Abstract
Grounded from resource-based view, network approach perspective, strategic behaviour theory, innovation theory and capabilities theory, this study proposed a model for rapid internationalisation of SMEs in Malaysia. In-depth interviews were conducted with selected firms in Malaysia to explore and identify the factors contributing to the firms' capabilities, business strategy and rapid internationalisation. This model provides further insight into the factors that leads them to rapid internationalisation. This paper found that technology, firm orientation, networking and founder's background and entrepreneurial characteristics as internal factors together with industry trends and environment are critical determinants of capabilities that lead to business strategy and rapid internationalisation. Apart from that, it was found that innovation plays a crucial role in IT based born global firms; it may not apply to all the firms. One of the firms interviewed has chosen creativity as their key role factor instead of innovation. Lastly, firms that do not require large capital are better off by avoiding external fund to reduce unnecessary financial risk.
 
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Highlights
Born global firms are sprouting throughout the world, and the major contributor to the rapid internationalisation of these born global firms is the advancement of technology
The selected respondents have fulfilled the criteria of born global firms based on the definition of Falahat and Migin (2017) and Cavusgill and Knight (2015), which states that a born global firm must have globalised within 3 years of establishment and gains at least 25% of its revenue from global market
We have selected three born global firms randomly that have fulfilled the criteria of born globals and willing to participate in this research through Malaysia export directory
Summary
Born global firms are sprouting throughout the world, and the major contributor to the rapid internationalisation of these born global firms is the advancement of technology. Almost all the born global firms are internet-dependent, and this is expected to continue further. Product quality is a key factor for the success of born global firms. Product differentiation is another success factor of born global firms. Product quality and differentiation are closely related to innovation, knowledge and research and development. The trades involving born global firms are expected to keep increasing due to global infrastructure, advanced technologies, and international orientation (Knight, Koed Madsen & Servais, 2004)
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