"Research Aims - This study aims to identify the effect of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) on Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) performance. Design/methodology/approach - This study employed a multiple regression analysis. SME performance was treated as dependent variable, whereas ERM was the independent variable. Research Findings - Multiple regression analysis indicated that ERM has a significant effect to- wards firm performance. However, only one of the ERM elements namely objective determination has a significant effectt on SME performance. Theoretical Contribution/Originality - This study contributes to the body of knowledge from the standpoint of ERM by testing the effect of each element of ERM described under the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commissions (COSO) towards firm performance. Per- haps, each element of the ERM might has different effect towards an organization. Thus, Resource Based View (RBV) Theory was supported which hold that the organisational resources are the main factor to influence the organisational performance. Managerial Implication in the South East Asian context - ERM conducted in SMEs are expected to be able to develop strategies in minimising the risks that may or may not be faced by SME firms. In fact, an effective risk management can assist SME managers and owners in achieving their de- fined business objectives. Thus, risk management enhances the firm’s value, maximise profitability, and consequently improve SME performance. Research limitation & implications - This study has improved the measurement of ERM practices among SMEs and identified ERM elements that affect SME performance in particular."

"Research Aims: The study aims to examine the influence of financial literacy on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach: The data were obtained from questionnaires distributed to 200 SME managers/owners. Multiple regression analysis was applied to test the influence of financial literacy on SMEs performance by controlling manager profile and SME-specific characteristics. Research Findings: Multiple regression results prove that financial literacy has a positive and significant impact on SMEs' performance. Managers/owners with financial literacy skills understand business-related financial concepts, including debt, savings, takaful, insurance, and investment, which ensure the good performance of their business. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: Similar research has been conducted outside Malaysia. However, there is a need to validate the financial literacy and SME performance relationship in the Malaysian environment due to differences in culture; ways of thinking; and legal, business, and political situations. These differences lead to different responses which then contribute to the way the effect of financial literacy on SME performance is explained. In addition, this study improves the consistency of the existing evidence on SME performance and expands the scope of the Resource-Based View (RBV) from the perspective of SMEs Research limitation & implications: Government agencies such as SME Corporation recognise the importance of financial literacy among entrepreneurs. Therefore, proactive efforts need to be accelerated to provide an adequate level of financial literacy among entrepreneurs. Furthermore, entrepreneurial finance can be introduced in formal and non-formal education to ensure that every layer of society enjoys the benefits regardless of their economic status."

As the second largest palm oil producer in the world, Malaysian palm oil industry has contributed significantly to the national GDP. However, this industry has been under criticism for serious deforestation and open burning activities, which obviously opposing to the objective of the oil palm Good Agricultural Practice on zero burning. As a result, sustainability certification of Roundtable Sustainable Palm Oil and Malaysia Sustainable Palm Oil had been introduced towards achieving sustainable development governance in this industry and fulfilling the needs of importing countries on certified palm oil. However, the number of companies with sustainability certification is relatively low due to the concern on potential additional cost, which then could affect firm profitability. Therefore, this study aims to examine the impact of sustainability certification on financial profitability among 39 palm oil companies in Bursa Malaysia, from 2009 to 2016. Based on the GLS estimation model, the finding shows that the profitability of firms with sustainability certification is almost 2% higher than firms without certification. The finding of this study provide useful input for industry players and could encourage palm oil companies to subscribe sustainability certifications to improve their sustainability practices and good governance as well as increase their profits.

This study aims to identify the demographic characteristics affecting the level of understanding of education takaful plan. The data was collected through questionnaires from 145 respondents in Klang Valley, Malaysia, which chosen based on the convenience sampling technique. Results from the independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA showed that female possess higher level of understanding of education takaful than male. Moreover, workers in the government sector have better understanding on education takaful as compared to self-employed and students. However, there are no significant differences on the understanding of education takaful between government and private sector. This study also found that those who have 1 to 3 children demonstrate higher understanding of education takaful. Overall, the employment sector and number of children had a significant influence on the understanding of education takaful. This study provides a preliminary overview of the demographic factors affecting the understanding of education takaful in Malaysia, which can be used by the takaful industry to strengthen and manage their product development and marketing strategies. It subsequently helps to achieve the target population penetration rate of 25% takaful ownership by 2020.

Takaful Dinamik Berhad (TDB) is one of the leading takaful companies in Malaysia. Yusof bin Ahmad purchased one of its products, the investment-linked takaful plan, five years ago. He had dutifully paid all his contributions (i.e., premium) since the policy was enforced. Sadly, Yusof was diagnosed with a Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis disease. After the diagnosis, he submitted a claim to TDB under the critical illness benefit. His claim was nonetheless rejected on the basis of not meeting the duration of the illness, nor demonstrating the symptoms of the illness as specified in the policy. The decision to reject the claim was made by Borhan, the claim manager of TDB, after a thorough consideration of the case. After the rejection, Yusof then submitted an appeal through the Central Bank of Malaysia (or Bank Negara Malaysia, BNM). In ensuring fair treatment to all policyholders, BNM requested TDB to promptly re-examine Yusof’s claim. This case presents the challenges of understanding the coverage, the concepts, and the provisions of takaful contract in making a claim decision. The case ends with Borhan pondering on how best to resolve the dispute.