Inclusive Enterprise Development in the Global South: The Case of Malaysia and its outreach to ASEAN

This is the first of series of decision-maker interviews from various sectors to seek their ideas and inputs on achieving inclusive, sustainable and meaningful development, and particularly in the Global South, but not exclusively. Research suggests that one route is to ensure nations have sustainable growth based on Western-orientated Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs) of structures like the World Bank or IMF. SAPs that have been imposed on so many nations, and particularly those in the global south have led to exclusion, poverty and aid mindset dependency. However, if we do not follow this path, there could be a strategy of growth that can also be socially, economically and politically inclusive, sustainable and meaningful. This could be an even more favourable option for all, especially in the global south but also for the global north too.

I began the interview series at our Foundation, Myprodigy Foundation of Malaysia in my capacity as the consultant CEO. I interviewed our Executive Chairman and former Senator and Member of Parliament of Malaysia, Jaziri Alkaf Abdillah Sufian over several days. He is a serious advocate of inclusive and meaningful human capital enablement for sustainable enterprise development. Jaziri is an influential person in political, economic, academic and NGO circles not only in Malaysia, but in the ASEAN region and globally. He has been an active participant in the BRICS development process, and also in ASEAN and with Malaysia-US-EU relations.

Established in 2021, Myprodigy Foundation is a registered Malaysian Non-profit Charity dedicated to fostering sustainable development through innovative and inclusive initiatives. With a focus on Enterprise Development, the foundation empowers entrepreneurs and small businesses by providing resources, training, and opportunities to drive economic growth. Its commitment to facilitating Inclusion ensures equitable access to these opportunities, prioritizing underserved communities and marginalized groups.

The interview with Senator Jaziri Alkaf was coducted in two parts - the first part focused on the role of inclusive enterprise development for facilitating equitable development in Malaysia. The second part of the interview on ideas related to the role of Malaysia facilitating inclusive equitable development in ASEAN as the Chair in 2025.

Part 1

Q1. Why is there a need for a strategic role of inclusive enterprise development in achieving equitable and sustainable development in Malaysia?

Senator Jaziri:

“As a former Senator and Member of Parliament from Sarawak, I have witnessed firsthand the disparities in economic development between different regions of Malaysia. The strategic role of enterprise development is crucial in achieving improved equitable development in Malaysia for several reasons.

First and foremost, economic diversification is essential. Enterprise development encourages the growth of various industries, reducing reliance on a few sectors. This diversification is particularly vital for regions like Sarawak, where the economy has traditionally been resource-dependent. Fostering a diverse economic landscape, we can enhance resilience and stability, ensuring that economic growth is sustainable in the long run.

Job creation and poverty reduction are also significant aspects of inclusive enterprise development. Fostering entrepreneurship and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), we create job opportunities and reduce unemployment. This is vital for uplifting underserved communities and reducing poverty levels. In regions where employment opportunities are scarce, enterprise development can be a game-changer, providing individuals with the means to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the local economy.”

Q2. Senator, how can Inclusive Enterprise Development make a difference in Malaysia?

Senator Jaziri:

“Inclusive enterprise development plays a crucial role in promoting inclusive growth. It ensures that economic benefits are distributed more evenly across different regions and demographics. By supporting businesses in rural and less developed areas, we can bridge the urban-rural divide and promote inclusive growth. This is essential for ensuring that all Malaysians, regardless of their location or background, have access to the opportunities and benefits of economic development.

Social stability is another crucial benefit of inclusive enterprise development. Providing opportunities for entrepreneurship and business growth contributes to social stability. When people have access to economic opportunities, it fosters a sense of inclusion and reduces social tensions. Inclusive enterprise development can help address social inequalities and create a more harmonious society by ensuring that everyone has the chance to improve their economic situation.”

Q3. Senator, Why do you thin strategic development will be crucial for equitable development in Malaysia?

Senator Jaziri:

“The strategic role of enterprise development is essential for achieving improved equitable development in Malaysia. It promotes economic diversification, job creation, poverty reduction, inclusive growth, skill development, innovation, social stability, and sustainable development. Strategically focusing on enterprise development, Malaysia can achieve more equitable development, ensuring that all regions and communities benefit from the nation's economic progress. This approach is not just about economic growth but also about creating a fairer and more inclusive society for all Malaysians.”

Part of this strategic development must include skill and talent development that allows for innovation as a critical aspects of inclusive enterprise development. Therefore, by encouraging enterprise development vis-a-versa this also leads to the inclusive development of skills and innovation. This not only enhances productivity but also prepares our workforce for the demands of a rapidly changing global economy. So, in my opinion, cultivating a culture of innovation and continuous learning, facilitating inclusive enterprise develoment and inclusive skills and innovation, we can position Malaysia as a competitive player on the world stage, driving technological advancements and economic growth.”

Q4. Senator what is your take on Sustainable Development as part of inclusive enterprise development in Malaysia?

Senator Jaziri:

“Sustainable development is a key consideration. I recently attended a summit UN Sustainable Development Goald (UNSDGs) at Sunway University in Subang Jaya, in Selangor State last month (January 2025). There were serious discussions on inclusive enterprise development as drive sustainable practices and green technologies, aligning economic growth with environmental preservation. The realisation was that sustainable development goes ‘hand-in-hand’ with inclusive enterprise development. I concur with this proposition and also the importance of the UNSDGs. I believe it ensures that inclusive enterprise development is sustainable and benefits future generations.

Additionally, I believe this also concurs with a 2024 publication by the Asian Development Bank (ABD) on Transforming ASEAN: Strategies for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth. Malaysia is part of ASEAN, an actually Chair this year. I think the publication was in April 2024, if I am not mistaken, and infers that promoting environmentally friendly business practices and supporting enterprises that prioritise sustainability and inclusivity can address environmental challenges while fostering economic growth. I whole-heartly agree with this.”

Part 2

Q1. Do you have any advice or suggestions that you think can advance the meaningfulness of Malaysia’s Chairship of ASEAN for promoting inclusive enterprise development?

Senator Jaziri:

“Malaysia is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in promoting inclusive enterprise development within the ASEAN region, fostering equitable and sustainable growth and development. By leveraging its strategic geographic location, robust economic policies and commitment to innovation, Malaysia can serve as a model for its ASEAN counterparts and serve as a catalyst for regional collaboration and development. I would like to promote the notion that Malaysia can encourage the concept of sustainable and inclusive enterprise development in ASEAN by promoting cross-border trade and investment, enhancing regional cooperation in education and skill development, advocating for inclusive policies, fostering innovation and technology adoption, strengthening regional institutions and frameworks and leveraging strategic partnerships.

We should as Chair of ASEAN take a leadership role in promoting inclusive enterprise development. Malaysia can contribute the understanding how inclusive equitable development can be achieved in ASEAN. This approach can not only drive economic growth but also create a more inclusive and equitable future for all ASEAN member states. It would also be nice if we can engage all people in skill development, including special needs people, people with physical and even with some cognition challenges.

We can do another interview after my trip the United Kindgom later this month where as a speaker at Oxford University I will be knowledge sharing on ASEAN Hedging and how this practice is a ‘Win-Win’ for all. Eugene, I feel a more indepth interview on such a big subject will be much better”

Q2. Senator Jaziri, in reference to a future interview, as a prelude could I ask you elude to some examples of that can be done immediately by Malaysia while in the position of Chair of ASEAN?

Senator Jaziri:

“In terms of practical action, and as part of the non-interference code of ASEAN, we can do many things at a micro level. Myprodgy foundation in partnership with others aims to cultivate initiatives, programmes and projects to pilot inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Malaysia and ASEAN. As discussed and planned, we will do a soft launch a couple local and global initiatives at Parliament Malaysia, during either a joint session of Rakyat and Senate or by Senate, this year.

For instance the ICHIGO global initiatives we are supporting and promoting as a lead partner with Yayasan Sosial Wanita Malaysia, the Women’s Social Foundation of Malaysia and others. This is something feasible that can be realised in East or West Malaysia in partnership with the Federal and State Governments, private sector, civil society organisations and investors.

In addition, Myprodigy Foundation can work with others through join-venture partnerships summits or conferences to enable policy formulation, training programmes to fostering innovation and technology adoption that can facilitate inclusion in ASEAN e.g. promoting, inclusive agriculture, digitalisation and technological advancements, etc…. Malaysia also can help develop networks and networking for knowledge sharing on practice ways for inclusive enterprises across the ASEAN region enhance their productivity and competitiveness.

Furthermore, through collaborative efforts we can promote regional innovation hubs, technology transfer programmes and digital infrastructure development to facilitate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. I strongly feel this will enable inclusive enterprises to innovate and adapt to the rapidly changing global economy, driving sustainable economic growth. Here I also believe that Malaysia can leverage its strategic partnerships and networks to mobilise resources and support for enterprise development in ASEAN.

I am always in favour of collaborating with international organisations, development agencies and private sector partners. In this way Malaysia can attract investments and resources to support regional inclusive enterprise development initiatives. This includes securing funding for infrastructure projects, providing technical assistance, and facilitating access to markets that support inclusion. By leveraging its networks, Malaysia as Chair can ensure that ASEAN enterprises have the resources and support they need to thrive.”

END.