Malaysian Public Research Articles

Drones and Technopreneurship in Malaysia: Unlocking the Economic Potential of Drones in Built Environment Development

Drones, with diverse technological capabilities, are poised to revolutionise various traditional tasks, particularly in-built environment development while driving economic growth, innovation, and job creation. Within the Malaysian context, drones have evolved beyond recreational use to become sophisticated unmanned aerial vehicles with untapped business potential. Against this backdrop, this paper explores a comprehensive review of drone development in Malaysia. Using a multidisciplinary approach, the review includes selected publication data from academic journals and online media published between 2018 and 2023, complemented with insights gathered from expert interviews. Aiming to bridge the discursive gap surrounding emerging drone technologies, the review focuses on identifying patterns and trends in recent Malaysian publications on drone applications, as well as understanding current issues related to its technology adoption. The thematic findings reveal a notable surge in interest in drone-related publications and draw clear connections between drone applications and diverse industrial sectors over the past six years. The paper emphasises critical issues such as community acceptance, the transforming landscape of business, diverse industry applications of drone technology, and government strategies for advancing drone technology. As a preliminary study, this paper establishes the foundation for leveraging the benefits of drone technology within the broader context of the built environment, social, and economic landscape. By shedding light on the evolving drone ecosystem in Malaysia, the paper contributes to fostering informed discussions and strategic initiatives in the integration and advancement of drone technologies. Thus, it offers valuable insights for professionals, economists, engineers, policymakers, and researchers alike.

Towards Malaysia MADANI: Do Leadership Styles Influence Innovative Work Behavior? A Conceptual Framework for the Malaysian Public Sector

Transformational leadership, known for inspiring and motivating employees, has been positively linked to creativity and innovation, while ambidextrous leadership, which balances exploration and exploitation behaviors and supports both idea generation and implementation. This article provides a conceptual framework for the influence of transformational and ambidextrous leadership on innovative work behavior (IWB) among PTD officers as middle managers in Malaysian public service. The first proposition is transformational leadership positively influences innovative work behavior. The second proposition is ambidextrous leadership positively influences innovative work behavior. This model will be further tested using a quantitative research method, survey questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS and PLS-SEM. Accordingly, understanding of IWB in public sector settings is enhanced. The findings demonstrate the application of Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and thus offer new theoretical insights and practical suggestions. Thus, this study highlights the importance of work behavior that drives innovation and positive values among employees in determining productivity and efficiency in the public sector, offering valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners.

Exploring the Impact of Managerial Coaching, Emotional Intelligence and Social Support on Employee Retention: The Mediating Role of Employee Resilience in Malaysian Public Healthcare

This paper explores the correlation between managerial coaching, emotional intelligence, social support, employee resilience, and retention among healthcare workers in Malaysia's public healthcare sector. Retaining healthcare staff has become a severe difficulty in the BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear, Incomprehensible) environment, worsened by the COVID-19 epidemic. The study suggests that managerial coaching, emotional intelligence, and social support are essential for developing resilience among healthcare workers. This resilience, in turn, impacts their ability to stay in their jobs. The study will employ a quantitative cross-sectional survey approach to examine the links inside specific public hospitals in Malaysia. The results are anticipated to offer a vital understanding of how public healthcare in Malaysia can strategically improve staff resilience and retention, guaranteeing the long-term viability of the healthcare workforce in a world after the pandemic. This study enhances our comprehension of the intricate processes that impact staff retention in the public healthcare industry, providing practical implications for policymakers and healthcare managers.

Assessing the Survey Dataset on Employment Status of Students before Graduates in Malaysian Public Higher Learning Institutions in Selangor

Employment status of student in Malaysian Public Higher Learning Institution play significant role in identified the marketability of university student in the industry. However, there are also a group of university students who began their employment before graduating from university. The increase of tuition fee charge, insufficient financial support, experience, and networking are the factor contributed towards the employment of student before graduation in Malaysian Public Higher Learning Institution, particularly in Selangor. Therefore, the purpose of this study to examine the employment status of student before graduates in various sector at Malaysian Public Higher Learning Institution in Selangor. The quantitative research approach has been adopted in exploring the topic of this study by using the survey dataset approaches. Almost 2,489 university students have participated in this study. The findings show 593 university students actively have occupations during their study either undergraduate or postgraduate student. Through the findings, the university student has actively sought the job opportunities before graduation in university for their livelihood especially after the post-pandemic Covid19 who affected all group of community particularly in Malaysia. The finding of this study will contribute to the government and private organizations to strategizing the action plan by providing the flexible time for the working student in adapting their study and career.

Evaluating Internal Control Mechanisms in Malaysian Public Sector Initiatives: Insights from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Reports

This study examines internal control challenges in Malaysian government projects, drawing on Public Accounts Committee (PAC) reports from 2019 to 2022. The focus on this period stems from the shift in PAC chairmanship from government to opposition, which enhanced perceived independence. However, the literature suggests that the PAC’s success depends more on collaborative decision-making than on the chairman’s political affiliation. Analyzing 29 government agencies across various sectors revealed recurring weaknesses in internal controls. The study employed the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission’s (COSO) Internal Control-Integrated Framework (ICIF) to systematically identify these weaknesses. A content analysis method was used to examine the themes, which were grouped into five ICIF components: control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information and communication, and monitoring. Weaknesses in the control environment include conflicts of interest, compromised ethical values, inadequate governance, and a lack of accountability and transparency. Risk assessment deficiencies were found in financial risk management, procurement and acquisition risks, geopolitical and strategic risks, intellectual property and technology risks, and project management risks. Control activity weaknesses involved poor resource and process management, non-compliance, and flawed decision-making. Information and communication issues included poor documentation, inadequate system integration and data sharing, limited stakeholder engagement, weak communication protocols, and poor information management. Monitoring deficiencies were noted in regulatory compliance, contract management, financial oversight, monitoring systems, and disbursement tracking. Addressing these weaknesses in internal controls is crucial for minimizing the risks of fraud, waste, and loss of public trust

E-Waste Management Practices Through the Eyes of Responsible Departments at Malaysian Public Universities

Electronic and electrical waste (E-waste) has been identified as the fastest-growing waste stream in the world. In Malaysia, forecasts indicate that it will soon reach 24.5 million units of e-waste by the year 2025. Today, higher learning institutions also contribute to the rapidly growing threat of e-waste. Besides mobile phones, the usage of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment at universities keeps increasing and contributes to the increased quantity of e-waste, while the handling and disposal methods of e-waste still need to be improved. The purpose of this paper is to examine the current e-waste management system as well as to investigate the critical challenges constraining e-waste management at public universities in Malaysia. By using a qualitative approach, a number of interview sessions have been conducted with the responsible departments at six established public universities in Malaysia. It has been found that currently only e-waste generated from used electric and electronic equipment (EEE) which have been declared as university assets are being managed by the responsible departments at the six universities. All six universities are using the standard process of handling their e-waste since every single process needs to comply with the requirements of the Ministry of Finance (MOF). This remains the main constraint to flexibility or improvement of the current system. The universities are also facing some challenges, among others, lack of awareness and knowledge on how to properly handle e-waste among university citizens, no clear sustainable policy at the university, lack of facilities within the university compound to support the proper practice of e-waste disposal as well as lack of education and related training provided to the campus citizens. This paper also provides some recommendations for the improvement of e-waste management towards sustainability and offers an agenda for future research.

An Exploratory Study on E-Waste Reporting: A Review of Annual Reports from Malaysian Public Listed Companies

Electronic waste (e-waste) has emerged as a critical global issue due to the environmental and health impacts. Moreover, a significant portion remains unrecorded and improperly managed. Hence, effective e-waste management is crucial to mitigating associated risks and ensuring environmental sustainability. The current study examined e-waste reporting practices among Malaysian Public Listed Companies (PLCs), assessed PLC commitments to environmental sustainability, and explored the legitimacy theory in understanding e-waste reporting. This study focused on Malaysian PLCs. The sample comprises 114 PLCs distributed across various sectors, such as construction, consumer products and services, energy, financial services, healthcare, and technology, which represented 15% of the total population. A content analysis approach was employed to identify relevant information in annual reports. Subsequently, a categorisation scheme with eight content categories across four dimensions was adapted from previous research to analyse e-waste reporting practices. The findings revealed that the e-waste reporting among PLCs was low as the information was primarily declarative and neutral. Varying commitment levels were also observed across different sectors, which highlighted the communication methods of PLCs on e-waste management practices. The legitimacy theory was applied to appraise the factors contributing to e-waste reporting behaviours. The findings contributed to a deeper understanding of how different industries managed e-waste and valuable insights into the most optimal practices to be adopted across sectors. The study results also underscored the need for standardised reporting frameworks to enhance transparency and corporate responsibility towards environmental sustainability. Keywords: E-waste Reporting, Malaysian Public Listed Companies, Legitimacy Theory, Environmental Sustainability, Content Analysis

Links between Duration of Early Childhood Education Participation and School Readiness Domains: A Study with Malaysian Public Preschool Children

Links between Duration of Early Childhood Education Participation and School Readiness Domains: A Study with Malaysian Public Preschool Children

Effectiveness of Traffic Reminders on Malaysian Public Radio

Effectiveness of Traffic Reminders on Malaysian Public Radio

The Impact of Self-Efficacy on Performance Management in Malaysia's Public Sector

This study investigates the impact of self-efficacy on performance management within Malaysia's public sector. Grounded in goal-setting theory, which posits that specific and challenging goals enhance motivation and performance, this research examines how self-efficacy—the belief in one's ability to execute tasks, influences performance outcomes. Conducted through qualitative in-depth interview sessions with selected participants who are from Tier 1 and Tier 2 staff of the Federal Government of Malaysia, this study provides an in-depth analysis of the relationship between self-efficacy and performance management practices. The study examines how self-efficacy influences performance management in Malaysia's public sector. Several key findings have arisen from merging the High-Performance Cycle model with Bandura's self-efficacy theory. The findings emphasize the importance of self-efficacy in improving performance management strategies. Integrating self-efficacy with the High-Performance Cycle model yields concrete solutions for increasing leadership effectiveness and organizational performance. Investing in self-efficacy through focused interventions, coaching, and self-care can greatly improve performance management and help organizations reach their goals more efficiently.

Budget Impact Analysis of Dapagliflozin in Treating Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction From the Perspective of Malaysian Public Healthcare System

PurposeThis is a budget impact analysis that compared the scenario of treating heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) using dapagliflozin plus standard of care (SoC) versus a scenario without dapagliflozin, from the perspective of Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia over a 5-year time horizon. MethodsA Microsoft Excel-based cost calculator was developed for such comparison. The estimated size of eligible population, uptake rates for dapagliflozin, as well as costs related to drugs, clinical events, and adverse events were based on published data, official tariffs, and databases, and expert opinion. Clinical data from the DAPA-HF trial were used to inform efficacy and safety inputs (i.e., hospitalization for heart failure (hHF), cardiovascular death, and adverse events). Results were reported as total annual and cumulative costs (in 2023 Malaysian Ringgits [RM], United States Dollars [USD], and European Union Euros, [EUR]; with exchange rates of 1 USD = RM 4.40 and 1 EUR = RM 4.90]), as well as the number of clinical events. Sensitivity and scenario analyses were also conducted. FindingsThe base-case analysis estimated that over a five-year period, the adoption of dapagliflozin for HFrEF treatment would result in a cumulative cost-saving of RM 2.6 million (USD 0.6 million/EUR 0.5 million), representing a 0.3% reduction in costs, driven primarily by reduced expenditure on hHF. Moreover, dapagliflozin treatment would lead to 731 fewer hHF and 366 fewer cardiovascular deaths. Sensitivity and scenario analyses revealed that the results were most sensitive to assumptions regarding loop diuretic requirements and the cost of dapagliflozin. Although cost savings or a net-zero balance were projected for the first four years, an anticipated 2.5% annual increase in dapagliflozin uptake in the longer term would lead to additional costs for the MOH, starting from the fifth year. ImplicationsIncorporating dapagliflozin into the SoC can improve health outcomes for HFrEF patients and may generate cost savings, potentially easing the economic strain of HFrEF management on Malaysia's public healthcare system in the short term. Nonetheless, a modest increase in budget should be anticipated as more patients gain access to the treatment over time.

Critical Review of Lecturers' Attitudes towards Quality of Teaching and Learning in Malaysian Public Universities

This literature review aims to investigate how lecturers' attitudes impact the quality of teaching and learning in public universities in Malaysia. It provides the insights on understanding the relationship between lecturers’ attitudes (responsiveness, professionalism, and accountability) and their influence on quality (effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity). The study addresses issues such as limited curriculum development, ineffective monitoring of curriculum activities, job stress among academic staff, and the perception that public universities are less favourable compared to private institutions. Analysis of studies reveals that lecturers' attitudes such as responsiveness, professionalism and accountability significantly impact teaching and learning quality by lecturers. Positive attitudes are associated with improved effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity. The review identifies various dimensions in which these attitudes affect quality and highlights the need for further exploration of these relationships. This review involved analysing 28 peer-reviewed journal articles related to lecturers' attitudes and quality measures. While not all studies focused specifically on public universities in Malaysia, the selected literature was relevant to the study’s themes. To improve teaching and learning quality, public universities should focus on enhancing lecturers' attitudes, particularly in responsiveness, professionalism, and accountability. Further research is recommended to explore these dimensions more specifically within the context of public universities in Malaysia.

Managing Campus Real Estate in Malaysian Public Universities: The Plausible Role of the CREM Department

Managing Campus Real Estate in Malaysian Public Universities: The Plausible Role of the CREM Department

Exploring the Heublein Model to Resolve Postgraduate Student Dropout in a Malaysian Public University

Exploring the Heublein Model to Resolve Postgraduate Student Dropout in a Malaysian Public University

Governance of Zakat Distribution in Malaysian Public Higher Education Institution

Governance of Zakat Distribution in Malaysian Public Higher Education Institution

Changing Patterns of Public Speaking Class Anxiety among Chinese International Undergraduates in Malaysian Public University

Changing Patterns of Public Speaking Class Anxiety among Chinese International Undergraduates in Malaysian Public University

The Influence of Big Data Management Towards Big Data Decision-Making Capability in The Malaysian Public Sector

The study investigates the impact of Big Data Management (BDM) on Big Data Decision-Making Capability (BDDMC) in the Malaysian public sector. Utilizing Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) technique to analyze survey responses from 192 public sector employees, the research identifies that leadership focus on big data and using technology for big data significantly enhance BDDMC. Conversely, it finds that talent management for big data and the organizational culture surrounding big data do not have a notable impact in this context. These findings provide critical insights for public sector organizations, suggesting that prioritizing leadership and technology can improve the strategic use of big data in decision-making processes, particularly in the Malaysian public sector.

Preliminary Findings of Structural Quality Requirements in Malaysia Public Preschools from Multiple Stakeholders’ Perspectives

Stakeholders define preschool quality in their own context. This study aimed to explore the structural quality requirements in Malaysia public preschools from the triparty stakeholders’ perspectives: the top-down, bottom-up and outside-in. This study adopted a case study design and an in-depth interview data collection method. The thematic analysis revealed three structural quality elements required in Malaysia settings: human, conducive environment, and other supporting factors. The preliminary finding of the study highlights the identification of teacher assistant as one of the structural quality requirements in Malaysia public preschools. Perhaps future study be extended into a quantitative method for generalisation.

Entrepreneurial Motivation in Students and its Relationship to Lifelong Learning in a Malaysian Public University

Entrepreneurial Motivation in Students and its Relationship to Lifelong Learning in a Malaysian Public University

Mediating Effects in The Structural Equation Model of Malaysian Public Service Competitiveness

These days, public service performance is determined by competitiveness. Due to a prolonged period of stagnation, Malaysia's competitive performance is at a critical level. The public service is therefore under pressure to demonstrate that all policies and programs are highly valued. This study aims to determine the primary variables influencing the ability of Malaysia's public services to compete. Data were acquired through surveys completed by 373 respondents from 26 ministries. The relationships between talent management, human capital, and competitiveness were analysed using structural equation modelling. The results indicate a significant and positive relationship between talent management and competitiveness, with human capital serving as a significant partial mediator. This study highlights the direct importance of talent management for public services competitiveness and its indirect impact through human capital. These insights can assist policymakers in developing a strategic framework to keep the Malaysian public service competitive.