Malaysian Higher Education Institutions Research Articles

Cultivating Care in the Classroom: Bridging Cultural Approaches in Malaysian and UK Higher Education

This paper investigates the role of care in the classroom by examining the impact of a care-infused virtual drama approach on English as a Second Language (ESL) learners at two Malaysian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), incorporating teacher reflections and insights from student interviews. Due to the prevalence of power imbalances (Nawi, 2014) and authoritarian practices (Tee et al., 2018) in Malaysia, this paper further explores the perspectives of three Malaysian Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) at the University of Warwick to understand their experiences and understanding of the notion of care within the context of a UK higher education institution. Through one-on-one semi-structured and pair interviews conducted online via Microsoft Teams, these GTAs shared how they manifest care and provide support for their learners at the University of Warwick. The insights from Malaysia and the UK accentuate the significance of fostering care in diverse educational environments, revealing its potential to enhance students’ engagement and well-being across cultural and institutional settings.

Educational Zakat Aid in Malaysian Higher Education Institutions

Misusing educational zakat aid challenges higher education institutions (HEIs). Thus, a qualitative case study was conducted using a semi-structured interview with selected Malaysian zakat experts to identify the concept of educational zakat aid from the Islamic perspective and among the HEI students in Malaysia. The findings showed that the educational zakat aid is a form of Islamic principle's social justice implementation, grounded on the needs of prioritized asnaf students who face difficulties in payments of tuition fees, cost-of-living funds, learning equipment, medical assistance, emergency assistance, natural disaster assistance, additional academic aid, as well as mobility fee funding.

University resources and student complaints in Malaysian higher education institutions

PurposeThis paper examines the relationship between university resources and student complaint management in Malaysian higher education institutions (HEIs). The paper is premised on organisational justice theory (OJT), which conceptualizes complaint handling, satisfaction and fairness among stakeholders in the educational domain.Design/methodology/approachThis paper adopts a quantitative method using a survey research design. An online survey is administered to 381 students in three selected HEIs in Malaysia. Data are analysed and tested using the SmartPLS 3.0 algorithm to evaluate measurement and structural models.FindingsStudents’ experience in the use of online and offline university resources varies across different levels of education. The findings indicate that offline and online resources contribute substantially to students’ complaints. This study establishes the significance of an effective complaint-handling mechanism for continuous feedback and improvement in HEIs.Originality/valueWithin the context of policy in HEIs, the originality of this paper lies in its focus on the relationship between resources and student complaints based on the diverse complaint-handling mechanisms in Malaysian HEIs.

AI Concepts Integration in Developing E-Muhadathat Kits For Non-Arabic Speakers

Recent educational reforms focus on strategically integrating technology into teaching, aligning with the principles of the fourth industrial revolution (IR 4.0). Among the swiftly evolving technologies in language learning is Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly in the form of Natural Language Processing (NLP). This technology has been applied to create the E-Muhadathat kit, an interactive Arabic conversation simulation tool designed to enhance communication skills for non-Arabic speaking students in Malaysian public universities. This study aims to investigate the role of AI in education, address the challenges in developing AI-based Arabic language learning software, and propose a model for the E-Muhadathat kit tailored for non-Arabic speakers. This literature review uses documentary methods to gather information from journals, conference proceedings, articles, dissertations, and digital books from databases such as Google Scholar, Springer Link, Science Direct, and Research Gate. The collected data undergoes descriptive analysis based on thematic categorization. The findings indicate that the concept of AI consists of three core components: machine learning, deep learning, and neural networks. Arabic linguists have recognized several challenges in developing AI-based software, such as orthographic, morphological, syntactic, anaphoric, and semantic ambiguities. Moreover, the E-Muhadathat kit's design integrates machine learning and deep learning techniques, featuring applications for both spoken and written language. The study's findings support educators and researchers aiming to create Arabic language software tailored for non-native speakers in Malaysian higher education institutions. As a result, the study advocates for further investigation into the use of AI in Arabic language education to enhance the communication abilities of non-native speakers in Malaysia.

Implementation of Service Learning in Malaysian Higher-Educational Institutions: A Literature Review

Service Learning activities are increasing in Malaysia and have been implemented by many parties. Many higher education institutions (HEI) contribute to the communities by organizing service-learning programmes. The service learning activities measure students' personalities who do community voluntary work with total commitment without demanding rewards. The implementation of service learning needs to comply with the elements of service learning: personal growth, civic learning and academic enhancement. In Malaysia, higher education institutions include universities, colleges, and teacher training institutes. There are various methods of implementing service learning, such as community services, volunteer activities, and charity programmes that involve students during their studies. Service Learning frameworks are guidelines for planning and doing the Services Learning activities. This study will clarify the implementation of Service Learning by higher-educational institutions in Malaysia involving universities and Institut Pendidikan Guru (IPG).

How Individual Factors Shape Innovative Work Behavior in Malaysian HEIs: The Role of Innovation Capability, Knowledge Sharing and Psychological Empowerment

This study investigates the factors driving academics' innovative work behavior (IWB) in Malaysian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), focusing on individual innovation capability, psychological empowerment, and knowledge sharing. The respondents comprised 382 academics from 24 Malaysian universities listed in the QS World Ranking 2023, selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected via a Google Form questionnaire distributed by email. The descriptive analysis assessed individual innovation capabilities, psychological empowerment, and knowledge-sharing levels, and their impact on IWB. The findings indicate high engagement in innovative activities, with academics demonstrating strong innovative capabilities, a sense of empowerment, and active knowledge-sharing practices. These individual factors significantly contribute to fostering IWB, highlighting the importance of continuous professional development, supportive institutional environments, and collaborative cultures in promoting innovation within HEIs. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and university administrators to enhance the innovative potential of academics, ultimately contributing to the advancement of knowledge and improvement of educational practices in Malaysian HEIs. Future research should explore longitudinal effects and potential moderating factors to further understand innovative work behavior dynamics in academic settings.

HALLEMA: A GOOGLE SITES INTEGRATED ADDIE INSTRUCTIONAL MODEL IN FACILITATING MALAYSIA HALAL CERTIFICATION APPLICATION

The expansion of the halal industry in Malaysia generates a demand for halal-related positions, including halal executive and halal auditor. Higher education institutions in Malaysia that offer halal-related programs are tasked with delivering a halal career-oriented education to cultivate professional graduates prepared for industry employment. Halal graduates should already be familiar with their job scopes, such as applying for the Malaysia Halal certification and developing a Halal Assurance Management System (MHMS) in their workplace. The present studies aim to investigate the integration of the ADDIE model in the development of the Halal Learning Mate (Hallema) using Google Sites and to evaluate the effectiveness of Hallema on the Google Sites platform in addressing project-based learning challenges related to the application of the Malaysia Halal certification.This research was carried out among a class of 23 students from the Bachelor of Halal Industry Management program at UiTM. The data collection instrument consisted of two sets of achievement tests a pre-test set (from the analysis stage) and a post-test set- which were utilized to determine the need analysis for teaching aids based on the students prior knowledge. Next, the evaluation of the effectiveness of Hallema was conducted through descriptive analysis using four variables: information (KN=4.49), accessibility (KA=4.53), information (IN=4.50), and document management (PD=4.60), which were evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale.Results revealed that Hallema is effective as a teaching aid in facilitating Malaysia Halal Certification, with a total mean (of 4.50). Students exhibit more engagement when they perceive the relevance of their learning to real-world applications. Any halal educator may repurpose Hallema for their classroom. This educational resource may facilitate the development of proficient halal practitioners who maintain halal integrity in products and services worldwide.

Facilities Maintenance Employees’ Adherence of Safety Management Practices: A Research Study at Higher Education Institutions in Malaysia

Facilities Maintenance Employees’ Adherence of Safety Management Practices: A Research Study at Higher Education Institutions in Malaysia

Leadership Soft Skills, Perceived Trustworthiness and Structural Empowerment: A Correlation

To generate trust inside organizations, administrators with soft skills must build relationships and alliances with their staff, as well as create work conditions that empower employees to carry out their responsibilities. Administrators must essentially boost perceptions of trustworthiness. To solve this shortcoming, educational administrators must be informed and cautious about the notions of soft skills, dependability, and structural empowerment. This article investigates the relationship between each component of leadership soft skills, structural empowerment, and perceived trustworthiness. The mediating function of structural empowerment in the link between leadership soft skills and the perceived trustworthiness of the Head of Faculty was also investigated. This study collects its quantitative data using a survey questionnaire. The survey included 225 respondents who worked as administrative professionals in clerical and office assistant positions at three major campuses of Malaysian public higher education institutions in Malaysia's northern state. The study found that perceived trustworthiness and structural empowerment were substantially connected to all eight components of leadership soft skills. However, structural empowerment did not act as a bridge between leadership soft skills and perceived trustworthiness.

Short Bursts, Big Impact: Exploring Microlearning’s Potential in Malaysian Higher Education

The rapid transformation of Malaysian higher education, prompted by technological advancements and evolving job market demands, highlights the critical need for institutions to adopt microlearning approaches. These microlearning approaches align with the country's Education Blueprint 2015-2025, emphasising lifelong learning and the acquisition of industry-relevant skills. Developing credentials that are outcome-based, personalised, on-demand, secure, and transparent is crucial for ensuring education remains relevant and responsive to both learner and employer needs. This study employed a systematic literature review, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, to identify best practices in developing and implementing microlearning strategies within Malaysian higher education institutions. The review revealed that effective microlearning strategies are characterised by their ability to break down complex subjects into manageable chunks, combat cognitive overload, and enhance knowledge retention. This paper concludes that for Malaysian higher education to remain competitive and adaptable, a strategic emphasis on microlearning is imperative. These strategies not only cater to the dynamic needs of the job market but also align with the lifelong learning objectives outlined in the national education blueprint, thereby preparing graduates for successful careers in the 21st century.

Proposed Knowledge Transfer Key Factors Model in Malaysian Higher Education Institutions

Knowledge transfer entails not only the transmission of information, but also the transmission of experience, best practises, and learning. This combination, known as tacit knowledge, is well recognised as being extremely difficult to articulate and record, but it is invaluable in adding depth and context to information to provide a richer understanding. As a result, ensuring an effective knowledge transfer process necessitates significant dimensions such as human capital skills and values, knowledge type, knowledge transfer methods, and organisational support. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that influence the implementation of knowledge transfer projects in Malaysian higher education institutions. Based on the comprehensive literature review and pilot study findings, the study identified Higher Institutions of Education (HIE) Capacity, Academia Capability, Graduate Interns Capability, KT Partner Organization, Relational Elements, Technology Augmentation, External Factor, and Knowledge Transfer Mechanism as the primary factors influencing KT project performance. Aside from that, the study suggests that the Knowledge Transfer Mechanism and government policy play a mediating role in the proposed model.

Contributing Factors of Accountability among Undergraduate Students in Higher Education Institution in Malaysia

Contributing Factors of Accountability among Undergraduate Students in Higher Education Institution in Malaysia

Revitalizing university performance evaluation: the case of SETARA model in Malaysia

PurposeSETARA is a well-known university rating tool in Malaysia. The study aims to enhance the transparency, accuracy, and reliability of SETARA assessment instrument by improving its weighting scheme for the domains, sub-domains, criteria, and indicators.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilized a quantitative research design and collected responses from 29 academic administrators in both public and private higher education institutions in Malaysia. The four steps of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) were employed. An AHP questionnaire was developed, adopting the domains, sub-domains, criteria, and indicators of the SETARA assessment instrument. The “Superdecision” software was used to synthesize the pairwise comparison judgments and compute the consistency ratio for all group pairwise comparison matrices.FindingsThe AHP-assigned weights differed significantly from those assigned by the SETARA rating system. For instance, the weight for “Input” increased from 20 to 41.05 out of 100, and the weight for “Output” decreased from 40 to 25.52. The new SETARA rating instrument is expected to be used by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) due to its scientifically justified foundation to ensure transparency, accuracy, and reliability.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited by small sample size for data collection. Future research could benefit from a larger and more diverse sample, including participants from a number of national-level universities and relevant agencies like Malaysia Qualification Agency (MQA) and MOHE. Additionally, the research focused solely on recalculating weights and did not consider modifying the criteria set. Further investigation is needed to determine if some criteria can be added or removed.Practical implicationsThis research offers practical implications for refining the SETARA assessment mechanism and improving the quality of higher education in Malaysia. The modified weights provide guidance to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) on where to focus their efforts to ensure quality. The transparent methodology introduced by this study can serve as a model for enhancing educational quality evaluations in Malaysia and potentially in other higher education systems worldwide.Originality/valueThe originality of this study lies in its innovative application of the AHP to the SETARA assessment tool, addressing a crucial gap in the assessment process. By providing a comprehensive and transparent methodology for assigning percentages and weights, this research offers a practical blueprint for enhancing the precision and impact of educational quality evaluations in Malaysia and beyond.

THE SIGNIFICANCE AND THE CHALLENGES OF THE BLENDED LEARNING IMPLEMENTATION AT HIGHER LEARNING INSTITUTIONS

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) prioritise the development of students who possess intellectual competency in using technology for learning purposes, as well as proficiency in the English language, including abilities in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Despite the considerable efforts made, a significant number of university students continue to struggle with comprehending and completely grasping the English language. Insufficient skill in English may result in individuals being left behind, particularly in terms of completing assignments and progressing to advanced English courses. The problem of insufficient English language competency among students at HEIs is evidently in need of resolution. Accordingly, this research aims to examine the concept of a blended learning approach in the context of English language teaching and learning, focusing on scholars' viewpoints. The objective of this paper is to examine existing literature on the understanding of the concept of blended learning and elucidate the significance and challenges of using the blended learning approach in the context of English language instruction at HEI. Overall, to ensure congruence with this objective, HEIs in Malaysia are progressively transitioning towards implementing integrated learning models, which are an effective way to teach and learn in the current technological age.

THRIVING AS NOVICE LANGUAGE EDUCATORS: OVERCOMING CHALLENGES FOR GLOBAL SUCCESS

Navigating the role of novice language educators is an enriching yet complex journey that demands resilience and adaptability. As newcomers to this field, these professionals face numerous challenges that can shape their development as effective language educators while fostering cultural sensitivity and linguistic competence. This study investigates seven language educators at a higher education institution in Malaysia to investigate the key obstacles and the solutions for these obstacles to thrive in their professions as credible language educators. The research employed narrative inquiry as a qualitative research approach. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Three key obstacles include pedagogical skills, classroom management and professional growth. relationships. To tackle the challenges, novice language educators seek guidance from experienced mentors, continuously growing professionally through workshops, conferences, and reflection, and nurturing collaborative networks with colleagues. Implementing these solutions empowers novice language educators to flourish and adequately prepare their learners for success in today’s globalised world. It is recommended that novice language educators implement these solutions for them to flourish as professional language educators and adequately prepare their learners for success in today’s globalised world.

A PRELIMINARY STUDY ON DEBT PERCEPTION TOWARDS MALAYSIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENT

Debt has become an increasingly worrying issue among students of higher education institutions in Malaysia. A pilot study was conducted using survey techniques to assess the level of financial knowledge, attitudes, and practices among 33 students from faculty accounting at Universiti Teknologi Mara Kota Kinabalu Branch, Sabah. The research instrument consisted of structured questionnaires. The pilot study findings indicate a significant gap between respondents' knowledge, attitudes, and financial practices. Therefore, a full-scale study is proposed to investigate the perception of debt among students at this university in greater depth. The findings from this study are hoped to assist the university and government in formulating appropriate awareness and intervention programs to address student debt issues.

Identifying Issues of Video Conferencing Tools for Teaching and Learning Using the PACT Framework

The usage of video conferencing tools in teaching and learning has become a norm in today's higher educational institutions, recognized across various academic settings. The experience gained by most educators in using video conferencing tools for teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic could be leveraged to enhance these tools. The study aims to capture the current practices and explore the issues of using video conferencing for teaching and learning in Malaysian higher educational institutions. It focuses on three target groups with hands-on experience: academicians, students, and e-learning consultants or information technology (IT) support staff. Interview and focus group protocols were developed based on the four elements of the PACT framework: People (P), Activities (A), Contexts (C), and Technologies (T). Data were gathered through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with the target groups. There were 24 participants involved in three focus group discussions and 28 participants in individual in-depth interviews. The PACT framework was employed to analyze the data, aiding in understanding the current situation, identifying areas for improvement, and envisioning future scenarios. Qualitative data were transcribed and categorized based on the four PACT elements. The study identified differences in the People element with four scenarios/practices on physical differences, six on psychological differences, three on mental models, and five on social differences. A total of twenty differences were identified under the Activities element, with six on temporal aspects, four each on cooperation, complexity, and safety-critical aspects, and two on the nature of the content. Under the Context element, one scenario/practice was identified for organizational circumstances, five for social circumstances, and three for physical circumstances. In the Technology element, five scenarios/practices were identified: two related to the input part of technologies and one each for the output, communication, and content parts of technologies. From the scenarios/practices of the responses, a total of fifty-two issues related to using video conferencing for teaching and learning were identified. These findings will serve as the basis for ideation in developing innovative video conferencing toolkits for teaching and learning.

A Review of Chinese as a Second Language Journal Publication Trends: The Case of Universiti Teknologi MARA

This study reviews the publication trends on Chinese as a second language, which indicates the current situation, research gaps, and potential directions for future research. This review examines Chinese as a second language journal publications produced by lecturers and researchers at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) since the publications are scattered without systematic organisation, making it difficult to determine which direction the research is headed and to foresee the topics of interest that will encourage future growth. This review conducted a systematic review of 75 journal articles published from 2013 to 2023, focusing on publication status and trends, co-authorship, and content scope. As a result, this study discovered a publication gap between general-UiTM-recognised journals and international-recognised journals. It proposed to broaden the expertise collaboration to international networking. This study also identifies population gaps, which urged conducting research at a wider range. In terms of content scope, research gaps were found in theoretical, conceptual, model, and tool-building research, as well as in-depth investigation of Chinese language, culture, and social studies. The incorporation of technology in future research is prospective due to the current rise in digital awareness. Moreover, learners’ behaviour in learning Chinese as a second language should be further investigated due to dispersive research. This systematic review contributes to the continuous development of researching and instructing Chinese as a second language in UiTM. It serves as a guide for other Malaysian higher education institutions with a similar research interest.

Undergraduates’ experience and satisfaction of massive open online course in Malaysia

<span lang="EN-US">While massive open online course (MOOC) is gaining popularity, studies have shown how negative user experience of the learning platform can lead to issues related to poor learning performance. OpenLearning, as the official national coordinated MOOCs program for higher education institutions in Malaysia, is still considerably gaining momentum in this country, thus much can still be observed in the usability aspect of this platform from the student’s perspective. This study aimed to evaluate the aspects of user experience and learning satisfaction of MOOC OpenLearning involving undergraduate students in a public university in Malaysia. Data were gathered through the online survey method which adapted questions from the user experience questionnaire (UEQ) and the usefulness, satisfaction, and ease of use (USE) questionnaire. Descriptive analyses revealed moderate positive levels of user experience and learning satisfaction towards MOOC OpenLearning among the respondents. Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between both factors, suggesting the importance of considering user experience as the key factor in enhancing students’ satisfaction with MOOC. Recommendations arising from the students’ perceptions and concerns on the usability aspect contribute towards developing strategic guidelines for enhancing students’ learning experiences, especially during circumstances that necessitate effective online learning strategies.</span>

Assessing the impact of social media content on student enrolment in Malaysian higher education institutions

Assessing the impact of social media content on student enrolment in Malaysian higher education institutions