The Malaysian government’s heightened focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) reflects a strategic move towards economic and social development, particularly in addressing youth unemployment. Recognizing the potential of TVET to contribute to these goals, there is a specific emphasis on enhancing the marketability of women in the workforce from the current 62 percent to an ambitious 95 percent. However, a notable gender gap persists in entrepreneurial pursuits within the TVET sector in Malaysia, with female representation lagging. To bridge this gap, this study aims to construct a comprehensive framework that nurtures future-ready female TVETpreneur talent. This initiative aligns with the Malaysian Higher Education Blueprint, 2021–2025, i.e., fostering a diverse and innovative workforce. An extensive literature survey was conducted to identify the factors influencing female TVET students’ entrepreneurial intention. The literature revealed that social psychological and organizational approaches are commonly used to explore and analyze the relationship between the influence of female TVET students’ talents and behavior, their exposure to entrepreneurship, mentorship and support programs, role models in TVET, curriculum design, and access to resources. A comprehensive theoretical framework was developed based on these findings, which offers significant insights related to enhancing TVET opportunities for women and advancing Malaysia’s economic and social development goals in a sustainable way.

Abu Bakar, K., Muhd. Feisal Ismail, A.F., Mohamad, M.A., et al. (2024). Entrepreneurial Intention Challenge in TVET Education. Journal of Technical Education and Training, 16(1), 148-160.

Ajos, E.G. (2023). Babitkan Lebih Ramai Golongan Wanita Muda Dalam TVET. Available online: https://api.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2023/02/1069575/babitkan-lebih-ramai-golongan-wanita-muda-dalam-tvet (accessed on 2 June 2024).

Ajzen, I. (1991). The Theory of Planned Behavior. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 50, 179-211. https://doi.org/10.1016/0749-5978(91)90020-T

Ajzen, I. (2005). Attitudes, Personality and Behaviour. Maidenhead: Open University Press.

Alias, A. H., Zamzuri, Z. H., & Mohd Suradi, N. R. (2021). The Profile of Female Labor Force Participation in Malaysia Based on Recursive Partitioning Analyses. Malaysian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, 17(3), 226–241. https://doi.org/10.11113/mjfas.v17n3.2041

Alzamel, S., Nor, M.N.M., Omar, S., Mohammed, M.M. (2019). The Mediation Role of Resource Accessibility between Perceived Social Support and e-Entrepreneurial Intention of Female Students in Saudi Arabia. Journal of Technology Management and Business, 6(3), 76-84.

Amofah, K., Dziwornu, M.G., Rachwał, T., et al. (2024). Entrepreneurial Intentions among Female Senior High School Students in Ghana. International Entrepreneurship Review, 10(2), 101-119. https://doi.org/10.15678/IER.2024.1002.07

Ayanwale, M. A., Molefi, R. R., & Matsie, N. (2023). Modelling secondary school students’ attitudes toward TVET subjects using social cognitive and planned behavior theories. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 8(1), 100478. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2023.100478

Bandura, A. (1977). Social Learning Theory. Oxford, England: Prentice-Hall.

BarNir, A., Watson, W. E., & Hutchins, H. M. (2011). Mediation and Moderated Mediation in the Relationship Among Role Models, Self-Efficacy, Entrepreneurial Career Intention, and Gender. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 41(2), 270–297. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1559-1816.2010.00713.x

Buli, B. M., & Yesuf, W. M. (2015). Determinants of entrepreneurial intentions. Education + Training, 57(8/9), 891–907. https://doi.org/10.1108/et-10-2014-0129

Cardella, G. M., Hernández-Sánchez, B. R., & Sánchez García, J. C. (2020). Entrepreneurship and Family Role: A Systematic Review of a Growing Research. Frontiers in Psychology, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02939

Cheng, L. J., & Liao, C. C. (2017). The Drivers of Entrepreneurial Intention: The Role of Social Capital and Overconfidence. Contemporary Management Research, 13(2). https://doi.org/10.7903/cmr.17589

Deale, C. S. (2016). Entrepreneurship education in hospitality and tourism: insights from entrepreneurs. Journal of Teaching in Travel & Tourism, 16(1), 20–39. https://doi.org/10.1080/15313220.2015.1117957

Dilshodovich, P. D. (2023). Entrepreneurship and Start-Up Culture: Nurturing Innovation and Growth. Procedia on Economic Scientific Research, 4(2023), 36-41.

Ferrandiz, J., Fidel, P., & Conchado, A. (2018). Promoting entrepreneurial intention through a higher education program integrated in an entrepreneurship ecosystem. International Journal of Innovation Science, 10(1), 6–21. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijis-09-2017-0089

Ferreira, J. J., Fernandes, C. I., and Ratten, V. (2017). The influence of entrepreneurship education on entrepreneurial intentions, in Entrepreneurial Universities (Cham: Springer), 19–34. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-47949-1_2

Free Malaysia Today. (2023). Nearly 6mil fresh grads in 2022, 85% find jobs. Available online: https://www.msn.com/en-my/news/national/nearly-6mil-fresh-grads-in-2022-85-find-jobs/ar-AA1kdouE?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=4b6e5fd0e56243fa98655308656fe08f&ei=17 (accessed on 2 June 2024).

Gavigan, S. (2021). The Contribution of Entrepreneurship Training Towards Perceived Emancipation Amongst Nascent Rural Female Entrepreneurs in Uganda [PhD thesis]. Technological University Dublin.

Greene, F. J., Han, L., & Marlow, S. (2013). Like Mother, Like Daughter? Analyzing Maternal Influences upon Women’s Entrepreneurial Propensity. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 37(4), 687–711. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-6520.2011.00484.x

Halik Bassah, & N. A. S. (2022). The Issues and Challenges of TVET In Malaysia: From the Perspective of Industry Experts. Available online: http://tvet-online.asia/issue/18/the-issues-and-challenges-of-tvet-in-malaysia-perspective-of-industry-experts/ (accessed on 2 June 2024).

Hamid, H. A. (2023). My Say: Unlocking the Earning Potential of TVET Graduates. Available online: https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/665967 (accessed on 2 June 2024).

Heuer, A., & Kolvereid, L. (2014). Education in entrepreneurship and the Theory of Planned Behaviour. European Journal of Training and Development, 38(6), 506–523. https://doi.org/10.1108/ejtd-02-2013-0019

Hisrich, R.D., Peters, M.P. (1998). Entrepreneurship, 4th ed., Irwin McGraw‐Hill, Boston, MA.

Hockerts, K. (2017). Determinants of Social Entrepreneurial Intentions. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 41(1), 105–130. https://doi.org/10.1111/etap.12171

Hossain, M. I., Tabash, M. I., Siow, M. L., et al. (2023). Entrepreneurial intentions of Gen Z university students and entrepreneurial constraints in Bangladesh. Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13731-023-00279-y

Israr, M., & Saleem, M. (2018). Entrepreneurial intentions among university students in Italy. Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40497-018-0107-5

Iwu, C. G., Opute, P. A., Nchu, R., et al. (2021). Entrepreneurship education, curriculum and lecturer-competency as antecedents of student entrepreneurial intention. The International Journal of Management Education, 19(1), 100295. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2019.03.007

Kimathi, R. K., Njeru, F. W., & Korir, M. (2021). Effect of trainer on entrepreneurial intention of technical and vocational education and training graduates in Kenya. The University Journal, 2(1), XX–XX. https://doi.org/10.59952/tuj.v2i1.25

Kithinji, G. (2023). The Importance of TVETs for the Kenyan Economy: Lessons from Germany, Switzerland, China and Singapore. Available online: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/topic-importance-tvets-kenyan-economy-lessons-from-germany-kithinji (accessed on 2 June 2024).

Komarnicka, A. (2020). Entrepreneurial Competencies and the Factors Determining the Success of an Entrepreneur in the Market. In: Proceedings of the 35th International Business Information Management Association Conference, Education Excellence and Innovation Management: A 2025 Vision to Sustain Economic Development during Global Challenges; 1-2 April 2020; Seville, Spain. pp. 1104-1114.

Krueger, N.F., Reilly, M.D., Casrud, A. (2000). Competing Models of Entrepreneurial Intention. Journal of Business Venturing, 15(5-6), 411-432. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0883-9026(98)00033-0

Lackéus, M., & Sävetun, C. (2019). Assessing the Impact of Enterprise Education in Three Leading Swedish Compulsory Schools. Journal of Small Business Management, 57(sup1), 33–59. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsbm.12497

Lim, J. Y., Kim, G. M., & Kim, E. J. (2021). Predictors of Entrepreneurial Intention of Nursing Students Based on Theory of Planned Behavior. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, 14, 533–543. https://doi.org/10.2147/jmdh.s288532

Maheshwari, G., Kha, K. L., & Arokiasamy, A. R. A. (2022). Factors affecting students’ entrepreneurial intentions: a systematic review (2005–2022) for future directions in theory and practice. Management Review Quarterly, 73(4), 1903–1970. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11301-022-00289-2

Malebana, M. J., & Mothibi, N. H. (2023). Relationship between prior entrepreneurship exposure and entrepreneurial intention among secondary school learners in Gauteng, South Africa. Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13731-023-00309-9

Mehrabian, A., & Russell, J.A. (1974). An Approach to Environmental Psychology. The MIT Press, Cambridge, MA.

Mensah, I. K., Khan, M. K., & Mwakapesa, D. S. (2023). Factors determining the entrepreneurial intentions among Chinese university students: the moderating impact of student internship motivation. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-023-02275-9

Miranda, F.J., Chamorro‐Mera, A., & Rubio, S. (2017). Academic entrepreneurship in Spanish universities: an analysis of the determinants of entrepreneurial intention. European Research on Management and Business Economics, 23, 113-122.

Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia. (2021). Pelan Strategik Kebolehpasaran Graduan 2021-2025. Available online: https://www.mohe.gov.my/muat-turun/penerbitan-jurnal-dan-laporan/765-pelan-strategik-kebolehpasaran-graduan-2021-2025/file (accessed on 2 June 2024).

Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia. (2023). Kebolehpasaran Graduan TVET 2022. Available online: http://great.mohe.gov.my/Statistik (accessed on 2 June 2024).

Musa, D., Abdul Rashid, A.R., Rashid, R. (2018). Descriptive Study on Factors that Drive Business Students to Involve in Entrepreneurial Activities at Polytechnic’ Campus. International Journal of Education, Islamic Studies and Social Sciences Research, 2(1), 1-8.

Nabi, G., Walmsley, A., & Akhtar, I. (2019). Mentoring functions and entrepreneur development in the early years of university. Studies in Higher Education, 46(6), 1159–1174. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2019.1665009

Najmudin, N., Setyawati, S., Suliyanto, S., Arini, D. (2024). Direct and Indirect Influence of Role Model on E-Commerce Entrepreneurial Decisions: The Case of Generation Z. Proceeding ICMA-SURE, 3(1), 38-45. doi: 10.20884/2.procicma.2024.3.1.10190

Nguyen, A. T., Do, T. H. H., Vu, T. B. T., et al. (2019). Factors affecting entrepreneurial intentions among youths in Vietnam. Children and Youth Services Review, 99, 186–193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.01.039

Nikou, S., Brännback, M., Carsrud, A. L., et al. (2019). Entrepreneurial intentions and gender: pathways to start-up. International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship, 11(3), 348–372. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijge-04-2019-0088

Padi, A., Dzisi, Prof. S., & Eshun, Prof. J. F. (2022). Entrepreneurship education in TVET institutions and entrepreneurial intentions of female students in Ghana: the social support factor. Cogent Business & Management, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2022.2137954

Pennetta, S., Anglani, F., & Mathews, S. (2023). Navigating through entrepreneurial skills, competencies and capabilities: a systematic literature review and the development of the entrepreneurial ability model. Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies, 16(4), 1144–1182. https://doi.org/10.1108/jeee-09-2022-0257

Peris-Ortiz, M., Gómez, J. A., Merigó-Lindahl, J. M., & Rueda-Armengot, C. (2017). Entrepreneurial Universities. Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-47949-1

Purwanti, S., Handayani, P., & Kusdiyanti, H. (2024). The Effect of Entrepreneurship Education and Curriculum on Student Entrepreneurial Intention moderated by Student Entrepreneurial Mindset. Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology, 42(5), 68–81. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajaees/2024/v42i52415

Rahim, I. H.A., Pawan, M.T., Abdullah, A.S. (2021). Faktor-faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Niat Keusahawanan di Kalangan Pelajar. Pembangunan Penyelidikan Dalam Pendidikan Dan Sains Sosial: Idea Dan Analisis. Kaizentrenovation Sdn Bhd.

Rofa, N., & Ngah, R. (2024). Exploring the nexus of entrepreneurial potential and entrepreneurial mentoring among TVET programme students. Issues and Perspectives in Business and Social Sciences, 4(1), 94–107. CLOCKSS. https://doi.org/10.33093/ipbss.2024.4.1.7

Rosique-Blasco, M., Madrid-Guijarro, A., & García-Pérez-de-Lema, D. (2016). Entrepreneurial skills and socio-cultural factors. Education + Training, 58(7/8), 815–831. https://doi.org/10.1108/et-06-2015-0054

Roslan, R., Misnan, N. I., & Musa, D. (2020). The Influence of Higher Learning Environment and Role Model towards an Entrepreneurial Intention among TVET Students. Jurnal Intelek, 15(1), 133–142. https://doi.org/10.24191/ji.v15i1.276

Rusu, V. D., Roman, A., & Tudose, M. B. (2022). Determinants of Entrepreneurial Intentions of Youth: The Role of Access to Finance. Engineering Economics, 33(1), 86–102. https://doi.org/10.5755/j01.ee.33.1.28716

Shahzad, M. F., Khan, K. I., Saleem, S., et al. (2021). What Factors Affect the Entrepreneurial Intention to Start-Ups? The Role of Entrepreneurial Skills, Propensity to Take Risks, and Innovativeness in Open Business Models. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 7(3), 173. https://doi.org/10.3390/joitmc7030173

Shymko, Y., & Khoury, T. A. (2023). From community rootedness to individuated entrepreneuring: The development of entrepreneurial motivation through a temporary community of practice. Journal of Business Venturing, 38(3), 106300. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusvent.2023.106300

Simba, F.W., and Kising’u, T.M. (2024). Competency-based Learning and Entrepreneurial Intention in University Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions in Kenya. Journal of Education Practice, 5(1), 93-116.

Sisu, J. A., Tirnovanu, A. C., Patriche, C.-C., et al. (2024). Enablers of students’ entrepreneurial intentions: findings from PLS-SEM and fsQCA. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, 30(4), 856–884. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijebr-07-2023-0689

Statista. (2023). Malaysia: Youth Unemployment Rate from 2003 to 2022. Available online: https://www.statista.com/statistics/812222/youth-unemployment-rate-in-malaysia/ (accessed on 2 June 2024).

Sullivan, R. (2000). Entrepreneurial learning and mentoring. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, 6(3), 160–175. https://doi.org/10.1108/13552550010346587

Teoh, W.M.Y., Chong, S.C. (2007). Theorising A Framework of Factors Influencing Performance of Women Entrepreneurs in Malaysia. Journal of Asia Entrepreneurship and Sustainability, 3(2), 1-17.

Teoh, W.M.Y., Chong, S.C. (2008). Improving Women Entrepreneurs in Small and Medium Enterprises in Malaysia: Policy Recommendations. Communications of the IBIMA, 2, 31-38.

Teoh, W.M.Y., Chong, S.C. (2014). Towards strengthening the development of women entrepreneurship in Malaysia. Gender in Management: An International Journal, 29(7), 432–453. https://doi.org/10.1108/gm-10-2013-0122

The Star. (2022). Lazada Empowers the Growth of Female-Owned Online Businesses and Celebrates the Success of Women Entrepreneurs. Available online: https://www.thestar.com.my/starpicks/2022/03/10/lazada-empowers-the-growth-of-female-owned-online-businesses-and-celebrates-women-entrepreneurs-success (accessed on 2 June 2024).

Vracheva, V. P., Abu-Rahma, A., & Jacques, P. (2019). Effects of context on the entrepreneurial intent of female students from the United Arab Emirates. Education + Training, 61(6), 700–717. https://doi.org/10.1108/et-01-2018-0014

Vu, T. D., Vu, P. T., Hoang, C. C., et al. (2024). The key determinants affecting entrepreneurial intention of student: Integrating theory of planned behaviour and perceived university support. Journal of Infrastructure, Policy and Development, 8(7), 4655. https://doi.org/10.24294/jipd.v8i7.4655

World Bank. (2023a). Malaysia - Ratio of Female to Male Youth Unemployment Rate (%) (National Estimate). Available online: https://knoema.com/WBGS2019/gender-statistics?tsId=1048990 (accessed on 2 June 2024).

World Bank. (2023b). Overview: Building Better Formal TVET Systems: Principles and Practice in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. The World Bank Group.

Zapkau, F. B., Schwens, C., Steinmetz, H., et al. (2015). Disentangling the effect of prior entrepreneurial exposure on entrepreneurial intention. Journal of Business Research, 68(3), 639–653. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2014.08.007

Zhang, S.-N., Li, Y.-Q., Liu, C.-H., et al. (2020). Critical factors identification and prediction of tourism and hospitality students’ entrepreneurial intention. Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Education, 26, 100234. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhlste.2019.100234