KEKANGAN MENCEBURI BIDANG KEUSAHAWANAN PELAJAR INSTITUSI PENDIDIKAN TEKNIKAL DAN LATIHAN VOKASIONAL (TVET) DI MALAYSIA

This article examined the constraints in venturing into entrepreneurship based on the perceptions of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students in Malaysia. The findings were collected through a quantitative study that involved 1000 students from eight selected public TVET institutions in Peninsular Malaysia. Overall, the study found that the level of constraints faced by respondents to venture into entrepreneurship was moderate. There was no significant difference in perception in terms of constraints in venturing into entrepreneurship between certificate level respondents and diploma level respondents. However, the study found significant differences on perception in entrepreneurship constraints between respondents with family/parents that have been involved in business activities and 2 Malaysian Journal of Youth Studies those with family/parents without any business-related background. Next, the study also found significant differences on perception in entrepreneurship constraints between respondents who have experience in business activities while pursuing studies in their institutions and those who have never been involved in any business activity. In summary, venturing into entrepreneurship was seen as a realistic option for TVET students in Malaysia considering the specific individual skills that they possessed. Nevertheless, more integrated and effective support system could be developed together in order to reduce the constraints that can undermine their willingness to venture into entrepreneurship in the future.