The 8 th SMEs in a Global Economy Conference 2011: " Rising to the Global Challenge: Entrepreneurship and SMEs development in Asia " Khon Kaen University, Nong Khai Campus, T.Nongkomkor Muang Nongkhai 4300, Thailand Tel: +66 42 415600 Ext. 46641 Fax: +66 42 415699 http://www.nkc.kku.ac.th/smesconference2011 408 THE STUDY OF UiTM GRADUATES’ ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTIONS Azlin Shafinaz Mohamad Arshad, Siti Zahrah Buyong, Ismail Wahab and Zarina Salleh Malaysian Academy of SME & Entrepreneurship Development (MASMED, Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam, Malaysia. *Corresponding author, E-mail: azlin@salam.uitm.edu.my and zah_buyong@yahoo.com.my Abstract Purpose - The paper aims to provide findings of an exploratory study on the entrepreneurial intentions among Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) graduates and to examine factors that influence their entrepreneurial intentions. Design/ approach - The study adopted a quantitative approach using questionnaire as the survey instrument. The samples comprised UiTM graduates who had completed undergraduate and post-graduate programmes. Using a convenience sample technique, a total of 1200 questionnaires were distributed and 809 were returned and a total of 792 were found to be useful for analysis. Findings – The study found high level of entrepreneurial intention among UiTM graduates as they have been exposed to entrepreneurship courses and activities during their studies at the university. Practical implications – The results of the study may have valuable implications for the university authorities and academicians. While entrepreneurial activities need to be increased, entrepreneurship education should be made accessible and compulsory to all students in order to enhance graduates‟ inclination towards entrepreneurship. Originality/value – This study focuses on fresh graduates who have the options either to work or to be an entrepreneur after graduating. Hence the output of this study contributes to the existing explanation of entrepreneurial intention among graduates. Keywords: Entrepreneurial Intention, entrepreneurial inclination, entrepreneurship and graduates 1. Introduction Entrepreneurship has often been highlighted as one of the most important factors that contributes to the economic development and growth of a country. It has also been seen as a means of solving the unemployment problems particularly among graduates. Consequently, a strong interest in entrepreneurship education has emerged throughout the