Dr. Izma Syazana Badrudin is a Senior Lecturer and Fellow at the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies (IKMAS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology of Development from the University of Malaya, specializing in social policy, human rights, housing policy, sociology of education, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Her research focuses on housing affordability, youth development, social policy, STEM education, and sustainable community development. Dr. Izma has contributed to numerous national and international research projects, including collaborations with Khazanah Research Institute and the University of Southampton, UK. She has published in ISI- and Scopus-indexed journals, authored books on housing policy and technology talent development, and actively serves as an editorial reviewer for international journals. Through her research, teaching, and community engagement, she is committed to advancing evidence-based policies that promote social inclusion, sustainable development, and educational excellence.

Title Navigating Challenges and Building Resilience: Experiences of Female Entrepreneurs in Terengganu, Malaysia  Abstract Women entrepreneurs contribute significantly to local economic development but often face challenges in sustaining their businesses. This study presents findings from the Female Entrepreneurship in South Asia (FESA) project, a collaborative initiative with the University of Southampton, focusing on female entrepreneurs in Terengganu, Malaysia. Using qualitative observations and in-depth engagement with six female entrepreneurs, the study explores the challenges they encounter in their entrepreneurial journeys. The findings indicate that participants faced difficulties in balancing business and family responsibilities, accessing financial resources, adapting to changing market demands, and managing business growth within prevailing social and cultural expectations. Despite these challenges, the entrepreneurs demonstrated resilience through adaptability, family support, and strong personal commitment to sustaining their businesses. The findings highlight the need for gender-responsive entrepreneurial support and policies that strengthen women's capacity to sustain and grow their businesses while recognising the socio-cultural contexts in which they operate.