摘要:Recently, involvement and sound achievements of today’s generation of youth in the commercial agricultural sector are increasingly strong and on the increase, even though the percentage is still very small. Thus, this article is aimed to examine the key factors that drive the youth to venture into commercial agriculture; graduates’ perceptions towards commercial agriculture; the contributing factors and why many young people refuse to venture into commercial agriculture; and trainings and skills needed as well as personal attributes of successful commercial agricultural entrepreneurs. This is a qualitative study with in-depth-interviews of five respondents among youth graduates. Results of this study have answered all of the research questions as well as identified a new finding which is the roles of informal mentor in helping the respondents to successfully venture into agriculture commercially. Respondents participated in virtual mentoring for direct access of information from the informal mentors who supervised and assisted them in starting up their first ground of commercial agriculture and throughout their success. Finally, based on the interviews, conclusion can be made that changes in time, respect, comprehensive supports, and incentives offered by the government agencies are vital in motivating young farmers to be successful agricultural entrepreneur.
关键词:Youth generation in Malaysia; mentor; mentoring; agriculture; graduate students; entrepreneur; and business