Empowerment of Social Entrepreneurs among Poverished Persons with Disabilities (Asnaf Oku) Through Social Entrepreneurship: A Case Study in Perlis

Abstract

This study examines the role of social entrepreneurship in empowering social entrepreneurs among Asnaf Persons with Disabilities (OKU) in the state of Perlis, Malaysia. Drawing on the Social Network Empowerment Model and Social Capital Theory, the study investigates how interactions within social networks, access to resources, and participation in social entrepreneurship activities enhance participants’ capacity, agency, and economic independence. This qualitative case study involved seven (7) active Asnaf OKU social entrepreneurs and two (2) officers from the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) Perlis. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations, and document analysis, and analyzed using thematic analysis with NVivo 12 software. Findings indicate that social entrepreneurship serves as a crucial channel for the mobilization of social capital, particularly relational and cognitive capital, enabling participants to overcome infrastructural barriers, social stigma, and financial constraints. Interventions from NGOs and support from JKM were instrumental in capacity building and market access. Nevertheless, participants continue to face challenges related to physical mobility, lack of dedicated start-up funding, and bureaucratic procedures. The study suggests that empowerment programs for Asnaf OKU should shift from a paternalistic aid-based model to a community centered social entrepreneurship ecosystem, supported by inclusive policies. The implications highlight the importance of strategic collaboration frameworks among government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector to develop a holistic, sustainable, and effective support system for Asnaf OKU social entrepreneurs.