Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (MJSSH)

Exploring Lecturers’ Perceptions of Gender Equity in the Educational Management of Private Higher Educational Institutions (PHEIs) in Sabah, Malaysia

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 17:34:03 +0800

Gender equity in the educational management of higher education in Malaysia is often shaped by structural, operational, and sociocultural factors. While female students and female academic staff dominate in absolute numbers, the highest echelons of executive leadership in higher education remain substantially male-dominated. The primary purpose of this study was to explore lecturers’ perceptions of gender equity in the educational management of private higher educational institutions (PHEIs) in Sabah, Malaysia. The sample consisted of 61 lecturers from four PHEIs in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, who responded to the Gender Equality Questionnaire on Google Forms. Data were subsequently transferred onto a spreadsheet and analyzed using SPSS 29.0. First, percentages of agreement on perceived gender equity were calculated. Second, Kruskal-Wallis H test was conducted to determine if there were any significant differences in relation to age and job experience, while Mann-Whitney U test was run to determine if there were any significant differences in terms of gender. Third, Wilcoxon signed rank test was conducted to determine if any of the items significantly differed from the hypothesized value of 3.5. Findings imply that only low to average proportions of PHEI lecturers tend to strongly agree/agree that gender equity exists in the educational management of their organization, which are supported by previous research. On the other hand, Mann-Whitney U test indicated that significant gender differences tend to exist in perceived gender equity at p < .05. In contrast, Kruskal-Wallis H test revealed nonsignificant differences in perceived gender equity by way of age and job experience. Wilcoxon signed rank test revealed that 25 of the items significantly differed from the hypothesized value of 3.5 at p < .001, while eight significantly differed from the same hypothesized value at p < .05. In light of the findings, some recommendations were made on ways to enhance gender equity in the educational management of PHEIs in Malaysia.

Pragmatic Comprehension Beyond Language: An Exploratory Study of Children with ASD in Malaysia

Niveethene Murugaiah, Raja Rozina Raja Suleiman — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 07:28:23 +0800

This exploratory study examines the pragmatic comprehension of four children diagnosed with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in selected special education schools and learning centres in Malaysia. The study investigates the extent to which the children provided correct answers and correct explanations for questions with varying contextual demands, as well as the types of incorrect answers and incorrect explanations produced by them. The occurrence of topics drifts was also examined to determine if the children continued to respond inappropriately after they had provided a correct answer or a correct explanation. A scenario-based pragmatic comprehension instrument developed by Lina (2012) was adopted, and findings are interpreted through Relevance Theory (Sperber & Wilson, 1995). The results indicate that all four children answered reference assignment questions correctly but encountered increasing difficulty with enrichment and implicature questions that require higher contextual processing. The most frequent error type was overgeneralisation of world knowledge. None of the children produced topic drifts. The findings are discussed in relation to cognitive-linguistic characteristics linked with ASD, including deficits in Theory of Mind, weak central coherence, and executive function difficulties. Implications for language therapy and pedagogical support are discussed.

Adaptive Prompting and Reflective Practice in Human-AI Co-Creation

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 07:39:03 +0800

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly reshaping creative media production by introducing new forms of collaboration between human practitioners and AI systems. Although existing studies often describe AI as a creative partner, limited research has examined how human–AI co-creation operates within real production environments. This study adopts a practice-based research approach to investigate the development of three AI-assisted social media advertisement videos for Oppo. Data were collected from prompt sequences, production artefacts, workflow documentation, and reflective production records, and analysed using qualitative thematic analysis. The findings show that AI-assisted production is an iterative and non-linear process in which creative decisions emerge through ongoing evaluation, experimentation, and adaptation. Common challenges included unstable motion, visual inconsistencies, and unintended object behaviour, often requiring multiple rounds of prompt revision and regeneration. Three prompting strategies were identified: constraint-based prompting, corrective prompting, and refinement prompting. These strategies helped practitioners manage instability, improve output quality, and maintain creative control during production. The study further suggests that prompting extends beyond a technical instruction process and functions as a reflective, creative practice through which practitioners evaluate, adjust, and refine AI-generated outputs. Rather than replacing creative labour, generative AI operated as an assistive system that relied on sustained human judgement and intervention. The study contributes empirical insight into the hybrid and process-driven nature of human–AI co-creation in contemporary creative media production.

Modeling AI Adoption Intention in the Banking Sector Using the TOE Framework: The Mediating Role of Complexity

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 07:55:27 +0800

The introduction of AI is one of the best changes any industry can adopt; the global banking sector is no exception, given that it brings both efficiency and highly personalised service, as well as systematic, data-driven decision-making. Empirical case studies of AI adoption in banking are limited, despite its strategic importance. Based on an extended Technology–Organisation–Environment (TOE) framework, this study investigates the factors influencing Artificial Intelligence adoption intention in Bangladesh's banking sector. In particular, relative advantage, top management support and competitive pressure are conceptualised as significant executives in the technology, organisational and environmental contexts, respectively, whereas complexity is added as a mediating mechanism to extend the TOE framework. The proposed model was tested on a cross-sectional survey database of 360 employees and managers from scheduled commercial banks using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Increases in both competitive pressure and top management support were found to significantly positively influence AI adoption intention. On the contrary, relative advantage has little impact. Similarly, the complexity mediation effect is rejected, indicating that perceived technological difficulty does not serve as a significant mechanism through which TOE factors affect adoption intention in this context. This article adds to the target selection literature by conducting empirical research grounded in a recognized antecedent TOE framework that extends an in-use TOE model in the context of AI adoption in emerging-economy banking. The findings offer theoretical insights into the boundary conditions of complexity as a mediating construct and provide practical implications for banking executives and policymakers aiming to accelerate AI-driven transformation.

A Linguistic Perspective on Pragmatic Comprehension in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Narrative Review

Niveethene Murugaiah — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 10:55:14 +0800

Pragmatic comprehension, or the ability to interpret context-dependent meaning, is identified to be an area of difficulty for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although a substantial body of research has explored this area, most studies have focused monolingual children, and their relevance to multilingual settings such as Malaysia remains unclear. This narrative review synthesises international research on pragmatic comprehension in children with ASD from a linguistic perspective and considers its implications for Malaysia. A structured search of Scopus and Web of Science, supplemented by Google Scholar, identified 17 studies published between 2015 and 2025, together with foundational studies. These studies were synthesised thematically across three areas: the nature of pragmatic comprehension difficulties, the cognitive mechanisms underlying these difficulties, and the role of language and cultural context. Findings suggest that difficulties become more apparent as inferencing and spontaneous reasoning demands rise. As such, pragmatic comprehension does not reflect an absolute deficit but appears to be selective and context-dependent, often reflecting a gap between understanding meaning and being able to use or explain it appropriately. Theory of mind (ToM) emerged as the most consistent contributing factor, while structural language and general cognitive ability played supporting and, at times, compensatory roles. While similar patterns were observed across languages, evidence from multilingual settings was rather scarce, and pragmatic comprehension in children with ASD in Malaysia remains largely unexamined. These findings highlight the need for research grounded in Malaysia's multilingual context.

Physical Appearance, Sex, and Skin Complexion: Factors in Employability

Ron Sedrick Espera Reyes — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 08:09:32 +0800

This study investigated the influence of physical appearance, sex, and skin complexion on employability among 100 graduates and 4 HR officers in Naga City, Philippines. The study employed a mixed research methodology utilizing a descriptive-correlational and phenomenological design through a questionnaire and focus group discussion. Results revealed that 89% of the participants considered physical attractiveness as a vital factor for employment, particularly in public-facing roles like teaching and customer service. While skin complexion was largely deemed not important, sex-role perceptions varied, remaining significant in traditionally gendered occupations like automotive mechanics. Notably, female participants rated physical attractiveness as more critical than their male counterparts did. Despite efforts towards SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality), these biases persist, potentially hindering equitable employment access, thus weakening these vital goals. Statistical analysis further confirmed no significant age-based differences in these perceptions, suggesting that appearance-based biases are culturally embedded across generational groups. Consequently, the study recommends the A.S.P.I.R.E. (Authentic Self Program for Inclusive Recruitment & Employment) Career Guidance Program to empower students by emphasizing skills and competencies over physical attributes to foster professional self-worth.

Performance Appraisal and Employee Retention in Tanzania’s Hotel Industry: Mediating Effect of Selected HR Practices

Lilian Hendry Minja, Yee Lee Chong, Khor Saw Chin — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:06:33 +0800

This study examines the challenges associated with retaining non-managerial hotel employees in Northern Tanzania. Guided by Social Exchange Theory, the study investigates the influence of key human resources management practices (HRMP), including Performance appraisal (PA), recruitment and selection (RS), training and development (TD), and compensation and reward (CR) on employee retention (ER). Quantitative data were collected from 365 hotel employees through random sampling, and the hypothesized structural relationships between HRMP dimensions and ER were assessed using partial least squares analysis. The findings indicate that PA alone is insufficient to enhance ER. Furthermore, RS and CR significantly mediate the relationship between PA and ER. Whereas TD does not demonstrate a significant mediating effect. To strengthen the RS and CR mediation effects, align RS criteria with PA evaluation metrics, and ensure that PA ratings clearly determine fair and equitable CR to eliminate bias, build trust, and increase ER. TD fails to mediate the PA-ER relationship when employees feel the new skills learned cannot be applied for career progression within the current Organization.

Acceptability, Adoption, and Policy Directions for Artificial Intelligence in Language Learning

Ronnie Buergo Rubi — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:59:15 +0800

This study investigated the acceptability and adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in fostering autonomous language learning. Utilizing a quantitative cross-sectional design, the researcher surveyed 575 participants, comprising 550 students and 25 language instructors. The research grounded its constructs in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). The analysis revealed a high degree of systemic acceptability among both cohorts. Perceived usefulness emerged as the primary driver of adoption, serving as the strongest predictor of behavioral intention (β= 0.34, p < 0.001). Furthermore, trust and reliability significantly influenced the participants' willingness to integrate these tools into their learning routines. Overall, the structural model accounted for 62% of the variance in behavioral intention. These findings demonstrated that while learners and educators are open to AI, successful long-term integration depends on optimizing usability, institutional trust, and equitable access. Consequently, this study developed a comprehensive policy framework designed to guide stakeholders in the responsible and pedagogically sound adoption of AI. This roadmap addressed critical concerns regarding ethical use and the mitigation of "cognitive laziness," ensuring that AI serves as a catalyst for – rather than a replacement of – genuine linguistic acquisition.

Review of Cross-Cultural Adaptation of OHS Management in Malaysian Construction by Chinese Contractors

Yuzhou Chen, Shaw Voon Wong, Ishak bin Aris — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 14:21:38 +0800

This research determines how Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) management practice was implemented by Chinese contractors in the Malaysian construction industry via cross-cultural adaptation. As Chinese infrastructure projects grow more internationalised, especially with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), localisation of OHS strategies is both a compliance and strategic rule. Thematic analysis of 23 peer-reviewed articles and official reports from Malaysian and Chinese institutions was done using a qualitative secondary data approach. Five major strands emerged: strategic governing alignment, cross-cultural competence, organisational pressure, reluctance in CSR implementation, and digitalisation of OHS systems. Though the Malaysian national framework (OSHMP25 and Construction Industry Transformation Programme, CITP) offers structured OHS expectations, Chinese contractors often face barriers like culture, uneven application, and stakeholder excellence gaps. However, firms investing in intercultural training, stakeholder cooperation, and digitalisation (e.g., Building Information Modelling, BIM) tend to better integrate OHS with local practices. The research concludes localisation of OHS is not just regulatory compliance, but about adopting a safety culture and communication practices, and integrating tech solutions into host country norms. The study offers applicable suggestions to create localised safety approaches, improve communication, harmonise construction audits, and use digital tech for safer, more inclusive international constructions.

The Role of The State in Ensuring Macroeconomic Stability in The Face of The Covid-19 Pandemic

Vu Thi Anh Huyen — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 14:48:52 +0800

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that macroeconomic stability depends not only on fiscal, monetary, and real-sector balances but also on the State’s capacity to prevent health shocks from spreading into economic and social instability. This study examines how the State contributes to macroeconomic stability during pandemic-type crises, with evidence from Vietnam. The study uses a quantitative descriptive survey combined with document analysis. A structured five-point Likert questionnaire was administered to experts, public-sector officers, researchers, and business representatives in Vietnam, yielding 569 valid responses. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate perceived priorities across five state-capacity dimensions: policy coordination, public health capacity, digital continuity, social protection, and risk communication. The results show strong agreement that timely policy steering, vaccination and disease prevention, online public services, support for workers and vulnerable groups, and transparent communication helped reduce disruption and stabilize expectations. At the same time, respondents identified policy inconsistency, uneven health capacity, slow digital transformation, and targeting limitations as important bottlenecks. State capacity functions as an institutional shock absorber in pandemic crises. Strengthening coordination mechanisms, preventive healthcare, data-driven digital governance, adaptive social protection, and trust-based communication is essential for future macroeconomic resilience.

Challenges and Strategies in Teaching English at Primary Schools: Perspectives of Novice Teachers in Cambodia

Phian Phorn, Hum Chan, Meas Nee, Merryl Kravitz, Chhen Sela — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:23:37 +0800

This study investigates the challenges novice Cambodian primary-school teachers face when teaching English and the strategies they use to manage those challenges. Guided by an interpretive phenomenological approach, the study prioritized teachers’ lived experiences and the meanings they attach to daily classroom realities. Twenty novice EFL teachers (≤5 years of experience) from urban and rural primary schools across northwest Cambodia participated in semi-structured, in-depth interviews lasting approximately 30–60 minutes. Interviews were audio-recorded where permitted, transcribed, and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis with inductive coding. Findings indicate that novice teachers encounter interconnected classroom-level, school-level, and systemic constraints. At classroom level, the most frequently reported difficulties were mixed-ability learners, weak foundations in speaking, pronunciation, and grammar (especially tenses), limited lesson time, and managing large classes. At school and system levels, teachers emphasized shortages of textbooks and teaching aids, limited technology, overcrowded spaces, minimal English exposure outside school, and pressure to complete the prescribed curriculum. Despite these constraints, teachers reported adaptive coping strategies, including pair and group work, low-resource communicative activities (games, stories, role-play), differentiated tasks for fast and slow learners, structured drilling and modeling, clear rules and routines, proximity and non-verbal management techniques, and motivational practices such as praise and songs. The study highlights a persistent policy–practice gap and underscores the need for practice-oriented pre-service preparation, structured induction and mentoring, and improved resourcing and realistic pacing to support communicative English teaching in Cambodian primary schools.

Assessing The Risk of Halal Executive Training for Strengthening Halal Training Management in Malaysia

Nur Afifah Mohamad Nazri Palu, Siti Aimi Sarah Zainal Abidin — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:52:08 +0800

Halal has been prominent as global business, whereby Malaysia is a model for Muslim countries particularly for its implementation of Halal training. The needs for halal professionals increase drastically after the introduction of Malaysian Halal Certification, which lead to the demand for certified and competent halal executives and internal halal committee members. This study assesses key risks pertaining to Halal Executive Training Providers (HTPs) to strengthen halal training management in Malaysia, focusing on threats to JAKIM accreditation and sustainability. Study was conducted through qualitative interviews with seven certified Halal Training Providers (HTPs) from JAKIM’s approved list. Additionally, the Bow Tie approach is employed as a risk assessment tool to visually represent and analyse risk scenarios uncovered during data collection. As a result, four risk were identified from vocational education literature, which are: operational risks from poor training processes (Threat 1), strategic low enrollment in thin markets (Threat 2), curriculum-industry mismatches (Threat 3), and human capital deficiencies from low trainer quality (Threat 4). A holistic mitigation strategy is recommended, integrating operational excellence, adaptive curricula, continuous certification, and enrollment forecasting to foster resilience. These insights enable HTPs to convert risks into various opportunities. Future research should verify and quantify these threats. These findings is hoped to provide strategic insights to enhance Halal training programs, ensuring quality, compliance, and sustainability within the Halal industry framework.

Strategic HRM Practices and Digital Capabilities of University Teachers in Shenzhen: Role of Lifelong Learning

Jiyu Zhang — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 17:14:39 +0800

This study examines how diverse strategic HRM practices contribute towards enhancing digital capabilities among university teachers in Shenzhen, China, taking lifelong learning orientation as a moderating variable. The study used quantitative research using a cross-sectional survey design. The structural equation modelling (SEM) method was applied for analysis using a 360-sampling size. The results suggest that training and development, performance recognition, compensation and organisational supportive environment have a positive impact on enhancing the digital capability of university teachers. However, higher LLO was found to have the strongest positive significant moderation effect on the relationship between performance recognition and training and development and teachers’ digital capability. However, this was opposite in compensation, and there is no significant moderation effect of LLO found on the organisational supportive environment. Universities should strengthen their HRM practices and policies for employee development and cultivating a lifelong learning culture.

Five for Two Dollars: Multilingual Performance, Survival, and Linguistic Capital in Tourist Street Markets

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 03:38:08 +0800

This study aimed to examine how multilingualism functioned as a survival and business strategy in informal tourist-market interactions. It specifically explored how a group of children from Cambodia, the Netherlands, and India, working as street vendors selling souvenirs, used multiple languages to engage international tourists and negotiate sales in a viral video context. A qualitative method was adopted, and four video transcriptions were analysed using thematic analysis. Data coding was conducted in NVivo, focusing on patterns of language choice, switching, and interactional strategies. The analysis was guided by Bourdieu’s concept of linguistic capital as the sole theoretical framework. The findings revealed that the vendors strategically mobilised a wide range of languages (including Mandarin, English, Thai, Japanese, French, Spanish, and others) to align with tourists’ linguistic backgrounds. Language switching was flexible and context-driven, prioritising communicative effectiveness, persuasion, and rapport-building rather than grammatical accuracy. Three key themes emerged: multilingualism as economic capital, language performance as identity construction, and emotional appeal as a persuasive marketing strategy. The study concluded that multilingualism functioned as a form of survival capital in informal tourism economies, enabling access to economic opportunities through linguistic resources. It challenged traditional notions of proficiency by demonstrating that communicative value outweighs formal correctness in real-world interactions. The findings further suggested that multilingual street interactions represent a form of embodied linguistic capital that is dynamically deployed for economic and social mobility.

Generational Perceptions of Leadership Styles and Their Effects on Employee Performance: A Systematic Review

Praveena Kunaratnam, Lilian Anthonysamy, Mazni binti Alias — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 07:45:55 +0800

The growing occurrence of multigenerational workforces has heightened the levels of academic and practical concern in the ways leadership styles are seen between generations and how these perceptions affect the performance of the employees. The systematic review is a synthesis of the existing empirical evidence regarding the connection between leadership styles and generational differences in workplace outcomes. In line with the PRISMA directives, 62 peer-reviewed studies with qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods designs were found by conducting a thorough search of 6 academic databases published between 2010 and 2025. This was achieved using narrative and thematic analysis where patterns of generational preference in the leadership were identified and presented with results on performance. Baby Boomers proved to be more transactional and directive-oriented and have high value of structure, stability, and formal recognition. The Generation X and Millennials were more responsive to the emerging leadership styles based on empowering and transformational leadership, which focuses on autonomy, feedback and collaboration. Generation Z showed an increasing interest in servant and shared leadership that is associated with authenticity, inclusiveness, and digital fluency. The best fit concerning the style of the leadership and generational expectations was all the way through the generations, linked to the increased engagement, innovation, retention, and job satisfaction. This review adds a multigenerational paradigm of integrative and cross-generational scope that explains how leadership agility and generational intelligence improve organizational performance in variable and changing work environments.

Pengaruh Sokongan Organisasi yang Diterima, Kepuasan Kerja dan Ganjaran terhadap Komitmen Guru Prasekolah di Negeri Sabah

Norbert Bin Micheal Ligin, Connie Cassy Ompok — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Pendidikan awal kanak-kanak (PAKK) dalam fasa pelaksanaan Rancangan Malaysia Ketiga Belas (RMK-13) menuntut komitmen yang tinggi daripada para pendidik, terutamanya dalam mendepani cabaran unik ekosistem pendidikan di Negeri Sabah. Kajian ini dijalankan untuk mengenal pasti hubungan dan pengaruh antara sokongan organisasi yang diterima, kepuasan kerja dan ganjaran terhadap komitmen dalam kalangan guru prasekolah di Sabah. Menggunakan reka bentuk kajian kuantitatif jenis tinjauan, data dikumpul melalui edaran soal selidik kepada 516 orang guru prasekolah di seluruh daerah negeri Sabah. Hasil analisis Korelasi Pearson menunjukkan bahawa ketiga-tiga pemboleh ubah bebas mempunyai hubungan positif yang signifikan pada tahap sederhana dengan komitmen guru, iaitu ganjaran (r = .412, p < .001), kepuasan kerja (r = .393, p < .001) dan sokongan organisasi yang diterima (r = .366, p < .001). Seterusnya, hasil analisis Regresi Berganda mengesahkan bahawa ganjaran, kepuasan kerja dan sokongan organisasi secara bersama-sama menyumbang sebanyak 21.0% variasi terhadap komitmen guru [F(3, 512) = 46.33, p < .001, R² = .21]. Faktor ganjaran dikenal pasti sebagai peramal paling dominan meningkatkan komitmen guru (β = .22, p < .001), diikuti oleh kepuasan kerja (β = .18, p < .001) dan sokongan organisasi yang diterima (β = .14, p = .004). Tiada isu multikolineariti dikesan dalam model kajian ini (VIF < 2.0). Secara keseluruhannya, dapatan ini membuktikan bahawa pembentukan strategi bersepadu yang mengimbangi sistem ganjaran yang adil, kepuasan kerja dan penyediaan sokongan persekitaran yang kondusif amat kritikal untuk mengekalkan kelestarian komitmen guru, sekali gus membantu kualiti penyampaian Pendidikan Awal Kanak-Kanak di Sabah.

Measuring Human Capital in Indonesia Using an Adapted World Bank HCI Framework

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 16:36:40 +0800

Despite the growing recognition of human capital as a key foundation of development, Indonesia still lacks a multidimensional provincial measure. This study develops a Human Capital Index (HCI) for Indonesian provinces based on the World Bank HCI framework and examines its spatial and temporal patterns during 2011–2019. The index is constructed using normalized indicators representing survival, schooling, and health dimensions, namely Measles Immunization, Expected Years of Schooling, Mean Years of Schooling, National Examination Score, and Life Expectancy. The study applies min–max normalization, composite index construction, Sturges’ Rule classification, robustness testing, Global Moran’s I, Pearson correlation, and temporal disparity analysis. The results show that provincial HCI is generally concentrated in the middle range, but disparities remain across provinces. DI Yogyakarta records the highest average HCI, while Papua records the lowest. The index is robust under alternative weighting scenarios. Spatial analysis shows no significant global clustering for composite HCI, although Measles Immunization and Life Expectancy exhibit significant spatial clustering. Furthermore, temporal analysis indicates persistent interprovincial disparities during this period. Overall, this HCI can serve as a diagnostic tool for targeted human capital policy.

Sleep Quality and Mental Well-Being Among Malaysian University Students

Azza Amani S Azmini, Faqryza Mardeyah Ab Latif — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 16:52:08 +0800

Sleep quality is increasingly recognized as a critical determinant of holistic psychological well-being, particularly among university students navigating complex academic, social, and lifestyle stressors. Moving beyond traditional clinical pathology frameworks, this study examines sleep as a foundational resource for mental resilience. Specifically, this research aimed to assess sleep quality and mental health levels among Malaysian university students, examine the correlation between these variables, and compare mental health outcomes between good and poor sleepers. Utilizing a quantitative cross-sectional design, data were gathered from 270 undergraduate students across Malaysian universities using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Data analysis was executed via descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and independent samples t-tests. The descriptive results revealed that the majority of respondents maintained good sleep quality. However, inferential analyses demonstrated significant, strong negative correlations between sleep quality and depression (r = -0.676, p < .001), anxiety (r = -0.444, p < .001), and stress (r = -0.500, p < .001). Furthermore, independent samples t-tests indicated that students with poor sleep quality exhibited significantly elevated levels of depression, anxiety, and stress compared to their good-sleeping peers (p < .001). These findings highlight that institutionalizing sleep hygiene initiatives is vital to fostering student resilience and psychological flourishing within higher education ecosystems.

Sitcoms in University Foreign Language Education for Intercultural Competence Development: Teacher and Student Perspectives

Fen Zheng, Mohd Rashid Bin Mohd Saad — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 17:56:46 +0800

The implementation of Intercultural Competence (IC) pedagogy remains challenging in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context. To address this gap, this qualitative case study investigates the pedagogical value of integrating a sitcom Fresh Off the Boat (FOTB) as a multimodal resource for developing IC in a Chinese university setting. From the perspective of intercultural competence, data was collected through semi-structured interviews with one experienced EFL instructor and two students. Thematic analysis revealed a consistent developmental trajectory in learners, marked by enhanced curiosity, reflective interpretation, and critical cultural awareness, aligning closely with Byram’s five IC dimensions. The findings demonstrate that FOTB is an effective IC resource when coupled with deliberate pedagogical scaffolding. The affective engagement and narrative realism of the sitcom foster a crucial shift from "learning about culture" to "learning through cultural engagement". Importantly, the study highlights the pivotal role of teacher mediation (e.g., guided dialogue) in transforming challenges like linguistic difficulties or emotional discomfort into opportunities for critical reflection. The study contributes robust evidence of multidimensional IC development and elucidates how intercultural meaning is co-constructed in the EFL classroom. Recommendations are provided for fostering a more reflective and ethically grounded intercultural learning ecology in Chinese university EFL contexts.

Understanding Household Debt Among Malaysians: A Review

Hafis Azhar Bujang, Arvin Tajari — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 18:05:24 +0800

Household debt is a critical component of financial behavior that reflects both a household's financial stability and management efficiency. It includes various financial obligations such as housing, car, personal, and credit card loans. In Malaysia, household debt has become an increasingly pressing concern, where factors influencing household debt behavior continue to be widely debated at the national level among policymakers and scholars. A lack of clear understanding regarding the underlying causes and effective solutions may contribute to long-term economic risks for the country. This article reviews existing empirical studies, media narratives, and policy discussions related to household debt among Malaysians and the broader community. The review highlights financial literacy, income, and life necessities as key determinants that continually arise and are debated within the community and in institutional responses. Guided by the theory of planned behavior, this article offers deeper insights into the behavioral dimensions of household debt and proposes directions for strengthening financial decision-making among affected groups.

A Corpus-Assisted Study of Translation Styles in Eight English Translations of the Mencius (1895–2016)

Lai Lanlan, Lau Kui Ling — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 18:43:14 +0800

This study offers a panoramic view of the translation styles of the eight English translations of the Mencius across three centuries. A corpus-assisted approach, supported by WordSmith Tools and Readability Studio was employed to generate quantitative indicators of lexical diversity, sentence length and readability scores. A comparable corpus of the eight translations (Legge, 1895; Lyall, 1932; Lau, 1970; Hinton 1998; Zhao et al., 1999; Van Norden 2008; Bloom, 2009; Eno 2016) was constructed for comparative analysis. The findings reveal substantial stylistic variation across the translations in terms of lexical diversity, syntactic complexity, and readability, reflecting distinct translational preferences and linguistic styles. The results suggest that translators negotiate translation style differently when rendering the Mencius to fulfil different translation purposes across diverse historical and cultural contexts. Linguistic norms, translation purposes, translators’ backgrounds, and individual linguistic preferences appear to influence the translation style. The study contributes to corpus-based translation studies by providing empirical evidence of diachronic stylistic changes in the English translations of the Mencius. It also offers practical implications for intercultural communication and translation pedagogy by demonstrating how translation style may affect accessibility and reception among contemporary English-language readers.

The E-Commerce Adoption of Micro and Small Enterprises in Naga City, Philippines

Ana Marie A. Binalla, Jonathan S. Dela Cruz — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 09:18:48 +0800

E-commerce provides micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in the Philippines access to broader markets, improved customer engagement, and cost-efficient operations. However, many enterprises face challenges in fully utilizing digital technologies due to limited capacity and understanding. This study examined the adoption of e-commerce among MSEs in Naga City, using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), focusing on marketing, logistics, and financial operations. An explanatory mixed-method design was employed, integrating survey data from 50 registered enterprises and key informant interviews. The instrument demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha of 0.897). Findings revealed that most MSEs utilize social media, particularly Facebook, as their primary e-commerce platform. Respondents strongly agreed that e-commerce platforms are easy to use, enabling efficient communication, customization, and navigation. They also perceived high usefulness in marketing, logistics, and financial operations, particularly in reaching customers, improving inventory management, and enhancing financial decision-making. Correlation analysis showed a significant positive relationship between perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, with the strongest association in financial operations. The study concludes that e-commerce enhances operational efficiency and performance, highlighting the need for strengthened digital literacy, localized platforms, and institutional support to sustain business growth.

The Efficacy of a Systematic Learning Framework in Fostering Critical Thinking Skills in Pre-Service Teachers

Mary Ann Panti Briones — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:08:46 +0800

This research investigates the effectiveness of the developed learning framework in enhancing critical thinking skills among pre-service teachers. The THINK-COMM Framework is a multidimensional educational platform that comprehensively integrates various foundational learning theories, encourages the systematic integration of critical thinking activities, and provides a responsive mechanism for real-time feedback and performance assessment. Critical thinking (CT) is essential for individuals in all fields of work, particularly in the education sector. Pre-service teachers often lack adequate baseline knowledge of critical thinking, which is essential for their future teaching career. This study sought to address this issue by developing and testing the effectiveness of a learning framework that promotes critical thinking skills among pre-service teachers. The research uses a mixed-methods approach, including a pretest-posttest design, surveys, and focus group discussions. The study was conducted at Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology in Naga City. The participants are pre-service teachers enrolled in Purposive Communication in the second semester of SY 2022-2023 and teachers handling the subject during the identified semester. Schools and higher education institutions should consider adopting and customizing the critical thinking framework as part of a complete strategy to enhance students' critical thinking abilities. The THINK-COMM Framework presents a promising avenue to facilitate the holistic development of student's skills and knowledge by integrating various learning theories and providing robust, real-time feedback. The study also has broader implications for promoting critical thinking skills in education, which is crucial for preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century.

Strengthening Regional Inter-Library Collaboration: A Proposed Revitalization of the Bicol Consortium of Academic Libraries (BCAL)

BERNARDITA FLORES FEDERICO — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:22:24 +0800

The Bicol Consortium of Academic Libraries (BCAL) was established in 2018 but remained largely underutilized because of the absence of a formal governance structure and resource-sharing policies. This study assessed the status of BCAL and developed a proposal for a governance structure and a digital resource-sharing policy to revitalize it and strengthen regional academic library collaboration. Using a descriptive case study design, fifteen academic institutions from the Bicol Region participated through a survey questionnaire. Results revealed that there is limited awareness of governance documents, undefined member duties and the absence of conflict-resolution policies. Despite these gaps, member institutions still expressed strong interest in collaboration, with all policy-related questions rated as Strongly Agree (from 5.00 to 5.73 in a six-point scale). The study proposed a framework addressing organizational structure, membership rights and duties, leadership qualifications and financial management. Along with it is a digital resource-sharing policy covering access, cataloging standards, licensing, technology infrastructure, quality assurance, and data security. Findings reveal that while interest in collaboration is present, formal structures are essential for sustainable and improved consortium operations.

Public Health Response to a Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) Outbreak in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:42:21 +0800

Saxitoxin Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) outbreaks are linked to the algal bloom of harmful dinoflagellates. This biotoxin can paralyse muscles and damage the nervous system, thus affecting human health. Excessive toxin concentrations can result in severe disease and fatalities. A retrospective descriptive outbreak investigation was conducted to describe the epidemiology and public health response to the PSP outbreak in Port Dickson. A suspected case was defined as any individual with neurological or gastrointestinal symptoms consistent with PSP following consumption of bivalve molluscs harvested from Port Dickson after 31 March 2024. The Negeri Sembilan State Health Department and State Fisheries Department initiated a joint emergency response after PSP cases were detected among individuals treated at a local hospital. The public health response complied with the Standard Operating Procedure for Potential Infectious Diseases. Data were obtained from official health and fisheries authorities and analysed using standard methods. The majority of patients experienced neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms. The contaminated shellfish and plankton samples were confirmed to contain biotoxins and pathogens. The State Health Department and State Fisheries Department undertook the necessary biosecurity measures in response to the outbreak. Among the strategies implemented were contingency planning and emergency preparedness, risk communication and public awareness, cooperation and interagency collaboration, and securing commitment and support from stakeholders. The prompt public health actions successfully prevented further PSP exposure among the public and banned the sale and release of contaminated bivalve molluscs products.

Move Strategies and Interactional Metadiscourse in EFL and ESL Doctoral Literature Reviews: A Corpus-Based Study

Bikash Chandra Taly, Ilyana Jalaluddin, Fatin Nabila Abd Razak — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 11:54:42 +0800

As a key site of academic argumentation, the literature review (LR) chapter requires writers to move beyond summarising prior studies and strategically construct a research niche through rhetorical and linguistic choices. Accordingly, this study investigates how doctoral writers in EFL and ESL contexts construct LR chapters through rhetorical move strategies and interactional metadiscourse. Employing a comparative descriptive design with quantitative support, the study analyses a corpus of 30 LR chapters from doctoral theses using Kwan’s (2006) move-based framework and Hyland’s (2005) interpersonal model of metadiscourse. The findings revealed that both EFL and ESL writers predominantly employed strategies that assert confirmative claims about previous research, indicating a shared emphasis on consolidating existing knowledge. However, EFL writers demonstrated greater use of counter-claiming, gap-indicating, and relevance-establishing strategies, suggesting a more explicit effort to justify research niches. In contrast, ESL writers relied more on confirmative reporting of prior studies, reflecting a comparatively descriptive rhetorical orientation. Analysis of interactional metadiscourse showed that evidential markers constitute the most frequent category in both corpora, highlighting the central role of citation in establishing academic credibility. Attitude, hedges, and booster’s markers occurred with moderate frequency, whereas engagement markers were used least frequently, indicating the predominantly impersonal nature of LR chapter writing. Overall, the findings suggest that doctoral writers in both contexts largely adhered to shared academic conventions while displaying subtle differences in rhetorical emphasis. The study contributes to genre and academic discourse research by demonstrating how move strategies and metadiscourse resources interact in the construction of research niches within LR chapter. Pedagogically, the findings underscore the importance of integrating genre awareness, citation practices, and stance management into doctoral writing instruction to support more effective scholarly positioning and critical engagement with the literature.

Exploring the Embodiment of Female Consciousness in the Soft Sculpture of Contemporary Chinese Artists

Cheng Mengyao, Sharmiza Bt Abu Hassan — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:12:20 +0800

In the current era when the internationalization trend of soft sculpture art is significant, soft sculpture has transcended the category of marginalized art forms, which is attributed to the continuous exploration and practice of soft sculpture artists. In the process of female artists creating soft sculptures, the significance of soft fibres has transcended the simple material level, carrying rich social, cultural and emotional information. Artists do not merely create soft sculptures; instead, they use soft materials as a medium to deeply explore more macroscopic issues such as identity, boundaries, labour, and memory. Therefore, this study focuses on the creative practices of contemporary Chinese female soft sculptors and uses interpretive phenomenological analysis methods to deeply explore how they carry female consciousness through soft materials in their works. The research will select representative cases of female artists, analyse the intrinsic connections among their creative concepts, material choices and thematic expressions, aiming to reveal the diverse presentation forms of female consciousness in the unique artistic context of soft sculpture, as well as how this expression reflects the construction and deconstruction process of female identity in the context of social and cultural changes. At present, there are relatively few studies on female soft sculpture artists. This study, by collecting data and conducting in-depth analysis, aims to provide new theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence for contemporary Chinese soft sculpture art. This study employed the methods of literature review, semi-structured interviews, and observation for data collection and analysed the semi-structured interviews using the interpretive phenomenology analysis method.

Cultural Continuity under Urbanization: Adaptive Transmission Ecology in a Northeast Chinese Ritual Music Ensemble

Mao Yue, Clare Chan Suet Ching, Yeoh Pei Sze — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:28:53 +0800

Urbanization has transformed the social conditions through which local cultural traditions are transmitted, especially where learning depends on kinship, apprenticeship, ritual participation, and community recognition. This article examines how the Wu Family Guchui Ensemble in Shuangcheng District, Harbin, Northeast China reorganizes transmission to sustain the continuity of guchuiyue, a wind-and-percussion ritual music tradition associated with weddings, funerals, and community ceremonies. Based on qualitative ethnographic fieldwork conducted between 2023 and 2024, including participant observation, semi-structured interviews, audio-visual documentation, and documentary materials, the study analyses transmission as a social process rather than as the simple transfer of musical technique. The findings show that the ensemble responds to urbanizing pressures by expanding participation beyond lineage boundaries, institutionalizing teaching through classrooms and textbooks, negotiating authority across generations, and sustaining affective responsibility through respect, care, and moral obligation. The article develops the concept of adaptive transmission ecology to explain how cultural continuity is maintained through the interaction of social participation, institutional conversion, authority negotiation, and emotional commitment. The study contributes to social science and humanities debates on intangible cultural heritage, youth participation, and cultural continuity under urbanization.

Employability and Program Effectiveness of BSESS Graduates in the Philippines: A Tracer Study

Emily Berja — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:55:36 +0800

This study evaluated the employment outcomes and perceived effectiveness of the Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science (BSESS) program in preparing graduates for professional practice. Using a descriptive design, survey data from 46 graduates were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, and weighted means. Respondents were predominantly aged 21-25, with near-equal gender distribution. Most were employed full-time (73.90%), and 52% secured jobs within six months; however, only 43.50 percent held positions directly related to their degree. Overall program effectiveness was rated 3.94 (Effective), with soft skills development scoring highest (4.22, Very Effective), followed by course relevance and instructional quality. Practical training and industry exposure received comparatively lower ratings. While the program effectively develops core competencies aligned with employability standards, enhancements in experiential learning, facilities, industry linkages, and career support are recommended to strengthen workforce alignment.

Research Culture Cultivation Among Biscast Faculty: An Analysis of The Effectiveness of Its Research Initiatives

Ronnie B Rubi, Mary Ann P Briones, Jennifer E Alipante — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0800

This study evaluates the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at cultivating a research culture among faculty members at Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST), from 2021 to 2024. This is in response to a worldwide academic clamor in cultivating a research culture in higher education institutions. Utilizing a mixed-method research approach, the study analyzes faculty profiles, perceptions towards research, and the impact of institutional initiatives. The findings reveal a diverse and experienced faculty with a positive attitude and high motivation toward research, though challenges such as limited funding, insufficient research training, and administrative burdens persist. The study underscores the need for enhanced support mechanisms, including mentorship programs, stress management workshops, and improved research infrastructure, to foster a robust research culture at BISCAST.

A Multi-Dimensional Analysis of Educational Practices: Assessing Quality Across Three Key Areas

Apolonia C. Sebello — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0800

This study assessed the quality of three dimensions of educational practices as perceived by thirty teachers at Jose Panganiban National High School. Utilizing a descriptive survey evaluation design, the study employed purposive random sampling to select participants. Quantitative methods were used to describe, record, analyze, and interpret existing practices. The "Orientation to Excellence" standardized survey questionnaire quantified the quality of these dimensions. Data were statistically analyzed using means and one-sample tests and interpreted using a 6-point Likert scale. The findings revealed that teachers rated the quality of educational practices in Student Discipline and Behavior, Instructional Staff, and Parent/Community Involvement as high. Additionally, there was a statistically significant difference among these three areas of educational practices. Based on these results, it is recommended that the school consider all aspects of educational practices when developing a School Improvement Plan. Furthermore, educators are encouraged to develop plans that enhance student learning for future studies.