Thirteen Malaysia Plan (13MP: 2026-2030) has specific provisions on the Third Sector and Social Economy. The lead agency for this is the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDAC). This ministry has established a Social Entrepreneurship Development Committee (SEDCOM). This is based on the idea of social enterprise and the requirements for social enterprise development. The committee is chaired by the Secretary General of the Ministry, Dato Sri Khairul Dzaimee
The first meeting of this committee was held on March 24, 2025. This committee is made up of 10 key Federal government ministries including the Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Finance. In addition, a number of NGOs are invited such as Chamber of Social Entrepreneur Development and Malaysia Impact Alliance. Thus far about 44 people from different agencies and organisations are invited to be part of this committee.
The second meeting was held on Feb 10, 2026 at the Ministry Board room. For this second meeting, the APPGM SDG Secretariate was invited. Prof Datuk Denison Jayasooria and Mrs Ara Ezzaty attended this meeting.
At this meeting we had an opportunity to meet all the key agencies who have a key interest in the area of social economy such as the Institute for Entrepreneurship Development (INSKEN), TEKUN National (a micro credit organisation), Cooperative Institute and Coperative Commission.
At this meeting we were informed that there are now 514 accredited social enterprise in Malaysia. The government has plans to create greater awareness on accreditation process and encourage more organisations to meet the conditions for accreditation. It was also announced that the government will host the national Social Enterprise Convention on July 1 & 2, 2026
Mrs Ara Ezzaty (Project management) made an intervention and shared of the experience in exhibiting products from community groups in Parliament at the “Ssettle Mart” where local products by community group is sold. A good display and gives visibility for the grassroots.
Datuk Denison made an intervention on seeking a clearer understanding of social economy. He highlighted that while the focus has been on operational matters pertaining to social economy, there is a need for a clearer understanding of social economy. It was told that the 13MP does not provide this explanation. Datuk Denison highlighted that due attending is needed on the two UN SS resolutions and the Secrtary General report. These documents can help the Malaysian team with a more inclusive understanding of social economy and solidarity economy. The ILO work will be helpful. There is a need for more discussions on the ideology of social economy.
Ms Zoel Ng (MySDG Academy) prepared a brochure on the Third Sector and social economy based on the work APPGM SDG has carried out. This is in the Malaya language.
This was a good meeting and for APPGM SDG secretariate to be invited as a new member of the committee provides and excellent opportunity for all our partners. The MYSDG Academy will continue to give visibility to this areas.
Social Enterprise Portal
What is Social Enterprise?
A social enterprise is a registered entity under a written law in Malaysia, purpose-driven and has financially viable business model that addresses social and/or environmental challenges, aiming to achieve positive impacts to its beneficiaries and to the economy.
Social Entrepreneurship Development
Social Entrepreneurship Blueprint 2023(SEMy2030) was launched on 23rd April 2022 with the theme of “Mainstreaming Social Enterprise, Normalizing Social Impact” and is a new direction of social entrepreneurship development in Malaysia. It aims to mainstream social enterprise as an effective contributor to the socio-economic development of an inclusive, balanced and sustainable country.
Social Enterprise Rating
A Social Enterprise is an entity registered under written law in Malaysia, driven by social goals and having a financially viable business model to address social and/or environmental challenges , and aims to produce a positive impact on beneficiaries and the economy.
https://www.kuskop.gov.my/PerusahaanSosial/index-BI.php
National Entrepreneurship Policy 2030 (NEP2030)
https://www.kuskop.gov.my/admin/files/med/image/portal/PDF/SEMy2030/SEMy2030_Booklet_ENG.pdf
