Gading Journal for the Social Sciences (e-ISSN 2600-7568)

Addressing Skilled Labour Shortages in Malaysia’s Printing Industry:

Norizzati Abd Latif, Noor Azly Mohammed Ali — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The printing industry faces significant challenges due to a shortage of skilled workers, which negatively impacts production quality, efficiency, and competitiveness. This article explores the complex challenges associated with the shortage of skilled workers in the printing industry. It identifies specific impacts such as reduced employee retention, delayed production timelines, compromised quality, and decreased customer satisfaction. A qualitative analysis of 8 interviews with key industry stakeholders, including company owners, human resources and operations managers, reveals critical issues such as ineffective employment practices, inadequacies in training programs, and negative industry perceptions. To address these challenges, the article proposes strategies such as improved human resources management, enhanced skills development and training initiatives, technological advancement, and outsourcing. The article also highlights future challenges, including technological disruptions, demographic shifts, and sustainability concerns, emphasizing the need for proactive planning and collaboration to ensure the industry’s continued viability and competitiveness. This study also situates the Malaysian printing industry’s skilled labour shortage within wider national and global manufacturing trends, highlighting its urgency and the need for coordinated, cross-sectoral solutions.

Optionist and Non-Optionist Teachers’ Use of Strategies for Teaching English Literature:

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The objectives of this qualitative study are to discover the strategies employed by optionist and non-optionist teachers in teaching English literature and to determine whether there is any common ground in their use of the strategies. Semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted on four English teachers—two optionist and two non-optionist—who had been teaching secondary school English for more than ten years. Ten (10) themes on instructional strategies emerged from the interview data highlighting the teachers’ use of student-centred learning activities such as brainstorming, role playing and group work, dictionary use, repetition, code-switching and extensive questioning. The non-optionist teachers appear to rely quite frequently on getting students to understand literary texts through the use of dictionaries and alternating between English and the students’ mother tongue, while the optionist teachers prefer to opt for strategies that demand students to be more independent in learning. The findings found considerable common ground between the optionist and non-optionist teachers despite their dissimilar training and qualifications. Interestingly enough, both groups of teachers believed in active student-centred strategies to stimulate students’ interest in English literature and in empowering highly proficient students towards more independent learning of the subject. The findings pave the way for a more in-depth investigation into how the Ministry of Education can help non-optionist teachers to improve their use of English literature teaching strategies.

A Study on Factors Influencing the Adoption of Crop Residues as Cattle Feed among Farmers in Kelantan, Malaysia

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Utilising crop residues as cattle feed is a promising strategy for improving sustainability and reducing feed shortages in Malaysia’s cattle farming industry. This study investigates the factors influencing the adoption of crop residues among cattle farmers in Kelantan since the industry faces challenges including limited grazing land, high feed costs, and dependency on traditional feed sources. A quantitative research approach was employed involving structured interviews with 109 cattle farmers across six districts. Descriptive statistical analysis revealed a moderate proportion of farmers who recognise the benefits of crop residues, yet adoption remains constrained due to economic limitations, lack of awareness, and inadequate technical support. Many farmers perceive crop residues as cost-effective and beneficial for productivity; however, knowledge gaps and logistical constraints hinder widespread implementation. Findings suggest that targeted training programs, financial support and improved extension services are critical for increasing adoption rates. Encouraging the use of crop residues can enhance local cattle farming sustainability, reduce reliance on imported feed, and contribute to Malaysia’s food security objectives.

The Implementation of Specific Word Instruction in a Primary ESL Classroom:

Evanna Devi Seyapalan, Siti Noor Aisyah Hasnan — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

While most studies on ESL vocabulary instruction have focused on effective teaching and learning strategies, there is a lack of research that binds the gap between research and practice especially in the use of specific word instruction and vocabulary knowledge. In fact, there is a lack of implementation of the Specific Word Instruction (SWI) in ESL classrooms in Malaysia. This study seeks to investigate the perspectives of ESL students on the implementation of SWI in their classroom with the goal of informing more effective and tailored vocabulary teaching strategies. SWI was implemented during English lessons where 37 Year 4 primary school students in a primary public school in Petaling Jaya were exposed to new vocabulary. Upon completion of experiencing English lessons using SWI, students were required to complete a survey to gauge their perceptions of using SWI as an approach in learning vocabulary. The findings discovered a positive outcome on the implementation of SWI in an ESL classroom where participants of the study felt more motivated and positive in acquiring new vocabulary when SWI approach is implemented in the classroom. It is recommended that language instructors implement SWI into their vocabulary lessons to encourage and enhance students’ vocabulary learning experience.

Assessing Learning Environments:

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The recent trend of diminishing interest in higher education among the youth presents a critical challenge, affecting the future workforce and the nation's ability to innovate and remain competitive. This study examines the factors influencing student engagement and satisfaction in an engineering program at a public university. The study focuses on the relationship between students’ academic backgrounds and their perception of the difficulty of university subjects. A comprehensive survey of 39 new engineering students was undertaken in period of six weeks into lectures. The findings indicate that subjects with complex of conceptual understanding, problem-solving requirements, and mathematical applications, like Physics, were considered the most challenging, regardless of students’ prior academic achievements. The survey additionally reveals a sense of obligation, especially among female students, rather than a genuine interest in the program. Analysis suggests that prior performance in subjects like Additional Mathematics significantly impacts’ students’ experiences in their current engineering courses. The study concludes with several recommendations to improve student retention and sustain interest in higher education pursuits. These include refining the curriculum, enhancing English language assistance, and implementing specialised initiatives for female students. These recommendations provide actionable insights for educational institutions to enhance student experiences and counter the downward trend in higher education enrolment.

Forecasting International Tourist Arrivals in Malaysia using Holt-Winters Model

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Malaysia's tourism sector has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in terms of foreign visitor arrivals. The aim of this research is to forecast the future number of international tourist arrivals using the Holt-Winters additive method. Additionally, this study analyses the current trends of international tourist arrivals in Malaysia. The dataset employed spans from January 2012 to June 2023, encompassing periods before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The estimation of the Holt-Winters model is based on 126 observations (January 2012 until June 2022), while the validation of the model is based on 12 observations (from July 2022 to June 2023). Based on the estimated Holt-Winters model, the forecast value of monthly number of international tourist arrivals in Malaysia was generated for July 2023 to June 2024. The trend analysis shows that the number of Malaysia’s tourist arrivals fluctuated significantly from one month to another from January 2012 to January 2020. Since then, the number of tourist arrivals progressively declined to its lowest level starting in April 2020 during the implementation of the travel restrictions policy due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the trend remained constant until March 2022. The number of tourist arrivals then slowly increased in May 2022 until now. As it turned out, the forecast generated for the next 12 months is closer in reaching Malaysia Tourism's target of 27.3 million tourists by the end of 2024. The results demonstrate that, despite short-term fluctuations, the overall trend indicates a gradual increase in the number of international tourist arrivals to Malaysia between July 2023 to June 2024. This indicates that the trend of international tourist arrivals in Malaysia is returning to the normal pattern observed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conflict Mediation:

Oluwatobi Modeyin, Kelvin Inobemhe, Wisdom Okezie — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Nigeria is not an exception to the endemic conflicts that plague the African continent. Amidst a variety of conflicts, including political, ethnic, religious, and communal ones, the nation, as well as other advocacy organisations and INGOs, have collaborated and operated independently to promote peaceful coexistence. In light of the foregoing, this study was conducted to evaluate the communication strategies used by the government in North Central geopolitical zone in relation to regional conflict mediation efforts. Accordingly, the study recorded 94.6 percent response rate following the retrieval of the 600 questionnaires administered to the respondents. Results demonstrated that the government had adopted several conflict mediation techniques. Some of the strategies mentioned are media relations, public relations, peacebuilding communication, community connections, traditional institutions approach, and religious organisation approach. Findings further indicated a high level of use of communication in conflict mediation while showing that the employment of techniques has led to reduced tensions and peaceful cohabitation among others. The researchers concluded that communication techniques are useful tools for conflict resolution and recommended their continuous adoption and application in comparable circumstances.

Nurturing Soft Skills in Students:

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

TThis study examines the integration of soft skills into secondary school settings and secondary school teacher training institutions, based on studies published in SCOPUS between 2014 and 2024. A systematic literature review was conducted using the PRISMA protocol, in November 2024 to extract key trends and gaps. Two hundred and Sixty-Nine records were retrieved from the SCOPUS database, of which, 156 studies were selected for qualitative synthesis through thematic analysis. The study excluded records that failed to provide empirical data, focused on non-educational settings, and data that did not match the research questions. The review is categorised into three key areas (1) challenges teachers face in integrating soft skills into their teaching curricula, (2) innovative strategies adopted to overcome these challenges, and (3) frameworks or models proposed to enhance soft skills education. The analysis underscores the need to revise policies and implement comprehensive teacher training programs aligned with SDG 4 (specifically Targets 4.3, 4.4, and 4.7), emphasising inclusive and equitable learning opportunities for all. Most importantly, the review identifies the necessity to update school curricula and assessment strategies to ensure soft skills are taught and systematically assessed using structured models for soft skills measurement, to meet national and international standards. This review offers data-driven recommendations to guide teachers, teacher trainers, policymakers, and course developers to implement soft-skills training in secondary schools.

The Work Engagement of Non-academic Administrators in Malaysian Public Universities:

Mohamad Nasaruddin Mahdzir, Rohayu Abdul Ghani, Zaleha Yazid — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article presents details on how to develop and validate a Malay-language work engagement questionnaire for non-academic administrators at a public university. This study employed a cross-sectional research design to establish reliable measures for the work engagement construct. The items were adapted and modified to suit this study. Study data was obtained using a structured, validated questionnaire from 100 randomly selected non-academic administrators from the 20 Malaysian public universities by using purposive sampling method. The final model EFA on the Malay version of work engagement indicated Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity was significant (Chi Square = 143.769, p value <0.05) and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO = .756). The Cronbach’s alpha analysis of one (1) component in the work engagement exceeded the threshold value of 0.6. It was determined that the construct-measuring instruments used in this research met all criteria for internal validity. This study contributes theoretically by extending the applicability of the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Theory to non-academic administrators in Malaysian higher education and empirically by providing a validated Malay-language work engagement instrument that enables universities to assess, monitor, and strengthen employee engagement for improved administrative performance. The findings support cross-cultural generalisability and offer practical value for university leadership to develop targeted engagement strategies that enhance workforce retention, service quality, and organisational effectiveness.

The Effects of Work Demands and Home Demands towards Quality of Work Life (QWL) among Administrators at Universiti Teknologi MARA

Intan Syazlina Mohd Ali — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The objective of this research was to evaluate the relationship between work and home demand toward the quality of work life (QWL) among administrative staff at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam, Selangor. This study also aims to determine the QWL levels among UiTM administrative staff pertaining work and domestic responsibilities. There were four dimensions of independent and dependent variables, respectively. The independent variable consisted of work involvement, work role conflict, work overload and family conflict, while the dependent variable consisted of working environment, compensation, job security and organisational support. A quantitative method was used for data collection purposes for this study. 260 sets of questionnaires were distributed to administrative staff at UiTM Shah Alam, and 252 responses were recorded. The findings of this study indicate a significant and positive relationship between independent variables (Work and Home Demand) and dependent variables (QWL). Results from multiple regression analysis showed that work and home demands had profound influences on Organisational Support as compared to Job Security, Work Environment and Compensation. The study also indicated that only Work Involvement and Family Conflict had significant influences on the QWL, while the other variables (Work Load and Work Conflict) did not show significant effects on all proxies of QWL at all levels. It also revealed that in order to achieve the organisation’s mission, management must allow the employees to have a balanced QWL. Clear guidelines should be set by the organisation, allowing flexibility among workers while entrusting them with the element of empowerment through appropriate tools and technology. Monitoring, supervision and evaluation tools should be implemented in ensuring that the staff are performing their job efficiently and effectively.

Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence Integration in Higher Education:

Nurul Izrini Ikhsan — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Despite the rapid integration of numerous artificial intelligence-driven tools (chatbots, automated feedback systems, and intelligent tutoring platforms), a comprehensive understanding of students’ perspectives is necessary to ensure their effective and ethical deployment. Therefore, this study examined the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) integration on undergraduate educational experiences in higher education. The assessment included undergraduates from the Bachelor of Science (Honours) Industrial Physics and Bachelor of Science (Honours) Physics programmes at the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam. Data collection was then conducted via a Google Forms survey with 30 participants. This process yielded information concerning the participants’ experiences, perceptions, and concerns regarding AI in their academic pursuits. Despite the participants’ perceiving AI as a valuable support tool that could enhance learning engagement, flexibility, and feedback quality, concerns were expressed concerning academic integrity, reduced human interaction, and overreliance on technology. Consequently, this study could offer crucial information regarding the pedagogical effectiveness and learner-centred nature of AI integration in higher education based on students’ viewpoints, enabling them to influence the future of AI in education.

Exploring ChatGPT Utilisation in Higher Education:

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence technologies has transformed many aspects of society, including higher education. Among these developments, ChatGPT has emerged as a widely recognised generative AI language model, increasingly used by students, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, research on students’ perceptions and use of ChatGPT remains limited. This study aims to examine the extent of ChatGPT usage among university students, its perceived effectiveness as a learning support tool, and its impact on the academic environment at a private higher education institution in Malaysia. Data were collected through structured questionnaires distributed to 250 randomly selected undergraduate students, using a quantitative descriptive approach. The findings are presented in three domains: the level of ChatGPT usage, its perceived usefulness as a learning aid, and the challenges encountered during its use. Results indicate that students use ChatGPT at a moderate level. Their usage is influenced by concerns over response accuracy, limitations in contextual understanding, and potential risks associated with academic dishonesty. These issues prompt students to adopt a cautious stance, viewing ChatGPT more as a supplementary learning tool than a primary resource. This study offers valuable insights into the evolving role of generative AI in higher education, particularly regarding its effects on students’ academic practices, engagement, and expectations.

Bridging the Digital Divide:

Sharifah Sara Hasliza Syed Hamid, Rosilawati Sueb — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article presents a conceptual framework based on technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK), Bandura’s 1977 self-efficacy theory, and Bronfenbrenner’s 1994 ecological systems theory as a lens through which teachers’ digital competency relates to students’ self-concept within a rural region. The model suggested that teachers with higher TPACK may develop effective, student-centred digital instruction that can enhance student engagement and digital self-efficacy, and lead to a positive digital self-concept. This result and the influence of context factors including school leadership, parent involvement, and national information communication, and technology policy highlight the influence of digital learning. The framework provided an overall perspective for mitigating the digital divide in underserved communities. Furthermore, empirical studies are needed to examine the relationships between the construct items of interest and guide equitable digital education interventions.

Conceptual Analysis of Board Diversity and Corporate Governance:

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Due to its potential impact on company performance and decision-making, board diversity has garnered significant attention in corporate governance, as the number of cases involving issues in this area has increased. This study investigates the relationship between several key factors and board diversity in corporate governance. It examines the relationship between board member attributes, firm age, gender diversity on the board, firm size, and board diversity. Board diversity is a metric that quantifies the representation of different backgrounds, viewpoints, and experiences on corporate boards. The study intends to investigate how the size of the company influences board diversity, the representation of women on boards, the duration of the firm's operations, and the individual characteristics of board members. The study aims to contribute to the body of knowledge on corporate governance practices and provide insights into the factors that influence board diversity by examining the impact of firm age, board gender diversity, firm size, and board member characteristics. The results will undoubtedly have a positive impact on increasing board effectiveness, fostering inclusivity, and enhancing organisational performance.

Income Level Differences and Physical Activity Behaviour among Civil Servants:

Kalam Azad Isa, Nur Atikah Mohamed Kassim, Rozella Ab Razak, Azrisan Ahsan — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the association between income levels and PA behaviour among civil servants in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 357 civil servants (N=357) using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Participants were stratified into three income groups namely the B40, M40, and T20 based on DOSM national income percentiles. PA was categorised into vigorous, moderate, and walking activities. A Chi-Square test was employed to evaluate the relationship between income and PA type, with significance set at p < 0.05. The analysis revealed a statistically significant association between income and PA type χ² (4, N=357) = 22.77, p = 0.00014, with a Cramér’s V of 0.178 indicating a small to moderate effect size. Vigorous PA was more prevalent among B40 individuals, while M40 and T20 respondents showed greater participation in moderate and walking activities. Income level significantly influences PA behaviour among civil servants, reflecting disparities in occupational demands, access to PA resources, and lifestyle choices. These findings underscore the need for income-sensitive public health strategies to promote equitable PA engagement. Future research should employ longitudinal designs and broader demographic sampling to explore regional and temporal patterns in PA behaviour.

The Role of Culture and Social Relationships in Apology Strategies by Iban ESL Learners in Sarawak

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

SSince young, the concept of apologising for one’s own actions has been ingrained in our heads. When one commits a mistake, intentionally or unintentionally, one is required to say the magic word ‘Sorry’. This is done not only to acknowledge one’s mistakes but most importantly, to restore trust and further enhance good rapport between individuals. This study investigated the apology responses given by a group of Iban speakers of English in Sarawak as well as to address important issues and implications for English language teaching in Malaysia. Adopting a qualitative research design with two sets of DCT (Discourse Completion Task), the study collected data from 28 Iban undergraduates who responded to both scenarios in both English and Iban. Participants were required to write down their responses based on what they would say in reality. The findings of this study concludes that the Iban ESL learners employed various apology strategies when communicating in both Iban and English. However, certain factors such as the seriousness of the offence, social distance and social status influenced the frequency of certain strategies. Some strategies appear to be more prominent than others in specific contexts. These findings hold significant implications for language educators and curriculum designers. It is important to raise awareness regarding the importance of apologies in English communication and provide targeted instruction on appropriate apology strategies. Integration of culturally sensitive materials and interactive activities into the curriculum can enhance students’ understanding and utilisation of apologies. Additionally, incorporating authentic communicative tasks that involve real-life apology situations can foster the development of pragmatic competence and instil confidence in employing apology strategies effectively.

Perceived Stress and Its Association with Body Fat Percentage among Academic and Administrative Employees in Universiti Teknologi MARA Pahang

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Stress has been identified as a risk factor for high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Recent research has suggested that body composition is essential in determining health and disease. However, the influence of stress on body composition among higher institutional staff remains to be determined. This study aimed to compare perceived stress and body fat percentage levels between two categorical groups. Furthermore, this study investigated the correlation between stress and body composition among academicians and administrators in Universiti Teknologi MARA Pahang, Malaysia. One hundred and forty (N=140) participants were involved in this study. They were divided into two categorical groups, which were referred to as "academicians" and "administrators." A demographic profile, the Perceived Stress Scale-10, and body fat percentage were obtained to assess the stress level and participants' body composition. Independent t-test results suggested that academicians more stressed than the administrators. In terms of body fat percentage, neither group demonstrated a statistically significant difference in results. Additionally, pairwise correlation demonstrated a statistically significant positive relationship between fat percentage and stress level (p < 0.05, r = 0.235). Tracking body composition and perceived stress can provide valuable insights into the health and well-being of higher education staff. This is to facilitate the implementation and facilitation of future initiatives involving the staff and act as an aid to regulate their performance aim.

Comprehensive Exploration of Research and Publication Endeavours among Universiti Teknologi MARA Academicians

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A study was conducted to investigate the research and publication activities of lecturers at various UiTM branches. The study aimed to evaluate the accomplishments of lecturers in research and publication activities and to identify any challenges they encountered. A total of 247 respondents participated in this study. Descriptive statistics were utilised to explore the data for each variable, which included the use of pie and bar charts. The findings indicated that 57% of respondents are currently involved in active grants, either as principal investigators or team members. However, the majority of respondents (60%) are not engaged in collaborations with external higher education institutions, whether public or private. Additionally, a majority of respondents do not have access to international and industry grants, with 95% and 79% lacking these, respectively. Moreover, 56% of respondents have never supervised postgraduate students. Furthermore, 66% and 51% of respondents have publications indexed in Scopus/WoS and MyCite/ERA, respectively. Finally, 74% of respondents agreed that the main obstacle to becoming a lead author is being preoccupied with teaching and learning responsibilities. However, the majority of respondents, 77% and 55% respectively, are satisfied with their teaching and learning achievements and the support provided by UiTM to enhance research and publication activities. Thus, it is suggested that UiTM consider implementing workload adjustments, research leave, or time management support to assist lecturers in balancing their teaching, research, publication activities, and administrative responsibilities.

The Role of AI in Supporting English Language Learning in Technical and Vocational Education

Melissa Khor Suan Chin, Che' Fadhilah Che' Lah — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in supporting English language learning among students at Politeknik Kota Bharu, a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution in Malaysia. The objective was to determine how AI contributes to learning and which aspects of proficiency benefit most. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 344 students from four departments, who had prior exposure to AI tools. Data were collected using a 13-item questionnaire covering exercises, assignments, and presentations. The instrument was reviewed by experts, piloted, and validated through factor analysis, with subscale reliabilities ranging from .88 to .91. Items were rated on a five-point Likert scale. Descriptive analysis shows that assignments yielded the highest benefit (M = 4.00, 95% CI [3.91, 4.09]), followed by exercises (M = 3.94, 95% CI [3.85, 4.03]) and presentations (M = 3.94, 95% CI [3.86, 4.02]). Inferential tests indicated that Semester 1 students reported greater grammar support in exercises (F (2, 341) = 4.26, p < .05, η² = .04), while female students perceived stronger pronunciation support in presentations (t (342) = 2.03, p < .05, d = 0.22). A repeated-measures ANOVA confirmed that assignments were rated higher than the other domains (p < .05, d ≈ 0.28). The findings suggest that AI tools complement English instruction in TVET, particularly in writing tasks, while also aiding comprehension and oral communication. As a single-site, self-report study, generalisation remains limited, underscoring the need for further research across institutions.

Challenges Faced by Students in Computer- and Paper-Based National Examinations:

Pegiawan Basopi, Roslina Abdul Aziz, Haiyudi — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The national examination (NE) is an evaluation system that begins from junior high school to senior high school in Indonesia. The Indonesian government has implemented computer-based tests (CBT) and paper-based tests (PBT) for the NE since 2014. The aim of this study is to investigate the challenges students faced in these examinations. The study adopted a qualitative approach to data analysis, involving semi structured interviews. Six high school graduates were selected as participants. The findings reveal that CBT presents 3 major challenges, namely unfamiliarity with computer hardware, increased anxiety due to the visible countdown timer, and fear of technical problems that may disrupt the exam. PBT presented issues such as poor-quality test papers, difficulties in correctly blackening answer sheets for Optical Mark Recognition (OMR), and time management problems resulting in stress and hasty responses. The study concludes that both CBT and PBT formats pose challenges to students’ optimal performance. These findings offer important insights for enhancing the design and delivery of national examinations in Indonesia, as elaborated further in the paper.

The Digital Divide in Education:

Ina Murni Hashim, Razida Hanem Mohd Radzil — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study conducts a bibliometric analysis to investigate research trends in the digital divide in education, focusing on the development of academic works, the most prominent authors and institutions, and core themes. The analysis relies on data from the Scopus database, providing an extensive scope of academic sources across various fields. The search process retrieved studies from 1999 to 2025, focusing on keywords related to the digital divide, access to technology, and educational inequalities. The study indicates a significant increase in publications since 2016, with a pronounced growth following the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting the heightened concern for digital education disparities. The study highlights leading authors and institutions, particularly those in recognised scholarly communities, and emphasises the cross-field scope of the research, with research covering various academic disciplines. Additionally, the analysis traces changes in themes of the digital divide, with a growing focus on the socio-cultural, gender, and policy-related dimensions of digital inequality. The co-citation network indicates an interconnected research landscape, with leading researchers influencing discussions on digital inclusion and equity in education. The findings suggest the necessity of varied academic lenses, particularly in examining the prolonged effects of the digital divide and the impact of policy efforts aimed at reducing disparities.

The Impact of Meal Patterns, Food Choices, and Nutritional Knowledge on Academic Performance among Students at UiTM Permatang Pauh, Pulau Pinang

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the relationship between meal patterns, food choices, nutritional knowledge, and academic performance among Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Permatang Pauh students. A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted with 368 students using a structured questionnaire to assess dietary behaviours, while cumulative grade point average (CGPA) served as the academic performance indicator. Data were analysed with SPSS to examine relationships among the variables. Findings show that students who reported regular meal patterns, balanced food choices, and greater nutritional knowledge tended to achieve higher CGPAs. In contrast, irregular eating habits and poorer dietary practices were associated with lower academic performance. Effect sizes indicated that meal patterns and nutritional knowledge were stronger predictors of CGPA than food choices. As the study relied on a cross-sectional design and self-reported data, the results do not establish causality. Nonetheless, the findings highlight the importance of nutritional education and targeted dietary support within academic environments, contributing to ongoing research on the impact of dietary behaviours on student outcomes.

Exploring the Voices of NGO on Domestic Violence Issue Among Women in Kota Kinabalu

Audrey Vianney Alexander, Angel Priscilla Kining, Jennifah Nordin — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Domestic violence against women is a pervasive issue that affects individuals globally, transcending various religions, races, and regions. Such violence often results in severe physical injury, emotional distress, or, in the worst cases, loss of life. This study aims to investigate the perspectives of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) regarding the determinants of domestic violence in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The study employed a qualitative study and descriptive research design. Semi- structured interviews and purposive sampling was conducted to gather insights from representatives of seven NGOs, including the Sabah Human Rights Centre, SAWO, Good Shepherd Services, Seri Murni Crisis Centre, SERATA, Pacos Trust, and Befrienders. Analysis of the responses revealed that various factors, including economic conditions, social dynamics, and administrative elements, influence domestic violence. One of the largest factors contributing to this field of study is cultural norms whereby men were seen to be the leader of the family institution as men always be the sole breadwinner in the family. The study advocates for a collaborative approach involving government, community, and family institutions to effectively address domestic violence and foster a safer environment for women.

Social Media Impact on Business Performance:

Amizatul Adawiah Mohd Khasimu, Juliana Mohamed Abdul Kadir, Akmal Aini Othman — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This systematic review explores the impact of social media on business performance across various regions by analysing 25 studies published between 2019 and 2025. Three key themes emerged: social media marketing, social media adoption, and social media integration. The findings show that effective social media use enhances customer engagement, efficiency, and market reach, particularly in emerging markets like Indonesia, India, and Vietnam. However, poor planning, lack of expertise, and unethical practices can limit these benefits. The review highlights social media as both a driver of growth and a source of risk, thus calling for clear strategies, staff training, data protection, and ethical conduct. It also recommends future research on under-studied regions and the role of technologies such as AI in shaping social media strategies.

Leveraging AI Tools to Foster Creative Thinking in the Early Product Design Process

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into creative learning presents exciting opportunities for enhancing students’ innovative capacities across diverse educational settings. By providing transformative tools, AI fosters the development of creative thinking through adaptive feedback, ideation tools, and personalised learning pathways tailored to individual cognitive styles. The objective of this study is to identify the design challenges and concerns associated with the use of AI image generator applications during the early stages of product design ideation. Concerns were focused on three design criteria: form, function, and feasibility. In disciplines such as industrial design, AI plays a crucial role in streamlining complex design processes and merging computational creativity with human-led ideation. A qualitative approach, comprising design process observation and interviews, enabled an in-depth exploration of how AI influences creative thinking within a specific educational context. Seven students were observed engaging with AI image generator applications. Their individual insights were analysed in phases using image analysis, supported by thematic analysis, to assess the psychological impact of their designs in real time. Five themes were identified, namely the creativity level of students, idea quantity, user emotion considerations, time efficiency, and originality concerns. In the future, this synergy is expected to foster creative engagement by providing learners with key insights into the emotional and psychological aspects of their work while enhancing their awareness of novelty.

The Digital Bridge:

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In the present era of internationalisation, fostering Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC) through digital education is essential particularly for English as a Second Language (ESL) learners in Malaysia’s multicultural context. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicator 4.4.1, which focuses on skills for a digital world. This study examines the perceived impact of digital literacy on intercultural communicative competence among ESL learners in higher education. By employing a qualitative approach, data were collected from a sample of eleven participants through open-ended questionnaires and were then analysed thematically. Findings revealed that communication tools were the most preferred digital literacy tools for cross-cultural interaction and cultural awareness as conceptualized in Byram’s ICC model. Participants reported positive experiences in using digital platforms to improve their intercultural competencies. The study also highlighted that fostering learners’ digital literacy is crucial for promoting cultural tolerance, improving communication skills, and facilitating knowledge exchange. This research hopes to contribute to the existing literature and offer insights for educators in implementing digital tools to enhance students' intercultural communication skills in the ESL classroom pedagogy for global citizenship.

The Ethical Considerations for Equitable Outcome-Based Education in the Metaverse

Aidrina Mohamed Sofiadin — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The integration of Outcome-based education (OBE) into Metaverse environments promises new opportunities for immersive, authentic, and competency-driven learning experiences. However, it also presents profound ethical challenges, particularly concerning equity, accessibility, privacy, and fairness. This qualitative study investigates two research questions: (1) What ethical concerns do learners and educators, identify about implementing OBE in Metaverse environments? (2) What design, policy, and pedagogical practices are recommended to mitigate inequities and value learners’ rights and dignity? Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 XR experts across education, design, and policy domains. Thematic analysis revealed three primary ethical concerns: digital access inequities, bias in assessment algorithms, and privacy and data governance risk. Recommendations emerging from the study include equity-first design principles, theoretical assessment frameworks, robust data governance policies, and culturally responsive pedagogical approaches. The findings provide an evidence-based framework to guide ethical deployment of OBE in Metaverse learning environments.