Malaysian Students Research Articles

Leveraging Technology for Environmental Awareness: Insights from Experimental Research with Middle School Students in Malaysia

Embedding environmental concepts in the minds of young students within a traditional classroom setting poses challenges due to the abstract nature of these concepts and the temporal dilemma associated with environmental change, as students are unable to observe the immediate consequences of their actions directly. To address this, innovative instructional methods incorporating technology were explored. Based on socio-constructivism, a quasi-experimental study employed a web tool to teach environmental concepts. The experimental group utilized the 7E constructivist learning model, while the control group followed traditional instruction. The results of the data analysis indicated a statistically significant disparity in students’ motivation levels to learn about environmental challenges, with active learning strategies receiving the highest scores due to engaging students in online discussions and collaborative tasks. The active and constructive learning techniques encouraged collaboration and cooperation and also embraced the students’ autonomy. Furthermore, students felt motivated to act and solve community issues, fostering civic responsibility for long-term growth and a sustainable future. The learning performance in the posttest significantly increased for the experimental group. These findings suggest the importance of integrating technology and active learning approaches to enhance environmental education among young students.

THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL EDUCATION ON MALAYSIAN STUDENTS: A SIGNIFICANT REVIEW

This scoping article investigates the profound implications of digital education on Malaysian students, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of its impact. The introduction delineates the evolving landscape of education in the digital age and underscores the increasing reliance on technology for learning. The problem statement identifies key challenges faced by Malaysian students in adapting to digital education, such as technological disparities, access limitations, and potential disparities in the quality of online education. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the methodology combines quantitative surveys to gauge the extent of digital education adoption and qualitative interviews to explore the nuanced experiences and perceptions of students. The expected results anticipate a multifaceted impact, including enhanced accessibility, potential disparities, and varying degrees of adaptability. This study envisions contributing valuable insights to policymakers, educators, and stakeholders in refining digital education strategies tailored to the Malaysian context. In conclusion, the article discusses the broader implications of the findings, emphasizing the need for equitable digital infrastructure and pedagogical innovations to ensure a positive and inclusive educational transformation in Malaysia.

Antecedents Influencing The Work Readiness among Selected Practical Training Students in Malaysia

Antecedents Influencing The Work Readiness among Selected Practical Training Students in Malaysia

The Mediating Role of Social Adjustment in the Relationship between Psychological Well-Being, and Achievement Motivation among Arab Postgraduate Students in Malaysia

The Mediating Role of Social Adjustment in the Relationship between Psychological Well-Being, and Achievement Motivation among Arab Postgraduate Students in Malaysia

Prevalence and Associated Factors Related to Tobacco Consumption Among University Students in Malaysia.

Tobacco consumption is one of the major public health concerns worldwide. Moreover, alternative tobacco and nicotine products (ATNPs) are growing in popularity, especially among young adults in the past decade. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated sociodemographic factors of tobacco consumption among university students. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 338 university students of a private Malaysian university from March to April 2021. Data was collected using a self-administered online questionnaire with items including sociodemographic information, user status of tobacco consumption and types of tobacco product used. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using the IBM SPSS version 26.0 to analyse the data. The prevalence of tobacco consumption in this study was 8.6% and the main tobacco product used was manufactured cigarettes. In Pearson's chi square test and Fisher's exact test, current use of tobacco was significantly associated with nationality, ethnicity, religion, school, current level of education and parents, siblings and friends use of tobacco (p<0.05). In simple and multiple logistic regression analysis, being non-Malaysian, Indian, Muslim, year 4 student and having parents or siblings who used tobacco, all had statistically significant associations with the current use of tobacco (p<0.05). Findings of this study showed that the use of tobacco among university students is concerning and warrants the need to develop and implement a strategic anti-tobacco program to limit this behaviour among university students.

Awareness of Gig Economy in Malaysia: Study At International University of Malaya-Wales

Digitalization has transformed the world of business tremendously. The world of employment has shifted from a conventional method to a more flexible and seamless way. A gig economy has opened secondary careers that have created more opportunities that consequently have boosted the country’s economy. This secondary career is referred to as “freelancing”, or work on a job basis. In Malaysia, awareness and knowledge on this matter is still lacking and needs more studies and investigation. Past studies in Malaysia found that the gig economy faces challenges in terms of job security and safety, protection policies, proper platforms and dissemination, etc. Due to this, more studies are required to examine better development and implementation for gig communities. The findings will facilitate the development of better platforms and communities for a gig economy. Thus, this study aims to understand the awareness and knowledge of Malaysian private higher education staff and students on the gig economy. As such, this study specifically gathers data at the International University of Malaya-Wales. The findings will provide insights to lecturers, students, even alumni on how this kind of economy will benefit them and other stakeholders. These findings will also enrich the current data and information for policymakers, employers, and practitioners.&#x0D; Keywords: gig economy, private university, human resource, awareness, knowledge

Sensory Attributes and Phytochemical Composition in Microgreens: Implications for Acceptability Among School Students in Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract. Microgreens, the young seedlings of edible plants, have gained attention for their potential health benefits and culinary applications. This newly emerging functional food crop has the potential to sustainably diversify global food systems, facilitate urbanization and climate change responses, and advance human health. However, their reception among school students remains an understudied area, particularly in the Malaysian context. In this study, five microgreens species including ulam raja, red amaranth, red radish, daikon, and corn were evaluated for their sensory perception and acceptability among secondary school students in Selangor, and their phytochemical compositions. Among the evaluated species, corn exhibited the highest intensity of sweetness, ulam raja demonstrated a strong aroma and bitterness, while red radish was notable for its astringency and heat. Red amaranth had the highest intensity of grassy taste, and all five microgreens had a low score for sourness. Corn had the highest rating on acceptability of flavor and overall eating quality, signifying its favorable impression among students. Conversely, red radish and ulam raja received the lowest acceptability scores in both categories. The highest total phenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidant activity was exhibited in ulam raja. These findings suggest the potential to leverage corn’s favorable acceptability to introduce microgreens into student diets. In general, this study highlights the correlation between sensory attributes and phytochemical composition, both influencing the Malaysian students’ perceptions of microgreens. By understanding their preferences, educators, policymakers, and entrepreneurs can formulate effective strategies for healthier eating habits among the youth and develop successful commercialization strategies.&#x0D; Keywords: flavor, food systems, healthy diet, microgreens, student acceptance

Cross-Cultural Communication and Co-Directional Theory: Assessing the Impact of Cultural Background on Communication Efficacy Among International Students in Malaysia

The association of intercultural communication (IC) and international students has become increasingly evident in the global expansion of higher education. This study introduces the Cross-Cultural Communication model (CCCM), which explains Cultural Background (CB), Level of Cross-Cultural Adaptation (LCCA), Proficiency in Common Language (PCL), and Communication Efficacy (CE) as distinct stages in intercultural development. Focusing on international students in Malaysia, the research employed a quantitative survey method analyzing data from 215 among multi-cultural students. . Our findings show cultural background’s has positive and significant impact on cross-cultural adaptation, proficiency in common language, and communication efficacy. There was also a direct and significant impact of a level of cross-cultural adaptation and proficiency in common language on communication efficacy. Moreover, the extent to which individuals adapt to different cultures and their proficiency in a common language mediate the association between cultural background and communication efficacy. The findings reveal a progression from acquiring a cultural background (CB) to developing a level of cross-cultural adaptation (LCCA), enhancing proficiency in common language (PCL), and achieving communication efficacy (CE). These findings lend empirical support to the foundational assertions of the CCCM.

Second Language Arabic Knowledge Useful for Learning Hebrew Vocabulary

Arabic and Hebrew belong to the Semitic branch of the Afroasiatic language family, and thus, they are semantically and phonetically similar in many lexical aspects. This study examined the benefits of Malaysian university students having prior knowledge of Arabic while learning Hebrew. A two-page questionnaire was administered to two groups of 30 and 40 students at advanced and fundamental Arabic proficiency levels, respectively. Page 1 contained a checklist with Yes/No columns about 30 Hebrew words to examine the participants’ prior knowledge. If participants answered yes, they were asked to write the meaning of the word in English or Malay. They then answered multiple-choice questions about the 30 Hebrew words on Page 2. Arabic counterparts were not shown on the questionnaire to prevent cuing the participants. The first group of participants, 30 Malaysian students with advanced Arabic proficiency, learned an average of 23.07 Hebrew words. The vocabulary items most correctly identified by Group 1 were ‘olam “world” (30 correct answers), katavti “I wrote” (28), mavet “death” (28), melekh “king” (27), moakh “brain” (27), shabat “Saturday” (27), shen “tooth” (27), shamayim “sky” (26), shana “year” (26), ahavti “I loved” (26), and ozen “ear” (26). The second group, 40 Malaysian students with basic Arabic knowledge, acquired 12.83 words on average. The scores of the two groups differed with statistical significance at the 5% level (p &lt; 0.001, df = 68, t = 14.26). From these results, it appears that Arabic lexical knowledge significantly facilitates Malaysian students’ acquisition of Hebrew vocabulary.

The relationship between personality, self-esteem, and career decision making among university students in Malaysia

The relationship between personality, self-esteem, and career decision making among university students in Malaysia

ASSOCIATION OF SYMPTOMATOLOGIC DEPRESSION WITH SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN MALAYSIA

Introduction: Depression is a mental disorder that affects almost 2.3% of Malaysians and is more prevalent among Malaysian students. "Websites and applications that are utilized for interacting with others and their increasing prevalence have suggestive that people are obsessed to it" is the definition of social media. A strong correlation has been made between depression and social media addiction but there was a lack of such specific studies in Malaysia. This study is aimed at identifying the association of social media addiction with depression among university students in Malaysia. Methods:This research was conducted on Malaysian undergraduate and postgraduate students using an online questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic characteristics and two validated questionnaires of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Revised (CESD-10) and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS). Results:A total of 381 responses were analyzed and the Pearson Correlation was found to be (r = 0.671) with a p-value of &lt; 0.001 which suggests a strong positive and statistically significant correlation between social media addiction and depression. Conclusion:In summary, an increase in addiction to social media causes depression.

Video Conferencing in Music Performance Learning from The Perspective of Selected Music Students

Video conferencing has become part of the new norm in music education and music performance since the world was affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. From solo to large-ensemble music, people can watch live musical performances through their smartphones, computers, televisions, or any internet-connected device. Therefore, this study focuses on documenting the perceptions of undergraduate students from the UiTM Faculty of Music towards online music performance learning. To gather necessary information, a survey was distributed, enquiring the selected UiTM music students about their experiences engaging in one-to-one studio lessons and other performance-based lessons in an online environment and the advantages and disadvantages of video conference streaming from their perspectives. The outcomes of this study provided the required information that can serve as a practical guide or point of reference to music lecturers and students who want to incorporate online platforms in their teaching and learning method, whether through synchronous or asynchronous approaches, especially when it involves demonstrating music performance skills. Through observing and analysing the survey results regarding significant issues within the online learning environment, this study outlines and justifies how potential improvements in the online music performance classes can be realised based on the suggestions of those who took the survey, which will benefit the musicians, music educators and music students in Malaysia.

Examining the Drivers of Cryptocurrency Investment Intentions among Undergraduates in Malaysian Universities

This study aimed to examine the variables that affect Malaysian university students' intentions to invest in cryptocurrencies. Few studies have been conducted on the factors influencing Malaysian university students' intention to invest in cryptocurrencies, despite a wealth of research on the desire to do so. The researcher used a self-administered questionnaire to collect data for this quantitative study, which was grounded in a positivist philosophy. The target population was students who intend to invest or have invested previously in cryptocurrencies. A total of 106 respondents were obtained. The results of this study were empirically analyzed using a deductive approach and the positivist philosophy. The Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) was used to process and analyze the data. The study's findings demonstrated that among the students surveyed, financial literacy, perceived trust, and social norms all had a significant impact on their intention to invest in cryptocurrencies. It was discovered, nevertheless, that their intention to purchase cryptocurrency is not significantly impacted by their perception of behavioral control. This study's value and implications stem from the insights it provides to various stakeholders in the cryptocurrency space, such as marketers, educators, and businesses engaged in the development, exchange, and creation of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). To draw in and keep the interest of potential investors, the study's findings indicate that these parties should concentrate on raising financial literacy and spreading knowledge about cryptocurrencies. The study's conclusions add to our knowledge of undergraduates' investing behavior and have applications for those involved in the cryptocurrency space.

Prevalence and factors associated with excessive daytime sleepiness among Malaysian medical students

The purpose of our study was to ascertain the frequency of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) amongst medical students as well as the contributing variables. In Kelantan, Malaysia, at the School of Medical Sciences of Universiti Sains Malaysia, a cross-sectional research study was carried out. The Epworth drowsiness scale was used to gauge the degree of daytime drowsiness, and the depression, anxiety, and stress scale was used to gauge the degree of depression, anxiety, and stress. The related factors of EDS were analyzed using ordinal logistic regression. 311 individuals, or 84.5% of the total, submitted the questionnaire out of 368. 42.7% of people had EDS (95% CI: 0.52, 0.70). The associated factors of EDS included year of study (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=0.55 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.33, 0.91]), race (Chinese) (AOR=0.58 [95% CI: 0.32, 0.97]), anxiety level (mild) (AOR=2.68 [95% CI: 1.26, 5.68]), anxiety level (moderate) (AOR=3.70 [95% CI: 1.76, 7.75]), anxiety level (severe) (AOR=4.76 [95% CI: 1.06, 21.42]), stress level (mild) (AOR=3.37 [95% CI: 1.47, 7.30]) and stress level (moderate) (AOR=5.42 [95% CI: 2.05, 14.35]). As for conclusion, associated factors such as year of study, race, anxiety and stress level were significantly found to be associated with EDS among medical students.&lt;b&gt; &lt;/b&gt;

COGNITIVE STRATEGY USE AND SELF-REGULATION AS MEDIATORS BETWEEN PERSONALITY AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AMONG CHINESE UNDERGRADUATES IN MALAYSIA

Background and Purpose: The number of Chinese students studying abroad has increased significantly in recent years. As a result, their academic achievements are rapidly gaining attention. This study aims to look into the relationship between the big five personality traits and academic achievement in Chinese undergraduate students in Malaysia. It also aims to investigate if cognitive strategy use and self-regulation have a mediation effect on these personality traits.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methodology: The 44-item Five Inventory and Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire were used as the instrument. Respondents were picked from year 2 to year 4 at six private universities in Selangor, Malaysia. A total of 430 valid surveys were gathered using stratified random sampling. For data analysis, structural equation modelling (SEM) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used.&#x0D; &#x0D; Findings: Findings showed a significant direct effect of the big five personality traits in terms of agreeableness on academic achievement. The full structural model is valid, reliable and fits well with the data. There is a mediation effect of the cognitive strategy use in the relationship between the big five personality (except extraversion trait) and academic achievement. Additionally, self-regulation mediates conscientiousness and academic achievement, openness to experience traits and academic achievement.&#x0D; Contributions: This study developed measurement scales for the measurement model and a full structural model based on two mediators.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Self-regulated learning strategy, cognitive strategy use, self-regulation, big five personality, academic achievement.&#x0D; &#x0D; Cite as: Yina, M., &amp; Zahari, I. (2024). Cognitive strategy use and self-regulation as mediators between personality and academic achievement among Chinese undergraduates in Malaysia. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 9(1), 245-268. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol9iss1pp245-268

Using Digital Literacy Components to Develop ESL Learners’ Digital Mastery

The capacity to locate, assess, and communicate information via keyboards or digital media platforms is known as digital literacy. Utilizing information and communication technology to produce, assess, and distribute information requires a combination of technical and cognitive skills. Some ESL learners are still struggling when they are using the media online to search for articles and journals. In addition, there are still a lot of students that are unsure about how to use digital technology for their education. ESL learners must be proactive and digitally knowledgeable in this age of technology to successfully choose and organize their search results. Without these digital abilities, ESL Malaysian students would not be able to utilize a variety of ICT platforms for information access and processing for academic needs, as well as subsequently for career needs, specifically to fulfil the demands of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0). This study explores the development of digital mastery using the digital literacy components. The study employed a survey research design. An online questionnaire was distributed to ESL learners in a selected university. A cluster sampling was used in selecting the samples. A sample of 186 university students were involved in this study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data collected. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 27 for the questionnaire. In brief, the study contributes to a new model related to digital mastery for ESL students in higher education.

Assessing the Purchasing Behaviour in S-commerce among Indonesian Students in Malaysia

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between advertising value, perceived value, and trust for purchasing behaviour in social commerce (s-commerce). The study was quantitative, and 105 Indonesian students provided primary data using a self-administered questionnaire. After applying SPSS to analyze the data, it was found that 56.1% of the variance could be explained by the suggested model. The findings show that there is a positive significant relationship between advertising value, perceived value, and trust for purchasing behaviour in s-commerce. The study's implications are intended to support information technology professionals to implement s-commerce technology in commercial settings

Evaluating the Technical Quality and Pedagogical Affordances of an English Language Learning (ELL) Website Using a Methodological Framework

Websites are commonly regarded as valuable educational resources that extend beyond the confines of the traditional classroom setting. The primary challenge lies in the identification of reputable online sources. The aforementioned concept underscores the imperative necessity of conducting website evaluations. The use of methodological frameworks as an evaluative instrument can effectively examine the potential of a website within a specific context, as frameworks possess descriptive qualities. Despite the extensive body of studies done concerning website evaluation, there are still a significant number of unresolved issues. Therefore, in order to address these significant deficiencies, this qualitative study aims to evaluate the efficacy of an English Language Learning (ELL) website by examining its technical and pedagogical dimensions. The LearnEnglish Kids website was chosen due to its adherence to all of the screening criteria. The evaluation process was conducted in accordance with the methodological framework. Despite the limitations identified, the LearnEnglish Kids proves to be a suitable English Language Learning (ELL) website for integration within the Malaysian educational context. The examination of the six evaluation aspects provides a comprehensive guide for the Ministry of Education in the development of open educational resources (OER) for primary school students in Malaysia.

Compulsive Internet usage and social isolation among university students in Malaysia: Internet abuse

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between Internet usage, social isolation, and Internet addiction among university students. The study used a quantitative method and questionnaires to measure the ‘problems of using the Internet’, ‘patterns of Internet usage’, ‘social isolation’, and ‘Internet addiction’. The study included 440 students from the University Putra Malaysia, chosen using a stratified random sampling method. The majority of the respondents were single (93.20%) and aged between 23 to 40 years old. The study found a significant relationship between ‘problems of using the Internet, social isolation, and Internet addiction’. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between the patterns of using the Internet and social isolation. The t-test result showed that no significant mean differences were found among marital status, field of study, social isolation, and Internet addiction. Implication of the study discussed.

Self-system and mental health status among Malaysian youth attending higher educational institutions: A nationwide cross-sectional study

Introduction: Mental health disorders (MHDs) are a global health burden with an increasing prevalence. During the COVID-19 pandemic, depression was the commonest MHD, followed by anxiety and stress. This nationwide study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of depression, anxiety and stress among Malaysian students attending higher educational institutions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2021. Institutions were selected via stratified random sampling and students via convenience sampling. A self-administered questionnaire comprising questions on socio-demographic characteristics, academic background, substance abuse, childhood abuse, religiosity and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 was used. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27; descriptive, point-biserial correlation, chi-square and multiple binary logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: Sex and adverse childhood experiences significantly predicted all three MHDs (P&lt;0.05). The students from public institutions (odds ratio [OR]=0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.56–0.90, P=0.004) had a lower risk of depression than those from private institutions. The smokers/vapers (OR=1.43, 95% CI=1.02–2.02, P=0.041) a higher risk of depression than the non-smokers/non-vapers. The social science students (OR=1.29, 95% CI=1.01–1.65, P=0.039) had a higher risk of anxiety than the science students. The students who highly engaged in organisational religious activity (OR=0.91, 95% CI=0.84–0.98, P=0.015) had a lower risk of anxiety than their counterparts. Conclusion: Anxiety is the commonest MHD among Malaysian youth, followed by depression and stress. Childhood abuse is a crucial related factor requiring further attention. Screening, surveillance, preventive measures and comprehensive interventions for MHDs should be initiated among youth.