e-Bangi: Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities
[Journal Update] eBangi: Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities is currently working on enhancing the quality of the journal and improving our editorial and review processes. This transition may result in slower processing times than usual. We encourage authors to continue submitting their manuscripts. All submissions will be carefully considered, and the standard peer review process will proceed for papers received during this period. ABOUT THIS JOURNAL e-Bangi Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities is an international, peer-reviewed and open access journal that publishes articles of social and behavioral sciences, and the humanities. It is a quality refereed multidisciplinary journal which is published by the UKM Press, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). e-Bangi publishes original findings or empirical articles (qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods), literature reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, theoretical articles, and methodological articles. E-Bangi does not consider the following types of articles: essays, brief reports, case studies, and book reviews. e-Bangi is an official journal of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) that was first published in 2004. Starting 2023, the journal will be published 4 times a year, in February, May, August, and November. It is published in English and Bahasa Malaysia, and it is open for submission by authors from all over the world. The journal follows COPE Core Practices for publication ethics. The journal accepts submission through its online submission system. To submit a manuscript please click here.
Child Marriage in Sub-Saharan Contexts. A Travesty of Justice
Indeed, the phenomenon of child marriage constitutes a dire travesty of rights. This is because the phenomenon denies them the opportunity to self-determine their future through accessing education. The article systematically reviewed 26 various data sources from different African countries, using various data engines of EBSCOhost, the Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and University theses, to explore the travesty of justice meted out to the girl children upon marrying at a tender age before adulthood. The article revealed the following thematic dynamics of child marriage: Religiously sanctioned child marriage; patriarchy as a platform for child marriage; Social Norms and Poverty as an Aggravating Factor of Child Marriages; and Child Marriage aggravates gender disparities. The article recommends enforcing national minimum -age-of-marriage policies and practices; the need for governments to criminalize child marriage and enact a free education policy to annihilate child marriages. The article concludes by exhorting African governments to enact and implement policies and programmes ensuring compulsory education for all in the country, with a mandatory level at which all must reach while adults.
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The Relationship Between Ethical Leadership and Teacher Motivation: A Study at Secondary Schools in Sarawak
Ethical leadership plays a crucial role in fostering teacher motivation and enhancing overall school effectiveness. However, limited research has explored this relationship within the context of secondary schools in Sarawak. This study aims to identify the level of ethical leadership among secondary school principals, assess the level of motivation among teachers, and examine the correlation between ethical leadership and teacher motivation. A pilot study was conducted with 100 secondary school teachers using a quantitative survey approach. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using correlation and regression techniques. The findings indicate that both ethical leadership and teacher motivation levels were high. Moreover, the results reveal a strongly significant positive correlation between ethical leadership and teacher motivation. This suggests that teachers who perceive their leaders as ethical report higher levels of satisfaction, commitment, and enthusiasm in their roles. These findings underscore the importance of ethical leadership in creating a supportive and motivational workplace culture. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers and school administrators in formulating leadership strategies to enhance teacher motivation and retention. Future research should expand the sample size and incorporate qualitative approaches to gain deeper insights into the mechanisms underlying this relationship.
Pengajaran Pendidikan Kesihatan Berasaskan Pendekatan Pendidikan Luar: Satu Analisis Kualitatif (Teaching Health Education through an Outdoor Education Approach: A Qualitative Analysis)
Isu keberkesanan pengajaran Pendidikan Kesihatan di sekolah rendah terus menjadi wacana penting dalam konteks pembangunan murid secara holistik. Kekangan masa pengajaran, pendekatan berpusatkan guru, serta kurangnya eksplorasi pembelajaran kontekstual luar bilik darjah telah menimbulkan keperluan terhadap strategi alternatif yang lebih autentik dan bermakna. Justeru, kajian ini dijalankan bagi meneroka secara mendalam keperluan pengintegrasian pendekatan pendidikan luar dalam pengajaran pendidikan kesihatan. Kajian ini menggunakan reka bentuk kualitatif dengan pendekatan kajian kes dan strategi pensampelan bertujuan. Seramai tujuh orang guru berpengalaman dalam bidang Pendidikan Jasmani dan Kesihatan sekolah rendah telah dipilih sebagai informan kajian. Data dikumpul melalui temu bual separa struktur dan dianalisis menggunakan kaedah analisis tematik secara induktif. Hasil kajian membongkar lima tema utama yang mencerminkan amalan sedia ada, cabaran pelaksanaan, serta potensi besar pendidikan luar sebagai pemangkin kepada pengajaran kesihatan yang lebih interaktif, reflektif dan berasaskan pengalaman langsung. Informan menyatakan tahap kesediaan yang tinggi terhadap pelaksanaan pendidikan luar secara sistematik, namun menzahirkan kebimbangan terhadap isu masa, logistik, bahan bantu mengajar dan pelan sokongan institusi. Kajian ini memberikan justifikasi kukuh terhadap keperluan membangunkan satu model pengajaran pendidikan kesihatan berasaskan pendekatan pendidikan luar sebagai panduan komprehensif kepada guru. Dapatan kajian ini menjadi asas penting kepada fasa pembangunan model dalam penyelidikan seterusnya. Abstract: The effectiveness of Health Education teaching in primary schools continues to be a crucial discourse in the context of holistic pupil development. Constraints such as limited instructional time, teacher-centred approaches, and the lack of contextual outdoor learning experiences have highlighted the need for more authentic and meaningful teaching strategies. Therefore, this study aimed to deeply explore the necessity of integrating an outdoor education approach into the teaching of Health Education. Employing a qualitative case study design with purposive sampling, seven experienced primary school teachers specialising in Physical and Health Education were selected as the study’s participants. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed inductively using thematic analysis. The findings revealed five major themes that reflect existing practices, implementation challenges, and the significant potential of outdoor education as a catalyst for more interactive, reflective, and experiential health teaching. The participants demonstrated a high level of readiness to implement outdoor education systematically, yet expressed concerns regarding time constraints, logistical issues, teaching aids, and institutional support systems. The study provides strong justification for developing a comprehensive Health Education teaching model based on the outdoor education approach as a pedagogical guide for teachers. The findings form an essential foundation for the subsequent phase of model development in this ongoing research.
Factors Influencing Agro-Entrepreneurship among Young Participants in the ‘Hybrid Melon Incubation Programme’ at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA)
The agro-entrepreneurship sector is widely regarded as a crucial avenue for enhancing youth employment prospects and fostering sustainable economic growth. Despite substantial government investments in various agro-entrepreneurship initiatives—such as the Young Agropreneur Programme (PAM), the Agro Youth Exhibition, the Agro Youth Entrepreneur Incubator Programme (IUBT), and the Youth Agropreneur Grant—youth participation in this sector remains relatively low. This study seeks to explore the underlying factors influencing youth involvement in agro-entrepreneurship, focusing specifically on participants of the Hybrid Melon Incubation Programme at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA). Employing a descriptive qualitative research design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with five purposively selected respondents. The findings reveal that both internal factors (such as personal interest, motivation, and self-efficacy) and external factors (including peer influence, adult mentorship, and programme characteristics) play significant roles in shaping the participants’ engagement in agro-entrepreneurial activities. Moreover, the results highlight the importance of supportive social networks, effective training, and access to resources in encouraging entrepreneurial mindsets among youth. The study concludes that young people require continuous social and institutional support to realise their potential and sustain interest in the agro-entrepreneurship sector. These insights are expected to inform policymakers, educators, and programme developers in strengthening youth-oriented agricultural initiatives in Malaysia.
Agenda Setting in Destination Branding: A Systematic Review
Tourism is an ever-changing economic activity, and destination images can be established and improved through branding. A positive brand image has always been something that all destinations strive for, as it is a key element in attracting tourists and developing tourism. Destination management organisations (DMOs) can achieve the goal of communicating the destination brand by setting the policy agenda and promoting the media agenda. In this study, we conducted a systematic review of 26 publications that were finally selected in the Web of Science and Scopus databases, focusing on the volume and types of publications, annual publication level, distribution of regions, methodology characteristics and distribution of sources. We summarized 5 main research themes, which are (1) mega-events and destination brand image (2) digital transformation in destination branding (3) citizen engagement in destination branding (4) politicization of destination branding (5) theoretical frameworks for destination branding. The findings indicate that research on agenda setting in destination branding has generally shown an upward trend, but at a slow pace. Asia, Europe, and North America have the most publications, which is closely linked to the relatively advanced economies and tourism in these regions. Some research patterns and trends are also outlined at the end. 此页面的语言为英语 翻译为 丁卡语 世界语 东贝语 中文（简体） 中文（繁体） 丰语 丹麦语 乌克兰语 乌兹别克语 乌尔都语 乌德穆尔特语 亚美尼亚语 亚齐语 亨斯里克语 伊博语 伊洛卡诺语 伊班语 伦巴第语 伯塔维语 俄语 保加利亚语 信德语 修纳语 俾路支语 僧伽罗语 克丘亚语 克克其语 克罗地亚语 克里奥尔语 克里米亚鞑靼语 克里米亚鞑靼语（拉丁文） 冰岛语 刚果语 利古里亚语 加利西亚语 加泰罗尼亚语 加语 努埃尔语 匈牙利语 北索托语 北萨米语 南非祖鲁语 南非科萨语 博杰普尔语 卡努里语 卡纳达语 卡西语 卢奥语 卢干达语 卢旺达语 卢森堡语 印地语 印尼巽他语 印尼爪哇语 印尼语 古吉拉特语 吉尔吉斯语 哈卡法拉姆语 哈萨克语 因纽特语 因纽特语（拉丁文） 图卢语 图瓦语 土库曼语 土耳其语 埃维语 基加语 基隆迪语 塔吉克语 塔希提语 塔马齐格特语 塔马齐格特语（拉丁文） 塞尔维亚语 塞索托语 塞舌尔克里奥尔语 夏威夷语 多格拉语 奇卢巴语 契维语 奥克语 奥塞梯语 奥罗莫语 奥里亚语 威尔士语 威尼斯语 孔卡尼语（拉丁文） 孟加拉语 宗卡语 宿务语 富拉语 尤卡坦玛雅语 尼泊尔语 尼瓦尔语 巴乌莱语 巴什基尔语 巴厘语 巴塔克托巴语 巴塔克西马伦贡语 巴塔克语 巴斯克语 布列塔尼语 布尔语(南非荷兰语) 布里亚特语 希伯来语 希利盖农语 希腊语 帕皮阿门托语 库尔德语 库尔德语（索拉尼） 弗留利语 弗里西语 德语 德顿语 恩德贝莱语 恩科·班巴拉语 恩道语（津巴布韦） 意大利语 意第绪语 托克皮辛语 拉丁语 拉特加莱语 拉脱维亚语 挪威语 捷克语 掸语 提格雷尼亚语 文达语 斐济语 斯洛伐克语 斯洛文尼亚语 斯瓦希里语 斯瓦特语 旁遮普语 旁遮普语（阿拉伯文） 日语 普什图语 景颇语 望加锡语 本巴语 林加拉语 林堡语 查莫罗语 柯克博罗克语 格陵兰语 格鲁吉亚语 桑塔利语 桑塔利语（拉丁文） 桑戈语 梅泰语/米代语（梅克字母） 梵语 楚克语 楚瓦什语 比科尔语 毛利语 毛里求斯克里奥尔语 汤加语 沃洛夫语 法罗语 法语 法语（加拿大） 波兰语 波斯尼亚语 波斯语 泰卢固语 泰米尔语 泰语 海地克里奥尔语 爱尔兰语 爱沙尼亚语 牙买加克里奥尔语 班巴拉语 瑞典语 瓜拉尼语 瓦瑞语 白俄罗斯语 科米语 科西嘉语 立陶宛语 米佐语 米南佳保语 粤语 索马里语 约鲁巴语 纳瓦特尔语 维吾尔语 缅甸语 罗姆语 罗马尼亚语 老挝语 聪加语 艾马拉语 芬兰语 苏格兰盖尔语 苏苏语 苗语 英语 英语（美国） 茨瓦纳语 荷兰语 菲律宾语 萨摩亚语 萨波特克语 葡萄牙语 葡萄牙语（葡萄牙） 蒂夫语 蒙古语 藏语 西班牙语 西西里语 西里西亚语 豪萨语 越南语 车臣语 达里语 迈蒂利语 迪尤拉语 迪维希语 通布卡语 邦板牙语 邦阿西南语 阿乔利语 阿卢尔语 阿塞拜疆语 阿姆哈拉语 阿尔巴尼亚语 阿布哈兹语 阿拉伯语 阿法尔语 阿瓦尔语 阿瓦德语 阿萨姆语 雅库特语 鞑靼语 韩语 马其顿语 马姆语 马尔加什语 马尔瓦里语 马恩语 马拉地语 马拉雅拉姆语 马来语 马来语（阿拉伯文） 马绍尔语 马耳他语 马都拉语 马里语 高棉语 齐切瓦语 随时将英语翻译为 一律不翻译英语 一律不翻译ejournal.ukm.my
A Qualitative Analysis of South African University Students’ Perceptions of Telehealth Psychological Counselling Benefits for Mental Health
Telehealth psychological counselling, while it has long been in existence, it gained growing recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic era and has since continued to grow and be incorporated in mental health treatment. Despite the growing knowledge and utilization of telehealth psychological services, knowledge about the benefits and challenges of telehealth psychological counselling is limited, particularly in the university population. This study aimed to explore students’ perceptions of the benefits and challenges of telehealth psychological counselling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using an exploratory research design, eight students were purposively selected to participate in semi-structured individual interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. The findings indicate that telehealth psychological counselling was perceived as beneficial in alleviating psychological distress during the pandemic. However, poor network connectivity was reported as a significant barrier. Overall, the study outlined the importance of integrating telehealth psychological counselling into future mental health services to enhance support for students and promote mental well-being.
Hubungan Undang-Undang Adat dan Keharmonian Antara etnik di Sabah: Analisis K.A.P (The Relationship Between Customary Law and Interethnic Harmony in Sabah: A K.A.P (Knowledge, Attitude, Practice) Analysis)
Kajian ini meneliti hubungan antara undang-undang adat dan persepsi keharmonian antara etnik di Sabah menggunakan kerangka Pengetahuan-Afektif-Amalan (K.A.P). Kajian ini menggunakan reka bentuk tinjauan rentas-seksyen yang melibatkan responden daripada beberapa daerah terpilih di Sabah bagi menilai tahap kefahaman, sikap dan amalan masyarakat terhadap undang-undang adat serta hubungannya dengan keharmonian sosial antara etnik. Data dikumpulkan melalui soal selidik berstruktur dan dianalisis menggunakan pendekatan statistik inferensi bagi mengenal pasti pola hubungan dan sumbangan relatif setiap dimensi K.A.P terhadap keharmonian etnik. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa undang-undang adat mempunyai hubungan yang signifikan dengan persepsi keharmonian antara etnik. Ketiga-tiga dimensi K.A.P didapati menyumbang secara bermakna terhadap pembentukan hubungan harmoni, dengan dimensi afektif muncul sebagai faktor yang paling dominan berbanding dimensi pengetahuan dan amalan. Hal ini menunjukkan bahawa sikap, penerimaan dan keprihatinan sosial terhadap undang-undang adat memainkan peranan yang lebih besar dalam mengukuhkan keharmonian antara etnik berbanding kefahaman formal semata-mata. Secara keseluruhannya, kajian ini menegaskan bahawa undang-undang adat bukan sekadar sistem peraturan tradisi, tetapi berfungsi sebagai mekanisme sosial yang penting dalam memperkukuh toleransi, kepercayaan dan kohesi sosial dalam masyarakat majmuk Sabah. Implikasi kajian mencadangkan keperluan untuk memperkukuh pendidikan komuniti, penghayatan nilai adat serta peranan Mahkamah Anak Negeri sebagai institusi utama dalam menyokong keharmonian antara etnik secara berterusan. Abstract: This study examines the relationship between customary law and perceptions of interethnic harmony in Sabah using the Knowledge-Affective-Practice (K.A.P) framework. A cross-sectional survey design was employed involving respondents from selected districts in Sabah to assess community knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards customary law and their association with interethnic harmony. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed through inferential statistical approaches to identify relational patterns and the relative contribution of each K.A.P dimension to social harmony. The findings indicate that customary law is significantly associated with perceptions of interethnic harmony. All three K.A.P dimensions contribute meaningfully to the formation of harmonious interethnic relations, with the affective dimension emerging as the most dominant factor compared to knowledge and practice. This suggests that social acceptance, emotional orientation, and community support for customary law play a more influential role in strengthening interethnic harmony than formal knowledge alone. Overall, this study affirms that customary law functions not merely as a traditional regulatory system but as a vital social mechanism that strengthens tolerance, trust, and social cohesion within Sabah’s plural society. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening community-based education, reinforcing customary values, and enhancing the role of the Native Court as a key institution in sustaining long-term interethnic harmony.
Social Media as a National Security Threat: Roles, Limits, and Opportunities for the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF)
The advent of social media has transformed communication and information dissemination, posing significant risks to national security. This study examines the social media threat to Malaysia’s cyber security and the role of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) in maintaining national security. Disinformation involves the intentional spread of false information while misinformation refers to the unintentional dissemination of incorrect information. In Malaysia, such campaigns have been particularly influential during political events like the 2018 General Election. Social media platforms are also used by extremist groups to radicalise and recruit individuals. The MAF play a crucial role in mitigating these threats through advanced cyber defence capabilities, collaboration with government agencies, and public awareness initiatives. However, several research gaps remain, including the need for MAF to contribute to national cyber security. This study employs a qualitative method, using interviews with representatives from Malaysian ministries, agencies, and experts to analyse current cybersecurity threats and the role of the MAF in safeguarding national security. The findings underscore the importance of a proactive and collaborative approach, leveraging advanced technologies, enhancing inter-agency cooperation, and promoting public awareness to effectively mitigate social media threats. By implementing these strategies, the MAF can play a pivotal role in protecting Malaysia's national security in the digital age.
The Relationship Between Distributed Leadership and School Management Process Among Primary School Teachers in Sarawak
Distributed leadership is recognised as a systematic approach that enhances the quality of education and increases the effectiveness of school management. When leadership is distributed, leaders and subordinates develop greater mutual trust and perform their responsibilities more efficiently, thereby strengthening overall school management. This leadership style also helps to reduce the gap between leaders and staff, promotes loyalty, and nurtures a stronger sense of belonging within the organisation. Despite these benefits, empirical research on distributed leadership among teachers remains limited and underexplored. This study aims to investigate the relationship between distributed leadership and the school management process. A quantitative survey design was employed, using a structured questionnaire to collect data from 450 primary school teachers in Sarawak selected through cluster random sampling. Data were analysed using SmartPLS version 4.0. The findings indicate a significant relationship between distributed leadership and the school management process. These results have practical implications for the Ministry of Education, particularly for inspectorate and supervisory units, in assessing school efficiency and leadership capacity by incorporating factors that enhance the school management process among primary school teachers in Sarawak. Furthermore, this study contributes to the body of knowledge on how distributed leadership shapes the effective management of school organisations.
Autonomy, Sociocultural Reform and Depression Among Saudi Women: Moderating Effects of Driving Status, Age, Marital Status and Social Support in The Post-2018 Era
Depression among Saudi women remains a significant public health concern influenced by cultural, demographic, and psychosocial factors. Drawing on gender theory and social determinants of mental health, this study examined the moderating roles of driving status, age, marital status, and perceived social support on the relationships between depressive spiral, attitudes toward aging, and depression among Saudi women. The study utilized a cross-sectional correlational design with a sample of 593 Saudi women aged between 27 and 39 years. Data were collected using several instruments, including the Beck Depression Inventory-II. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with bootstrapping was employed to analyze direct, mediating, and moderating impacts. The findings indicate a significant association between depressive spiral, negative attitudes toward aging, and depression. While driving status did not significantly moderate these relationships, the analysis indicated that age, marital status, and social support moderated the impact on depression, with increased independence, older age, stable marriage, and stronger social support reducing the risk. Factors such as mobility, social interactions, and demographic characteristics act as protective factors against depression among Saudi women. By situating these findings within the context of post-2018 sociocultural reforms in Saudi Arabia, this study offers new empirical insight into how gendered autonomy and social relations shape women’s mental health. Future research should consider conducting longitudinal studies to investigate the impact of socioeconomic status and mental health history.
Persepsi Pelajar Terhadap Pengaplikasian Pendekatan Naratif dalam Pengajaran Kaedah Penyelidikan di Institusi Pengajian Tinggi (Student Perceptions of the Application of Narrative Approach in Teaching Research Methods in Higher Education Institutions)
Pendekatan pengajaran yang bersesuaian penting untuk memastikan objektif pembelajaran tercapai. Pengkajian terhadap sesuatu pendekatan dijalankan secara berterusan dalam kalangan pendidik dalam usaha memastikan pengajaran pensyarah dapat dijalankan secara berkesan, seterusnya membolehkan pelajar memahami isi pelajaran dengan lebih baik. Oleh itu, kajian kes ini dijalankan bertujuan untuk meneliti kesesuaian pendekatan naratif diaplikasikan dalam kalangan pelajar di institusi pengajian tinggi. Pemilihan sampel kajian dibuat secara bertujuan apabila semua 62 pelajar yang mendaftar kursus ini terlibat. Kesesuaian pendekatan naratif diaplikasikan dalam pengajaran pada peringkat pengajian tinggi ini dibuat berdasarkan Teori Paradigma Naratif yang dikemukakan oleh Fisher (1978) yang menyatakan bahawa naratif membolehkan pelajar berkongsi dan menerima cerita yang sesuai dengan individu. Cerita-cerita berkait dengan proses menjalankan penyelidikan ini dijangka dapat membantu pelajar merancang dan menghasilkan penyelidikan mereka sendiri. Kesesuaian naratif ini dinilai berdasarkan komen pelajar terhadap penilaian pengajaran pensyarah. Hasilnya, pelajar berpandangan naratif yang digunakan oleh pensyarah kursus dapat membantu memberikan penerangan yang jelas, membolehkan pelajar memahami topik yang dikuliahkan, menimbulkan rasa ramah dan mesra serta membuatkan pelajar seronok mempelajari kursus ini. Dapatan kajian ini membuktikan bahawa naratif sesuai diaplikasikan dalam kalangan pelajar di institusi pengajian tinggi. Oleh itu, walaupun naratif boleh dikatakan sesuai diaplikasi dalam semua peringkat pengajian, namun penelitian yang lebih lanjut dan jenis naratif yang dikongsikan juga perlu disaring agar bersesuaian dengan peringkat umur pelajar. Hal ini kerana sekiranya pensyarah menggunakan naratif yang kurang sesuai, ini bukan sahaja tidak membantu kepada pemahaman pelajar terhadap isi pengajaran sebaliknya, akan mengurangkan fokus mereka mempelajari kursus tersebut. Abstract: An appropriate teaching approach is important to ensure that learning objectives are achieved. Studies on an approach are continuously conducted among educators in an effort to ensure that lecturers' teaching can be carried out effectively, thus enabling students to better understand the content of the lesson. Therefore, this case study was conducted to examine the suitability of the narrative approach applied in the BBM3413 Malay Language Research Methods course among students in higher education institutions. This case study was conducted throughout 14 weeks of lectures in the first semester of the 2024/2025 session. The selection of the study sample was made purposively when all 62 students who registered for this course were involved. The suitability of the narrative approach applied in teaching at the higher education level was made based on the Narrative Paradigm Theory presented by Fisher (1978) which states that narrative allows students to share and receive stories that are appropriate for the individual. Stories related to the process of conducting this research are expected to help students plan and produce their own research. The suitability of this narrative was assessed based on students' comments on the lecturer's teaching evaluation. As a result, students believe that the narrative used by the course lecturers can help provide clear explanations, enable students to understand the topics being taught, create a sense of friendliness and friendliness, and make students enjoy learning this course. The findings of this study prove that narrative is suitable for application among students in higher education institutions and not just among children. Therefore, although narrative can be said to be suitable for application at all levels of study, further research and the type of narrative shared also need to be screened to be appropriate for the age of the students. This is because if the lecturer uses a narrative that is not appropriate, this will not only not help students understand the content of the lesson, but will also reduce their focus on learning the course.
Dimensi Sosial Dalam Pengurusan Sisa Pepejal Global: Pendekatan Penilaian Kitar Hayat Sosial (Social Dimensions in Global Solid Waste Management: A Social Life Cycle Assessment Approach)
Abstrak: Pengurusan sisa pepejal merupakan cabaran global yang semakin kritikal seiring dengan pertumbuhan populasi, urbanisasi pesat dan pola penggunaan yang berubah dengan pantas. Walaupun pelbagai kajian memberi tumpuan kepada aspek teknikal, ekonomi dan alam sekitar, dimensi sosial masih kurang diteliti secara mendalam. Kajian ini menggunakan data sekunder antarabangsa daripada World Bank dan laporan What a Waste 2.0, melibatkan 218 buah negara dengan kategori pendapatan berbeza (tinggi, sederhana-tinggi, sederhana-rendah, rendah). Analisis mendapati wujud perbezaan ketara dalam kaedah rawatan sisa antara negara: negara berpendapatan tinggi (HIC) lebih mengutamakan kitar semula dan insinerasi, manakala negara berpendapatan rendah (LIC) masih bergantung pada pelupusan terbuka. Negara berpendapatan sederhana pula memperlihatkan pola peralihan dengan gabungan sistem moden dan tradisional. Penemuan ini menegaskan bahawa pengurusan sisa bukan sahaja isu teknikal, tetapi turut mencerminkan ketidaksamaan sosial global. Komuniti miskin di negara berpendapatan rendah menanggung beban sosial dan kesihatan awam yang lebih berat walaupun hanya menyumbang sebahagian kecil daripada jumlah sisa dunia. Prinsip Penilaian Kitar Hayat Sosial (S-LCA) digunakan sebagai kerangka konseptual untuk menafsir data ini, khususnya dalam menilai kesan sosial terhadap pekerja, komuniti setempat dan keadilan sosial. Kajian ini menyarankan keperluan memformalkan sektor kitar semula tidak formal, melaksanakan pemindahan teknologi yang adil dan mengintegrasikan indikator sosial dalam dasar pengurusan sisa. Hasilnya diharap dapat menyumbang kepada strategi pengurusan sisa yang lebih inklusif, adil dan selari dengan Matlamat Pembangunan Mampan (SDG 8, 11 dan 12). Abstract: Solid waste management has become an increasingly critical global challenge, driven by rapid population growth, urbanization, and changing consumption patterns. While most studies emphasize the technical, economic, and environmental aspects, the social dimension of waste management remains underexplored. This study draws on international secondary datasets from the World Bank and What a Waste 2.0 report, covering 218 countries across different income categories (high, upper-middle, lower-middle, and low income). The analysis reveals stark disparities in waste treatment methods: high-income countries (HICs) prioritize recycling (25.6%) and incineration (31.5%), whereas low-income countries (LICs) remain heavily dependent on open dumping (71.9%). Middle-income countries show transitional patterns, combining both modern and traditional systems. These findings highlight that waste management is not merely a technical issue but also reflects global social inequalities. Poor communities in low-income countries bear heavier social and public health burdens despite contributing only a small share of global waste generation. The principles of Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) are applied as a conceptual lens to interpret these data, particularly in assessing impacts on workers, local communities, and social justice. The study calls for the formalization of informal recycling sectors, equitable technology transfer, and integration of social indicators into waste management policies. Ultimately, the findings contribute to more inclusive and socially just waste management strategies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 8, 11, and 12).
Deceptive Advertising: Investigating How Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Use Puffery and Manipulation in TV Commercials
This study examines the advertising tactics and possible misleading components in two television ads for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), WAW detergent, and Sunlight. Research identifies and examines the types of claims, deceptive tactics, and message content used in each commercial using Schrank's framework of advertising claims. According to the analysis, both brands used implied and unique claims to differentiate themselves from the competition and convey the advantages of their brands, especially when using suggestive language and visual storytelling. Through subtle and distinctive claims, Sunshine detergent emphasized freshness and cleaning power; puffery was found to be the only dishonest component, mostly in the overstated repetition of advantages such as long-lasting freshness. However, the WAW detergent commercial used a wider variety of persuasive strategies, including implied, unique, and puffery claims in addition to more overtly dishonest advertising. This included manipulation, which involved emotional appeals and exaggerated claims about the product's efficacy, as well as puffery, which used superlative and exaggerated terms like "amazing" and "a lot." The results raise ethical questions regarding the use of exaggerated imagery and emotionally charged messaging in the promotion of FMCG products, as they imply that WAW's commercial engaged in more extensive deceptive advertising practices than Sunlight. In assessing advertising content, the study emphasizes the importance of critical media literacy and more stringent regulatory oversight. The study concludes that advertisers frequently use unique and implied claims to convey the advantages of their products and differentiate them from rivals. These claim types were purposefully employed to appeal to consumers' needs for freshness and efficient cleaning.
Pengaruh Institusi dalam Isu 3R (Bangsa, Agama & Raja) di Malaysia: Analisis Teori Institusionalisme Diskursif Dan Konstruktivis (The Influence of Institutions on the 3R Issues (Race, Religion & Royalty) In Malaysia: An Analysis of Discursive and Constructivist Institutionalism Theories)
Isu bangsa, agama dan raja (3R) di Malaysia sering dianggap sensitif dan dijadikan alasan mengehadkan kebebasan bersuara. Namun, cara institusi menyelaras dan menyebarkan wacana 3R sehingga membina norma sensitiviti serta batas ucapan masih kurang dibincangkan. Objektif kajian adalah menganalisis bagaimana institusi di Malaysia seperti kerajaan, media arus perdana dan agensi penguatkuasaan menggunakan wacana rasmi 3R untuk membentuk persepsi awam dan mempertahankan legitimasi melalui pendekatan institusionalisme diskursif dan konstruktivis. Analisis kandungan digunakan bagi menilai laporan media arus perdana dan digital berkaitan perbincangan 3R merangkumi kenyataan politik, tindakan undang-undang serta kawalan platform digital. Data terdiri daripada 11 kes dari November 2022 hingga Disember 2025. Hasil kajian menunjukkan institusi menggunakan retorik kestabilan dan keharmonian sosial untuk mewajarkan sekatan hak bersuara sementara 3R berfungsi sebagai instrumen politik bagi mengekalkan dominasi elit pemerintah. Media arus perdana cenderung mengukuhkan naratif institusi manakala platform digital yang lebih terbuka tetap dipantau oleh Suruhanjaya Komunikasi dan Multimedia (SKMM). Kesimpulannya, institusi bukan sekadar penyampai maklumat malahan, berperanan sebagai mekanisme kawalan sosial berasaskan norma dan wacana strategik yang menentukan apa yang boleh atau tidak boleh diucapkan. Abstract: Race, religion and royalty (3R) issues in Malaysia are widely treated as sensitive and often invoked to curb freedom of speech. Yet how institutions coordinate and circulate 3R discourse to establish norms of sensitivity and limits on speech remains underexamined. This study analyses how the institutions like government, mainstream media and enforcement agencies deploy official 3R narratives to shape public perceptions and sustain legitimacy using discursive and constructivist institutionalism. A content analysis of mainstream and digital media reports covers political statements, legal actions and the regulation of digital platforms. The dataset comprises 11 cases from November 2022 to December 2025. Findings show that institutions draw on the rhetoric of stability and social harmony to legitimise speech restrictions while 3R operates as a political instrument that maintains ruling-elite dominance. Mainstream outlets tend to amplify institutional frames whereas more open digital platforms remain monitored by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Overall, institutions act not only as information channels but as mechanisms of social control using norms and strategic discourse to define what may and may not be said.
Integrating REBT and Motivational Interviewing in Addressing Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: A Conceptual Framework
Non-Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI) is a complex behavioural phenomenon closely associated with emotion dysregulation and maladaptive cognitive processes. Existing psychosocial approaches tend to prioritise either motivational enhancement or cognitive restructuring in isolation, resulting in fragmented intervention strategies. Addressing this gap, the present paper proposes a conceptual framework that integrates Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) to guide a stage-appropriate response to NSSI. By utilising the conceptual synthesis approach, this paper draws upon established theoretical literature on MI, REBT, and the Stages of Change model to identify complementary mechanisms underpinning motivation, belief systems, and emotional regulation. The proposed framework conceptualises a two-phase process in which MI is employed to assess and enhance individuals’ readiness for change, followed by the application of REBT to challenge and restructure irrational beliefs sustaining NSSI behaviours. By aligning intervention strategies with individuals’ motivational stages, the framework offers a structured and theoretically grounded pathway for progressive behavioural change. This conceptual paper contributes to the literature by bridging motivational and cognitive-behavioural perspectives within a unified model and provides a foundation for future empirical studies to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing NSSI behaviours and improving emotional regulation.
Research under Constraints: Exploring Confidence, Workload, and Collaboration in Higher Education
As Southeast Asian higher education institutions are increasingly prioritizing research productivity, lecturers at regional private universities are facing unique systemic pressures. Using a convergent mixed-methods design grounded in Expectancy-Value Theory (EVT), data were collected from a purposive sample of 29 full-time lecturers at a medium-sized university in Thailand exploring their beliefs about research, publishing, and collaboration. Quantitative data from a theoretically mapped Likert-scale survey were analysed descriptively, while qualitative data from open-ended responses underwent deductive coding to provide interpretive insights into the tensions between professional motivation and structural constraints. Findings reveal a significant "conviction-capability" gap: while lecturers hold highly positive attitudes toward research (M=4.47) and recognize its necessity for academic identity, their engagement is severely hindered by low research self-efficacy (M=3.46) and a perceived inability to balance teaching and research duties (M=3.41). Collaboration was widely valued for enhancing research quality and innovation, but hindered by methodological differences, unequal task allocation, and inadequate institutional support. Although the small, single-institution sample limits the generalizability of the results, the study provides a critical lens into the emotional and psychological toll of academic productivity demands in under-resourced contexts. Key recommendations include implementing protected research time policies, establishing structured mentorship programs pairing senior and novice scholars, and institutionalizing interdisciplinary research hubs to democratize collaborative opportunities.
Negotiating the Sacred: Esoteric Traditions and Pluralism in Minangkabau Society
Esotericism often refers to exclusive knowledge that only a few people possess. This field can encompass several disciplines, such as astrology, magic, and other forms of knowledge. Some social scientists stress that it is a rejected form of knowledge. The main objective of this research was to describe the esoteric traditions in one Minangkabau village community. It intends to show that there are multiple esoteric ideas in such a community. In this ethnographic research, the researcher observed and interviewed esoteric practitioners. For the analysis, two approaches were included, namely semiotics and the phenomenological idea of the life-world. The semiotic approach was used to analyse texts like incantations, while the concept of the life-world considers the levels that influence the thinking and perception of the local population. It was discovered that there are two major esoteric traits, particularly Islamic mysticism and a type of folk religion conveyed by traditional healers known as dukun. It was also detected that the people in a remote village community follow ideas of their cultural heritage. The esoteric concepts that are widespread on social media are still not relevant. The results reveal several significant implications. Esoteric knowledge in the Minangkabau context cannot be regarded as rejected knowledge, particularly in regard to traditional healing. The findings further demonstrate the multifaceted nature of traditional esoteric knowledge. Future research could look at an urban context and the emergence of new ideas.
Impact of Digital Platform on Film Industry: A Systematic Literature Review
The development of digital platforms has brought fundamental changes to the global film industry, compelling filmmakers and industry stakeholders to adapt to production, distribution, and consumption logics that are increasingly driven by technology, data, and algorithms. This study aims to systematically analyze the existing literature on the impact of digital platforms on the film industry through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach, following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A total of 15 relevant journal articles were selected and analyzed to identify key patterns, dominant themes, and research gaps within the scholarship on digital platforms and the film industry. The synthesis of the literature reveals that the film industry has actively adopted digital platforms across three main dimensions: distribution, audience, and economic structures. Digital platforms provide significant opportunities for expanding global distribution reach, increasing flexibility in release models, and improving the efficiency of production and marketing costs. Overall, this study offers a comprehensive overview of how digital platforms have reshaped the structure and dynamics of the film industry, not merely as technological tools but as influential economic and cultural infrastructures. The findings contribute theoretically by integrating diverse perspectives on platform-driven transformations in the film industry and practically by providing a foundation for the development of more sustainable adaptation strategies for filmmakers and industry practitioners.
The Effect of Intellectual Capital, Sustainability Reporting on Financial Performance in Indonesia
The increasing emphasis on intangible assets and corporate sustainability has shifted the focus of financial performance analysis beyond traditional accounting measures. This study examines the effect of Intellectual Capital (IC) and Sustainability Reporting (SR) on the financial performance of secondary manufacturing companies in Indonesia. Financial performance is measured using Return on Equity (ROE). The objective of this study is to analyze both the partial and simultaneous effects of IC and SR on ROE. The population of this study consists of all secondary manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during the period 2021–2024. Using a quantitative approach, the data were obtained from annual and sustainability reports published by the companies. The analysis technique employed is multiple regression analysis to test the proposed relationships among variables. The empirical results reveal that Intellectual Capital (IC) has a significant positive effect on financial performance (ROE), indicating that effective management of human, structural, and relational capital enhances firm profitability. In contrast, Sustainability Reporting (SR) shows a significant negative effect on ROE, suggesting that sustainability initiatives may impose short-term financial burdens that have yet to translate into immediate financial returns. However, when tested simultaneously, IC and SR jointly exert a significant positive effect on financial performance. These findings imply that while sustainability reporting may initially reduce profitability due to implementation costs, its integration with strong intellectual capital can enhance long-term firm value. This study provides important insights for managers, investors, and policymakers in developing strategies that balance profitability and sustainability in the manufacturing sector.
Mengukur Kompetensi Keusahawanan Mahasiswa: Analisis Terhadap Kemahiran Pengurusan, Kepimpinan dan Penyelesaian Masalah (Assessing Entrepreneurial Competencies among University Students: An Analysis of Management, Leadership and Problem-Solving Skills)
Kompetensi keusahawanan merupakan elemen penting dalam melahirkan graduan yang berdaya saing, adaptif, dan berkeupayaan memenuhi keperluan pasaran kerja yang semakin dinamik dan mencabar. Oleh itu, kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengukur tahap kompetensi keusahawanan dalam kalangan mahasiswa dengan memberi tumpuan kepada tiga kemahiran teras, iaitu kemahiran pengurusan, kepimpinan, dan penyelesaian masalah. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif melalui reka bentuk tinjauan keratan lintang melibatkan seramai 418 orang mahasiswa di sebuah universiti awam di Malaysia. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa majoriti mahasiswa memiliki tahap kemahiran pengurusan (53.1%), kepimpinan (56%) dan penyelesaian masalah (51.9%) pada tahap sederhana hingga tinggi, mencerminkan potensi yang baik dalam pembentukan kompetensi keusahawanan dalam kalangan mahasiswa. Implikasi kajian ini menekankan keperluan institusi pengajian tinggi untuk memperkukuh pembangunan kemahiran teras keusahawanan melalui pendekatan pembelajaran berasaskan pengalaman seperti pembelajaran berasaskan projek, simulasi perniagaan dan penglibatan industri. Dari aspek sumbangan, kajian ini menyediakan bukti empirikal tentang profil kompetensi keusahawanan mahasiswa yang boleh dijadikan asas rujukan dalam penambahbaikan kurikulum, perancangan intervensi keusahawanan, serta penggubalan strategi pembangunan graduan yang lebih holistik dan berorientasikan keusahawanan. Abstract: Entrepreneurial competence is a crucial element in producing graduates who are competitive, adaptive and capable of meeting the increasingly dynamic and challenging demands of the labour market. Accordingly, this study aims to measure the level of entrepreneurial competence among university students by focusing on three core skills, namely management, leadership and problem-solving skills. This study adopts a quantitative approach using a cross-sectional survey design. A total of 418 university students were selected as respondents. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analysed descriptively using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25. The findings indicate that the majority of students demonstrate moderate to high levels of management, leadership and problem-solving skills, reflecting strong potential for the development of entrepreneurial competence. The implications of this study highlight the need for higher education institutions to strengthen the development of core entrepreneurial skills through experiential learning approaches such as project-based learning, business simulations and industry engagement. In terms of contribution, this study provides empirical evidence on the entrepreneurial competence profile of university students which can serve as a reference for curriculum enhancement the design of entrepreneurial interventions and the formulation of more holistic and entrepreneurship-oriented graduate development strategies.
From Recovery to Employment: Peer Workers’ Experiences in Malaysia’s Drug Treatment Organizations
Individuals in recovery engaged in peer support and service delivery play an important role in supporting others within community rehabilitation. This study examines how individuals in recovery employed in community-based drug treatment organizations in Malaysia fulfil their roles as peer workers and explores the perceived challenges influencing their professional growth and long-term recovery. Thirty semi-structured interviews were conducted, and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings reveal three interrelated themes: purpose-driven employment and social reintegration, navigating financial constraints in community rehabilitation settings, and mentorship and peer support in career reintegration. Participants described their work as a source of renewed self-worth, social contribution, and recovery motivation. Financial limitations and organisational resource constraints were perceived as major challenges affecting service delivery and professional development. Supportive relationships with mentors and colleagues further strengthened confidence, role clarity, and recovery stability. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of inclusive employment practices, organisational support, and structured peer guidance in promoting sustainable professional engagement and long-term recovery among individuals in recovery.
Culturally Responsive School Leadership and School Effectiveness: Teachers’ Cultural Intelligence as a Mediating Mechanism in Malaysian Indigenous Schools
There is still a gap in effectiveness between Indigenous school and other type of primary school in Peninsular Malaysia. This study examines the relationship of culturally responsive school leadership (CRSL), teachers’ cultural intelligence (CQ) and school effectiveness (SE) in Malaysian national primary schools where Indigenous pupils form the majority. A cross-sectional survey design was applied, using multistage stratified random cluster sampling to obtain responses from 450 teachers representing 85 Indigenous schools across seven states in Peninsular Malaysia. The results indicate that CRSL exerts a significant direct influence on SE (β = .457, p < .001) and on CQ (β = .548, p < .001). In addition, teachers’ CQ significantly predicts SE (β = .505, p < .001). Mediation analysis using bootstrapping provided evidence that CQ significantly mediates the CRSL–SE relationship (SIE = .277, p < .001; 95% CI [.198, .332]). The final structural model achieved acceptable fit indices (χ²/df = 2.222, RMSEA = .052, CFI = .910, TLI = .907) and accounted for 72% of the variance in school effectiveness. Overall, the findings imply that leadership preparation and ongoing teacher professional development in Indigenous community schools should give stronger emphasis to cultural responsiveness and the enhancement of CQ. The study also contributes an empirically supported model positioning CQ as an important connecting pathway between CRSL and SE within a Southeast Asian Indigenous schooling context. The contribution of the study not only fills the research gap in Indigenous school in Peninsular Malaysia but also provides input to improve CRSL, CQ, and SE, as well as input to improve policies, training and practices in Indigenous school in Peninsular Malaysia.
Special Section: Social Sciences in the Age of AI and Technology
This special section, themed Social Sciences in the Age of AI and Technology, brings together 14 selected articles from the 9th International Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities (ICOSH 2025). The contributions span diverse fields including social welfare, public health, education, entrepreneurship, political behaviour, security studies, cultural production, and adult education across Malaysia and the wider region. Using qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, and systematic reviews, the articles provide empirical evidence and critical perspectives on inclusion, governance, leadership, digital capability, and human-centred innovation. Collectively, this section highlights the enduring relevance of social sciences in guiding ethical, inclusive, and socially responsive technological change.
Tinjauan Awal terhadap Dinamika Kemiskinan Petani Padi di Malaysia (A Preliminary Review of the Dynamics of Poverty among Rice Farmers in Malaysia)
Abstrak: Beras sebagai makanan ruji dan padi sebagai komoditi pengeluarannya merupakan elemen penting dalam menjamin keterjaminan makanan negara. Namun, Tahap Sara Diri (SSL) beras Malaysia menunjukkan tren yang semakin menurun. Pelbagai dasar, bantuan dan insentif telah dilaksanakan bagi menangani masalah kemiskinan petani padi dan memastikan SSL beras negara berada pada tahap yang memuaskan. Kajian ini bertujuan meneliti secara mendalam faktor struktur yang membentuk dinamika kemiskinan petani padi di Malaysia. Dari sudut metodologi, kajian menggunakan reka bentuk eksploratori kualitatif melalui analisis kandungan terhadap dokumen dasar, laporan institusi, data statistik dan kajian terdahulu. Analisis bertema digunakan bagi mengenal pasti pola, jurang pelaksanaan dasar serta hubungan antara faktor sosioekonomi, institusi dan geopolitik. Dapatan mengenal pasti enam faktor utama yang menyumbang kepada kemiskinan petani padi, iaitu saiz pemilikan tanah yang kecil, ketidakseimbangan agihan subsidi, ketidakcekapan pelaksanaan dasar, kekangan penggunaan teknologi moden, konflik politik serantau dan kebergantungan negara terhadap import beras. Implikasi dapatan dipetakan kepada Matlamat Pembangunan Lestari (SDG 1, SDG 2, SDG 12 dan SDG 13). Dapatan kajian juga menunjukkan keperluan untuk membangun model SSL yang lebih mampan dan inklusif. Kajian ini menegaskan kepentingan penambahbaikan dasar bagi memperkukuh pendapatan petani, meningkatkan daya saing sektor padi serta menyumbang kepada agenda keterjaminan makanan negara. Abstract: Rice as Malaysia’s staple food, and paddy as its primary production commodity, are essential elements in ensuring national food security. However, Malaysia’s rice Self-Sufficiency Level (SSL) has shown a declining trend. Various policies, assistance and incentives have been implemented to address poverty among paddy farmers and to ensure that the country’s SSL remains at a satisfactory level. This study aims to examine in depth the structural factors that form the dynamics of poverty among paddy farmers in Malaysia. Methodologically, the study adopts a qualitative exploratory design through content analysis of policy documents, institutional reports, statistical data and previous studies. Thematic analysis is utilised to identify patterns, policy implementation gaps and the interrelationships between socioeconomic, institutional and geopolitical factors. The findings identify six main contributors to paddy farmers’ poverty: small land ownership, imbalances in subsidy distribution, inefficiencies in policy implementation, limitations in modern technology adoption, regional political conflicts and the country’s dependence on rice imports. The implications of these findings are mapped onto the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 1, SDG 2, SDG 12 and SDG 13). The study further highlights the need to develop a more sustainable and inclusive SSL model. Overall, the study underscores the importance of policy improvements to strengthen farmers’ income, enhance the competitiveness of the paddy sector and contribute to the nation’s food security agenda.
Negotiating Expression: Cultural Fields and AI-Mediated Production in Chinese Web Series
Chinese web series production operates within overlapping forces of state regulation, platform governance, commercial capital, and audience participation. This study examines how creators negotiate creative freedom within this AI-mediated ecosystem. Based on Bourdieu’s theory of cultural fields, the research develops a four-field analytical model to analyse interactions among cultural production, capital, symbolic capital, and power. This qualitative study draws on six semi-structured interviews with actors, directors, writers, and producers in Beijing and Shanghai, complemented by thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) framework. A co-occurrence matrix was constructed to identify the semantic relationships among eight subthemes and the four broader fields. Findings show that creators navigate a constrained environment shaped simultaneously by platform algorithms, policy expectations, and data-driven audience feedback. The strongest thematic linkage emerged between the Field of Cultural Production and the Field of Symbolic Capital (12.7%), indicating that creative intentions are closely intertwined with audience participation and symbolic valuation on digital platforms. In contrast, the tight coupling between capital and power (12.0%) highlights how institutional and commercial logics jointly structure the production process. This study contributes a theoretical model illustrating how creative freedom is negotiated within an AI-mediated cultural production system. It also highlights the need to reconceptualize symbolic capital in platformised environments shaped by algorithmic visibility and participatory metrics.
Penerokaan Cabaran Penjagaan Sosial Bagi Menyokong Kesihatan Mulut Warga Emas di Pusat Jagaan (Exploring the Challenges of Social Care in Supporting Oral Health Among Older Adults in Care Institutions)
Abstrak: Malaysia dijangka mencapai status negara tua seawal tahun 2030. Justeru, penekanan terhadap penjagaan geriatrik yang holistik perlu diberi keutamaan termasuk aspek kesihatan mulut. Namun, aspek kesihatan mulut dan penjagaan warga emas sering diabaikan meskipun bertindak sebagai komponen penting kepada kesihatan keseluruhan dan kualiti hidup. Malah, integrasi terhadap penjagaan dari sudut sosial dan kesihatan mulut dilaporkan berdepan pelbagai cabaran yang menyukarkan pelaksanaan penjagaan secara komprehensif. Oleh itu, kajian ini bertujuan meneroka cabaran penjagaan sosial terhadap kesihatan mulut warga emas di pusat jagaan di Selangor. Menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif, temu bual separa struktur dijalankan dengan melibatkan 18 peserta, iaitu 10 penjaga dan 8 warga emas di sebuah pusat jagaan kerajaan. Data yang diperoleh kemudian ditranskrip secara verbatim dan dianalisis secara tematik. Dapatan merumuskan cabaran yang dikenalpasti adalah merangkui tiga tema utama iaitu, faktor warga emas, halangan amalan dan pelaksanaan penjagaan, serta kekangan struktur dan sumber persekitaran. Kajian ini menyimpulkan bahawa kelemahan penjagaan mulut adalah manifestasi daripada kelemahan sistem ekologi yang menuntut pendekatan biopsikososial. Tiga cadangan yang dikemukakan iaitu mewajibkan program latihan kepada penjaga, membangunkan model penjagaan pergigian domisiliari yang bersepadu, dan meningkatkan kapasiti institusi untuk mengatasi beban tugas penjaga. Kesimpulannya, hasil kajian ini menegaskan kepentingan mengintegrasikan penjagaan sosial dan kesihatan mulut bagi memperkukuh kualiti perkhidmatan secara menyeluruh untuk kesejahteraan mereka. Abstract: Malaysia is projected to reach an aged nation status as early as 2030. Therefore, emphasis on holistic geriatric care, including the aspect of oral health, must be prioritised. Crucially, oral health aspect as a crucial component of overall wellness and quality of life remains systematically neglected in elderly care settings. Multiple implementation challenges compound this persistent failure to integrate social care and oral health. Consequently, this study aimed to explore the specific social care challenges regarding the oral health of institutionalized elderly in Selangor. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 participants, 10 caregivers and 8 residents at a government care facility. The data were transcribed verbatim and subjected to rigorous thematic analysis. Findings reveal that interconnected challenges cluster around three main themes: older adults’ factors, barriers in care practice and implementation, and structural and environmental resource constraints. The study concludes that poor oral care is a clear manifestation of a poor ecological system, demanding a robust biopsychosocial approach. Three concrete recommendations emerge: mandating comprehensive caregiver training, developing an integrated domiciliary dental care model, and enhancing institutional capacity to alleviate caregiver burden. Ultimately, these results underscore the vital imperative to integrate social and oral health care to ensure the well-being of the elderly.
Analysing Malaysian Public Discourse on Low Blood Pressure: A Sentiment Analysis and Big Data Approach
This study analyses Malaysian public discourse on low blood pressure through big data analytics and sentiment analysis of social media interactions. Despite being frequently overshadowed by hypertension in public health discussions, low blood pressure significantly impacts quality of life and requires greater health literacy attention. Utilising sentiment analysis techniques on Facebook data from Public Health Malaysia, this research examined public discourse patterns and perceptions surrounding hypotension. The study analysed 100 Facebook comments using Google Colab and Python-based sentiment analysis tools. Data preprocessing involved translation from Bahasa Malaysia to English, text standardization, and sentiment classification. Findings revealed a nearly balanced sentiment distribution: neutral (28.8%), positive (36.5%), and negative (34.6%), with a mean sentiment score of 0.03 indicating marginally positive overall discourse. Temporal analysis identified peak engagement periods at 14:00-16:00 and 21:00, with sentiment fluctuations across different timeframes. Topic modelling uncovered key discourse themes including symptom recognition, medical consultations, daily management strategies, and clinical terminology understanding. Word cloud visualization highlighted frequently discussed terms such as “dizziness”, “blood pressure monitoring”, and “doctor consultations”. The findings confirm that social media platforms provide valuable insights into public health literacy and community health concerns. The balanced sentiment distribution suggests moderate awareness while underscoring the necessity for targeted health education initiatives. This research advances digital health communication strategies and offers evidence-based insights for healthcare providers to better address public concerns regarding low blood pressure through data-driven methodologies.
Literasi Digital dan Keupayaan Digital Usahawan Selangor: Antara Kesiapsiagaan dan Keberdayaan (Digital Literacy and Digital Capability of Selangor Entrepreneurs: Between Readiness and Empowerment)
Dalam landskap ekonomi digital yang semakin kompetitif, literasi digital dan keupayaan digital merupakan prasyarat penting bagi memastikan kelangsungan serta daya saing usahawan. Literasi digital bukan sekadar melibatkan kemahiran teknikal, malah merangkumi keupayaan usahawan untuk mengakses, menilai, mengaplikasi dan memanfaatkan teknologi digital secara strategik dalam pengurusan perniagaan. Sehubungan itu, kajian ini bertujuan menilai tahap literasi digital dan keupayaan digital serta menganalisis hubungan antara kedua-dua konstruk tersebut dalam kalangan usahawan perusahaan mikro, kecil dan sederhana (PKS) di Selangor. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif melalui soal selidik berstruktur yang melibatkan 597 orang usahawan PKS dari enam daerah di Selangor. Data dianalisis menggunakan statistik deskriptif bagi menentukan tahap literasi dan keupayaan digital, manakala analisis korelasi Pearson digunakan untuk menguji hubungan antara pemboleh ubah kajian. Dapatan menunjukkan bahawa tahap literasi digital dan keupayaan digital usahawan berada pada paras tinggi. Analisis korelasi mendapati wujud hubungan positif yang sangat kuat dan signifikan antara literasi digital dan keupayaan digital (r = .910, p < .01). Dapatan ini membuktikan bahawa literasi digital merupakan faktor asas yang memperkukuh keberdayaan digital usahawan dalam menyesuaikan diri dengan perubahan teknologi dan mengoptimumkan penggunaan platform digital. Kajian ini menyumbang bukti empirikal penting kepada pembuat dasar dan agensi sokongan dalam merangka intervensi latihan serta strategi pendigitalan yang lebih bersasar bagi memperkasa ekosistem keusahawanan digital di peringkat negeri. Abstract: In an increasingly competitive digital economic landscape, digital literacy and digital capability have become critical prerequisites for ensuring entrepreneurs’ sustainability and competitiveness. Digital literacy extends beyond technical skills to encompass entrepreneurs’ ability to access, evaluate, apply, and strategically leverage digital technologies in business management. Accordingly, this study aims to assess the levels of digital literacy and digital capability and to examine the relationship between these two constructs among micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) entrepreneurs in Selangor. This study employed a quantitative approach using a structured questionnaire administered to 597 MSME entrepreneurs across six districts in Selangor. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the levels of digital literacy and digital capability, while Pearson’s correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between the study variables. The findings indicate that both digital literacy and digital capability among entrepreneurs are at a high level. The correlation analysis reveals a very strong and statistically significant positive relationship between digital literacy and digital capability (r = .910, p < .01). These findings demonstrate that digital literacy serves as a fundamental driver in strengthening entrepreneurs’ digital capability, enabling them to adapt effectively to technological changes and optimise the use of digital platforms in business operations. This study provides important empirical evidence for policymakers and entrepreneurial support agencies in designing more targeted digital training interventions and digitalisation strategies to enhance a more inclusive and sustainable digital entrepreneurship ecosystem at the state level.
Kesan Penglibatan Program Kesukarelawanan dalam Kalangan Pelajar Universiti: Analisis Literatur Sistematik (The Impact of Participation in Volunteer Programs among University Students: A Systematic Literature Analysis)
Perkembangan dunia teknologi telah memberi kesan negatif kepada kurangnya penglibatan mahasiswa dalam aktiviti bermasyarakat. Kajian yang terhad terhadap kesan penglibatan dalam aktiviti sukarelawan menyebabkan kurangnya kesedaran terhadap faedah yang diperoleh melalui aktiviti kesukarelawanan. Oleh itu, analisis literatur sistematik (Systematic Literature Review- SLR) dilaksanakan dalam kajian ini dengan menumpukan kesan penglibatan program kesukarelawanan dalam kalangan pelajar universiti di Malaysia. Pangkalan data yang digunakan terdiri daripada Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), MyCite dan Google Scholar. Artikel yang dipilih berdasarkan tahun 2021 hingga 2025 dengan pemilihan artikel berpandukan protokol ROSES (Reporting Standards for Systematic Evidence Syntheses). Terdapat 13 artikel jurnal yang telah dipilih berdasarkan kriteria yang ditetapkan. Tema-tema yang wujud melalui ulasan ini terdiri daripada enam tema iaitu pembangunan sahsiah, pembangunan kepimpinan, kemahiran insaniah, kesedaran sosial dan tanggunjawab sivik, kebolehpasaran serta nilai positif dalam diri. Dengan merujuk sorotan literatur bersistematik ini, para pembaca khususnya mahasiswa dan pihak berkepentingan dapat mengetahui kesan penglibatan para pelajar dalam aktiviti sukarelawan. Penglibatan mahasiswa dalam dunia sukarelawan semestinya memberi kesan yang positif kepada pembangunan diri sejajar dengan perkembangan dunia teknologi. Abstract: The advancement of technology has had a negative impact of student involvement in community activities. Limited studies on the effects of participation in volunteer activities have led to a lack of awareness of the benefits gained through volunteerism. Therefore, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted in this study by focusing on the impact of volunteering program participation among university students in Malaysia. The databases used consisted of Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), MyCite and Google Scholar. The articles selected were based on the years 2021 to 2025 with the selection of articles guided by the ROSES (Reporting Standards for Systematic Evidence Syntheses) protocol. A total of 13 journal articles were selected based on established criteria. The themes that emerged from this review consisted of six themes: personal development, leadership development, human development, social awareness and civic responsibility, self-reliance and positive personal values. Through this systematic literature review, readers-particularly students and relevant stakeholders can learn about the impact of student involvement in volunteer activities. Student engagement in volunteerism certainly contributes positively to personal development, in line with the progress of today’s technological world.
Assessing the Impacts of Korean Working Culture on Human Capital Development of the Malaysian context under Look East Policy
: Look East Policy (LEP) implemented in 1982 with the intention to produce Malaysian work forces with positive work ethics and values for Malaysian development. After four decades’ dispatching the students and officials to the East Asian countries, i.e., South Korea and Japan, the productivity of Malaysia has significantly increased and contributed to the foundation of a developing nation. This study aims to assess the level of human capital development by specifically focusing on Korean culture emulation among LEP’s participants. Underpinning human capital theory as an investment, this study employs mixed-methods technique. A survey done with 202 LEP participants who graduated and completed their study and training from South Korea indicates a high level of human capital development with the mean value of 5.908 (SD=0.683). Group interview with officials from Public Service Development (PSD) highlights the influence of Korean culture emulation on human capital development as LEP’s participants internalize Korean working culture. The practice of Korean working culture in their workplace regardless fully or partially suggests the main objective of LEP to develop human capital has been achieved through the emulation of Korean working culture. A specific platform to promote Korean working culture should be considered/reinforced to optimize human capital development investment.
Kebangkitan Perikatan Nasional Melalui Sokongan Pengundi Melayu Dalam Pilihan Raya DUN Negeri Sembilan Ke-15 (The Rise of The National Alliance Through The Support of Malay Voters in The 15Th State Negeri Sembilan General Election)
Pilihan Raya Negeri (PRN) Ke-15 Negeri Sembilan menyaksikan kebangkitan Perikatan Nasional (PN) apabila berjaya memenangi lima kerusi DUN daripada 36 kerusi DUN yang dipertandingkan. PN menang di kawasan DUN Labu, Paroi, Bagan Pinang, Gemas dan Serting. Kemenangan bermakna lima DUN ini telah menimbulkan pelbagai persoalan dan perhatian untuk diselidiki duduk sebenar jalan ceritanya. Lantaran itu, artikel ini cuba menyelami situasi disebalik keputusan luar jangkaan lima kawasan DUN yang dimenangi PN tersebut sebagai kawasan kajian. Penyelidik meletakkan tiga keutamaan sebagai objektif penulisan. Pertamanya, penyelidik akan menyoroti keputusan pilihan raya bagi lima kawasan tersebut sejak bermulanya pilihan raya bermula 1959. Kedua, mengenal pasti prestasi dan pola pengundian parti politik yang menang di kawasan tersebut pada PRN-15. Ketiga, penyelidik akan cuba menghuraikan isu dan faktor berlakunya perubahan tingkah laku pengundi lima kawasan tersebut yang beralih sokongan kepada PN. Penulisan ini menggunakan sumber sekunder daripada laporan SPR, buku, jurnal, makalah, laman sesawang dan akhbar atas talian sebagai data kajian. Secara kuantitatif, PN menguasai 53.94 peratus undi berbanding gabungan PH/BN yang memperoleh 42.45 peratus, sekali gus mencerminkan kecenderungan pengundi Melayu yang lebih memihak kepada PN. Dari sudut kualitatif, pengundi BN khususnya UMNO masih berasa ragu dan keliru terhadap kerjasama tersebut, terutama kerana penglibatan DAP, manakala sebahagian penyokong PH pula kekal skeptikal terhadap BN yang sering dikaitkan dengan isu rasuah dan kelemahan tadbir urus. Secara keseluruhan, artikel ini memberikan gambaran baharu tentang hala tuju dan tingkah laku politik orang Melayu di Negeri Sembilan serta memperkayakan pemahaman terhadap dinamika politik negeri tersebut. Abstract: The 15th State Election (PRN) of Negeri Sembilan witnessed the rise of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) when it successfully won five state assembly seats out of the 36 state assembly seats contested. PN won in the Labu, Paroi, Bagan Pinang, Gemas and Serting state assembly constituencies. The victory meant that these five state assemblies had raised a various questions and attention to be investigated to find out the true story. Therefore, this article attempts to delve into the situation behind the unexpected results of the five state assembly constituencies won by PN as the study area. The researcher has set three priorities as the study objectives. First, the researcher will highlight the election results for the five constituencies since the start of the election in 1959. Second, identify the performance and voting patterns of the political parties that won in the constituencies in the PRN-15. Third, the researcher will try to explain the issues and factors that led to changes in the behavior of voters in the five constituencies who switched support to PN. This writing uses secondary sources from EC reports, books, journals, articles, websites and online newspapers as research data. Quantitatively, PN controlled 53.94 percent of the votes compared to the PH/BN coalition which obtained 42.45 percent, thus reflecting the tendency of Malay voters to favor PN. From a qualitative perspective, BN voters, especially UMNO, still feel doubtful and confused about the collaboration, especially because of the involvement of DAP, while some PH supporters remain skeptical of BN which is often associated with corruption issues and weak governance. Overall, this article provides a new picture of the direction and political behavior of the Malays in Negeri Sembilan as well as enriching the understanding of the political dynamics of the state.
Workplace Communication Inclusivity Among Pwd Academicians In Malaysia: Challenges and Opportunities
Workplace communication inclusivity is vital in promoting equitable and empowering environments, especially for Persons with Disabilities (PwD). This research addresses the gap of understanding workplace communication inclusivity among PwD academicians. Previous studies on PwD often focused solely on physical facilities and financial support. This study investigates the challenges and opportunities of inclusive workplace communication among PWD academicians in Malaysia. Six semi-structured qualitative in-depth interviews using purposive sampling were conducted with PWD academicians from various Malaysian higher education institutions. Thematic analysis was conducted to find recurring themes within the research. Findings revealed that while the PwD respondents received support from their workplace and colleagues, the support are often personalized, rather than structural support from institutions. Workplaces are more inclusive with great peer support and availability of assistive technologies to help them cope with demanding work of academicians. They highlighted limited accessibility to digital communication platforms that have full range accessibility, lack of disability awareness among colleagues and administrators and vague guidelines on inclusive communication practices. The findings highlighted a need for updated comprehensive communication policies and institutional commitment to foster a more inclusive communication in the workplace for the disabled communities. This policy can also be expanded into country wide reform for communication inclusivity to ensure PwD employees feels more included and supported in their work.
The Impact of Transformational Leadership and Meaningful Work on Organizational Commitment among Mid-School Teachers
Education's primary goal is to enhance the quality of human resources; consequently, if a country hopes to improve its quality of education, teachers must be prioritized. Indonesian teachers deserve particular acknowledgment. From 2012 to 2015, 1.3 million teachers took the Teacher Competency Test (UKG), indicating their efficiency in managing points and understanding material was below the required standard. This reveals that the competence and quantity of teaching employees are below standards, which impacts education quality. The inadequate standard of education in Indonesia cannot be solved merely by modifying the curriculum; rather, special attention must be given to teachers. This study examines the relationship between transformational leadership and meaningful work towards the organizational commitment of teachers in Junior High School, Padang, West Sumatra. Quantitative research was conducted with 159 teachers in six schools who completed online questionnaires. The data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0. The results found a relationship between transformational leadership and meaningful work on organizational commitment, and both variables affect organizational commitment. It can be concluded that this study provides understanding to educational organizations to help improve transformational leadership and meaningful work for teachers and school principals.
Bahasa Ibunda Dan Kecerdasan Buatan Agen Transformasi Prasetia Keusahawanan Mahasiswa Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (Mother Language and Artificial Intelligence as Transformative Agents of Entrepreneurial Readiness among Students of the International Islamic University Malaysia)
Penggunaan teknologi Kecerdasan Buatan (AI) dalam bidang penyelidikan pendidikan telah menjadi subjek perbincangan yang semakin penting dalam usaha meningkatkan kualiti pengajaran dan pembelajaran, terutama dalam konteks pembelajaran subjek Bahasa Melayu. Penyelidikan kualitatif ini bertujuan untuk meneroka prasetia keusahawanan mahasiswa Malaysia di Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM) yang mengambil kursus Bahasa Melayu Kerjaya Perniagaan. Teknologi AI, NVivo 14, telah digunakan untuk mengukur prasetia keusahawanan. Sembilan pelajar telah ditemu bual. Empat dimensi tema prasetia keusahawanan, iaitu tema motivasi, tema jaringan sokongan, tema pengaruh bahasa Ibunda dan tema prasetia keusahawanan digunakan untuk mengukur prasetia keusahawanan yang wujud dalam diri mahasiswa Malaysia, UIAM. Dapatan daripada temu bual bersama-sama sembilan informan menunjukkan empat tema tersebut secara positif dan signifikan mempengaruhi psikologi mereka terhadap prasetia keusahawanan. Informan lelaki lebih bermotivasi terhadap prasetia keusahawanan berbanding informan perempuan. Pengaruh jaringan sokongan lebih kuat mempengaruhi informan perempuan berbanding informan lelaki. Faktor mediator bahasa Ibunda lebih mempengaruhi informan perempuan berbanding lelaki. Sementara informan perempuan lebih cenderung terhadap prasetia keusahawanan. Kesimpulannya, penggunaan AI, Nvivo 14 sangat berkesan bagi mengukur prasetia keusahawanan dalam kalangan mahasiswa Malaysia di UIAM untuk memupuk minat dalam kerjaya keusahawanan dan sekali gus akan mencipta kerjaya sendiri bagi mengecilkan jurang pengangguran serta meningkatkan ekonomi mereka dan dalam masa yang sama menyokong dasar keusahawanan negara. Abstract: The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in education research has become a particularly significant topic of debate to enhance the quality of teaching and learning, particularly in the context of learning the Malay language. This study employs qualitative methods to investigate the entrepreneurial intention of Malaysian International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) students enrolled in the Bahasa Melayu Kerjaya Perniagaan. NVivo 14, an artificial intelligence technology, has been used to quantify entrepreneurial intention. I chose nine students as informants. The study employed four themes, namely motivation, networking, influence of mother language, and entrepreneurial intention, to identify the components of entrepreneurial intention in Malaysian students. The aim was to equip them for future careers in entrepreneurship. The findings from interviews with nine participants indicate that the four themes have a constructive and substantial impact on entrepreneurial intention. The motivation theme is more pronounced among male participants compared to female participants. Networking themes exert a more pronounced impact on female participants than male participants. The mediator factor of the mother language more significantly influences female participants than male participants. However, female informants exhibit a greater propensity for entrepreneurial intention. Finally, this study is vital for determining the entrepreneurial intention among Malaysian students at IIUM to pursue entrepreneurial careers and enhance their economy to support the country's entrepreneurship policy.
Pemerkasaan Pendidikan Golongan Dewasa di Sarawak, 1946 hingga 1970 (Empowerment of Adult Education in Sarawak, 1946 to 1970)
Pendidikan penting dalam usaha meningkatkan tahap literasi dan kemahiran asas dalam kalangan masyarakat tempatan di Sarawak. Kajian ini meneliti usaha-usaha memperkasakan pendidikan golongan dewasa di Sarawak dalam tempoh pasca-Perang Dunia Kedua hingga tahun 1970. Dalam tempoh ini, perubahan signifikan berlaku dalam landskap sosial dan pentadbiran Sarawak terutamanya selepas peralihan kuasa pemerintahan kepada kolonial British pada tahun 1946. Pendidikan golongan dewasa dianggap sebagai mekanisme penting untuk mengatasi masalah buta huruf, memperkukuh pembangunan masyarakat dan memberikan peluang kedua kepada mereka yang terpinggir daripada sistem pendidikan formal. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif melalui analisis dokumen-dokumen seperti laporan tahunan dari Jabatan Pendidikan Sarawak dan bahan-bahan arkib berkaitan dengan program literasi dan kelas malam yang dijalankan oleh kerajaan dan badan bukan kerajaan (NGO). Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa pelaksanaan kelas dewasa, kursus vokasional dan program literasi telah memberikan kesan positif terhadap peningkatan taraf hidup, peningkatan kesedaran sivik dan penglibatan masyarakat dalam aktiviti kemasyarakatan. Sungguhpun, berhadapan dengan pelbagai cabaran seperti kekurangan guru dan infrastruktur pendidikan, tetapi usaha ini tetap menjadi asas penting dalam membina modal insan dan memperkuat jaringan sosial di Sarawak. Implikasi ini selaras dengan SDG 4 yang menekankan akses kepada pendidikan berkualiti sepanjang hayat, SDG 10 yang menyasarkan pengurangan ketidaksamarataan melalui peluasan peluang pembelajaran kepada golongan terpinggir serta SDG 8 yang menggariskan kepentingan peningkatan kemahiran bagi penyertaan ekonomi yang lebih produktif. Jelas bahawa pendidikan golongan dewasa bukan sekadar bersifat pembelajaran asas malah berperanan sebagai alat transformasi sosial dalam masyarakat kolonial dan pascakolonial. Abstract: Education is important in efforts to enhance the level of literacy and basic skills among the local community in Sarawak. This study examines efforts to empower adult education in Sarawak from the post-World War II period until 1970. During this time, significant changes occurred in Sarawak's social and administrative landscape, particularly after the transfer of governance to British colonial rule in 1946. Adult education was regarded as a crucial mechanism to address the issue of illiteracy, strengthen community development, and provide a second chance for those who had been marginalized from the formal education system. This study employs a qualitative approach through the analysis of documents such as annual reports from the Sarawak Education Department and relevant archival materials related to literacy programs and night classes conducted by the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The findings indicate that the implementation of adult classes, vocational courses, and literacy programs had a positive impact on improving living standards, raising civic awareness, and increasing community involvement in social activities. Although faced with various challenges, such as a shortage of teachers and educational infrastructure, these efforts nonetheless formed an essential foundation for building human capital and strengthening social networks in Sarawak. These implications align with SDG 4, which emphasises access to quality lifelong education; SDG 10, which targets the reduction of inequalities through the expansion of learning opportunities for marginalised groups; and SDG 8, which underscores the importance of skills enhancement for more productive economic participation. It is evident that adult education not only served as a means of basic learning but also functioned as a tool for social transformation in both colonial and post-colonial society.
The Institutionalisation of Social Work Practice in China: Dynamics, Dilemmas, and Future Directions
Over the past forty years, China has developed a state-led model of social work practice. This study adopts a narrative review methodology, synthesising key developments in the institutionalisation of social work in China. It examines the value of this model in advancing professional development and improving service users’ well-being, while also highlighting its key limitations. The first section outlines the shifts in the welfare system during the 1980s reforms and explains how these changes facilitated the institutionalisation of social work. The second section describes how the state supports social work practice and defines the roles of social workers. It argues that this model has expanded the workforce and enhanced service delivery, particularly when social order and individual needs are aligned. However, its heavy reliance on government funding constrains professional independence. When intervention strategies prioritise the restoration of social order, services may become regulatory rather than supportive, potentially undermining both service users’ well-being and the profession itself. This paper therefore calls for a more balanced approach in which the state maintains a guiding role while allowing greater autonomy for practitioners. At the same time, social workers must develop stronger analytical capacity to identify the root causes of service recipients’ challenges, especially within the broader context of individual–society relations, so as to ensure the profession fulfils its ethical mandate and contributes meaningfully to global social work discourse.
Adaptasi Doktrin Ketenteraan Amerika Syarikat: Pengaruh Evolusi Strategi Pemangkalan Ketenteraan Asing di Asia Tenggara (Adaptation of United States Military Doctrine: The Influence of the Evolution of Foreign Military Basing Strategy in Southeast Asia)
Kajian ini membincangkan tentang bagaimana strategi pemangkalan Amerika Syarikat di Asia Tenggara mempengaruhi pembaharuan doktrin ketenteraannya di Asia Tenggara, yang merangkumi cabang Tentera Darat (U.S. Army), Tentera Laut (U.S. Navy), Tentera Udara (U.S. Airforce) dan juga Tentera Marin (U.S. Marines Corps). Sebagai negara pemangkal, Amerika Syarikat menggunakan kaedah pemangkalan tradisional dan juga secara tetap melalui perjanjian dan pewarisan kolonial, dalam mewujudkan kelebihan kepada operasi dan mobilisasi ketenteraannya. Bagaimanapun, model ini berhadapan dengan penentangan politik domestik, halangan undang-undang dan keterdedahan keselamatan daripada negara hos. Dengan menggunakan kaedah kajian kes dan pengesanan ke atas doktrin-doktrin ketenteraan seperti Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) oleh Tentera Darat, Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO) oleh Tentera Laut, Agile Combat Employment (ACE) oleh Tentera Udara, Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) oleh Tentera Marin, pembaharuan doktrin ini dilihatkan berpunca daripada perubahan strategi pemangkalan ketenteraan Amerika Syarikat secara dalaman, serantau dan global. Begitupun, menerusi kajian ini, ianya menunjukkan bahawa pembaharuan doktrin dan perubahan strategi pemangkalan ketenteraan adalah saling bersangkutan dan mempengaruhi satu sama lain, secara bergelung (looping). Adaptasi doktrin ketenteraan ini juga menunjukkan bahawa faktor dalaman dan elemen domestik Amerika Syarikat turut memainkan peranan penting dalam pembentukan dasar keselamatan dan pertahanannya. Sehubungan dengan itu, kajian ini penting dalam menyingkap lebih lanjut tentang bagaimana perkembangan politik diantara negara hos-pemangkal menatijahkan kerangka keselamatan masing-masing. Abstract: This study discusses how the United States’ military basing strategy in Southeast Asia influences the renewal of its military doctrines in the region, encompassing the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Marine Corps. As a basing power, the United States employs both traditional and permanent basing methods through agreements and colonial inheritances to create advantages for its military operations and mobilization. However, this model faces domestic political resistance, legal constraints, and security vulnerabilities from host states. Using case studies and tracing the development of military doctrines such as the Army’s Multi-Domain Operations (MDO), the Navy’s Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO), the Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE), and the Marine Corps’ Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO), the study finds that these doctrinal reforms stem from shifts in the United States’ military basing strategies at the internal, regional, and global levels. Nonetheless, this study shows that doctrinal reforms and changes in basing strategy are mutually linked and influence each other in a looping manner. The adaptation of these military doctrines also reflects the significant role of U.S. domestic factors and internal elements in shaping its security and defence policies. In this regard, the study is important for further uncovering how evolving political dynamics between host and basing states shape their respective security frameworks.