LEVEL OF ENTREPRENURIAL COMPETENCE AMONG SME FELDA ENTREPRENEURS OF NEGERI SEMBILAN

In the face of the challenges of the increasingly challenging economic downturn during the COVID-19 period, the economic growth rate was recorded lowest based on economic statistics 2020. Therefore, this study attempts to examine the level of entrepreneurial competence by using the entrepreneurial competency model which is opportunity competency, organizational competence, relationship competence, strategic competencies, commitment competencies, and conceptual competencies to explain some of the ways to improve business survival and success especially in the context of SMEs. This study uses a quantitative approach that is a survey method through the distribution of questionnaires. The study population is all SME entrepreneurs registered under FELDA throughout Malaysia. A total of 309 respondents were selected and sample selection through the simple random sample. The collected data were then analyzed using a 5-point Likert scale. The results show that the level of entrepreneurial competence among FELDA SME entrepreneurs is at a high level. This study illustrates that FELDA SME entrepreneurs have entrepreneurial competencies and this is the driver of their business success. The implications of the findings of this study are expected to help SME entrepreneurs maintaining competencies or skills in business. The findings of this study can also be used to assist SME entrepreneurs by adopting entrepreneurial features to manage the business to improve business performance for the future.