INFORMAL EMBEDDEDNESS AND ENTREPRENEURIAL EMPOWERMENT AMONG REFUGEE WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS LIVING IN MALAYSIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37231/apj.2026.9.2.904Abstract
Abstract: This study explored the informal embeddedness of refugee women entrepreneurs living in Malaysia aiming to understand how refugee women entrepreneurs living in Malaysia navigate Malaysia’s local destination economies. This study used qualitative research methodology. The qualitative data collection was employed using semi-structured interviews through online with two refugee business incubation directors working in Malaysia, two refugee business incubation managers working in Malaysia and six refugee women entrepreneurs currently living in Malaysia. Thematic analysis was used using Atlas.ti to analyse data. The analysis was guided by three theoretical frameworks: Kloosterman’s Mixed Embeddedness Theory, Social Capital Theory, and Levin's Sustainable Livelihoods Framework. The research findings revealed that refugee women friendly business incubation plays a critical role in enabling refugee women entrepreneurs living in Malaysia to acquire entrepreneurial skills, build confidence, gain market exposure, and access supportive social networks. The findings resulted in three principal themes: embeddedness, empowerment, and livelihood enhancement, along with their corresponding subcategories. The study enhanced theoretical frameworks by showing how a hybrid application of above three theories may better understand the complex entrepreneurial journeys of refugee women entrepreneurs living in Malaysia. Policymakers for refugee issues in Malaysia should explore partnerships with NGOs, international organisations, and business incubation centres to create economic inclusion models that are supportive of refugee women entrepreneurs living in Malaysia and encourage informal participation.
Keywords: Business incubation; Empowerment; Informal Entrepreneurship, Mixed Embeddedness; Refugee Livelihoods
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