Extending the theory of planned behavior: entrepreneurial intention among undergraduate students in Sarawak, Malaysia

Entrepreneurship is widely recognized as a key driver of socioeconomic development, yet many Malaysian graduates continue to prioritize traditional employment despite limited job opportunities. This situation highlights the urgent need to foster entrepreneurial intentions among university students as a means to promote self-employment and job creation. This conceptual study aims to examine the determinants of entrepreneurial intention among undergraduate students in Sarawak, Malaysia, by extending the Theory of Planned Behavior to include entrepreneurial education. Specifically, it explores the impact of attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and entrepreneurial education on students’ entrepreneurial intentions. A quantitative, descriptive research design will be employed, using a purposive sampling approach to collect responses from 129 students who have completed or are currently enrolled in entrepreneurship courses. Data will be gathered via an online survey and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how cognitive and educational factors influence students’ entrepreneurial intentions. The findings will contribute to the theoretical enrichment of the Theory of Planned Behavior framework and offer practical insights for policymakers and higher education institutions in promoting graduate entrepreneurship in Malaysia.