Entrepreneurial` Issues and Barriers among Undergraduate University Students in Malaysia

Entrepreneurship among university students is vital for innovation and economic growth, yet many undergraduates struggle to transform intentions into action. This study examines the entrepreneurial barriers faced by Malaysian students, their underlying causes, and possible solutions. A quantitative design was employed, with survey data collected from 100 undergraduates at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) using Google Forms. The findings reveal five dominant barriers: aversion to stress and hard work (mean = 3.85), risk aversion (coefficient = –0.20), fear of failure (mean = 3.40), lack of social networking (coefficient = 0.30, 95% CI [0.04, 0.26]), and unavailability of resources, particularly financial capital (mean = 3.52). These challenges highlight the dual impact of psychological limitations and structural constraints on students’ entrepreneurial engagement. The study recommends strengthening institutional support, widening access to funding, enhancing entrepreneurial training, and fostering a culture that tolerates failure. Overall, the findings provide evidence-based insights for universities, policymakers, and industry to build a more supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem