in the country. We found that the research is limited, but rich in topics where it focuses on immigrants from South and Central Asia.