Malaysian Institutions Research Articles

Advanced photodetector for hybrid PET-MRI systems

Background Currently, a wide variety of silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) are available, each designed for specific applications in fields such as science, medicine, and industry. Advances in production technology have led to the development of more sensitive and efficient photodiodes, which are critical for applications requiring precision, such as medical imaging. Methods A research group has been working on designing a highly sensitive photodiode to enhance the capabilities of next-generation PET-MRI scanners. This involves integrating micropixel avalanche photodiodes (MAPDs) to improve image resolution. The chosen design features deep-immersion MAPDs with a pixel size of 12 microns and a density of 1000 pixels per square millimeter, allowing for high-detail photon detection. The 4x4 mm2 active area is optimized to balance sensitivity and size for high-resolution medical imaging. To produce these photodiodes, the group has outlined a production plan involving 20-inch silicon wafers grown using multiple techniques to enhance material properties. The Malaysian Institute of Microelectronic Systems (MIMOS), renowned for its expertise in optical microelectronics, was selected as the production center. With MIMOS' state-of-the-art facilities, the project aims to meet stringent medical diagnostics standards. Results The experimental results demonstrated that the MAPD-3NM photodiode achieved an amplification factor 1.8 times greater than the MAPD-3NK under optimal conditions. Its overvoltage range increased by 100%, reaching 4 V, enhancing photon detection and amplification. The MAPD-3NM also showed a significant reduction in dark current, about 3.5 times lower than the MAPD-3NK, improving performance in low-light environments. Additionally, the MAPD-3NM had a capacitance of 200 pF compared to 176 pF for the MAPD-3NK, contributing to its superior performance. These improvements make the MAPD-3NM more efficient and sensitive for scientific and medical applications. Conclusions This project represents a major advancement in photodetector technology for medical diagnostics, aiming to develop more accurate and efficient PET-MRI scanners that enhance patient outcomes with improved imaging capabilities.

Enhancing Students' Development through Human-Space Correlation: A Conceptual Review of Co-Working Spaces in Educational Institutions

Education spaces are an important factor in maximising students' learning experience. Tertiary education institutions in Malaysia could benefit from co-working spaces as informal learning spaces to improve student interactions, well-being, productivity, and knowledge. This paper aims to establish a framework for developing co-working spaces in tertiary education institutions, particularly in Malaysian institutions. This research undertakes a review of journal articles, reports, and other documents gathered from the Google Scholar database concerning two main areas: firstly, co-working spaces, and secondly, education institutions. The data was analysed using VOSviewer software for specific keywords; 'education institution', 'university', 'student', and 'library'. The review brings forth important attributes when developing co-working spaces in tertiary education institutions. The findings can tremendously help education institutions apply the concept of co-working spaces to enhance learning environments for students' holistic development

MALAYSIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY (MJChem) MJChem is double-blind peer reviewed journal published by the Malaysian Institute of Chemistry (Institut Kimia Malaysia) E-ISSN: 2550-1658 About Editor Reader Author Reviewer Register Login Vol 26 No 5 (2024): Malaysian Journal of Chemistry Date Published: 21 October 2024 Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Coriander (Coriander sativum L.) Seeds Essential Oil Mazlin Mohideen*, Anis Mohd

MALAYSIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY (MJChem) MJChem is double-blind peer reviewed journal published by the Malaysian Institute of Chemistry (Institut Kimia Malaysia) E-ISSN: 2550-1658 About Editor Reader Author Reviewer Register Login Vol 26 No 5 (2024): Malaysian Journal of Chemistry Date Published: 21 October 2024 Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Coriander (Coriander sativum L.) Seeds Essential Oil Mazlin Mohideen*, Anis Mohd

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).

Non-Shariah Compliance Risks (NCR) and the Danger of Potential Fraud in the Islamic Financial Institutions: A Conceptual Framework

This research paper is a conceptual study that aims to examine financial fraud and its relation to non-compliance to Shariah for the Islamic financial institution in Malaysia. The study is unique because it seeks to understand how deviations from Shariah guidelines could contribute to financial misconduct, examining the specific non-Shariah compliance risks that arise when the deviation of internal control fails to align with Islamic law. Utilizing quantitative methodology, this study adopts and adapts from an existing structured questionnaire survey to collect data. This study also employs Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) in its analysis of the data. The implication of this study for policymakers includes the development of an effective strategy for mitigating financial fraud and ensuring Shariah compliance, thus ensuring the integrity and reputation of the Islamic financial sectors. This will undoubtedly contribute to the stability of the economy.

Achieving Sustainable Digital Transformation in TVET Institutionsthrough Enterprise Architecture

The approachof Enterprise Architecture (EA) inTechnical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions holds significant potential for the institution's digital transformation. This study explores key factors to sustain digital transformation in TVET Institutionsusing a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and semi-structuredinterviews. The SLR provides a comprehensive overview of existing literature on EA in educational contexts, focusing on its role in aligning institutional goals with industry requirements. Common themes and research gaps identified through this review setthe stage for empirical investigation. Interviews with IT administrators, academia, and expertsoffer practical insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with EA implementation in TVET institutions, validating findings from the literature and uncovering unique contextual factors relevant to TVET institutions in Malaysia. The thematic analysis highlights several key factors, namely,management support and their involvement, a clear business vision and goal strategy, and the adoption of emerging technologiessuch as Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things towardssustainable digital transformationin TVET institutions. The findings indicate that a well-implemented EA framework can significantly drivethe digital transformationof TVET institutions, leading to better-prepared graduates and a more adaptable workforce. This study provides a detailed analysis of the key factorsto sustain digital transformation in TVET Institutionsand offers practical recommendations for policymakers and educational leaders. The insights gained can guide future initiatives aimed at the digital transformationof TVET institutions, contributing to a more competitive and responsive educational sector in Malaysia.

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.

Malaysian Community College Graduates Employability Prediction Model Using Machine Learning Approach

Community College, as TVET institution under the Ministry of Higher Education, offers industry-relevant skills training to ensure graduates' employability in the global labor market. However, producing graduates who meet industry demands remains a challenge, and industries continue to face difficulties in obtaining skilled graduates. In Malaysia, there is limited research on predictive models for employability rates among graduates of TVET Malaysian institutions. This research utilizes Python to investigate the significant factors influencing employability among Malaysian Community College graduates, determined by a specific indicator of whether they will be employed. Our contribution lies in developing an accurate employability prediction model using machine learning algorithms such as Logistic Regression, Neural Networks, and Random Forest. The dataset used consisted of 10,427 instances and 14 attributes, from which six significant factors were identified. Among the models, Random Forest outperformed the other machine learning models, and hyperparameter tuning using RandomizedSearch further improved the accuracy of the model to 84.8%. This study aims to identify the most accurate and interpretable model, providing valuable insights for educational institutions to enhance their employability strategies.

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

Motivation in Learning and Happiness: A Study among Generation Z University Students in Malaysia

The focus on success has overshadowed the happiness of students, leading to increased stress levels and eventual disengagement and dropout. This study prioritized the importance of student motivation in their happiness. It aimed to determine whether there is a link between motivation in learning and the happiness of Gen Z students in a Malaysian institution. 120 business faculty members enrolled in bachelor's degree programs in Malaysia participated in an online survey. The survey consisted of close-ended questions and utilized a Likert-type scale to gauge levels of agreement or disagreement regarding happiness using The Happiness Measures (HM). The analysis of the data was performed with SPSS Statistics Version 29. The study findings indicated a strong and meaningful correlation between happiness and three predictor variables: self-efficacy, active learning strategy, and achievement goals. Moreover, the research emphasized the capacity of extracurricular pursuits to improve the welfare of Generation Z students.

Financial Sustainability of Selected Waqf Institutions in Malaysia During Covid-19

Financial Sustainability of Selected Waqf Institutions in Malaysia During Covid-19

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.

Factors Influencing the Employability of Students Studying Records Management

Record management is a crucial profession in organizations, responsible for the efficient and orderly control of records. It involves creating, acquiring, maintaining, using, and disposing of these records, which prove an organization's operations and business. Many higher institutions in Malaysia offer courses related to records management. This paper explores factors influencing undergraduate students' employability in the field, investigates the required qualifications and skills, and identifies strategies to increase employability among record management students. The research will use a quantitative approach, including online surveys and questionnaires, with respondents graduating from records management courses. The expected findings will provide insights into the factors influencing undergraduate students' employability and strategies to overcome these issues.

EXPLORING THE SCHOOL LEARNING EXPERIENCES OF INDIGENOUS STUDENTS IN EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS TO EDUCATIONAL CONTINUITY

This study explores the school learning experiences of Indigenous (Orang Asli) students who have successfully pursued higher education in Malaysian institutions. Employing a qualitative approach with a phenomenological design, the research involved five Orang Asli students from various tribes currently enrolled in higher education institutions. The study aimed to explore their school learning experiences, factors influencing their success, and suggestions for improving educational continuity among Orang Asli students. Findings revealed four main themes affecting the educational experiences and success of Orang Asli students: (1) Distance and transportation, (2) Local language and culture, (3) Academic, parental, and community support, and (4) Family economic status. The study found that distance and transportation challenges were mitigated through the provision of dormitories, while language and cultural barriers were addressed through teaching approaches sensitive to individual student needs. Academic support from schools, parental motivation, and financial assistance from various parties emerged as crucial factors in Orang Asli students' success in pursuing university education. Based on these findings, the study proposes several measures to enhance educational continuity for Orang Asli students, including constructing schools near Orang Asli settlements, improving teaching and learning methods, implementing more structured support programs at the university level, and enhancing financial aid systems. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Orang Asli students and the factors influencing their success in higher education, providing insights for developing more effective strategies to increase educational continuity within the Orang Asli community.

Relationship Between Parents’ Involvement with Students’ Interest and Achievements in Mathematics Learning

Parental involvement has been recognized as a crucial factor in shaping a child's educational outcomes across various subjects, including mathematics. When parents actively participate in their child's education by showing interest, discussing mathematical concepts, and assisting with homework, students are more likely to develop a deeper interest in mathematics. This engagement fosters a positive attitude towards learning the subject and can lead to improved grades and overall academic success. Mathematics has been defined as the study of assumptions and applications and is one of the compulsory subjects in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM). The students need to achieve at least a passing grade, since most tertiary educational institutions in Malaysia, especially the public have very strict requirements for enrollment, not to forget the stiff competition. The main purpose of this research is to study how parents’ involvement influences students’ interests, as well as their self-perceptions, and consequently how these elements may affect their achievements in Mathematics. 186 Form Four students from SMK Bandar Baru Bangi were selected as the respondents. A quantitative method, using a questionnaire was opted as instrument for data collection. The collected data was analyzed using the IBM Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS). The findings showed that majority of parents can provide the essential educational tools for children, such as geometry sets, scientific calculator etc. Most students prefer their parents to engage more in their learning process. There is a statistically positive significant relationship between parents' involvement and students’ achievements, which proves the important roles of parents in improving the interest of their children towards learning. In a nutshell, based on the evaluations done by the students, this study may indirectly assist the parents to identify the ideas and the initiatives that they may take in improving their children’s performances.

Assessing smart sustainable library practices in higher education: development and validation of instrument

A smart sustainable library is a new form of a library that blends sustainability and smart libraries with an emphasis on ethics. This study focuses on the need for thorough tools to assess the evolving concept of a smart sustainable library, especially within Malaysian higher education. This study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive tool that combines smart library, sustainability practices, and ethical values in libraries. Developed and conducted a pilot study to validate a new instrument designed to assess these intertwined aspects thoroughly. By distributing a survey to 30 librarians from different academic institutions in Malaysia, we used statistical measures such as Cronbach's alpha, omega, and corrected item-total correlation to assess the validity and reliability of the instrument. The results showed a high level of reliability with Cronbach's alpha at 0.929 and Omega at 0.918, suggesting that the instrument has strong internal consistency and could be effective for wider use. Our research indicates that the newly developed instrument effectively captures the complex nature of smart sustainable libraries, demonstrating its potential for future research and practical use in the field. This research significantly contributes to the library science field by offering a validated tool to evaluate smart sustainable library development.

DEMOTIVATION IN MANDARIN AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE AMONG MALAYSIAN TERTIARY STUDENTS

Background and Purpose: Demotivation has been acknowledged as a significant factor in the decrease of student enrolment and the increase in student attrition rates within the domain of Mandarin as a foreign language (MFL) learning. This study seeks to identify the causes of demotivation among learners of MFL at a public tertiary institution in Malaysia. Methodology: The study's sample consisted of 72 undergraduate students enrolled in an introductory-level MFL elective course. Data were collected using online questionnaires at the end of the academic semester. The online questionnaire consisted of two sections: the first focused on the demographic information of the participants, and the second contained open-ended questions. Participants were asked to characterize the learning experience that (1) negatively impacted their motivation and (2) caused them to feel frustrated or want to quit their MFL studies. The data was subjected to thematic analysis, and the themes from the responses were identified and categorized. Findings: The factors that contribute to demotivation can be classified into two categories: internal and external. Internal categories include psychological states such as anxiety and boredom. In contrast, external categories include test performance, course content, workload, and significant others (teachers and peers). External factors, particularly test performance, course content, and workload, have a greater impact on the demotivation of MFL learners compared to internal factors. The most frequently cited factor is test performance, primarily due to the difficulty of learning course content, particularly Chinese characters. One-third of the students in this study spent more than three hours per week on MFL learning outside of class. However, many students struggle to manage their Mandarin study time due to other academic or extracurricular obligations. Contributions: The current research offers additional insights into the nature and characteristics of demotivation in foreign language learning, specifically among non-native Mandarin learners with little or no prior knowledge, in the context of MFL as an elective course. Keywords: Demotivation, LOTE, Mandarin as a foreign language, Malaysian tertiary institution, elective. Cite as: Paee, R., Lam, K. C, Kuan, W. L, & Kopli, N. H. (2024). Demotivation in Mandarin as a foreign language among Malaysian tertiary students. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 9(2), 40-56. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol9iss2pp40-56

AN ANALYSIS OF BUSINESS ZAKAT REPORTING IN ISLAMIC BANKING INSTITUTIONS: EVIDENCE FROM MALAYSIA, INDONESIA AND BRUNEI

The reporting requirements for business zakat accounting in Islamic banking institutions are still in their early stages, with only minimal zakat disclosure currently mandated. Consequently, the disclosure of zakat accounting is insufficient despite its crucial role in enhancing transparency and accountability, building the trust and confidence of the stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with Shariah principles. The primary objective of the study is to analyze zakat reporting requirements and compare them with current business zakat reporting practices in Islamic banking institutions in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. This study employs a qualitative research approach by examining the annual reports of three selected Islamic Banks, chosen based on the availability and accessibility of their audited financial statements and annual reports for the financial year ending 31 December 2023. A content analysis of the annual reports of Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad, Bank Muamalat Indonesia and Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Berhad was performed to evaluate the recognition of zakat expenses, the measurement of assets and liabilities for zakat, and the presentation and disclosure of business zakat. The findings are mixed yet interesting. In the absence of approved accounting standards for Islamic financial institutions, Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad has demonstrated full disclosure practices on its business zakat reporting. Whereas, Bank Muamalat Indonesia is still insufficient in reporting the business zakat despite having a proper accounting standard for zakat. For Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam, the business zakat reporting is adequate even though Brunei has only one enactment related to zakat collection and distribution. The measurement, recognition, presentation, and disclosure criteria should be upheld, with additional requirements for full disclosure by zakat-paying business entities. This study proposes the proper establishment of zakat accounting standards to provide comparable and reliable financial information for various stakeholders.

Beyond digital interfaces: The human element in online teaching and its influence on student experiences.

Amidst the digital transformation of education, the essence of the human touch in online teaching remains pivotal. Despite growing literature, there remains a significant gap in understanding how the human element in online teaching directly influences student engagement and learning outcomes, especially in diverse educational contexts. This study develops a quantifiable index capturing the essence of humanized online teaching and investigates the determinants influencing this humanization. Additionally, an index encapsulating students' online learning experiences, as perceived by their instructors, has been constructed. Bridging these indices, the research unravels the intricate relationship between the humanization of online teaching and the resulting student experiences in the virtual realm. Sourced from a self-constructed questionnaire and encompassing responses from 152 instructors across 22 Malaysian institutions, the data revealed an average incorporation of 81.38% humanized online teaching elements. Key determinants, such as subject matter, teaching experience, Internet quality, and platform choices, emerged as significant influences. A regression model showed approximately 31.7% (R-squared = 0.317, p<0.001) of the variation in the dependent variable. A significant moderate positive correlation (r = 0.423, p<0.001) between the Humanized Online Teaching Index and the Students' Online Learning Experiences Index highlights the intertwined nature of humanized instructional methodologies and enhanced student engagement in online settings. Though contextualised during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic, the study's implications transcend the immediate circumstances, offering transformative insights for future online teaching methodologies and enhancing student experiences in the evolving digital age.

A Cross Sectional Study On Knowledge, Risk Perception and Behavior related to Climate Change Among Students of University of Cyberjaya

Introduction: Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, primarily driven by human activities. It is crucial to introduce the importance of understanding about climate change and its impacts on both the environment and human well-being worldwide as an integral component of educational curricula within institutions However, there is still lack of research on the knowledge, awareness and behaviour regarding climate change among students in the higher institution in Malaysia. Objectives: The study focuses on assessing the relationship between knowledge, risk perception, and behaviour related to climate change among University of Cyberjaya students. Methodologies: Cross-sectional study with proportionate stratified random sampling was conducted among University of Cyberjaya students using a validated questionnaire that cover sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, risk perception, and behaviour related to climate change. The data was collected using self-administered questionnaires (Google Form) via online and via physical approach. Data then analyzed with JASP 0.17 software; chi-square was used to determine associations between knowledge and risk perception, knowledge and behaviour, and risk perception and behavior of climate change. A statistical test with a p-value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The results indicate that climate change-related knowledge level among students at the University of Cyberjaya is mostly fair to low, with 29.6% have low knowledge and 36.1% fair knowledge. The risk perception among students is notably high, with 56.4% having a high-level of perception and 43.6% having a low-level perception towards climate change. 63.9% of the students have poor behaviour related to climate change. There is a statistically significant association between the knowledge level of climate change and the risk perception towards climate change among students at the University of Cyberjaya (p-value &lt; 0.05). The association between risk perception and behaviour was found to be statistically significant (P &lt; 0.001). However, the association between knowledge and behaviour towards climate change among students was not statistically significant (P = 0.054). This research provides valuable finding for the decision maker in higher institution to incorporate the understanding about climate change for the effectiveness of current educational approaches and the potential for future improvements.