BUILDING ADAPTIVE RESILIENCE AMONG KELANTANESE ENTREPRENEURS: INSIGHTS FOR BUSINESS RENEWAL IN THE DIGITAL ERA

Entrepreneurship has long been embedded in the cultural identity of Kelantan. Known for its vibrant marketplaces, family-run enterprises, and strong community ties, the state’s economy thrives on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that serve as the backbone of local development. Yet, the business landscape is changing rapidly. Digitalisation, shifting consumer behaviour, and global uncertainties are reshaping how entrepreneurs operate and compete. For Kelantanese entrepreneurs, who often run micro and small businesses rooted in tradition, the ability to remain relevant requires more than just business acumen—it calls for adaptive resilience. Adaptive resilience refers to an organization’s ability to respond effectively to change, recover from disruptions, and renew itself for future challenges. It is not merely about surviving tough times but about learning and transforming through them. For local entrepreneurs, this quality has become essential to navigate today’s fast-changing environment—whether in tourism, food production, crafts, or online retailing. 

In Kelantan, many small enterprises have shown remarkable determination in facing limited access to capital, rising costs, and competitive digital markets. However, building resilience today requires not only emotional strength but also strategic adaptability—blending traditional business wisdom with modern tools such as social media marketing, e-commerce, and data-driven decision-making.  One inspiring example is Pulau Suri Floating Market in Tumpat, which symbolizes Kelantan’s ability to preserve culture while adapting to change. This community-based market began as a local tourism attraction showcasing traditional food and crafts. During challenging periods, especially when visitor numbers dropped, local traders adapted by promoting their stalls online, organizing virtual tours, and collaborating with agencies to attract domestic tourists. Their persistence reflects the spirit of adaptive resilience deeply rooted in Kelantanese entrepreneurship.

Adaptive resilience among Kelantanese entrepreneurs can be understood as a dynamic capability—an ongoing process of adjusting, learning, and innovating. Unlike static resilience, which focuses on resistance or recovery, adaptive resilience is forward-looking. It emphasizes flexibility, innovation, and the ability to reconfigure resources when facing uncertainty. For example, many entrepreneurs in Kelantan pivoted from physical shops to digital storefronts, using Facebook Live, TikTok, or Shopee to reach wider audiences. Others diversified their product lines—such as food vendors who added ready-to-eat or frozen options during challenging times. These actions reflect not just temporary adjustments but long-term shifts in mindset and business practices. Local values also play a significant role. Kelantanese entrepreneurship is often guided by a sense of community and shared responsibility (gotong-royong spirit). This collective mindset helps entrepreneurs support one another, share market insights, and collaborate on promotions. Such social capital forms an invisible yet powerful safety net, strengthening resilience in the face of disruption.

The Four Pillars of Resilience among Kelantanese Entrepreneurs

a. Employee Well-being and Engagement

Resilient enterprises start from within. For small businesses, employees are often treated like family members, sharing both challenges and successes. Prioritising well-being and engagement—through flexible work arrangements, fair rewards, or simple acts of appreciation—creates loyalty and motivation. Entrepreneurs who care for their team are more likely to sustain morale and productivity, even when times are tough.

b. Collaboration and Community Networks

Kelantan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem thrives on collaboration. Local markets such as Siti Khadijah, Wakaf Che Yeh, and Pasar Besar Gua Musang are not just business spaces—they are social hubs for knowledge sharing. Entrepreneurs who participate in associations, co-operatives, or training programmes benefit from collective learning and resource pooling. By working together, SMEs can amplify their market presence, negotiate better prices, and explore joint ventures.

c. Leadership Rooted in Values

Leadership is the compass that guides resilience. Many successful Kelantanese entrepreneurs lead with humility, trust, and cultural authenticity. Value-based leadership—grounded in sincerity, persistence, and community service—builds credibility and long-term relationships with customers. In times of uncertainty, leaders who communicate clearly, make ethical decisions, and remain optimistic inspire others to move forward with confidence.

d. Learning and Innovation Culture

Continuous learning keeps businesses relevant. The willingness to acquire new skills, embrace digital tools, and experiment with new products or markets is crucial for adaptation. Kelantanese entrepreneurs who attend digital marketing workshops, participate in MARA or UMK training programmes, or collaborate with local universities demonstrate this learning mindset. Innovation does not always mean technology; sometimes it means finding creative ways to add value to local heritage products, such as batik, serunding, or woven crafts.

Digital and Sustainable Readiness for Kelantanese SMEs

Digital transformation is no longer optional—it is a lifeline for competitiveness. Many entrepreneurs in Kelantan have embraced online selling through social media platforms, mobile payments, and e-commerce. However, building resilience in the digital era requires more than just having an online presence; it demands strategic use of technology to enhance efficiency, customer relationships, and decision-making. Equally important is sustainability. The younger generation of consumers increasingly values environmentally responsible products and ethical business practices. Entrepreneurs who integrate sustainability—by using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, or supporting local suppliers—build trust and differentiate their brands. This alignment between digital readiness and sustainability contributes to a stronger, future-oriented form of resilience. UMK and other local institutions play a key role in nurturing this transformation. Through training, mentorship, and community engagement, they can help small enterprises adopt technology and sustainability practices in ways that align with their cultural and financial realities.

Kelantan’s entrepreneurs embody the essence of resilience—resourceful, faith-driven, and community-oriented. Yet, the path ahead requires continual renewal. Adaptive resilience offers a practical lens for understanding how local businesses can thrive amid uncertainty. By focusing on people, collaboration, leadership, and learning, entrepreneurs can transform challenges into opportunities for growth. As Kelantan’s economy evolves, partnerships between universities, government agencies, and local entrepreneurs are essential. Together, they can co-create programmes that strengthen entrepreneurial capacity, promote digital literacy, and preserve cultural heritage. Ultimately, building adaptive resilience is not just about surviving change—it is about leading it, guided by local wisdom and global awareness.