Biography

Sabirah Sulaiman is a dedicated and accomplished individual who earned her PhD in Economics and Entrepreneurship from the School of Economics, Finance, and Banking at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) in December 2020. Her research focused on graduate entrepreneurship career choices in Malaysia, examining determinants and conducting comparison studies. With a strong interest in studying economics and cross-disciplinary business fields, Sabirah possesses a profound passion for working within educational settings. She is known for her innovative and independent approach and firmly believes in the transformative role of education in shaping individuals and society. Sabirah is proficient in various quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research approaches, enabling her to effectively explore and address teaching and learning issues. Her expertise extends to analysing systemic challenges with a comprehensive understanding of both micro and macro perspectives. Having published an articles in peer-reviewed indexed Scopus and internationally-refereed journals, Sabirah has demonstrated her commitment to advancing knowledge in social economics and making a positive impact. Her outstanding contributions have earned her recognition and accolades both locally and internationally.

Research Interest

Economic Development, Graduates Entrepreneurship, Social Entrepreneurship, graduate career choice, entrepreneurship education and Environmental and Natural Resource of Economics

Educational Background

• PhD (Economics), School of Economics, Finance and Banking, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia (2020)
• MSc (Economics), Universiti Utara Malaysia (2012)
• BSc (Economics), Universiti Utara Malaysia (2011)

Working Experience

• Freelance Grant Writer , Biji biji Initiative & MEREKA, Malaysia,  (2023 – Present)
• Evaluator & Mentor, American Council (Professional Fellows Program), (2016– Present)
• Consultant & Researcher, Nazkids Sdn Bhd, Kedah, (2016 – 2023)
• Senior Lecturer, Asian Institute of Cambodia, Kratie, Cambodia. (2021– 2023)
• Teacher Network Manager, SOLS 24/7 (2019 – 2021)
• Co-founder/Chief Strategic Officer, Colloquium Resources (ASEAN Youth Dialogue), Malaysia (2019 – 2021)
• Research Assistant & Data Editor, Research and Innovation Management Centre (RIMC), Universiti Utara Malaysia (2014 – 2018)
• Impact Project Executive, Johor Corporation , Malaysia (2010 – 2014)

Research Experience

• Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2024-2025
• Small Grant US Mission to Asian 2024 (Engagement)
• Small Grant US Mission to Asian 2024 (Education)
• YSEALI PFP Alumni Accelerator Grant, Philippines 2023
• Yayasan Hasanah Special Grant (HSG) 2022
• Ministry of Education FRGS Grant 2015

Representative Publications

• Yusof, S. N. L. M., & Sulaiman, S. (2025). MODELING OF ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION AMONG PUBLIC UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN MALAYSIA USING PARTIAL LEAST SQUARE-STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELLING (PLS-SEM). Journal of Economics and Sustainability, 7(1), 54-75.
• Gold, K. L., Adetunji, K. O., Yusuf, H. A., & Sulaiman, S. (2024). Electricity Production, Consumption, and Manufacturing Sector Performance in Nigeria: A Multi-Decade Analysis. Journal of Applied Economic Research, 23(4), 1077-1098.
• Sulaiman, S., Mohd Yusof, S. N. L., & Amaran, M. A. (2024). State Of Entrepreneurship Education In Malaysia: A Comparison of Entrepreneurship Programs In Public Universities in Malaysia to International Practice. Journal of Economics & Sustainability, 6(2).
• MOHD YUSOF, S. N. L. B., Sulaiman, S., & TANG, M. R. (2023). Determining The Antecedents of Entrepreneurial Intention Among UUM Students. Journal of Business & Economic Analysis, 6(1).
• Amaran, M. A., Sulaiman, S., Chelum, A., & Ab Razak, M. S. (2023). The Effectiveness of Event Promotion by Using Social Networking Site (SNS). Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (MJSSH), 8(8), e002450-e002450.
• SULAIMAN, S. B. GRADUATE ENTREPRENEURSHIP CAREER CHOICE IN MALAYSIA: DETERMINANTS AND INTERNATIONAL COMPARISON (2020).
• Sulaiman, S., Eam, L. H., & Viswanathan, K. K. (2019). Integrating the TPB with economic theories: the case of graduate entrepreneur. Journal of Economic and Sustainability, 32.
• Sulaiman, S., Eam, L. H., & Viswanathan, K. K. (2019). Improving Livelihood Options via Agriculture: A Case Study of Social Entrepreneurship, Kedah. Opción: Revista de Ciencias Humanas y Sociales, (20), 1340-1355.SULAIMAN, S. (2012). DOMESTIC WATER DEMAND: A CASE STUDY IN KLUANG, JOHOR. Othman Yeop Abdullah Graduate School of Business, University Utara Malaysia, p3.

Honors / Awards

• Young South East Asia Leadership Initiative (YSEALI) Next Executive Steering Committee 2023-2024
• YSEALI PFP Alumni Accelerator Award, Philippines 2023
• YSEALI Professional Fellow Program at Economic Empowerment Award 2015, USA.
• Fellow Award at Volunteer International Professional (VIP), 2015, Malaysia
• Global Entrepreneurship Summer School Award 2017, Shanghai, China.
• ASEAN-Japan Youth Forum Award, Indonesia
• Anugerah Kerana Jasa UUM- Sumbangsih 2011 and 2010 (both is award for social impact project from Universiti Utara Malaysia)
• UBS Accounting (Distinction)