Satellite Labory HSE University Saint Petersburg presents Landmark Report on Social Entrepreneurship in Malaysia

Analytical Report on Social Entrepreneurship in Malaysia (2025), prepared by the Satellite Laboratory of HSE University – Saint Petersburg and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM Malaysia). This report lays the groundwork for further interdisciplinary research on social entrepreneurship ecosystems in rapidly developing economies. It highlights the sector's transformative potential in Malaysia, acknowledges existing challenges, and identifies promising directions for sustainable growth and systemic development.

The International Satellite Laboratory “Reflecting Impact: The Cross-Country Analysis for Social Entrepreneurship in Malaysia and Russia,” jointly established by HSE University–Saint Petersburg and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), has released its 2025 Analytical Report on Social Entrepreneurship in Malaysia.

This comprehensive report maps the evolution of Malaysia's social entrepreneurship sector, offering a detailed empirical and policy-driven overview of one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic ecosystems for socially oriented innovation. It analyzes 388 social enterprises based on official government data and public sources, providing rich insights into their legal structures, sectoral activities, regional distribution, and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

According to the report’s findings, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth emerges as the most commonly supported goal, followed closely by efforts targeting poverty reduction and food security. A significant share of Malaysian social enterprises are concentrated in agriculture, retail trade, and services, often operating as cooperatives. These organizations demonstrate Malaysia’s commitment to combining entrepreneurial discipline with social and environmental responsibility.

“This report provides not only a snapshot of the current landscape, but also a framework for understanding how social entrepreneurship can drive inclusive and sustainable development,” says Dr. Magdalena Gaete-Sepúlveda, Head of the Laboratory for Reputation Management in Education (RepLab), HSE University–St. Petersburg, and co-author of the report. “By working closely with our partners at UTM, we are building a foundation for comparative and collaborative research that supports systemic change in fast-growing economies.”

The Satellite Laboratory initiative is a part of a broader effort to enhance academic cooperation between Russia and Malaysia, exploring how social entrepreneurship can serve as a strategic tool for addressing societal challenges through interdisciplinary approaches and stakeholder engagement.

The full report is available online and is expected to serve as a resource for researchers, policymakers, educators, and practitioners working in the fields of social innovation, sustainable development, and entrepreneurship.

📘 Download the Report: https://spb.hse.ru/en/soc/reputationlab/analyt