Virtual Booth

In Malaysia’s evolving innovation landscape, the inclusion of indigenous communities in entrepreneurship remains a pressing challenge. Conventional business training often overlooks emotional safety, cultural relevance and visual accessibility where factors critical for Orang Asli learners. To address this, the MAPRENEUR Framework was developed as a culturally adaptive, emotionally intelligent training module aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4, 8, and 10). The module was implemented with 25 Orang Asli participants in Kampung Panchor, Jempol, marking its first field deployment. MAPRENEUR integrates visual mapping tools (Padlet) and simplified strategic models such as the Business Model Canvas and SWOT. Participants engage through three intuitive branches which are What I Know, What I Can Sell and Who Will Buy, designed to spark idea generation and emotional connection. The module draws on Vygotsky’s Social Constructivism and Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence Theory, emphasizing co-creation, peer learning and self-awareness. While formal feedback is pending, early observations suggest strong engagement and idea participation. The MAPRENEUR Framework also support emotional expression and confidence-building, especially among youth and women. The training also encourages intergenerational dialogue, allowing traditional knowledge to be reframed as entrepreneurial assets. This pilot sets the stage for future evaluation and refinement, with potential to scale across indigenous communities in Malaysia and ASEAN. MAPRENEUR offers a replicable model for inclusive, emotionally resonant entrepreneurship education that bridges literacy gaps and fosters SDG-aligned impact.