The Social and Management Research Journal (SMRJ) (ISSN: 1675-7017, e-ISSN: 0128-1289) is a peer-reviewed, open-access international journal published by UiTM Press for the Arshad Ayub Graduate Business School (AAGBS), UiTM. SMRJ is published biannually in Mac and September in electronic version. SMRJ accepts research papers in the fields of social science and management. SMRJ is indexed in Google Scholar, MyJurnal, MyCite. Please visit our journal website at https://smrj.uitm.edu.my/ CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT MANUSCRIPT
Risk Management Committees in Malaysia: Exploring Structural Variation and Research Opportunities
This study aims to identify and describe the types of risk management committees established by publicly listed companies in Malaysia, particularly in the context of post-pandemic recovery and enhanced governance expectations under MCCG 2021. Using a descriptive quantitative approach, the research analysed 729 company-year observations of companies listed on the main board of Bursa Malaysia between 2021 and 2023. Annual reports and corporate governance disclosures were manually reviewed to determine the presence and structure of RMCs. The findings reveal a gradual increase in RMC adoption from 76% in 2021 to 80% in 2023. However, only 30% of companies adopted the recommended standalone RMC structure, while 29% preferred a combined RMC-Audit Committee model. Smaller proportions established RMCs integrated with other board committees (9%) or at the management level (12%). The results indicate that while many companies are aligning with governance reforms, a significant portion still rely on traditional or hybrid structures, reflecting varied levels of commitment and resource allocation to formal risk oversight. This study contributes to the corporate governance literature by providing updated empirical evidence on RMC adoption trends and highlights areas for future research, including the effectiveness of different RMC structures, the interplay of RMC characteristics, and the behavioural dynamics of committee members. The study contributes to the understanding of RMC structures in practice by documenting their diversity. It also provides a basis for further research on how different RMC designs may influence risk disclosure and governance outcomes.
Copyright (c) 2026 Social and Management Research Journal
Enhancing Teamwork and Statistical Knowledge Application through Problem-Based Learning: A Data-Driven Study in Information and Knowledge Management Education
This study investigates the relationship between problem-based learning (PBL) and the development of teamwork skills within business administration and management education. Specifically, it examines how PBL influences students’ perception, understanding, and application of statistical concepts and how these cognitive factors shape their ability to work collaboratively. A robust analytical framework was employed, beginning with data extraction from online survey data collected using Google Forms, followed by systematic data cleaning, preprocessing, and feature selection to ensure dataset integrity. To empirically evaluate its effectiveness, a dataset comprising 102 students as respondents and 20 attributes, including demographics, learning perceptions, engagement indicators, and teamwork skills as the class attribute, was examined. The attributes capture diverse aspects such as concept comprehension, material suitability, lecturer indication, statistical language proficiency, communication, and interpersonal skills. Exploratory clustering (EM) identified four student groups, with total instances of each group being 46, 10, 36, and 10 instances, respectively. Two clusters show strong teamwork endorsement, one moderate, and one showing lower or neutral teamwork responses, suggesting that PBL’s effect on teamwork is not uniform across learner subgroups. For feature selection, the results depicted that the top three attributes clearly emphasize the central role of interpersonal interaction in shaping students’ perceptions of teamwork development; namely, the highest-ranked attribute is smooth collaboration and communication with colleagues, indicating that consistent effective peer interaction is the strongest determinant of teamwork skill development. The Apriori analysis produced a set of highly associated rules, all of which consistently pointed to age between 21 and 24 as the dominant outcome. The strongest rule showed perfect confidence of 1.0 when combining demographic attributes of those who report the most positive PBL experiences within the age range. Overall, this study provides strong empirical evidence that PBL significantly enhances teamwork skills by promoting active communication, collaborative problem-solving, and deeper understanding of statistical concepts. The findings contribute to curriculum design, teaching innovation, and policy enhancement in business and management education, highlighting PBL as an effective pedagogical strategy for strengthening teamwork competencies in preparation for the demands of contemporary workplaces
Copyright (c) 2025 Social and Management Research Journal
Household Debt Through the Lens of Social Reproduction: A Narrative Review
This study employs a narrative review approach to analyse the role of household debt within the context of social reproduction. Drawing upon interdisciplinary perspectives from economics, sociology and feminist political economy, it critiques conventional consumption theories such as the Permanent Income Hypothesis (PIH) and the Life Cycle Model (LCM) for neglecting the structural and social determinants that contribute to indebtedness. The review consolidates literature from prominent academic databases such as Science Direct, Taylor & Francis, Sage Publications and Emerald Insight, encompassing English-language studies published from 1930 to 2024. Approximately 48 key studies were chosen based on their thematic relevance to household debt, financialization and social reproduction. The findings demonstrate that debt has emerged as a fundamental structural mechanism for household survival within financialized capitalism, exhibiting notable regional and class-based variations. In developed economies, mortgage and educational debt exemplify the privatization of welfare, whereas in developing economies, microfinance and unsecured loans serve as substitutes for limited social protection. This duality highlights the influence of welfare regimes and policy environments on household borrowing behaviours. The study provides a conceptual framework that connects economic, cultural and social capital to household debt and presents testable hypotheses for further research. It concludes that reducing household indebtedness necessitates both structural policy measures (to enhance welfare systems and control credit markets) and deeper theoretical engagement with the social processes that sustain financial vulnerability.
Adaptive leadership in AI-driven transformation of higher education institutions in Malaysia
Despite the rapid development and use of AI in higher education (HE) delivery, a persistent leadership gap underscores the imbalance between educators’ AI capabilities and the readiness of HE institutions, including Malaysia. Drawing on a synthesis of literature concerning digital transformation, organisational culture, and AI in decision-making, we present a conceptual model for the ‘AI-Ready Academic Leader’. Drawing on a synthesis of studies between 2019 and 2025, the paper develops a three-pillar Adaptive Leadership Framework—diagnosing the adaptive challenge, mobilising the system, and cultivating agile governance. To translate the conceptual pillars into actionable leadership practices applicable to Malaysia, a competency framework is proposed to cultivate institutional resilience in the face of algorithmic disruption. The paper provides recommendations for effectively adopting the framework in the Malaysian context, highlighting the need to be sensitive to hierarchical cultural norms, diverse stakeholder expectations, and alignment with national digital aspirations. The implications for institutional policy, faculty development, and the future of higher education governance are discussed in detail, offering a roadmap for educators aiming to thrive in an increasingly automated world.
Risk Perceptions Towards Fire Safety among Occupants of Residential College in a Higher Learning Institution
Fire safety in residential colleges remains a critical concern due to high occupancy density, shared facilities, and limited emergency preparedness. Despite the implementation of various safety measures, there remains a scarcity of studies examining the relationship between knowledge, attitude, practice (KAP), and risk perception among occupants of Malaysian residential colleges. This study aims to fill a gap by evaluating fire safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices, as well as risk perception, among 363 students. It employs a cross-sectional survey method utilising a bilingual questionnaire. The analysis of data included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Pearson’s correlation analysis. The findings demonstrated a high level of knowledge, positive attitudes, and commendable safety practices. However, risk perception was only moderate, suggesting a disconnect between awareness and the readiness to act accordingly. Significant associations were found between age and KAP (p < 0.05) and between ethnicity and fire safety practices (p = 0.030). A weak but significant correlation exists between risk perception and safety practices (r = 0.189, p = 0.000), indicating that awareness alone does not ensure preparedness. The results highlight the necessity for institutional fire safety management to move beyond awareness campaigns by integrating practical drills, simulation-based training, and regular assessments to enhance a proactive safety culture within residential colleges.
Analytic Hierarchy Process for Prioritizing the Determinants of Happiness Among Chinese Higher Education Students in Malaysia
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.
Quality of Work Life (QWL) in the Virtual Office: An Academic Perspective on Remote Work
Remote work became increasingly popular during the COVID-19 lockdown, offering flexible hours, reduced commuting, and improved work-life balance. However, it also presented challenges, such as unclear boundaries between work and personal life, communication difficulties, and limited support. For academics, remote working allowed online lectures but sometimes felt restrictive. This study aims to assess the Quality of Work Life (QWL) among UUM College of Arts and Sciences (UUM-CAS) academic staff and related factors. Using the work-related quality of life (WRQoL) scale, a survey was conducted on 187 randomly chosen UUM-CAS staff. Results indicate that higher job satisfaction, greater general well-being, and lower work stress significantly increase the odds of good QWL. Although female staff showed higher odds of good QWL than male staff, this difference was not statistically significant once other factors were controlled. These findings highlight the unique challenges of UUM-CAS, given its geographical isolation and reliance on remote work, and provide important implications for higher education institutions. Recommendations include stress-management interventions, flexible scheduling, and enhanced support systems to improve staff retention and well-being.
Transforming Education through Generative AI: A Pathway to Equitable Learning and Literacy under SDG4
The advent of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) represents a significant advancement in the field of education, particularly in addressing global educational disparities. This paper presents a knowledge transfer programme that integrates generative AI into teaching and learning practices, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), specifically SDG 4.5 and SDG 4.6. The programme focuses on reducing inequalities in education and improving literacy and numeracy rates among youth and adults, particularly within vulnerable and marginalized communities. The implementation of AI technologies in educational settings demonstrates their potential in fostering inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education, promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Exploring the Great Outdoors: A Bibliometric Journey into Adventure Tourism
Adventure tourism studies have garnered increasing attention from scholars worldwide, as reflected in numerous academic publication databases. Most existing research in this field relies on empirical studies conducted through surveys and interviews, with some contributions from conceptual papers. However, bibliometric analyses of adventure tourism remain largely underexplored. This study adopts a bibliometric analysis approach to provide a comprehensive overview of the landscape, evolution, and trends in adventure tourism research. Additionally, this method allows the identification of leading authors, institutions, and countries actively contributing to the field. The study also aims to generate visualization maps using VOSviewer software, illustrating the connections between authors, institutions, and keyword occurrences. A total of 661 scientific documents related to adventure tourism in various forms were sourced from the Elsevier Scopus database. Through this analysis, prominent authors, highly productive institutions, frequent keywords, top funders, and other significant metrics in the field were identified. Finally, this paper offers valuable insights for future researchers by highlighting critical research gaps through the examination of keyword occurrences associated with adventure tourism. In contrast to earlier reviews, this analysis identifies evolving research fronts and underexplored thematic areas, thereby offering a more dynamic and current perspective on the intellectual and structural development of the field.
Building Consumer Trust: Key Factors Shaping Responses to Influencer Marketing Campaign
Trustworthiness has emerged as a fundamental determinant in shaping consumer responses to influencer marketing campaigns, influencing how audiences perceive and engage with promotional content. Current data underscores that 63% of consumers in developed nations feel deceived by influencers who do not disclose paid partnerships, contributing to heightened distrust and scepticism. This figure was derived from a consumer survey which surveyed 1,500 social media users across five developed nations (United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and Australia). Conversely, 67% of millennials and Gen Z in developing countries, such as Malaysia, express a degree of trust in influencer endorsements, but this trust is contingent upon the influencer's perceived authenticity and transparency. This study aims to examine the influence of influencer expertise, authenticity, transparency, relatability, and emotional appeal on consumer trust in influencer marketing. By focusing on these trustworthiness factors, the research explores how they shape consumer attitudes, engagement, and purchase intentions, particularly across culturally diverse Southeast Asian settings. The findings indicate that influencers who exhibit transparency and demonstrate substantive expertise cultivate a stronger sense of credibility, which in turn positively influences consumer behaviour. Conversely, perceived dishonesty or opacity in such engagements markedly diminishes the efficacy of marketing efforts. For practitioners, the implications are clear: successful marketing campaigns necessitate partnerships with influencers who embody transparency, authenticity and demonstrated expertise, as these qualities are instrumental in fostering enhanced consumer engagement and brand loyalty.
Understanding Job Search Intentions: A Study on Psychological Drivers among Malaysian Graduates
This study examines the relationship between job search self-efficacy, subjective norms, PBC, attitude, and job search intention among 139 Malaysian undergraduates in the Klang Valley using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) framework. In recent years, Malaysia has faced increasing challenges of graduate unemployment and skill-related underemployment, raising concerns about students’ readiness to enter the workforce. Understanding the psychological and behavioural factors influencing job search intention is crucial to addressing these issues. The multiple linear regression analysis findings reveal that PBC and attitude significantly and positively influence job search intention. Students with a positive attitude towards job search activities exhibit a higher intention to search, and greater perceived control over the process further strengthens this intention. While subjective norms and job search self-efficacy are positively associated with job search intention, they are not statistically significant predictors. The results highlight the importance of intrinsic factors, such as personal attitudes and control, in shaping job search behaviour. This study recommends that higher education institutions offer targeted career guidance, focusing on resume writing, interview skills, and job market navigation to build students’ confidence. Strengthening engagement in job search activities can improve graduates' employment prospects and contribute to Malaysia’s broader economic development.
Instrument validation: The impact of perceived instructional leadership on student engagement among the leaders of international schools of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
When engaging students in their studies, instructional leaders are critical. It is challenging to pique the attention of 21st century students in learning. As a result, further in-depth research on this topic is required. Furthermore, the tools now accessible to meet this need are even more critical. As a result, this article aims to validate an instrument used by international secondary school leaders in Jeddah to measure the impact of perceived instructional leadership on student engagement. The scale is based on the 4-H Study for Positive Youth Development's School Engagement Scale (Richard, 2005). Three experts have validated this instrument. The findings highlight a rigorously validated instrument through thematic analysis of expert feedback, emphasizing cultural relevance, clarity, and alignment with instructional leadership in Jeddah’s international schools.
The Moderating Role of Influencer Marketing in the Relationship between Customer Perception and Halal Food Products Purchase Behaviour
This study examines the moderating effect of influencer marketing on the relationship between customer perceptions and purchase behavior in Malaysia’s halal food sector. The rise of digital platforms, especially social media, has reshaped consumer behaviour, with influencers playing a key role in purchasing decisions. Hence, this study assesses how influencer marketing influences consumer trust, product authenticity, and purchase intentions in a culturally sensitive market. A cross-sectional survey of 404 respondents from four regions in Selangor, Malaysia, was conducted. Findings show that while customer perceptions, specifically trust and product authenticity, influence purchases, their impact varies with influencer engagement. Additionally, influencer marketing significantly moderates this relationship, reinforcing consumer trust and product credibility, and increasing purchase likelihood. These results highlight the growing role of digital endorsements in halal consumer markets, offering insights into how businesses can leverage influencer credibility. By emphasizing the intersection of cultural values and digital marketing, this study contributes to research on halal consumer behaviour.
Assessing CRM strategies and their effect on customer satisfaction in Johor’s hospitality industry
Customer satisfaction is a critical challenge in the hospitality industry, where hotels face rising consumer expectations and intense competition. While Customer Relationship Management (CRM) offers a strategic solution, many hotels underutilise CRM dimensions—customer orientation, CRM organisation, knowledge management, and technology-based CRM—limiting their ability to enhance guest experiences. This study investigates the effect of CRM dimensions on customer satisfaction in Johor hotels. This study employed a quantitative, correlational, and cross-sectional survey design and successfully collected data from 200 hotel clients in Johor. Convenience sampling targeted guests who had visited Johor hotels within the past three months. Data were analysed using SPSS version 29.0, and multiple regression was applied to examine the relationships between CRM variables and customer satisfaction. The results show that CRM organisation is the most potent positive driver of customer satisfaction, emphasising the importance of well-structured CRM practices in improving customer experiences. Technology-based CRM also significantly impacts satisfaction, highlighting technology’s growing role in hotel operations. However, customer orientation and knowledge management negatively affected satisfaction, suggesting misalignments between hotel practices and customer expectations. These findings provide valuable insights for hotel management, urging a focus on enhancing CRM organisation and leveraging technology while reassessing customer orientation and knowledge management strategies. This study contributes to CRM research, extending customer experience theory and supporting elements of the Expectancy-Disconfirmation Theory. It calls for an integrated approach to CRM implementation and offers recommendations for future research to explore the adverse effects of specific CRM dimensions and regional differences in customer satisfaction.
From restless nights to productive days: Investigating sleep hygiene, social rhythm, and sleep quality in young adults
Sleep is essential for health, well-being, and productivity, particularly among young adults entering the workforce. This study investigated the role of sleep hygiene and social rhythm as predictors of sleep quality, emphasizing implications for daily productivity among young adults in Malaysia. A longitudinal survey was conducted with 113 participants who completed either paper-based or online diaries. Participants provided demographic information and responded to the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Sleep Hygiene Inventory (SHI), Social Rhythm Metric (SRM II-5), Consensus Sleep Diary (CSD), and Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS). Participants generally demonstrated good sleep hygiene (M = 12.52; SD = 6.70) and above-average social rhythm (M = 4.78; SD = 1.62). The majority were classified as good sleepers, with a mean PSQI score of 4.29 (SD = 2.44), diary-reported sleep quality (M = 3.52, SD = .38), total sleep time (M = 7 hours 7 minutes, SD = 54 minutes), and sleep efficiency (M = 86.61%, SD = 7.19%). Sleep hygiene showed a significant positive correlation with PSQI-measured sleep quality but was not significantly correlated with diary-reported sleep quality. Regression analysis demonstrated that sleep hygiene was a stronger predictor of overall sleep quality (β = .69, t(110) = 8.38, p < .001), while social rhythm significantly predicted sleep efficiency (β = .33, t(110) = 3.17, p < .002). These findings highlight the importance of healthy sleep habits and regular daily routines in enhancing sleep quality, and potentially improving productivity among young professionals. Future research should explore these relationships in diverse populations to further substantiate generalizability and practical applications for workplace productivity enhancement.
Navigating Boundaries: Uncovering Constraints in Focus Group Discussion Within the Context of Security Issue
Focus group discussion (FGD) is a crucial data collection strategy in qualitative research design. Using FGDs enables researchers to gather in-depth information from a large number of participants efficiently in terms of cost and effort. The advantage of FDGs is that they allow the collection of diverse perspectives from multiple participants simultaneously in a single location. However, despite their benefits, FDGs―like other research methods―have certain limitations that must be identified to implement appropriate mitigation measures. This paper aims to explore these limitations of FGDs. The researchers employed observation techniques during a series of FGDs in Sabah to examine security issues in the region. The study investigated the challenges experienced by both researchers and participants throughout the process. The findings reveal various constraints that emerged before (networking challenges, inappropriate site selection, last-minute cancellations), during (insufficient information, inadequate moderation skills, device issues, irrelevant information, time constraints, social desirability, groupthink, personality dynamics), and after (analytical constraints) the FGDs were conducted. These insights are expected to benefit future studies, particularly those in which FGDs are being considered as the data collection method.
Graduate soft skills and employability in Malaysia: The view of employers from different manufacturing companies
Employers are increasingly concerned about graduates' shortcomings in soft skills, particularly in leadership, communication, and critical thinking. These deficiencies can negatively affect organisational performance and overall economic growth. This study examines the soft skills that are most valued by managerial personnel in manufacturing companies throughout the Klang Valley. It focuses on communication, critical thinking and problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork, as well as their influence on employability. A structured survey, adapted from the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education, was administered to 173 managerial employees from various manufacturing firms. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS, which involved multiple regression analysis, reliability testing (Cronbach's alpha), and descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that critical thinking and problem-solving abilities are the most essential skills overall. However, teamwork showed the strongest relationship with employability, followed by communication, leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving. These results emphasize the vital role that soft skills play in workforce readiness, supporting the employability skills model. To enhance managers’ competencies in teamwork and communication, the study recommends that organisations implement mentoring programs, leadership development initiatives, and targeted training. Higher education institutions should integrate experiential learning and structured soft skills development into their curricula to better align graduates' competencies with industry requirements. Additionally, policymakers are encouraged to promote soft skill development through targeted funding and sector-specific initiatives. Future research should investigate the long-term effects of individual soft skills across various industries and regions to more effectively anticipate the evolving demands of the labour market.
critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Accelerating EV Adoption in Malaysia: Performance and Effort Expectancy as Key Drivers
Adopting electric vehicles (EVs) is essential for reducing carbon emissions and achieving Malaysia’s sustainability objectives. This research examines the key determinants affecting electric vehicle adoption in Malaysia, focusing on Performance Expectancy (PE) and Effort Expectancy (EE) as outlined in the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). PE denotes the conviction that the utilisation of EVs can yield favourable results, including cost savings, environmental advantages, and enhanced driving experiences. EE reflects the perceived ease of using EVs, including the simplicity of charging and maintenance. These psychological factors shape consumer intentions and behaviours toward EV adoption. Despite steady growth in EV sales from 2021 to 2023, Malaysia’s adoption rates remain low compared to neighbouring countries, hindered by barriers such as high upfront costs, limited charging infrastructure, and concerns about EV performance. To address these challenges, it is essential to implement specific measures that enhance public awareness, improve infrastructure, and foster trust in electric vehicle capabilities. This research presents a conceptual framework based on UTAUT, examining the impact of performance expectancy and effort expectancy on consumer decision-making. The findings provide important insights for stakeholders, emphasising the necessity of prioritising user-friendly technologies, dependable infrastructure, and stable government policies. Understanding these determinants enables policymakers and industry stakeholders to formulate strategies that promote electric vehicle adoption, facilitate Malaysia's shift towards sustainable transportation, and align with global decarbonisation initiatives. The proposed framework establishes a basis for future empirical research, facilitating a more in-depth examination of consumer behaviour. This study highlights the necessity of aligning technological innovation with consumer expectations to facilitate significant advancements in the transportation sector. These insights are essential for progressing Malaysia's low- carbon economy and fulfilling its long-term environmental goals.
Copyright (c) 2024 Social and Management Research Journal
The role of nuklear Malaysia as a hybrid organisation to promote science culture: a study using triple helix model
This research paper investigates the Malaysian Nuclear Agency’s (Nuklear Malaysia) role as a Hybrid Organisation in promoting a scientific culture to help Malaysia achieve its vision of becoming a developed, high-income nation. The analysis focuses on two primary activities led by Nuklear Malaysia as a key agency in nuclear science and technology: (1) education and training and (2) technology transfer to industry stakeholders. The Malaysian Government's initiative to leverage nuclear science and technology for social and economic development is supported by international entities such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme has significantly contributed to Malaysia's national infrastructure development, particularly in human capital development. Through this Programme, Malaysia received assistance through fellowships, scientific visits, training, meetings, workshops, provision of experts, and procurement of equipment, which provided a strong foundation for Malaysia to continue sustaining the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology in national socio-economic development. This paper examines the activities related to promoting science and technology transfer, emphasizing their impact on strengthening the role of science in enhancing the nation's social and economic landscape. For this study, the modified Triple Helix Model is used to interpret the relationship by substituting the role of academia with public research institutions due to their similar functions in fostering science and technology for industrial development. Thus, the model demonstrates how Nuklear Malaysia, as a hybrid organisation, can expand the application of nuclear science and technology for social and economic progress by advancing sectors such as medicine, manufacturing, environment, agriculture, and oil and gas through its scientific innovations. Furthermore, as a hybrid organisation, Nuklear Malaysia plays a crucial role in translating government policies into actionable strategies for relevant industries.
The determinants of stock market performance: evidence from Malaysia during COVID-19
The stock market’s performance is critical in determining the direction of the current economy. Researchers have extensively documented the factors that influence the stock market for years. However, few studies focused on macroeconomic factors in Malaysia, especially during COVID-19. The study used weekly macroeconomic data during COVID-19 to assess the stock market determinants. Furthermore, the research confirms whether the determinants impacted the stock market during COVID-19. This paper used weekly data from the Malaysia Stock Exchange Composite Index, interest rates, inflation rates, and COVID-19 death cases from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022. The study looks at autoregressive distribution lag models (ARDL) and diagnostic tests to avoid econometric problems. The study found that COVID-19 cases had an insignificant and positive relationship towards stock market performance in the short run; however, there was a significant negative relationship in the long run. In light of this, the study contributes to broadening the current literature reviews by incorporating interest rates, inflation rates, and some control variables, COVID-19 cases, into the determination of the relationship between the Malaysia stock index during a pandemic.
The Role of Self-Efficacy and Mindfulness in Driving Innovative Behavior Among Entrepreneurship Educators in Higher Education Institutions: A Conceptual Paper
This conceptual paper highlights the connection between self-efficacy, mindfulness, and innovative behavior among entrepreneurship educators in higher education institutions (HEIs). Self-efficacy, as articulated in Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory, is considered a crucial factor influencing educators' confidence in adopting and sustaining innovative teaching methodologies. Mindfulness, or present-moment awareness, is identified as a crucial mediator that enhances educators' capacity to adapt, reflect, and regulate their emotions, hence amplifying the influence of self-efficacy on innovative behavior. The concept posits that entrepreneurship teachers with elevated self-efficacy and mindfulness are more inclined to exemplify the inventiveness, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability essential for preparing students for the intricacies of the contemporary business environment. The document highlights the practical ramifications of professional development programs that enhance both self-efficacy and mindfulness, along with the ways institutions might facilitate educator creativity. Additionally, the framework advises that subsequent empirical research examine the proposed relationships utilizing quantitative methodologies, including structural equation modeling (SEM), and explore the influence of contextual factors such as institutional support. This study contributes to the growing literature on the psychological factors influencing innovative behavior in education, offering insights into how higher education institutions might more effectively equip educators to excel in dynamic teaching environments.
RESTSERV: restaurant service quality model for Malaysia
This paper aimed to assess the culture, cultural value, and service quality perceptions of Malaysians in the restaurant industry. The literature review revealed culture and value are separate factors, but they are related to service quality. A 32-item Likert scale questionnaire was developed and distributed to Malaysian restaurants in the peninsular and East Malaysia. A total of 396 participants responded to the questionnaires. After thorough examinations of the research instrument through SmarthPLS, findings revealed six items were dropped, and all variables met the accepted criteria. Thus, this paper has developed RESTSERV, as a tool to measure service quality in the Malaysian restaurant industry.
Evolution, framework, and comparison between Chinese and foreign countries on tourism utilisation of intangible cultural heritage resources based on scientific knowledge map
This study screened 2,605 relevant core articles from 2000-2023 from the WOS and CNKI databases. With the help of CiteSpace software, a visual analysis tool, the evolution path and development trend of tourism utilisation research on intangible cultural heritage resources in China and foreign countries were analysed. Citespace was chosen to analyse research on tourism use of ICH resources, mainly based on its power and visualisation advantages in bibliometric analysis. The study found that the process of relevant research in China and foreign countries is different, with foreign research starting earlier than that in China. However, Chinese research is progressing rapidly, with a fast but unstable growth rate in the number of articles published. Secondly, the spatial distribution, creative design, and aesthetic judgment of intangible cultural heritage tourism will likely become the direction of future research. Finally, research on the originality of intangible cultural heritage resources utilised in tourism, stakeholder research, and research on the creative development of tourism products are the hotspots of domestic and international academics' attention. This study systematically summarises the research on the tourism utilisation of intangible cultural heritage resources in different cultural contexts. It puts forward relevant suggestions for the future development of tourism utilisation of intangible cultural heritage resources in China and abroad.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of fire safety systems and preparedness among students at higher learning institutions
The main objective of this study is to determine the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding fire safety systems and preparedness among students at Universiti Islam Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah (UniPSAS). A cross-sectional survey was conducted to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding fire safety among students at Universiti Islam Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah (UniPSAS). The survey collected data from a diverse group of students across different departments at a single point in time. Researchers used a structured questionnaire to evaluate how well students understood fire safety, their attitudes, and how they practiced safety measures. The survey included various campus facilities. A cross-sectional survey, which consists of two main sections, was conducted. The first section focuses on sociodemographic information, and the second delves into the KAP components. The questionnaire aims to gauge students' understanding, thoughts, and actions related to fire safety and preparedness during a fire incident. A total of 157 students participated in the study. Over half of the participants have good knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices toward fire safety systems and preparedness. However, very few participants know how to use fire control measures in case of a fire accident. The study findings indicate that UniPSAS students exhibit a commendable level of awareness regarding fire safety, coupled with a moderate understanding of fire safety measures.
Integrating zakat for refugee: UNHCR’s role in collaborative zakat distribution framework
The global refugee crisis has reached unprecedented levels, with over 117 million refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) projected by 2023, many of whom are from Muslim-majority countries and eligible for zakat. Zakat, a key Islamic social finance tool, holds immense potential to address the urgent needs of these vulnerable populations. However, its utilisation remains underexplored in humanitarian contexts. This study investigates the role of zakat in supporting refugees and IDPs, focusing on the collaboration between zakat institutions and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 1 (No Poverty) and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities), this research examines how zakat can contribute to reducing the economic and social hardships faced by displaced populations. The study adopted a qualitative approach, conducting a content analysis of the Islamic Philanthropy Annual Report 2023 by UNHCR. The research objectives are twofold: (1) to evaluate UNHCR’s effectiveness as a third-party distributor of zakat to aid refugees, and (2) to propose a zakat distribution framework for refugees in Malaysia. The findings highlight the significant impact of strategic partnerships between UNHCR and zakat institutions, demonstrating enhanced efficiency in delivering zakat to refugees and IDPs. This study offers original insights by conceptualising a third-party zakat distribution model and advocating for the inclusion of refugees in zakat policy frameworks. It contributes to policy discussions on optimising zakat for humanitarian aid and underscores its potential to address refugee and displacement challenges globally.
Social media marketing adoption: Is it important for homestay operators in Malaysia?
Social media marketing has become a vital tool for businesses to promote their products and services, yet its adoption among SMEs in Malaysia, particularly homestay operators, remains limited. This study examines the factors affecting the adoption of social media marketing by homestay operators in Malaysia. Based on a cross-sectional research design, data were collected from 208 operators in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor via a self-administered questionnaire. Structural Equation Modelling identified that customer pressure and preference, as well as competitive pressure, significantly influence the adoption of social media marketing. In contrast, perceived cost and digital skills were found to have a lesser impact. These results offer valuable insights for policymakers to understand adoption trends among Malaysian SMEs. Social media marketing presents a cost-effective strategy for SMEs, providing extensive connectivity and interaction capabilities. The study underscores SMEs’ need to embrace new technologies to enhance their marketing strategies and improve business outcomes.
Tied to Tech: The Connection Between Personality Traits and Nomophobia
The formation of mobile information and communication technology, particularly smartphones, has significantly influenced human contact, employment, education, entertainment, and lifestyle during the past decade. Despite the clear advantages of smartphones, the worries related to their usage are increasingly worrisome for end users, parents, educators, professionals, and researchers. A significant issue that has lately arisen is nomophobia, characterised as the anxiety of being unable to access or utilise one’s smartphone. This study investigates the prevalence of nomophobia among smartphone users and how Big Five Personality traits influence nomophobia behaviour. A total of 244 smartphone users were surveyed utilising the purposive sampling technique. Nomophobia the Scale and the Big Five Inventory served as devices for data collecting. A multiple regression analysis was performed to ascertain whether the big five personality traits forecast the degree of nomophobia. The data were analysed via IBM SPSS version 28. The results indicated that most smartphone users in the Klang Valley, Malaysia, had moderate levels of nomophobia. The regression analysis results demonstrated that all research variables (extroversion, openness to experience, awareness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness) showed a significant correlation with nomophobia. The study concluded with several limitations regarding sample size and diversity, self-reporting bias and lack of qualitative information. This study may be further up by looking from another perspective, including longitudinal data, environmental context and other intervention variables.
A Preliminary Study on Timebanking Awareness in Malaysia
The timebanking concept has been introduced to benefit from the service exchange between the service provider and requester. In essence, this concept eliminates fiat money as a payment mechanism, and the currency used is the hour the participants used to complete a task. Apart from its implementation in several other countries, the concept of timebanking is still fairly new in our communities. Thus, a user awareness survey was conducted to investigate the level of awareness of the timebanking concept among the members of the society, and also the level of willingness to participate in the timebank system. The results show that 51% of the participants assert that they are aware of the concept of a timebank. In addition, 86% of the participants stated they were willing to participate in the timebanking project. These encouraging results show that there is a possibility that the timebank concept will be acceptable to Malaysian communities in general.
Traditional corporate reporting in the era of integrated reporting: views of accounting practitioners in Bangladesh
This paper explores the accounting practitioners’ views on traditional corporate reporting during the integrated reporting (IR) era in Bangladesh. Semi-structured interviews with professional accountants in Bangladesh were conducted to gauge their insights on traditional corporate reporting practices. Using stakeholder theory, the findings of the interviews indicate that traditional corporate reporting in Bangladesh is insufficient and less reliable for stakeholders’ decision-making. The reliability of traditional corporate reporting is largely compromised due to the absence of due diligence by the preparers. Yet, this is still practiced due to regulatory compulsions in Bangladesh. Moreover, the preference for financial information by investors also mildly catalyses the current practice. The findings of this study imply the need for better reporting in place of traditional corporate reporting. It thus signifies the worth of IR as a better corporate reporting model.
Conceptualizing Mentorship Pedagogy on Entrepreneurship Intention
This study uses the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to evaluate how mentorship pedagogy affects student entrepreneurial intention. This study explores how mentorship affects HLIs students, focusing on its impact on entrepreneurial mindsets, the complex relationship between mentorship and entrepreneurial ambition can be examined using Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) which includes attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavior control, Higher education students will be the samples for this study. Mentorship pedagogy is used to determine how it affects students’ attitudes towards entrepreneurship. The study also explores how mentorship develops subjective norms through social interactions and normative beliefs and increases perceived behavioural control by providing students with skills, resources and a supportive environment. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to understand how educators as mentors can influence student’s entrepreneurial intention using TPB as a guiding model. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to foster student ambitions towards becoming entrepreneurs. This study also contributes to the ongoing conversation on improving student’s entrepreneurship intention.