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ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS |Volume IX Issue XXVI November 2025 | Special Issue on Education

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The Effectiveness of Knowledge Transfer Programmes on the

Performance of Asnaf and B40 Entrepreneurs: A Case Study of

Knowledge Transfer Programme in Pangkor Island

Mohd Sirajuddin Siswadi Putera Mohamed Shith

, Memiyanty Abdul Rahim

, Muhammad Syahrul

Deen Bin Ahmad Rosli

, Muhamad Hasif Yahaya

, Mohamad Afandi Md Ismail

1,3,4,5

Academy of Contemporary Islamic Study (ACIS), MARA University of Technology (UiTM) 40450

Shah Alam, Selangor.

The Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Faculty of Administrative Science

& Policy Studies, MARA University of Technology (UiTM) 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.903SEDU0727

Received: 24 November 2025; Accepted: 01 December 2025; Published: 08 December 2025

ABSTRACT

This study examines the effectiveness of the Knowledge Transfer Programme (KTP), specifically the STP-

KPAB40 initiative, in enhancing entrepreneurial capacity among asnaf and B40 microentrepreneurs in Pangkor

Island, Malaysia. Amid the socioeconomic disruptions following the COVID19 pandemic and the designation

of Pangkor as a duty-free island, many small traders faced financial instability and limited business capabilities.

To address these challenges, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) through the Academy of Contemporary

Islamic Studies (ACIS) implemented a structured intervention model comprising three modules: Self-

Transformation, Entrepreneurial Knowledge and Skills, and Sustainability. Using a descriptive quantitative

approach, survey data were collected from 12 active programme participants to evaluate three key constructs:

subjective norms, programme effectiveness, and business performance. The findings reveal overall positive

outcomes, with all constructs recording above-average mean scores on a seven-point Likert scale. Programme

effectiveness achieved the highest score, indicating strong satisfaction with the training content and delivery.

Business performance also demonstrated promising gains, suggesting participants have begun applying new

knowledge in planning and business improvement. Although subjective norms recorded relatively lower scores,

social support from peers and communities remains moderately strong, highlighting an opportunity for enhanced

local engagement and networking initiatives. These results demonstrate that a holistic, Islamic-based knowledge

transfer model can improve entrepreneurial confidence, skills, and early business growth among vulnerable

groups. The study recommends expanded sampling, follow-up coaching, and mixed-method evaluation in future

research to strengthen generalisability and assess long-term socioeconomic impact. Overall, the KTP-STP-

KPAB40 programme offers an effective framework for poverty alleviation, empowerment, and sustainable

community development within the asnaf ecosystem.

Keywords: Knowledge Transfer Programme (KTP); Asnaf Entrepreneurs; B40 Community; Programme

Effectiveness; Subjective Norms; Business Performance; Islamic Entrepreneurship

INTRODUCTION

The economic empowerment of the asnaf community and the B40 group is increasingly being given attention in

the post-pandemic national development agenda, especially in potential areas for tourism such as Pangkor Island

in Perak, Malaysia. In response to this agenda, the Knowledge Transfer Programme (KTP) Approach of

Malaysian universities is one of the strategic initiatives that aims to transfer knowledge and skills from academia

to the target community in a structured and high-impact manner. In this context, the STPKPAB40 Project (Step-

Up Sustainability of the Development of Asnaf & B40 Hawkers) implemented by UiTM through the Academy

of Contemporary Islamic Studies (ACIS) is the model for this field study.

Pangkor Island was declared as a Duty-Free Island on January 1, 2020. However, the implementation of this

status was followed by major challenges when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Many small hawkers and Malay

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

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Muslim traders belonging to the asnaf and B40 groups are affected in terms of livelihood and skills to face the

new economic landscape. The STP-KPAB40 project was introduced as a structured intervention to rebuild

confidence, entrepreneurial competence and community networking. Through three main modules, namely

SelfTransformation (TD), Entrepreneurial Knowledge & Skills (SK), and Sustainability (LS), this programme

offers a holistic approach centred on Islamic values and current needs. Therefore, this study aims to empirically

evaluate how this program has a real impact on the participants from the point of view of changing attitudes,

understanding of entrepreneurship and business performance.

This study focuses on the impact of the KTP program on the aspects of perception of social norms (subjective

norms), program effectiveness and business performance of micro entrepreneurs. This is in line with the findings

of Anderson (2023) and Pham et al. (2023) who assert that social norms, environmental support and

understanding of training programs are the main catalysts in the formation of entrepreneurial intentions and

outcomes.

BACKGROUND PROBLEM

The Importance of Asnaf Entrepreneur Training

Entrepreneurship training is one of the most important human capacity development mechanisms, especially for

the asnaf community and the B40 group who are often marginalized in the mainstream economy. In the

Malaysian context, asnaf involved in the microbusiness sector face various challenges such as lack of capital,

lack of professional guidance, as well as constraints in systematic business management (Ishak & Mohammad

Nasir, 2023). Therefore, entrepreneurship training that is systematically designed not only provides technical

knowledge, but also plays a role in building the self-confidence, entrepreneurial identity and resilience of the

participants.

According to Herianingrum et al. (2023), Islamic entrepreneurship training approaches based on the concepts of

zakat, infaq, and community empowerment are able to reduce poverty rates more effectively than conventional

approaches. This is in line with the function of zakat as a social and economic mechanism, which needs to be

accompanied by supporting elements such as human capital development, mentoring and highimpact training.

In addition, Mohd Noor et al. (2023) emphasized that the effectiveness of the training is greatly influenced by

the level of institutional support and self-understanding of the participants. Their research shows that training

that combines moral support, caring facilitators and contextual content can improve the performance and

competitiveness of young entrepreneurs coming from marginalized communities such as asnaf.

From the perspective of the development of the Muslim community, Abdullah et al. (2023) show that training

accompanied by social media communication strategies and digital approaches will open up new spaces for

micro-entrepreneurs to penetrate the wider market. This is important because most asnaf entrepreneurs only

operate locally without an expansion strategy.

Subjective Norms in Asnaf Community Entrepreneurship

Subjective norms refer to an individual's perception of the extent to which the people around them including

family members, friends, and society support or encourage the actions they take (Anderson, 2023). In the context

of entrepreneurship, subjective norms are an important catalyst for the formation of intention and motivation to

start or expand a business, especially among vulnerable communities such as asnaf and B40.

A study by Pham et al. (2023) asserts that subjective norms act as psychosocial intermediaries that can strengthen

the relationship between entrepreneurial intentions and actions, especially when individuals feel that their actions

are sanctioned by the surrounding social networks. This becomes even more significant in structured

communities such as villages or islands, where the views of the community have a high impact on a person's

actions.

For the asnaf, family and community support is very important in building self-confidence and courage to try

something new such as entrepreneurship. Lopes et al. (2023) and Mehraj et al. (2023) show that students and

entrepreneurs from remote or low-income regions rely more on social norms and community influences to make

career- or business-related decisions.

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In addition, Pinazo-Dallenbach and Castelló-Sirvent (2023) used a configuration approach and found that the

combination of high subjective norms with household stability and financial support significantly increases a

person's probability of starting a business. This shows that subjective norms are not just psychological factors,

but are also closely related to the economic structure of the family and community.

For participants of the KTP: STP-KPAB40 programme, subjective norms play an important role in encouraging

them to participate in training, try new strategies, as well as overcome self-doubt in developing a business.

Therefore, strengthening subjective norms through the involvement of families, communities and local Islamic

institutions is among the important strategies that can be refined in the design of future intervention programmes.

Effectiveness of Entrepreneurship Training Programs

The effectiveness of an entrepreneurship training program is usually evaluated based on the extent to which

participants acquire new knowledge, be able to solve business challenges, and achieve overall satisfaction with

the training process (Badghish et al., 2023). In the context of the development of the asnaf community, the

effectiveness of the programme is not only cognitive but also touches on the social and spiritual dimension, as

this group is often faced with the issue of marginalization and weak access to resources.

A study by Yasir et al. (2023) shows that the effectiveness of programs among micro-entrepreneurs is highly

dependent on the ability of modules to address real issues on the ground, such as cost problems, market access,

and digital constraints. Modules that are too theoretical without adaptation to the reality of the community risk

failing to trigger the desired behavioral change. Therefore, training such as KTP: STP-KPAB40 which was

developed based on spiritual approach (TD), technical skills (SK) and sustainability (LS) is the best example of

the combination of theory and reality.

According to Tran et al. (2023), participants who are exposed to effective entrepreneurial training show

improvements in decision-making, strategic efficiency, and financial literacy, especially during challenging

periods such as post-pandemic. This is relevant to the asnaf community in Pangkor who are affected by tourism

and economic changes after the status of a tax-free island.

Furthermore, perceived effectiveness can also affect the level of use of information and resources after the

completion of the program. Hossain et al. (2023) emphasize that when participants feel the program provides

real value to their business, they are more likely to extend practice, grow the business, and share knowledge with

other business partners.

Business Performance Among Asnaf Entrepreneurs

Business performance among micro-entrepreneurs with asnaf status is a key indicator of the success of

community development and poverty alleviation programmes based on Islamic values. In contrast to

performance measures in the corporate context, performance evaluation for this group emphasizes operational

continuity, resilience, and the ability to continuously improve the quality of life (Mohd Noor et al., 2023).

A study by Hamdani et al. (2023) confirms that elements such as social support, self-perception, and value

structure play a huge role in sustaining small business performance, particularly for women and communities

from low socio-economic backgrounds. In the Malaysian context, asnaf entrepreneurs often start businesses from

home, small stalls or night markets without a long-term strategic plan. Therefore, the effectiveness of support

programs such as KTP depends on the extent to which participants are able to apply the knowledge received into

the actual performance of their business.

Simwaka and Malanga (2023) on the other hand emphasize that business record management is one of the critical

factors that are often overlooked by micro-entrepreneurs. Inefficiencies in recording revenue, costs and daily

cash prevent them from making good decisions or evaluating business development. Therefore, training

programmes need to emphasise these basic yet critical practical skills.

Furthermore, Martinez-Falcó et al. (2023) in their bibliometric study found that business performance among

high-risk communities is often closely related to emotional management, job happiness, and spiritual values,

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

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thus building a new narrative that progress is not only measured in terms of profit and loss, but also in terms of

dignity and peace of mind. This makes the Islamic entrepreneurial approach a contemporary necessity that

combines ethics, knowledge, and social impact.

METHODOLODY

This study employed a descriptive quantitative research design to evaluate the effectiveness of the KTP: STP-

KPAB40 programme in enhancing entrepreneurial competencies among asnaf and B40 microentrepreneurs. A

structured, closed-ended questionnaire was administered to assess three key constructs: Subjective Norms (SN),

Programme Effectiveness (PE), and Business Performance (BP). All items were measured using a seven-point

Likert scale ranging from 1 = “Strongly Disagree” to 7 = “Strongly Agree,” allowing for the detection of

attitudinal variation among participants.

Sampling and Participants

A purposive sampling approach was adopted as the programme targets a specific beneficiary group. A total of

12 active participants from Pangkor Island were selected, representing asnaf and B40 entrepreneurs involved in

food stalls, small retail operations, and tourism-related micro-businesses. The sample size aligns with the case

study nature of this research, which prioritises contextual depth over generalisability.

Instrument Development

The questionnaire was constructed based on validated constructs from previous entrepreneurship and community

empowerment studies, adapted to reflect Islamic-based entrepreneurial training contexts. Each construct

consisted of multiple items reflecting:

1. Subjective Norms (SN): social encouragement and community expectations

2. Programme Effectiveness (PE): knowledge acquisition, problem-solving capabilities, and overall

satisfaction

3. Business Performance (BP): strategic planning and implementation of business growth activities Content

validity was reviewed by programme facilitators and two academic experts in Islamic social economy.

Data Collection Procedure

Data were collected at the end of the training cycle using self-administered forms, with researcher assistance

provided to ensure clarity. Ethical considerations were observed, including voluntary participation, anonymity,

and confidentiality.

Data Analysis Techniques

Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using frequency, percentage, mean, and graphical visualisation

(bar charts, pie charts, and radar charts). These methods were selected to portray overall construct performance

and item-level variations in a clear and accessible manner for community-based programme evaluation.

Although inferential analysis was not conducted due to limited sample size, the descriptive results provide

meaningful insights into programme outcomes.

STUDY FINDINGS

Overall Average Score by Construct

Based on the descriptive analysis of survey data from 12 participants of the KTP: STP-KPAB40 program, it was

found that all the main constructs of the study, namely Subjective Norms, Program Effectiveness and Business

Performance, showed an average score above the middle level of the Likert scale of 1 to 7, which is in the range

of 4.3 to 5.7, as shown in figure 1.0 below:

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The radar chart display in Figure 1 shows that the program effectiveness construct recorded the highest average

score compared to other constructs, followed by business performance and subjective norms. This shows that

participants are not only satisfied with the approach and content of the program modules, but they can also

experience an increase in understanding and application of entrepreneurship in their daily business.

These results support the findings of Badghish et al. (2023) who assert that changes in social structure and

entrepreneurial training in the form of community support can increase entrepreneurial intentions and outcomes

among women and marginalized communities. In fact, family support and social environment detected through

subjective norm scores also meet the findings of Anderson (2023) and Lopes et al. (2023) who emphasize the

importance of social ecosystems in fostering the spirit of sustainable entrepreneurship.

Analyze Per Item

Subjective Norm Item Analysis

The subjective norms in this study were assessed through three statements that measured participants' perceptions

of the social influences that encourage them to engage in entrepreneurship. All three items obtained an average

score ranging from 3.6 to 3.8, indicating a moderately high level, as shown in figure 2.0 below:

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

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Here are the details of each item:

SN1: "My family supported me to get involved in business." (Average Score: 3.60)

These findings show that families play an important role as early advocates in participants' decisions to join the

entrepreneurial world. A study by Pham et al. (2023) and Anderson (2023) state that family support forms

positive social expectations, which increase a person's intention to become an entrepreneur. However, this

modest score also indicates a possible limitation in terms of family understanding of entrepreneurial careers, or

concerns about the business risks faced by participants.

SN2: "My friends gave me the encouragement to do business." (Average Score: 3.75)

This score is the highest in the dimension of subjective norms, indicating that participants felt social support

from peers quite strongly. This is consistent with the findings of Lopes et al. (2023), which asserts that individuals

in marginalized communities are more likely to be influenced by peer groups. Pinazo-Dallenbach &

CastellóSirvent (2023) also added that social influences in close communities are often the main drivers of

entrepreneurial intentions, especially when partners are involved in similar economic activities. This reflects the

positive atmosphere among the participants of the programme in Pangkor.

SN3: "The surrounding community supported me to continue doing business." (Average Score: 3.67)

This score indicates that perceptions of community support also exist, although not as strong as peer support.

The Hossain et al. study (2023) asserts that the public's view of the status of entrepreneurs greatly influences the

continuity of business intentions and actions. For communities such as Pangkor Island, a local and homogeneous

community structure may provide space for supportive social interactions, but at the same time shape certain

expectations and boundaries. Therefore, there is still potential to strengthen this dimension through community

activities and social recognition of the role of asnaf entrepreneurs.

Overall, all three items of the subjective norm show moderately high levels. This shows that even though

participants receive social support, there is still room for improvement especially in terms of community and

family involvement in supporting participants' business aspirations. Proposals such as creating local

entrepreneurial communities, family-shared programs, and social engagement with local agencies can amplify

the impact of these subjective norms towards more sustainable performance.

Program Effectiveness Item Analysis

The effectiveness of the programme is assessed through three main aspects, namely participants' understanding

of the business (PE1), problem-solving ability (PE2), and overall satisfaction with the programme (PE3). The

average scores for these three items show a gradual increase, with PE3 recording the highest score, as shown in

figure 2.1 below:

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PE1: "I now understand the business management aspect better." (Average Score: 3.60)

These findings show that the KTP-STP-KPAB40 program has succeeded in building the foundations of

participants' understanding of business management knowledge. However, this score is at a moderately high

level, reflecting that some participants are still in the process of adapting the new knowledge to the realities of

their business. Tran et al. (2023) states that knowledge transfer requires time and follow-up support so that

participants can truly understand and practice the knowledge in a real context. This is where follow-up modules

or advanced coaching after the main training come in.

PE2: "This training helped me solve problems in business." (Average Score: 3.75)

This score reflects the practical effectiveness of the program against the real challenges faced by participants. It

shows that the training content touches on relevant aspects and is problem-solving in nature. As stated by Yasir

et al. (2023), the effectiveness of the program depends on its ability to help participants cope with issues such as

lack of capital, digital marketing, and stock management. Therefore, these findings prove that a realistically

designed and solution-oriented training structure is among the key success factors of the program.

PE3: "I am satisfied with the whole program." (Average Score: 5.10)

This was the highest score for the entire study, indicating a high level of satisfaction among participants.

According to Badghish et al. (2023), participant satisfaction is a key indicator of training effectiveness, as it is

directly related to motivation to continue efforts, expand networks, and maintain momentum after the program.

This high score also implies that the approach to program implementation has met the expectations of participants

from various angles: facilitator, content, atmosphere, and spiritual impact.

The combination of these findings showed that participants recognized the benefits of holistic training in terms

of understanding, problem-solving, and overall satisfaction levels. However, to elevate the impact of the

programme to the level of long-term transformation, the implementers are advised to provide follow-up sessions,

coaching and community support to ensure that the knowledge and enthusiasm gained does not stop after the

end of the programme.

Business Performance Item Analysis

Business performance is a key indicator of the medium- and long-term outcomes of an entrepreneurship training

program. In this study, two items were used to measure the extent to which participants were able to plan strategic

actions and execute their business development activities after the program. As shown in figure 1.3 below:

BP1: "I am able to plan strategic actions for my business." (Average Score: 4.17)

This score indicates a good level of confidence among participants to build a strategic plan. It shows that the

training has had an impact on long-term thinking ability and risk management among participants. Mohd Noor

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et al. (2023) emphasises that institutions that support entrepreneurship training should ensure that participants

leave not only with basic knowledge, but with the ability to plan for growth in stages. Hence, these findings give

a positive signal that the programme has sparked awareness and strategic confidence among the participants.

BP2: "I started implementing the development and growth of the business." (Average Score: 4.33)

This item recorded a higher score than BP1, reflecting an increase in real actions by participants. It signifies that

the participant is not only thinking, but has begun to act in the development of products, services, marketing, or

customer networking. According to Simwaka and Malanga (2023), one of the main challenges for small

entrepreneurs is the transition from intention to actual implementation. These findings show that the

KTP:STPKPAB40 programme has successfully broken these barriers through a hands-on approach and

supportive atmosphere.

Martínez-Falcó et al. (2023) states that the performance of micro-entrepreneurs is not only measured through

profit figures, but also from the point of view of transformation towards professionalism, job happiness and life

stability. Hence, this score is an indicator that the programme has the potential to contribute towards

sustainability and social awareness among the participants.

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

The descriptive results indicate that the KTP: STP-KPAB40 programme achieved positive outcomes across all

constructs, validating the effectiveness of Islamic-based knowledge transfer interventions in vulnerable

communities. Although subjective norms recorded moderately high scores, this dimension remains the weakest

among the three constructs evaluated. This suggests that while participants receive encouragement from peers

and certain segments of their communities, family-based and institutional social support mechanisms remain

limited. Weak social endorsement may hinder sustained entrepreneurial behaviour, aligning with Pham et al.

(2023) who emphasised that subjective norms influence persistence and business risk-taking among

microentrepreneurs.

On the other hand, programme effectiveness scored the highest, with participants expressing strong satisfaction

with the training structure, content, and delivery. This demonstrates the relevance of the TD–SK– LS module

and supports Badghish et al. (2023), who highlight that contextual and community-oriented entrepreneurship

training leads to stronger behavioural adaptation. High programme satisfaction also implies that the training

successfully combines spiritual motivation and practical skills – essential components for asnaf resilience in a

competitive tourism economy.

In terms of business performance, results indicate an encouraging transition from knowledge to action.

Participants have begun implementing strategic improvements such as pricing, product refinement, and digital

presence. This confirms that the programme provides the necessary tools for micro-entrepreneurs to

operationalise growth initiatives, consistent with Mohd Noor et al. (2023), who state that improved self-efficacy

fosters performance outcomes even in resource-constrained environments.

Overall, these findings reveal a developmental pathway:

Programme Quality → Behavioural Confidence → Entrepreneurial Action

The model highlighting that effective knowledge transfer can stimulate socioeconomic upliftment when spiritual

and community elements are incorporated. However, sustainability of these outcomes will require stronger

ecosystem support — including mentorship, post-training financial access, and formalised local business

networks — to ensure that the improvements observed translate into long-term poverty alleviation and

entrepreneurship independence among asnaf and B40 traders.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study as a whole show a positive and significant impact on the effectiveness of the

KTP:STPKPAB40 Programme in building the entrepreneurial capacity of the asnaf and B40 communities in

Pangkor Island. The three main constructs of the study, namely Subjective Norms, Programme Effectiveness and

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Business Performance, showed high and consistent average scores, reflecting the effectiveness of the module

approach as well as the suitability of the implementation context.

First, a high score on program effectiveness (PE) reflects participants' acceptance of the TD–SK–LS module

which emphasizes spiritual, technical and sustainability elements. The success of this module is supported by

Ishak and Mohammad Nasir (2023) and Herianingrum et al. (2023) who demonstrate the effectiveness of

entrepreneurship training based on Islamic values in strengthening the resilience of micro-businesses. In

addition, the involvement of academic facilitators as well as industry inputs such as Maybank Islamic Berhad

and Takaful Malaysia form a supportive ecosystem conducive to the development of participants' competencies.

Second, high scores in business performance (BP) reflect the direct impact of the program on participants'

practices and strategies. This shows that the knowledge gained is translated practically, such as in the aspects of

financial management, sales strategy and engagement in digital platforms. These findings are in line with the

findings of Mohd Noor et al. (2023) and Vuong et al. (2023) who stated that increased strategy and selfmotivation

can increase the output of micro-businesses even in conditions of limited resources.

However, the subjective norm (SN) recorded a simpler score. This indicates that social support from business

partners and the community has not yet reached its optimal level. According to Pinazo-Dallenbach &

CastellóSirvent (2023), strong subjective norms are a catalyst for entrepreneurial intentions and actions.

Therefore, the strengthening of social support networks among the local community should be given attention

in follow-up programmes, including cooperative-based activities, mentoring, and local Islamic business

networks.

This discussion shows that structured knowledge transfer programmes can be an effective tool in empowering

the economies of vulnerable communities, especially when designed holistically and contextually. In this

context, an Islamic approach that encompasses spiritual, social and technical aspects shows great potential to be

translated into a broader model of national community development.

Managerial Implications

Effective empowerment of asnaf and B40 entrepreneurs requires more than training interventions; it demands a

supportive and harmonised ecosystem involving governmental agencies, Islamic institutions, and industry

partners. Based on the findings of this study, several key recommendations are proposed to strengthen policy

execution and create long-term socio-economic transformation among vulnerable communities.

The government agencies such as Lembaga Zakat Negeri, zakat institutions, MARA, and SME Corp should

enhance post-training support mechanisms by offering structured micro-financing, preferential grants, and digital

business enablement tools. While knowledge has been transferred effectively, business scale-up remains limited

without financial and market access enablers. Introducing performance-based zakat financing models and micro-

franchise schemes can encourage participants to transition from subsistence trading to growthoriented ventures.

Also, continuous mentorship is crucial. Partnerships with established Islamic financial institutions such as

Maybank Islamic and Takaful Malaysia should be institutionalised to provide coaching on financial literacy,

product strategy, and business compliance. This will reduce the drop-off effect often observed after short-term

training programmes and ensure the sustainability of behavioural changes triggered during training.

In addition, local government authorities should strengthen social support systems by developing community

enterprise networks on Pangkor Island. These networks can promote collaboration, shared procurement, group

marketing, and peer-learning among asnaf micro-entrepreneurs. Strengthening subjective norms through

mosque-based engagement, family inclusion in entrepreneurship motivation activities, and local product

branding will build positive social perceptions of business as a dignified livelihood.

Finally, tourism agencies should integrate B40 and asnaf entrepreneurs into the duty-free island’s economic

value chain. Dedicated halal hawker zones, promotional platforms, and digital marketplaces can help them reach

wider tourist markets and reduce dependency on sporadic foot traffic.

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Limitations of studies and suggestions for improvement

This study focuses on the evaluation of the effectiveness of the Knowledge Transfer Program - Asnaf and B40

Hawker Development Sustainability Program (KTP: STP-KPAB40) which has been implemented in Pangkor

Island since 2022. The main focus was to assess the extent to which the programme had an impact on the

participants, particularly in terms of changes in subjective norms, the effectiveness of the training received, as

well as the business performance after their participation. By leveraging a quantitative descriptive approach

through questionnaire instruments, this study has provided an initial glimpse of the real potential and challenges

in the implementation of knowledge-based community development programmes.

However, this study is not without some limitations and limitations. First, the number of participants involved

was small (n=12), which limited the study's ability to generalise to larger asnaf and B40 populations in other

areas. Second, the quantitative approach used only involves basic descriptive analysis such as average scores

and graphs, without applying more in-depth inference analysis such as correlation or regression. Third, the lack

of qualitative data such as interviews or participant experience narratives makes this study limited in terms of

emotional context, real challenges undergone, and spiritual factors that are not revealed in numerical data.

As a suggestion for future research, the authors suggest that such studies be extended to more locations with

larger sample volumes. This is important to enable a more robust use of inferential statistical analysis and to

increase the reliability of the findings. In addition, a mixed-method approach that combines quantitative and

qualitative should be considered, so that the real voices of participants can be raised and analyzed in more depth.

Longitudinal studies can also be conducted to assess the long-term impact of the programme on business growth,

income sustainability and social transformation in the participating communities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors would like to express their deepest appreciation to Maybank Islamic Berhad for sponsoring the

official identification cards under the STP-KPAB40 programme, which served as a catalyst for identity building

and business recognition among asnaf and B40 entrepreneurs in Pangkor Island. The authors also gratefully

acknowledge the contributions of Maybank Islamic Berhad and Takaful Malaysia for their support towards the

Knowledge Transfer Programme for the Development of Asnaf & B40 (KTP-PPAB40), enabling the

implementation of impactful entrepreneurship training based on Islamic values. Special appreciation is extended

to the Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies (ACIS), Universiti Teknologi MARA, for its continuous

leadership and community empowerment efforts under the Knowledge Transfer framework.

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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS |Volume IX Issue XXVI November 2025 | Special Issue on Education

Page 9588

www.rsisinternational.org

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