Analytic Hierarchy Process for Prioritizing the Determinants of Happiness Among Chinese Higher Education Students in Malaysia

Abstract

Happiness is a major component of well-being and affects academic performance, mental health, and quality of life. Although extensively studied in various contexts, little research has focused on Malaysian Chinese higher education students. This group faces distinctive challenges, including academic pressure, financial strain, and social integration issues, which makes it important to study them directly. Existing works often provide broad ethnic comparisons but overlook these specific socio-cultural and economic influences. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine and prioritise the factors that influence the happiness of Malaysian Chinese higher education students. The study applies the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a method well suited for evaluating complex relationships through structured pairwise comparisons and consistency checks. Data from 25 respondents revealed that health is the most significant determinant of happiness, followed by family, friends, and leisure time, while economic and political factors exert a more moderate influence. The findings highlight the importance of mental health, strong social connections, and balanced lifestyles in shaping student well-being. The study also highlights the value of targeted support services such as counselling, social activities, and career development programmes. It contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on happiness determinants from an underrepresented demographic and demonstrates the usefulness of AHP as a rigorous tool for prioritising subjective judgements. The outcomes are valuable for higher education institutions and policymakers in designing interventions that promote student welfare and enrich the broader understanding of well-being research.