Program In Malaysia Research Articles

The Critical Success Factors Towards Homestay Development in Penang

Since its introduction in 1988, the Homestay Programme in Malaysia has become an iconic rural tourism product. Tourists pay a reasonable price to stay with a host family and experience daily life alongside the local community. The pandemic outbreak in February 2020 severely impacted the tourism industry, causing many homestays to cease operations. In the post-pandemic period, the tourism industry, including homestays, is striving to regain momentum. Studies have been conducted to identify critical success factors influencing homestays' success. This study focuses on identifying these factors for homestays in Penang, Malaysia, considering perspectives from tourists, government agencies, institutions, industry players, and the community. A semi-structured interview and thematic analysis were used to process data collected from eleven informants with varying levels of involvement in homestays, ranging from those directly engaged in their development to those with little or no experience in visiting them. The interviews were conducted mainly in Bahasa Melayu, with the input translated into English. The data was then classified into several themes for further discussion.

Collaborative Models for Community-Driven Industrial Education: Enhancing Workforce Development Through Partnership Programs in Malaysia

This study analyses the value of collaborative education strategies for improving workforce development in Malaysia, focusing on collaborations between educational institutions and industry. In recent years, the Malaysian job market has experienced major challenges, especially in terms of graduate preparation for employment. Many graduates struggle due to inadequate skills and limited employment opportunities, emphasizing the critical need for comprehensive educational changes. These coordinated activities aim to bridge the education-industry divide by developing connections between academia and the business sector. Moreover, the study uses a qualitative approach, conducting in-depth interviews with industry managers to understand better the impact of partnership programs, government support, and community participation on workforce readiness. Through these interviews, the study emphasizes the importance of collaborative education in providing graduates with the skills and competencies they need to succeed in a competitive work market. The findings show that, while these collaborations significantly boost graduates' employability and skill sets, issues such as unequal access to opportunities and an overreliance on government assistance remain. Furthermore, the analysis discovers gaps in the available literature, particularly in the context of Malaysia, emphasizing the need for further research targeted to this environment. Future research directions will include empirical investigations to quantify the impact of collaborative education initiatives, quantitative analyses to evaluate the efficacy of various programs, and policy recommendations to improve Malaysia's workforce development and foster long-term economic growth. By addressing these issues, the study hopes to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how collaborative education may effectively bridge Malaysia’s skills gap.

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.

Education Service for Children of Unregistered Indonesian Migrant Workers in Malaysia

Following registration records for the 2022 Unlicensed Foreign Worker Recalibration Program (PATI), 418,649 Indonesian citizens are participating in the labour recalibration program in Malaysia, so this will have a negative impact, namely an increase in the number of children of Indonesian migrant workers. Malaysian immigration authorities do not allow all migrant workers to invite their families to come live in Malaysia. This causes migrant workers' children to feel ostracized, discriminated against and denied their right to education due to a lack of access to education and love from their parents. The research aims to explore the role of government in providing educational services. The research method is descriptive and qualitative. The subjects of this research were the Indonesian and Malaysian governments, the children of unregistered immigrant workers in several guidance studios, and migrant workers. Data was collected through interviews, observation, and documentation. Data analysis techniques include data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The research results found that the rights of Indonesian citizens and children have been fulfilled, such as access to education. Fulfilling these needs is achieved through the role of government, such as establishing formal and non-formal schools to foster a sense of comfort and protection. In addition, the government, with its role, can create appropriate policies to provide rights and safety to the children of unregistered immigrant workers

Stress, Anxiety and Depression of Undergraduate Medical Students in a Public Medical Programme in Malaysia: A Risk Factor Analysis

This study aims to investigate the prevalence and factors affecting stress, anxiety, and depression of medical students in a public university in Malaysia. Medical students of years 1 to 5 were invited to answer an anonymised Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) questionnaire. Sociodemographic data were also collected. The results were analysed using descriptive and univariate/multivariate logistic regression analyses. Out of 907 participants, 35.2% reported to having stress, anxiety 43.5% and depression 7.1%. Students in year 1 were more likely to be anxious compared to year 5 [β: 2.059; 95% CI: (1.247, 3.398); p = 0.014], and those from B40-families were more likely to be stressed [β: 1.79; 95% CI: (1.183, 2.718); p = 0.006] compared to T20-families. Those without psychiatric and medical illnesses had 80% [β: 0.202; 95% CI: (0.69, 0.597); p = 0.004] and 34% [β: 0.666; 95% CI: (0.445, 0.994); p = 0.047] reduction in stress level, while 86% [β: 0.143; 95% CI: (0.038, 0.535); p = 0.004] and 39% [β: 0.614; 95% CI: (0.409, 0.923); p = 0.019] had reduction in anxiety levels. In addition, those without psychiatric illness had 91% [β: 0.094; 95% CI: (0.032, 0.275); p = <0.001] reduction in depressive symptoms. Those who considered counselling were 1.8 times more likely to be stressed [β: 1.849; 95% CI: (1.367, 2.500); p = <0.001] and had anxiety [β: 1.879; 95% CI: (1.387, 2.545); p = <0.001]. There is a moderate prevalence of anxiety and stress among medical students, but a low occurrence of depression. Being in year 1, B40 socioeconomic group, having medical and psychological illnesses resulted in a higher risk of stress, anxiety and depression.

KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTIONS OF GENERIC MEDICATIONS AMONG FINAL YEAR DIPLOMA IN PHARMACY STUDENTS IN MALAYSIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

Introduction: The Diploma in Pharmacy programme in Malaysia equips students with the essential skills and knowledge to become proficient pharmacy assistants. Exploring their understanding of the knowledge and perceptions of generic medications is crucial for ensuring their readiness to contribute efficiently to healthcare settings. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using convenient sampling. This survey is designed to assess students' knowledge and perceptions of generic medications. Data was collected via Google Forms from final-year students undergoing hospital training in 13 hospitals across Malaysia. Results: The majority of participants demonstrated adequate knowledge about generic medications, scoring a mean of 3.62 (±0.537) on a 5-point Likert scale. Seventy percent of the students acknowledged the efficacy of generic medications as comparable to brand-name drugs. Moreover, students expressed confidence in distinguishing between brand-name and generic medicines, with 65.5% indicating perceived knowledge. Overall, students held positive perceptions regarding generic medications, scoring an average of 3.56 (±0.516) on the Likert scale. Conclusion: Final year Diploma in Pharmacy students in Malaysia exhibit satisfactory knowledge and positive perceptions of generic medications. This suggests that the curriculum effectively prepares students to understand and appreciate the existence of generic medication in healthcare settings. However, continuous education and reinforcement of the importance of generic medications could further help in enhancing students’ understanding and utilization of generic medications in the future.

Development of Innovative Executive Programme: Imam Profesional

The Professional Imam Executive Program, the only academic program in Malaysia provides an opportunity for the community to improve knowledge, skills, and abilities for the duties of an imam, along with mosque and community management through a systematic lifelong learning process and becoming an excellent imam in guiding the Muslim community. Thus, Institut Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah (iSWAJ), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) has developed such a programme since 2016 together with the Department of Islamic Religious State of Johor (JAINJ) and has graduated almost 70 students starting the first intake in 2018. The structure of this new program is designed to meet the demands and needs of the Mosque Management Division, JAINJ and to meet the gaps in the Imam's needs. This programme has four modulars – Tawhidic Foundation, Revelation Sciences, and Mosque and Community Management, and concluded with a Community Project that has been developed. Each modular cover three modules by itself. Those who attain 80 marks (A grade) and above from all modules in each modular will receive a Sijil Kemahiran Agama(Religious Skill Certificate) from the Johor State Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ), the only special award certificate to students of Imam ProfesionalTM. This innovative executive program is recognized by Johor Islamic Religious Council (MAIJ) and can be credited to prior experience-based learning (APEL). It will continue to accept applicants nationally and internationally for future intake and certainly offer many benefits for itself and the community.

Challenges in Islamic Education Curriculum Development: A Comparative Study of Indonesia, Pakistan, and India

This study identified the challenges in Islamic education curriculum development in Indonesia, Pakistan, and India. By using a paradigmatic interpretive approach, data were obtained from interviews with 15 international students enrolled for the Islamic studies doctoral program in Malaysia; these students were from Indonesia, Pakistan, and India. These students each have more than five years of experience teaching Islamic education subjects in their respective countries. The study found that, in Indonesia, the main challenges in Islamic education curriculum development are integrating the national curriculum with local and global diversity and increasing the accessibility of education for people at all levels of society. The gap between Islamic education patterns in madrasas and public schools should also be addressed. In Pakistan, the main challenge was the accessibility of education, especially in rural areas, and overcoming limited infrastructure and facilities that are the result of the government’s low education budget. Complex challenges, such as gender inequality, ethnic discrimination, and political conflict also hamper curriculum development efforts. In India, challenges center on the conflict between Islam and Hinduism; furthermore, disputes over history and religious identity complicate the integration of Islamic values into the broad curriculum. Another significant barrier is shortcomings in the technological expertise of teachers. While the challenges in the different countries differ, they share similarities in terms of the complexity of crafting a curriculum that is relevant to technological developments, and the needs of a dynamic job market. This study can contribute to policy-making, so that these three countries can work together to improve and enhance the quality of Islamic education.

Factors contributing to Participation in Community-led DRR Programmes in Malaysia

Factors contributing to Participation in Community-led DRR Programmes in Malaysia

Developing a conceptual framework of building maintenance driving factors for effective heritage building maintenance programme in Malaysia

Developing a conceptual framework of building maintenance driving factors for effective heritage building maintenance programme in Malaysia

The purchase intention of Ar-Rahnu Islamic financing contract in Malaysia: perception of Muslim consumers

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate a distinct set of characteristics that influence Muslim customers’ intentions to purchase Ar-Rahnu Islamic financing contract in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThe study studied the impact of perceived value, perceived quality, perceived financial advantages, religious commitment and product knowledge on the purchase intention Ar-Rahnu Islamic financing contract using a quantitative research approach. A Google Form-based online survey was created and distributed through Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, among others. The survey data were analysed using structural equation modelling with a partial-least-square estimation property (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe study results suggested that Muslim customers in Malaysia had a greater propensity to buy Ar-Rahnu Islamic financing contract. Analysis of the data revealed that perceived value, perceived quality, perceived financial benefits and religious commitment had direct effects on the desire to buy Ar-Rahnu Islamic financing contract in Malaysia. In addition, the results reveal that religious commitment, perceived quality and perceived financial benefit are the top three important factors in explaining Ar-Rahnu Islamic financing contract buying intentions in this country.Practical implicationsMuslim customers may use Ar-Rahnu Islamic financing contract as a short-term credit alternative to enhance their financial standing. Ar-Rahnu Islamic financing contract generates a substantial quantity of credit demand and supply, which not only allows Muslim customers to adhere to Islamic standards but also contributes to the expansion of the economy. The result would aid and advise Ar-Rahnu finance resources and legislators in measuring the efficacy of the program in Malaysia, especially among Muslim customers.Originality/valueAr-Rahnu Islamic financing contract as a financing alternative has been explored extensively, but this study takes a whole new approach to the subject by looking at dimensions of perceived value, perceived quality and perceived financial benefit along with individual product knowledge and religious commitment. Consequently, this study will contribute to the understanding of how Muslim customers will respond to the Ar-Rahnu Islamic financing contract and will assist financial institutions in increasing the possibility that Muslim consumers would acquire Ar-Rahnu Islamic financing contract.

A Comparative Study of Gifted Music Programs in Malaysia: The Impact on Tertiary Music Education and Talent Development

This article uses data generated from interviews with three music education practitioners in Malaysia to compare two music education institutions: the Muzik Permata Seni and the Sekolah Seni Malaysia. In so doing, it aims to evaluate the impact of these programs on tertiary music education within Malaysia. Grounded Theory was employed to develop a preliminary theory based on previous research conducted on gifted music students at Sultan Idris Education University in Perak, Malaysia. By employing a similar case sampling approach, this project extends the theory’s transferability to other locations in Malaysia. This article focuses on both understanding the environment in which young musicians in Malaysia grow and identifying factors crucial for their talent development. Additionally, it explores the professional developmental paths available to young musicians in the country. The findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on nurturing musical talent and can serve as a valuable resource for stakeholders seeking to improve the standards of music education in Malaysia.

Entrepreneurial Specific Factors, Support Factors and Micro enterprises Performance: The Case of Malaysian Microcredit Program

The study's objective is to analyze the influence of several elements related to entrepreneurial-specific factors and support factors on the performance of micro-enterprises. The study sample consisted of a total of 756 micro-entrepreneurs who were involved in two main microcredit programs in Malaysia, namely Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) and The Venture Group Economic Fund (TEKUN). The study’s findings, obtained through multiple regression analysis, revealed that factors such as personal entrepreneurial competencies, management practice, microcredit programs and government support exert a significant influence on the performance of micro-enterprises. This finding is consistent with the Resource Base View (RBV) theory which links the importance of internal and external resources as a catalyst for competitive advantage and the performance of a business. The influence of family and commitment to religious principles is less significant. It was associated with the attitude factor of micro-entrepreneurs, who frequently disregard the fundamental principles of religion while making judgments. The impact of family influence on micro enterprises' performance was determined to be negligible. Family members make minimal contributions in terms of finances, energy, or moral support. The formulation of policies is crucial for these insights, which highlight the importance of providing entrepreneurship training and implementing excellent management practices. Additionally, financial support is necessary to promote the growth of micro-enterprises in Malaysia. The government plays a crucial role in facilitating the growth of micro companies by implementing various support programs. An efficient distribution system can minimize the leakage of programs and maximize benefits for the recipients who are intended.

The feasibility and efficacy of the group-based therapy for smoking cessation in Klang Valley, Malaysia.

Tobacco epidemic is a global public health concern, killing more than 8 million people annually. Individual therapy is the standard of care of behavioral intervention for smoking cessation in Malaysia and group-based therapy for smoking cessation is an alternative to behavioral intervention commonly used in the western population effectively. The study explored the feasibility and efficacy of group-based therapy for smoking cessation for smokers who want to quit smoking at a quit smoking clinic and community centers in an urban setting in Malaysia. A total of 40 participants who were active smokers and fulfilled the criteria were recruited for the study at the quit smoking clinic. Participants were given behavioral support based on the GBT-M module and individually for 7 weeks with both groups receiving behavioral intervention plus pharmacotherapy. The median age of participants was 48 years for individual therapy and 45 years for group therapy. Group-based therapy was comparable to individual therapy in smoking abstinence outcome at 4 weeks post quit date (35% vs 30%). Group-based therapy was equally effective compared to individual therapy, similar to the western population. Using a group format should allow more people to be treated by a therapist, and therefore could be more cost-effective. Group-based therapy is an option to be included as part of the smoking cessation program in Malaysia.

Recent Trends and A Future Direction of Malaysia’s Climate Change Law Program

Climate change is a critical global issue that is predominantly caused by human activities. To equip students in higher education institutions (HEIs) with the necessary knowledge and skills to play an active role in mitigating the effects of climate change, HEIs need to incorporate climate change-related programs into their teaching curricula. These programs should emphasize law and policy, enabling students to become environmentally aware and motivated to act. The Climate Change Institute (Institut Perubahan Iklim or IPI) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia is among several (HEIs) in Malaysia offering a master’s program in Climate Change (Coursework), with a specialization in Environmental Science and Earth Science. This paper aims to analyse the structure of existing climate change programs at both public and private HEIs in Malaysia. Desk research is conducted to gather various information from the available structures involving seven public universities and two private universities in Malaysia which offer 24 environmental-related programs both in undergraduate and postgraduate studies. The findings were analysed by a constant comparative approach that is guided by the key themes of the study. The finding shows that all universities that offer law programs do not have climate change postgraduate law programs offered at their faculties. Other faculties, should they have such a similar program, are more related to sciences, engineering, technology and management. This paper concludes by providing insights into the key features of recent trends in the offering of climate change postgraduate law programs in Malaysia. Accordingly, the findings of the study would serve as a significant guide for the development of any new climate change policy and law programs in the future in line with United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal SDG13 on climate action which focus on Target 13.3 in improving education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning. The new climate change postgraduate law program will also contribute to the sustainability of climate action, particularly in capacity building of the people on teaching delivery methods of climate change policy and law, protecting the planet, promoting prosperity, maintaining peace and establishing connections and partnerships in the teaching methods, such as global learning.

The Impact of the Malaysia Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) Programme

The Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) Programme in Malaysia is a significant initiative to recognize and accredite individuals' prior learning experiences, particularly through work, life, or informal learning. We examined the impact of the APEL in Malaysia, focusing on its implications for individuals, educational institutions, employers, and society. By analyzing the outcomes, challenges, and opportunities associated with APEL, the effectiveness and potential enhancements of the APEL were verified in promoting lifelong learning, skills development, and workforce inclusion in Malaysia.

Falcataria moluccana (Miq.) root distribution seedlings in response to nitrogen concentrations and tillage

Abstract Falcataria moluccana (Miq.) Barnaby & Grimes is an important species for forest plantation programmes in Malaysia and is widely used in the wood industry. However, its root interactions have not been widely investigated due to the limited methodologies and information about the root distribution of trees and crops in forest plantation and agroforestry systems. This study was conducted to determine the rhizotron-scale root interactions of F. moluccana at different tillage and nitrogen concentrations under four different treatments: control, tillage, fertiliser, and tillage with fertiliser. The rhizotron-scale experiment was conducted at a greenhouse where F. moluccana (Batai) seedlings were transplanted in transparent rhizotron tubes (onemetre-high transparent polycarbonate solid sheet) using topsoil and river sand to simulate natural growing conditions. Root Intensity (RI), Root Length Density (RLD), Specific Root Length (SRL), dried shoot bio-mass and root biomass were recorded. Root biomass and SRL were notably higher (25–50 cm depth) at 6 WAT (Weeks After Transplanting), and the shoot biomass (tillage + fertiliser) was significantly higher at 14 WAT. However, plants treated with different tillage and nitrogen concentrations showed no significant impact on the RI and RLD. Fertiliser treatment only, and tillage with fertiliser treatment, showed greater root distribution at the rhizotron scale. These findings contribute to forest plantation and natural forest rehabilitation efforts by helping optimise the soil resources within ecosystems for sustainable forest management.

Leadership Impact on Lecturer Retention at University Preparation Programs in Malaysia

Many higher education institutions (HEIs) offer pre-university/foundation programs that help students transition from secondary school to universities, in Malaysia, or around the world. To be globally competitive and meet the needs of students looking to enter world class universities, HEIs in Malaysia often need to employ expatriate lecturers (ELs) (Trembath, 2016). Many ELs choose to depart their institution at the end of their first contract. This can have a negative impact on programs and adds additional recruitment costs to program budgets (Theron et al., 2014). This study’s purpose was to understand the importance of leadership and organizational climate on ELs’ decision to either renew their contract or depart. The objective was to provide the leaders of such programs with insights to help them mitigate the challenges expatriates face and develop a supportive environment that encourages longer-term commitment of lecturers beyond an initial contract.
 A convergent, parallel mixed methods research design was used for this study in which 63 participants completed an online questionnaire. In addition, 31 participants also completed a semi-structured interview. The research population for this study included current and former ELs who have worked at university preparation programs at Malaysian HEIs.
 Five themes that affect EL retention surfaced from the analysis of the qualitative and quantitative data: (a) professional growth and fulfilment, (b) the direct influence of the leader, (c) institutional factors, (d) cultural adjustment factors (Froese, 2012), and (e) country-specific factors. These key factors have influenced the decision making around contract renewal for ELs at Malaysian HEIs.
 Based on the results of this study, The Leadership Model for Expatriate Lecturer Satisfaction and Fulfillment was developed in order to guide program directors in developing a system to foster the conditions that encourage EL retention.

EXPLORING THE ROLE OF DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE MALAYSIA IN ENHANCING THE EFFICIENCY OF PRODUCTIVE WELFARE

This research investigates the role of the Malaysian Social Welfare Department in optimizing productive welfare programs, focusing on poverty alleviation, and enhancing the lives of the B40 group. The study encompasses a qualitative exploration, engaging senior officials from the department and experts in social sciences, primarily through in-depth interviews. The pivotal concern of poverty has led to the establishment of welfare programs in Malaysia, with key objectives revolving around improving cooperation among stakeholders and addressing capacity-building challenges within the department. This study's significance lies in pinpointing weaknesses in welfare program implementation and aims to refine policies and coordination among relevant agencies. The research employs variables such as inter-agency cooperation, capacity building, monitoring mechanisms, community involvement, and policy influence, as derived from a comprehensive literature review on welfare and social development. The study utilized a qualitative research methodology, particularly Basic Qualitative Inquiry, focusing on the Malaysian Social Welfare Department. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with five participants, including senior department officials and esteemed academics in social sciences. Thematic analysis was employed for data analysis, exploring core themes emerging from the interviews. Findings emphasized the pivotal role of comprehensive monitoring and structured collaboration among stakeholders. The discussions underscored the importance of tailored staff training, policy review, insights from foreign models, and community engagement as critical elements for improving welfare programs. In conclusion, the study offers a comprehensive overview of the Malaysian Social Welfare Department's role in welfare programs, proposing a Productive Welfare Improvement Model (MPKP) and synthesizing the findings. MPKP encompasses monitoring, collaboration, staff capacity building, policy review, insights from foreign models, policy influence, and community engagement. Aligned with the 2 Years Exit Program (2YEP), MPKP promises to strengthen welfare initiatives and drive poverty alleviation, thereby contributing to a brighter future for all Malaysians.

Sustainable petrol subsidy program in Malaysia

The purpose of this research is to propose a sustainable petrol subsidy program to enhance the effectiveness of the Malaysian government in subsidizing petrol to B40 and M40 households. B40 and M40 households, which suffered from poverty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, at the present moment, there is very limited study on the sustainable petrol subsidy program for B40 and M40 households. This research adopts a quantitative research method. One hundred and fifty questionnaires were disseminated to Malaysian B40 and M40 households. Sixty households responded to the questionnaire. This paper utilized cross-sectional design to test hypotheses that contribute to the sustainability of the petrol subsidy program in Malaysia post-COVID-19 pandemic. This paper has unique and important findings: household welfare, fiscal and macroeconomic issues, and environmental pollution are the most important factors that contribute to the sustainability of petrol subsidies in Malaysia. This research is the pioneering research in Malaysia that provides comprehensive insights on sustainable petrol subsidy, leading to a significant implication on the socio-economic wellbeing of the B40 and M40 households. It provides unique contributions to the government petrol subsidy in Malaysia, as it is one of the very limited studies in Malaysia post-COVID-19 pandemic.