Government Agencies Research Articles (Page 1)

The development of digital technology has encouraged the widespread use of photography to promote tourist destinations on social media. However, the ease of access and dissemination of visual content often leads to copyright infringement on photographers. This study aims to analyze the legal protection of photographic works in the context of tourist destination promotion in Jakarta, as well as to identify challenges and solutions. The method used is a normative-juridical approach, analyzing relevant laws and regulations, such as Law Number 28 of 2014 concerning Copyright, as well as a case study of the use of tourist destination photos on social media by government agencies and tourism industry players. The results indicate that, normatively, photographic works are protected as creations with economic and moral value to their creators. However, the implementation of protection in the digital realm remains weak due to a lack of legal awareness, the difficulty of proving violations, and weak oversight of content on social media. Protection efforts can be strengthened through increased digital legal literacy, the implementation of open licenses (creative commons), and collaboration between the government, photographers, and tourist destination managers.

Stakeholder analysis to strengthen Public Health Emergency Management: A Delphi study from Ethiopia.

Aim. The work aimed to develop conceptual methods for a comprehensive assessment of the creative sector of the regional economy as an element of a promising automated hardware and software information and telecommunications system for management decision making support (AHSITS) within formulating socio-economic development strategies at the regional level. Objectives. The work seeks to substantiate the feasibility of focusing regional socio-economic development strategies on the most promising segments of the economy, primarily on the creative industries sector segments that are relevant to the region; to demonstrate the need to develop a comprehensive methodology for an automated dynamic assessment of the achieved level of development of the creative industries in the region; to consider current methods for assessing the level of development of the creative industries used in Russia and other countries; to develop a conceptual framework for managing the socio-economic development of regional socio-economic systems (RSES), highlighting the factor influencing the creative economy sector, while it will become part of a promising systemic mechanism for managing the RSES socio-economic development, which includes the full range of industries and sectors of the regional economy. The work also seeks to propose monitoring objects used in the methodology for a comprehensive assessment of the creative sector of the regional economy (“Factors influencing creative industries” and “Indicators for the development of creative industries”), as well as specific regional socio-economic indicators, including those related to the creative industries sector; to propose a concept for tracking data in AHSITS, including from the perspective of technical methods for dynamic tracking and obtaining information by the system on selected indicators; to characterize the proposed model for aggregating and processing the received incoming data to form an integrated assessment of the achieved level of overall development of the management object; as well as to reveal the specifics of creating a digital twin of the regional creative economy. Methods. The study employed logical analysis and synthesis, logical abstractions, modeling, a systems methodological approach, comparative analysis, structural analysis, statistical data processing, expert assessment, and graphical interpretation. Results. The work demonstrated the critical significance of scientifically substantiated concentration of constrained regional resources distributed within the socio-economic development strategies, primarily in promising and underutilized growth areas of the regional economy, often located in the creative industries sector. Emphasis is placed on the importance of leveraging the benefits of digitalization in this process. The authors propose a conceptual transmission scheme within a promising information and organizational mechanism for the overall management of regional socio-economic development, and the level of development of the creative economy factor as an element influencing the RSES. The main methods for assessing the level of development of creative industries used in Russia and other countries are examined, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. This paper describes the author’s comprehensive methodology for automated dynamic assessment of the achieved level of development of a region’s creative industries, which incorporates regional factor indicators influencing the development of the creative industries sector and indicators of the achieved level of creative industries development, including specific regional socio-economic indicators related to both the creative industries sector and the RSES as a whole. Methods for dynamic tracking and obtaining information on selected indicators by the AHSITS are formulated in the paper. Furthermore, the work proposes a model for aggregating and processing the initial data obtained, forming an integrated assessment of the achieved level of overall development of the creative industries in the region using the multivariate mean method. This paper revealed the key concepts and features of generating a digital twin of the regional creative economy. Conclusions. In order to support effective management decision-making by government agencies and reduce transaction costs in the creation and adjustment of strategic planning documents, it is advisable to implement an automated mechanism for assessing dynamically the region’s creative economy sector at the regional level during its management. This mechanism would automatically acquire, store, and process big data streams as a set of significant variables that serve as indicators of functioning of this complex socio-economic system. The authors propose implementing this mechanism using the concept of a digital twin, that is, an adaptive cybernetic system that tracks and transforms the inputs of the received big data array into scientifically substantiated assessments of the current state, submitted to government authorities interactively, regularly, and timely, as well as multivariate forecasts for the sector’s development, and draft proposals for decision-making on the creation and adjustment of strategic planning documents. The core of this system is a methodology for a comprehensive assessment of the region’s creative industries sector (hereinafter referred to as the Methodology).

This research analyses the challenges to service innovation in civil registration, specifically the issuance of birth certificates at the Sidoarjo Regency Department of Population and Civil Registration, within the context of governmental digital transformation. Employing a qualitative approach via in-depth interviews, field observations, and document analysis, the study identifies various obstacles encountered in the process of public service digitisation. The findings indicate that the principal challenges include: (1) resistance to change from both civil servants and the public regarding the digital system; (2) limitations in information technology infrastructure and internet connectivity in rural areas; (3) the digital literacy gap between urban and rural community groups; (4) the complexity of coordination among government agencies within the integrated system; and (5) budgetary constraints for continuous system maintenance and development. The study also found that despite various innovations such as online services, mobile apps, and digital queuing systems, their implementation still faces significant technical and non-technical impediments. These findings contribute to the literature on public sector innovation by revealing the dynamics of e-government implementation at the regency/city level, and offer strategic recommendations for policymakers on optimising the digital transformation of civil registration services. The novelty of this research lies in its comprehensive analysis, which integrates technological, organisational, and social perspectives within the context of local government in Indonesia post-COVID-19 pandemic.

Legal problems in the land inheritance process often arise when inherited land has been registered in the name of another party. This study aims to examine the procedure for registering inherited land that has been issued a Certificate of Ownership (SHM) on behalf of other parties, as well as the form of legal protection for heirs. The research uses a normative juridical approach with a literature study method based on primary, secondary, and tertiary legal materials. The approaches used include legislative, conceptual, analytical, and case approaches. The analysis of legal materials is carried out through grammatical, systematic interpretation, analogous construction, and legal refinement construction. The results of the study show that the registration of inherited land must be carried out by the entitled heirs, especially for land that has not been certified. Registration is carried out sporadically as a form of registration for the first time. Legal protection for heirs is obtained preventively through the land registration process, and repressively in the event of arbitrary actions from other parties or government agencies. This research emphasizes the importance of legal certainty in the process of registering inherited land and the protection of the rights of heirs so that they are not harmed by the existence of other parties' certificates. This effort is part of the fair and transparent enforcement of agrarian law in Indonesia.

Like to most Kenyan sub-counties, the economy of Kitui County is supported by small and medium-sized enterprises that also contribute greatly to employment in the country and gross domestic product. However, most of the businesses are faced with challenges such as slow usage of technology that inhibits their capacity to grow and compete. The paper set out to discuss the adoption and growth of small and medium enterprises in the context of technology in Kitui County. Three theories were used to support the research: diffusion of innovations, technology acceptance model (TAM) and resource-based view. A descriptive study was adopted to target 4,088 SME owners across different industries. A stratified random sampling process was applied to get a sample size of 365 SMEs. Data collection was done using semi-structured questionnaires that were aimed at quantitative data. The results were presented in tables and charts. The study proved valuable in offering SME owners and entrepreneurs, insights into how various technological tools such as internet access, mobile money services, digital marketing strategies, and business management software could be leveraged to promote business growth. This information enabled them to make more informed decisions about technology investments, ultimately enhancing their operations and competitive positioning in the market. The study revealed a strong positive Pearson correlation between internet availability and SME development, indicating that improved internet access significantly supported the growth of small and medium enterprises. A statistically significant positive relationship was found between internet access and SME growth indicating that improved connectivity supports enterprise development. Mobile money services also showed a strong positive correlation with SME expansion, with regression analysis confirming a significant effect. Digital marketing strategies demonstrated a similarly strong positive correlation with SME growth, with regression results highlighting them as the most impactful factor. Additionally, the use of business management software was significantly associated with SME development, emphasizing its value in enhancing operational efficiency. Based on these findings, the study recommended several strategic actions. Government agencies and private internet providers should enhance internet infrastructure to improve connectivity. Financial institutions and mobile service providers were encouraged to strengthen mobile money platforms and promote inclusive adoption. Furthermore, marketing consultants and business development entities should offer training on effective digital marketing techniques. Lastly, SME support programs should integrate digital literacy initiatives and training on business management software to empower entrepreneurs with tools for informed decision-making and efficient planning. These measures are expected to drive sustainable growth and competitiveness among SMEs in the region.

Background Depression and anxiety are significant public health concerns among township grassroots civil servants, the largest segment of China’s civil service. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of depression and anxiety within this population, identify key distal and proximal adversity factors using the Developmental Adaptation Model, explore the association between cumulative adversity and mental health outcomes, and analyze the underlying pathways of association. Methods A cross-sectional study of 1,275 township grassroots civil servants collected data on demographics, distal adversities (e.g., left-behind experiences, emotional abuse), proximal adversities (e.g., parent-child conflict, divorce intentions, work stress), depression and anxiety using self-report questionnaires. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors, while ANOVA and hierarchical regression were used to examine the functional form of the relationship between cumulative adversity and mental health. Finally, mediation analysis was conducted to explore the role of proximal adversity in linking distal adversity to mental health outcomes. Results The prevalence of depression and anxiety among township grassroots civil servants was high, at 36.7% and 29.6%, respectively. Multiple distal and proximal factors were significantly associated with both outcomes. Among distal adversities, domestic violence (aOR = 3.42) and emotional abuse (aOR = 2.89) were the strongest correlates of depression; among proximal adversities, work stress (aOR = 5.02) and economic poverty (aOR = 4.92) had the most substantial associations. Cumulative adversity was significantly and positively associated with both depression and anxiety ( p < 0.001), showing a clear linear pattern. Mediation analysis revealed that the effect of cumulative distal adversity on both depression and anxiety was fully mediated by cumulative proximal adversity. Conclusion This study highlights an alarming prevalence of depression and anxiety among township grassroots civil servants. The findings underscore that while early life adversity creates a foundation of risk, current (proximal) stressors are the primary mechanism through which this risk translates into psychological distress. These insights can help government agencies develop more effective, targeted interventions by focusing on mitigating current work and life pressures.

Throughout the article titled “The Preservation of Sea Turtles on Kifuma/Soyo Beach,” the authors present a thorough analysis of the environmental conditions and the challenges associated with conserving sea turtles in an area of great ecological significance. The study adopts a variety of methodologies by combining on-site monitoring, data collection on nesting rates, and a detailed examination of the impacts resulting from human activities-such as overfishing, uncontrolled tourism, and the degradation of natural habitats. Data gathered during different periods reveal a progressive decline in the hatchlings' survival rate, underscoring the urgent need for preventive measures and sustainable management practices. The research further emphasizes the relevance of cooperation among local communities, government agencies, and scientific institutions, stressing that the implementation of environmental protection areas and the raising of resident awareness can promote the recovery of coastal ecosystems. The results obtained indicate that, in the presence of effective preservation strategies, there is a significant increase in the success rate of sea turtles during the nesting period, demonstrating the natural resilience of the species when adequately protected. The article also discusses the influence of climate change, which imposes additional challenges to the maintenance of reproductive cycles, and suggests the need to invest in continued research to adapt conservation policies to new environmental realities. In conclusion, the integration of efforts between society and environmental managers is truly fundamental to promoting ecological balance and ensuring the survival of sea turtles in the region.

This study presents a comparative review of health system resilience in Mauritius and Madagascar amid growing environmental stressors driven by climate change. As small island developing states in sub-Saharan Africa, both countries face increased health risks from extreme weather events, shifting disease patterns, and food insecurity. This review highlights the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls, emphasising the need for anticipatory and flexible health systems to manage these challenges effectively. Methodologically, the study synthesises evidence from government and international agency assessments, peer-reviewed literature, and recent policy reports focused on health system adaptation frameworks. Special attention was paid to the World Health Organisation’s Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment applied in Mauritius and the Climate-Smart Public Health model piloted in Madagascar. Thematic document analysis was conducted to assess governance, surveillance, infrastructure, community engagement, and equity. The results reveal contrasting yet complementary approaches. Mauritius benefits from robust institutional capacity, universal health coverage, and an advanced Early Warning Alert and Response System anchored in an equally robust multi-sectoral partnership framework. Despite resource limitations, Madagascar has demonstrated innovation through data-driven surveillance, artificial intelligence, and targeted infrastructure upgrades, supported by international cooperation. However, both countries share key lessons on the importance of predictive surveillance, multi-sectoral governance, and community participation in building resilient health systems. In conclusion, this review highlights that effective adaptation requires context-specific, equity-focused strategies that merge strong governance with technological innovation. Additionally, sustained financing, gender-responsive policies, and enhanced inter-sectoral collaboration are critical for future resilience. These insights offer valuable guidance for health systems in vulnerable settings that face escalating climate hazards.

Abstract Launched in 2015, the Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP) has generated significant public procurement spend towards Indigenous‐owned businesses in Australia. With government agencies exceeding their targets for Indigenous procurement, the Indigenous business sector growing, and the IPP maintaining bipartisan support, the IPP appears to stand out as an isolated area of success in federal Indigenous economic policymaking. Yet, despite operating for a decade, there has been almost no analysis of the IPP and the distribution of contracts across the Indigenous business sector. Without this analysis, it is challenging to understand the full scope of the IPP's impact and the degree to which broader aspirations for the IPP are being fulfilled. This paper analyses the distribution of Commonwealth public procurement contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses in the first 8 financial years of the IPP (2015–16 to 2022–23), using contract data provided under Freedom of Information. Though the IPP has generated procurement contracts for over 3900 Indigenous businesses, this analysis finds that over 50% of the number of contracts valued over $10,000 have been awarded to just 11 businesses, with 50% of the accumulative value of contracts over $10,000 awarded to 18 businesses. Contract flows are heavily skewed to businesses located in major cities, primarily Canberra, and to businesses in select industries. This analysis also finds that approximately three quarters of the accumulative value of contracts over the lifespan of the IPP have been awarded to businesses with 50%–51% or unreported Indigenous ownership rates. Ultimately, this analysis demonstrates the need for amendments to the IPP—including the development of a more robust and culturally accountable definition of an Indigenous business—that ensures that the economic and social outcomes of the policy match the expectations and aspirations as defined by those in the Indigenous business community. Points for practitioners This paper analyses public procurement contract data on Indigenous‐owned firms for the first 8 years of the IPP. Fifty per cent of all contracts of over $10,000 have been awarded to just 11 businesses, and 50% of the total value of all contracts have been awarded to 18 businesses. Forty‐seven per cent of the total value has been awarded to businesses of between 50% and 51% Indigenous ownership, with an additional 27% to businesses with unidentified Indigenous ownership status. Over 40% of the number and 30% of the value of contracts have been awarded to businesses in Canberra. Though the IPP has been successful in exceeding its Indigenous procurement targets, the way these targets are being met reveals limitations in the policy design. Incorporating Indigenous‐defined measures of success in the design of the IPP and adequately pricing the social value creation of Indigenous firms may better reflect the social and economic aspirations of the IPP. Enhancing Indigenous governance over how the IPP operates—including through developing a more robust, workable, and culturally accountable definition of an Indigenous business—will ensure the IPP delivers on Indigenous‐defined metrics for success.

ABSTRACT Firms and government agencies increasingly use online contests to find solutions to problems. These contests allow players to make multiple attempts, and their progress is tracked on a real‐time public leaderboard. Although the contests are dynamic , contest sponsors miss the opportunity to dynamically shape players' incentives, as they award the entire prize pool based only on players' final rankings. We propose the use of contingent prizes that depend on the game's history to incentivize players throughout the contest. We present evidence from two methodologies—a structural model and an RCT—showing that contingent prizes can significantly improve contest outcomes.

Background: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by Leptospira bacteria and remains a significant public health problem in tropical regions. Semarang City is one of the areas with a high risk of leptospirosis due to its geographical structure, frequent flooding, poor sanitation, and high population density. Data from the Semarang City Health Office in 2024 reported 32 cases and 5 deaths, with cases increasing during the rainy season. Several determinants, including behavioral, environmental, socioeconomic, and demographic factors, contribute to disease transmission. Objective: This study aims to identify the factors influencing the incidence of leptospirosis in Semarang City in 2024. Methods: A quantitative case-control study was conducted involving 96 respondents residing in Semarang City, consisting of 32 cases and 64 controls. Data were analyzed using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Bivariate analysis showed that gender (p=0.000; OR=51.13), the presence of rats (p=0.000; OR=0.094), the presence of livestock (p=0.002; OR=4.26), and the presence of garbage (p=0.000; OR=11.88) were significantly associated with leptospirosis incidence. However, age (p=0.393; OR=1.426) and education level (p=0.516; OR=0.684) were not significantly related. Multivariate analysis confirmed that gender (p=0.000; OR=287.491; CI=19.611–421.478), livestock (p=0.003; OR=60.152; CI=4.089–884.845), and garbage around the house (p=0.002; OR=52.681; CI=4.794–578.888) were influential factors. Gender was identified as the dominant factor, increasing the risk up to 287.491 times. Recommendation: Strengthened multisectoral collaboration between government agencies, communities, and healthcare workers is essential to enhance environmental sanitation, rodent control, and surveillance to prevent leptospirosis in Semarang City.

ABSTRACT The voluntary compliance of ordinary citizens is pivotal for the seamless implementation of public policy and the achievement of desired policy outcomes. Government agencies often rely on expert endorsement in policy communication to bolster public support. However, recent scholarship indicates a decline in the perceived credibility of experts, particularly in China. With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), this paper investigates whether large language models (LLMs) can notably endorse public policy and influence citizens' compliance willingness. Leveraging two controversial policies in China, we pre‐registered and performed two survey experiments. The findings reveal that policy endorsement from LLMs, especially Chinese LLMs, can effectively enhance public support for controversial policies, whereas endorsement from experts shows no significant effect. Moreover, exploratory analyses reveal that the improvement in public evaluation of the scientific nature of policymaking may mediate this causal relationship. This paper sheds light on the potential implications of AI on policy communication and citizens' policy perceptions.

ABSTRACT Water governance in Asia and the Pacific faces complex and multifaceted challenges, ranging from climate risks to escalating stakeholder conflicts and exclusionary institutions. In response to these challenges, important participatory and adaptive governance innovations have emerged globally over the past decade. Yet, the systems of governance and water management practices are slow to improve, with limited procedural solutions to facilitate cross‐stakeholder collaboration and practice‐based learning. This paper proposes a pragmatic approach to enhancing stakeholder participation and collaboration through an experimental work on the Water Policy Lab (WPL). This semi‐structured approach facilitates learning, joint reflection, and deliberation among diverse actors, supporting the co‐production of policy, practice, and knowledge. The WPL approach contributes to water governance by facilitating deeper spaces for learning among stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, and local communities, to co‐create contextually relevant solutions. It integrates principles such as co‐creation, deliberation, experimentation, reflexivity, and inclusivity across governance levels. This paper is a retrospective reflection and analysis of a series of WPLs. We highlight how WPL can address power imbalances, often a root cause of exclusionary practices, and integrate diverse knowledge systems, including scientific expertise and local knowledge. We also reflect on WPL's potential to foster cross‐sectoral collaboration, especially through breaking down silos between government agencies, NGOs, and local communities. Unlike conventional participatory or multi‐stakeholder dialogues, WPL is distinguished by its structured emphasis on iterative policy learning, context‐specific experimentation, and critical reflection on entrenched power–knowledge dynamics. We conclude that WPL offers a promising pathway by deepening spaces and praxis for participatory decision‐making, knowledge co‐creation, and collaborative action. Nevertheless, it remains constrained by persistent power asymmetries, challenges of sustaining long‐term engagement, and risks of exclusion, highlighting the need for institutional and political support to realize its full potential.

With the growing emphasis on sustainable development, organizations and government agencies are increasingly incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into their strategic agendas. However, previous research has primarily examined ESG performance, stakeholder engagement, and financial outcomes in isolation, overlooking the systemic role of employee perceptions and psychological responses. To address this shortcoming, this study integrated social identity theory and social exchange theory to explain how ESG practices influence green innovation behavior through organizational pride. Furthermore, drawing on organizational climate theory, we explored the moderating role of innovation climate in this relationship. We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze data from 346 employees across diverse Chinese companies, enabling us to capture the overall structure of the relationship rather than isolated causal relationships. Our results show that all three dimensions of ESG practices significantly enhance organizational pride, which in turn stimulates green innovation, highlighting the indirect, systemic relationship between ESG and innovation outcomes. Organizational climate is an important contextual variable influencing both individual behavior and organizational performance. When organizations have a favorable innovation climate, employees are more likely to translate their pride into concrete innovative behaviors. While the direct impact of ESG (S) and ESG (G) on green innovation has not been confirmed, the mediating role of organizational pride and the moderating role of innovation climate highlight the dynamic interplay between psychological and organizational subsystems. This study conceptualizes ESG practices, organizational pride, and innovation climate as interconnected subsystems within a broader organizational system, providing a systems-based perspective for sustainability research. It advances theoretical understanding of how sustainability initiatives spread through psychological and organizational mechanisms and offers practical insights for policymakers and decision makers seeking to promote long-term green innovation.

Purpose While construction sites are experiencing an increasingly diverse workforce, safety communication poses a significant challenge for safety management. This study aims to address the existing ambiguity pertaining to disparities in perceptions of safety communication factors (SCFs) between local workers and migrant or ethnic minority (EM) workers. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey was conducted on multicultural construction sites in Australia and Hong Kong to assess the perspectives of both local and EM construction workers. A total of 202 valid questionnaires were collected from local workers, while 134 were obtained from EM workers. The data collected were analyzed utilizing mean score ranking, Kendall’s concordance test, Spearman’s rank correlation test and Mann–Whitney U test. Findings The results revealed substantial differences in how local and EM workers perceived the importance of SCFs. While 18 out of 36 SCFs were commonly identified as critical by both groups, notable divergence emerged in their prioritization. Kendall’s χ² tests confirmed strong internal agreement within each group, whereas Spearman’s rank correlation indicated significant disagreement between local and EM groups. Mann–Whitney U tests further showed statistically significant differences in 30 SCFs, with EM workers placing greater emphasis on worker-related and culturally sensitive factors. In contrast, local workers prioritized organizational and managerial SCFs. These findings highlight the need for differentiated and culturally responsive communication strategies on multicultural construction sites. Originality/value This research enhances understanding of safety communication on multicultural construction sites, providing practical insights for safety professionals and government agencies. Moreover, the findings facilitate the dissemination of safety knowledge among diverse construction workers, promoting upward communication, eliminating barriers and ultimately improving overall safety performance.

This paper introduces a hierarchical quantification framework based on process-based life cycle analysis for evaluating CO 2 emissions from departments in transportation infrastructure maintenance. The method decomposes the maintenance process into a carbon responsibility chain consisting of “Maintenance Department–Maintenance Task–Maintenance Activity–Resource Utilization,” enabling a systematic mapping of CO 2 emissions to the corresponding responsible departments. The method allows users to quantify the itemized CO 2 emissions and identify high-emission activities and resources that are responsible by department, assisting in the development of targeted CO 2 reduction strategies. Case studies of expressway, bridge and tunnel maintenance in Shanghai show that the road maintenance department for expressways, the structure maintenance department for bridges and tunnels contribute 70.2%, 69.7%, and 84.7% of emissions in their categories, with annual values of 32.69, 23.60, and 41.40 ton/single-lane kilometer, respectively. At the activity level, “Mechanical paving of SMA asphalt concrete,”“Manual paving of medium-graded asphalt concrete,” and “Tunnel segment joint sealing” are the primary high-emission activities in their respective categories, accounting for 29.4%, 13.2%, and 25.2% of their respective emissions. Accordingly, relevant government agencies and enterprises should prioritize targeted CO 2 reduction strategies for them, such as warm-mix asphalt substitution, low-carbon material replacement, and engineering efficiency optimization. In the case studies, these measures are estimated to reduce CO 2 emissions by 16.2% for expressway maintenance, 9.0% for bridge maintenance, and 3.8% for tunnel maintenance. The proposed framework offers a flexible and effective tool for reducing CO 2 emissions in transportation infrastructure maintenance and provides valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders.

Natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and landslides frequently result in extensive damage, loss of life, and delayed relief due to inaccessible terrains and damaged infrastructure. To overcome these challenges, VisionRelief introduces an AI-powered drone-based disaster response system designed to deliver emergency medical supplies, communication devices, and aid packages to affected areas in real time. The system integrates computer vision, thermal imaging, and satellite mapping to detect survivors, classify disaster zones, and optimize drone navigation using intelligent pathfinding algorithms. With a payload capacity of up to 5 kilograms, the drone autonomously identifies and prioritizes red zones, ensuring immediate relief delivery where it is most needed. Additionally, the VisionRelief web and mobile platform enables government agencies, NGOs, and foundations to monitor missions, track survivors, and analyze real-time data through an interactive dashboard. This AI-driven solution significantly reduces response time, enhances operational efficiency, and improves situational awareness during critical emergencies. The implementation of VisionRelief aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 13 (Climate Action). The proposed system demonstrates a scalable, cost-effective, and socially impactful approach to modernizing disaster management using emerging technologies

The rapid advancement of digital technologies has significantly reshaped the landscape of human resource development (HRD) in Malaysia. Despite increased digital adoption across sectors, many organizations continue to face challenges in aligning workforce competencies with digital transformation initiatives. This concept paper addresses the gap by exploring current trends, challenges, and strategic approaches in digitalizing HRD practices within the Malaysian context. The primary objective is to examine how digital tools and platforms are conceptually integrated into core HRD functions, such as training, performance management, and talent development, and to evaluate their theoretical effectiveness in enhancing organizational capabilities. Adopting a concept paper methodology, this study relies on an extensive review and synthesis of existing literature, policy documents, and recent industry reports related to HRD and digital transformation. Through theoretical analysis, the article outlines a strategic framework for digital HRD implementation, identifies critical success factors, and discusses conceptual barriers such as digital skill gaps, resistance to change, and disparities in digital infrastructure across organizations. The article contributes to the field by proposing a holistic framework for digital HRD strategy formulation and implementation. It provides actionable insights and policy considerations for HR leaders, educators, and government agencies to strengthen Malaysia’s readiness for a digitally driven economy.

The echelon utilization of electric vehicle batteries is regarded as an effective method for treating waste batteries, enabling the recycling and reuse of retired electric vehicle batteries. However, the efficiency of battery disassembly is a crucial factor that impacts the potential for battery recycling. When manufacturers take disassembly efficiency into account during the design phase of new electric vehicle batteries, they can significantly reduce disassembly costs at the time of decommissioning. This, in turn, incentivizes recycling and echelon utilization of waste batteries. Our research aims to promote the echelon use of waste batteries and analyze how market competition intensity and profits from battery echelon utilization influence decision-making within the battery recycling supply chain. This paper explores the effect of market competition on battery recycling and echelon utilization, while developing a supply chain model that includes a battery manufacturer responsible for determining the level of battery disassembly design and recycling waste batteries from the market, as well as a new energy vehicle manufacturer that focuses solely on recycling waste batteries. The findings indicate that as market competition increases, the battery manufacturer tends to lower both the level of battery disassembly design and the recycling price for waste batteries. Additionally, the recycling price for waste batteries offered by new energy vehicle manufacturers is also influenced by the intensity of market competition. In scenarios with low competition intensity, the recycling price tends to rise as competition intensifies. Conversely, in highly competitive markets, the recycling price decreases with increased competition. Furthermore, the overall volume of battery recycling is impacted by the intensity of market competition; in highly competitive markets, waste battery recycling is hindered. To enhance the echelon utilization of battery recycling, relevant government agencies should strive to maintain market competition at lower levels while also encouraging the recycling of batteries that do not meet usage standards. This dual approach will improve the benefits associated with the echelon utilization of waste batteries, thereby fostering greater enthusiasm for recycling among the involved enterprises.