Title: Preservation of Malaysian handicraft to support tourism development

Authors: Hasliza Hassan; Siow-Kian Tan; Muhammad Sabbir Rahman; Abu Bakar Sade

Addresses: Faculty of Management, Multimedia University, Persiaran Multimedia, 63100 Cyberjaya, Selangor, Malaysia ' Faculty of Management, Multimedia University, Persiaran Multimedia, 63100 Cyberjaya, Selangor, Malaysia ' Faculty of Languages and Management, International Islamic University Malaysia, Jalan Gombak, 50728 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ' Faculty of Business and Information Science, UCSI University, Jalan Menara Gading, UCSI Heights, Taman Connaught, Cheras, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Abstract: Handicraft depicting local culture and heritage is able to embellish tourism development. Instead of depending solely on government initiative, development of the handicraft industry can be driven by entrepreneurs. Handicraft skills among people in rural areas can benefit greatly from enhanced entrepreneurial skills, especially as a means to develop the overall socio-economic status. This research is based on an analysis of secondary findings on challenges in developing the handicraft industry among local entrepreneurs, particularly those from rural areas. It also explores the prospects of preserving cultural identity through transforming the handicraft industry. The value of traditional handicraft can be preserved through enhancing the role of entrepreneurs but young people seem to lack interest in the handicraft industry. This research suggests that society needs to change its perception to regard entrepreneurs dealing with handicrafts as a well-respected profession.

Keywords: culture; entrepreneur; entrepreneurship; handicraft; Malaysia; preservation; rural; tourism; tradition; urban.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2017.087022

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2017 Vol.32 No.3, pp.402 - 417

Received: 24 Jul 2015
Accepted: 14 Nov 2015
Published online: 05 Oct 2017 *

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