Many young people today are already entrepreneurs without realising it. Whether selling homemade pastries, handmade crafts, or products through Instagram, TikTok, or other online platforms, student-run businesses have become increasingly common. But turning a side hustle into a sustainable business requires more than great products and creative marketing—it begins with understanding the legal and professional foundations of entrepreneurship.
This was the focus of an educational visit by 26 students from the Faculty of Business, Accountancy, and Law at SEGi College Sarawak to Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM) in Kuching on 30 March 2026. Organised as part of the faculty’s Industry into Classroom initiative, the visit gave students practical insight into how businesses are established, regulated, and supported within Malaysia’s growing digital economy.
Throughout the session, students discovered that registering a business is not simply an administrative requirement. It is the first step towards building credibility, protecting business owners, and creating opportunities for long-term growth.
The visit explored the startup journey from a legal and regulatory perspective, introducing students to different business structures and their practical implications. Students operating small online businesses gained a better understanding of how Sole Proprietorships can help formalise their ventures, while aspiring entrepreneurs planning larger businesses learned how private limited companies offer greater legal protection and business scalability.
The session also highlighted the importance of regulatory compliance. Students learned about common mistakes made by new business owners, including operating without proper registration, failing to display business registration numbers on digital platforms, and overlooking statutory filing requirements. Through real examples, they gained a clearer appreciation of how legal compliance helps protect both businesses and consumers.
Beyond registration, students were introduced to Sarawak’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. They learned how organisations such as the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and other state initiatives support startups through mentorship, funding opportunities, digital infrastructure, and business development programmes. The visit demonstrated that successful entrepreneurship is supported not only by innovation, but also by strong partnerships and a well-developed business ecosystem.
The experience also provided valuable perspectives on corporate governance and ethical business practices. Students gained insight into how SSM safeguards the integrity of Malaysia’s business environment, reinforcing the importance of transparency, accountability, and public trust in building sustainable organisations.
For students pursuing careers in business, accounting, and law, the visit transformed classroom concepts into practical knowledge that will benefit them as future entrepreneurs, advisors, and professionals. It reinforced that success in business is built not only on ambition and creativity, but also on responsibility, compliance, and informed decision-making.
By creating opportunities for students to engage directly with industry and regulatory bodies, SEGi College Sarawak continues to prepare graduates who are equipped to navigate an increasingly dynamic business landscape with confidence, professionalism, and integrity.
This activity supports the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
