BUILDING ECONOMIC SELF-RELIANCE THROUGH CAMPUS COOPERATIVES: A CASE STUDY FROM MALAYSIA

Abstract

Campus cooperatives play a strategic role in empowering the economic self-reliance of academic communities and surrounding populations. In Malaysia, campus cooperatives have evolved into sustainable economic institutions that not only serve internal campus needs but also contribute to broader economic development through innovation, integration of the tri dharma of higher education, and technological adoption. This study aims to examine Malaysia’s experience in developing campus cooperatives as a tool for economic empowerment and to explore its potential implementation in Indonesia. Using a literature review and case study approach, the research analyzes policies, management models, and operational practices of campus cooperatives in several leading Malaysian higher education institutions. Findings indicate that the success of Malaysian campus cooperatives is driven by professional governance, strong support from university leadership, integration of digital technology in operations, and active participation of students and lecturers in cooperative business development. The study recommends that Indonesian higher education institutions can adopt Malaysia as a benchmark for establishing independent and sustainable campus cooperatives. Key strategies include institutional strengthening, entrepreneurship training, and digital transformation of cooperatives. By emulating Malaysia’s best practices, Indonesian universities can foster a culture of economic self-reliance and collaborative enterprise within their academic ecosystems.