The above findings are consistent with findings from extant research such as Ting (2004) , UPS (2005). Saleh and
Ndubisi (2006) which found challenges facing Malaysian SMEs including human resource constraints; lack of
access to finance; inability to adopt technology; and lack of information on potential markets as well as identified a
number of key challenges facing Malaysian SMEs.
These past studies above have summarised a broad understanding of the challenges faced by SMEs in Malaysia
and East Asia. However, there has been very limited empirical evidence. Study by Saleh et al (2008) fills this gap by
conducting a robust empirical analysis of the major challenges affecting SMEs and their business performance in
Malaysia. Saleh et al found that perceptions of government policies and availability of infrastructure are perceived as
the major challenges faced by Malaysian SMEs. The third and fourth challenges were perceptions of business
competition and availability of infrastructure. Interestingly, on the other hand, financial issues were not seen as an
important challenge faced by SMEs.