With only 1% of population below the national poverty line Malaysia is on the course to strong inclusive growth. Only 11% of adults are employed outside of the formal market and almost a quarter of the population consider the business environment nutrient enough to start their own businesses in the short-term. MSMEs sector is growing, currently contributing 37% to GDP and 65% to employment.

It is expected to benefit more from the growing internal demand fueled by a package of fiscal measures, ever-growing human capital and technological developments. Women constitute only 34% of the total non-agricultural employment and are greatly underrepresented in the entrepreneurial sector. Only 10% of businesses in Manufacturing and Service sectors are owned by women.

Despite gender imbalance, the Malaysian economy demonstrates high levels of financial access; 76% of income poorest population have an account in a financial institution.