The Effect of FinTech Literacy on Digital Entrepreneurial Intention Using the Theory of Planned Behavior: Evidence from FEP Students at UKM

Financial technology has become an important enabler of digital entrepreneurship because it expands access to digital payments, alternative finance, data-driven decision-making and new business models. This study examines the influence of FinTech literacy on digital entrepreneurial intention among students of the Faculty of Economics and Management, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, using the Theory of Planned Behavior as the main theoretical framework. FinTech literacy is operationalised through three dimensions: blockchain literacy, crowdfunding literacy and artificial intelligence literacy. Attitude toward digital entrepreneurship and perceived behavioral control are examined as key predictors of digital entrepreneurial intention. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was administered to 333 FEP students and the data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling through SmartPLS. The findings show that attitude and perceived behavioral control significantly predict digital entrepreneurial intention. Artificial intelligence literacy significantly predicts attitude, perceived behavioral control and digital entrepreneurial intention. Crowdfunding literacy significantly predicts attitude and perceived behavioral control, while blockchain literacy significantly predicts attitude toward digital entrepreneurship. However, blockchain literacy does not significantly predict perceived behavioral control or digital entrepreneurial intention and crowdfunding literacy does not significantly predict digital entrepreneurial intention. The study contributes to entrepreneurship education by demonstrating that different dimensions of FinTech literacy are associated with digital entrepreneurial intention through attitude and perceived behavioral control. Universities should therefore integrate practical FinTech modules, experiential digital venture projects and AI-supported entrepreneurial learning into entrepreneurship curricula.

FinTech literacy, digital entrepreneurial intention, Theory of Planned Behavior

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