Public University In Malaysia Research Articles

Predictors of food addiction symptoms among Malaysian university students

ObjectiveUniversity students are susceptible to hyperpalatable food consumption, which may contribute to the development of food addiction. However, there is limited research on food addiction among Malaysian university students. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of food addiction, as well as the factors that predicted food addiction symptoms among students in a selected local public university in Malaysia. MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study whereby a total of 295 Malaysian university students were recruited from a selected local university. Participants were assessed through self-administered questionnaires and measured for their body compositions. ResultsFindings revealed that 15.9% of the university students were at risk of having food addiction, with an average of 3.21 ± 1.62 food addiction symptoms. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that binge eating (B = 0.086, p < 0.001) and anxiety (B = 0.071, p < 0.001), as well as high daily carbohydrate intake (B = 0.002, p = 0.004) significantly predicted food addiction symptoms (R2 = 0.346, F(3, 285) = 50.195, p < 0.001). ConclusionsApproximately one in five university students was at risk of food addiction. Moreover, higher levels of binge eating and anxiety, along with increased consumption of carbohydrates contributed to elevated food addiction symptoms. Effective intervention should be formulated based on the psychological and dietary aspects to tackle the food addiction problems among university students.

Beyond the classroom: Students’ perspectives on e-learning portal in blended and online learning

Evaluating the e-learning portal is essential to ensure the success of online teaching and learning activities. The portal should be assessed regularly to determine its value as a tool to support learning. This study aims to investigate students’ perspectives on using the e-learning portal as a blended and online learning activity. A survey involving two cohorts of students from a public university in Malaysia was conducted in 2016 (n = 805) and 2020 (n = 1027). The survey required the students to evaluate the use of the e-learning portal in blended and online learning, regarding their self-learning experiences, learning performances, quality of learning materials, quality of communication, and their level of interest in using the portal. The findings revealed that the majority of the students from both cohorts were generally positive about using the e-learning portal to support their learning. However, it is interesting that both cohorts preferred face-to-face instruction over online learning. Hence, future research should widen the scope of the study by analysing the perspectives of course instructors, administrators, and other relevant learning support agencies.

Participation in mental health takaful schemes in Malaysia: perspectives of young intellectuals

Purpose This study examined the participation in mental health takaful schemes among young intellectuals in two public universities in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach Drawing from the Attitude-Social Influence-Self-Efficacy (ASE), this study evaluated the effects of attitude, social influence and self-efficacy on participation in mental health takaful schemes using an empirical investigation surveying 767 respondents who were identified as young intellectuals in Malaysia. Findings Evidently, the ASE factors shape the development of participation in mental health takaful schemes among young intellectuals. Research limitations/implications This study is confined in terms of the context and variables used – which limits its generalisation. Future studies should address these issues accordingly. Practical implications The results obtained can become a yardstick to gauge the participation of young intellectuals in mental health takaful in Malaysia. Originality/value This study introduced mental health takaful to the ASE, where young intellectuals are brought into play.

SELF-EFFICACY AND SELF-REGULATED LEARNING AMONG UNDERGRADUATE IN LEARNING ARABIC AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE VIA ONLINE

As online learning becomes a major development in the recent years and escalates due the COVID-19 pandemic, it helps to have a high self-efficacy and self-regulated learning (SRL) to succeed in such learning context. This study explored the undergraduates’ levels of self-efficacy and SRL, and provides a comparative analysis of these variables while learning Arabic as a Foreign language via online. The data was collected from 77 undergraduates in a public university in Malaysia through an online survey. The findings showed that both self-efficacy and SRL mean scores were high, and that there was a statistically strong positive relationship between SE and SRL. Students appeared to adapt to online learning by managing their time, organising their schedule, interacting with classmates and instructors, and selecting the best spot to maximise their online learning experience. It is therefore important for lecturers or language instructors to create an interesting and inspiring lesson plans in an online environment so that they experience satisfaction inside and outside of learning simultaneously facilitate them for their success in language learning.

Knowledge of Home Blood Pressure Monitoring among Medical Students in Malaysia

Introduction: As future healthcare providers, it is vital for medical students to be well-versed in home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM), which plays a crucial role in hypertension management. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge on HBPM among medical students and factors associated with good knowledge. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Year One to Five medical students in a Malaysian public university using universal sampling. Data was gathered via an online questionnaire on HBPM knowledge. The analysis of the data was performed using SPSS v26. Multiple logistic regression identified the determinants of good HBPM knowledge after adjusting for confounding. Results: A total of 370 medical students were recruited. The median age was 22 (2) years old, and 73.2% were female. 63.2% of them were from clinical years. The proportion of medical students with good HBPM knowledge was 55.7% (28.7% from preclinical students and 46% from clinical-year students). Multiple logistic regression revealed that clinical-year students were more likely to have good knowledge about HBPM than preclinical-year students. (OR=2.96; 95% CI=1.91-4.58, p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: This study showed that preclinical-year students possess a poorer knowledge of HBPM. However, less than half of clinical year students exhibited good knowledge, despite greater patient exposure suggesting current clinical teaching may not impart comprehensive HBPM understanding. Medical schools should strengthen the curriculum by incorporating more practical HBPM learning during clerkships and rotations. This can better equip future physicians to effectively utilize HBPM for diagnosing and managing hypertension.

University Students’ Perception of Online Speaking Assessment

The objective of the study is to investigate students’ perception of online speaking assessment in terms of satisfaction, confidence, and use of technology. The study involved third-year Bachelor of English students from a public university in Malaysia. A descriptive case study methodology was employed to fulfill the research objectives. Data was primarily collected through a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire, complemented by semi-structured interviews. The study found that students had both positive and negative perceptions towards online speaking assessment. On the positive side, a majority of students reported that online speaking assessment gave them greater confidence and comfort, helping them towards improved performance. The findings demonstrate that the online environment can mitigate student anxiety and bolster language proficiency. Additionally, the study underscores the necessity for students to develop technical skills due to online assessment, thereby highlighting the direct impact of such assessment on students’ technological proficiency. Conversely, students’ negative perception centered on technical challenges such as poor internet connectivity and technical problems, both of which highlight practical obstacles in online education. The findings of the study have implications for Krashen's (1985) Affective Filter Hypothesis in understanding the impact of emotions on speaking performance. This study has significance for educators to improve methods of online speaking assessment by addressing challenges faced by learners. Improving the online mode of evaluation would help sustain the future of online education.

A PRELIMINARY STUDY ON NEW UNDERGRADUATES’ EXPERIENCE OF UNDERTAKING ONLINE ASSESSMENTS FOR ENGLISH POST COVID-19 PANDEMIC

This initial study set out to investigate university freshmen’s feedback on their online assessment experience using the university’s learning management system in their English Language course which was conducted online. The objectives of this study were to investigate a) the learners’ perception on their overall online assessment experience for a language course using the university’s LMS, b) the learners’ experience in completing a writing assessment and c) the learners’ experience in completing a listening assessment. This basic mix-method study investigated 27 English Language learners of a public university in Malaysia attending Level 1 English proficiency course. A questionnaire containing 17 items using 5-points Likert-type scale was administered to measure their general online experience and their writing and listening assessment experience using the university LMS. This was followed by a round semi-structured interviews to probe further reasons behind their perception and experience. The study found that the freshmen expressed positive perception towards their overall online language assessment experience. They also indicated positive feedback for their experience in taking online writing and listening assessments Through the interviews the students highlighted that they are able to familiarize themselves and adapt faster by drawing on their previous experience during online learning at home during Covid-19 pandemic for their high school studies. They learnt to be patient and not panicky whenever there is any technical glitch which they had faced quite a lot during the pandemic. This shows that the students have developed certain level of literacy and digital education competency.

Challenges and Strategies in Workplace English Communication: Undergraduate Accountant Internship

Competency in occupational English is crucial among university graduates in Malaysia. Nevertheless, there have been constant concerns regarding the graduates’ need for English communication skills. In order to overcome the challenges and become competent, they need to employ strategies that would assist them to remain relevant and sustainable during their internship. This paper presents the challenges and strategies in workplace English Communication among undergraduate accountant internships. Attempts undertaken by the accounting interns in overcoming the challenges in English language communication during their six-month internship experiences at respective companies in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, are also discussed. The study employed a qualitative research method using face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with five (5) interns from the Faculty of Economics and Management of a public university in Malaysia. Interviews with two managers and a supervisor who were the persons in charge of the interns were also carried out. The interview data was transcribed verbatim and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s six-step thematic analysis. The interns’ data was triangulated with the supervisor and managers’ views and later validated by three independent coders using Cohen’s Kappa Reliability Test. The strategies employed by the accounting interns in overcoming the English language communication challenges included speaking English with non-Malay colleagues, seeking help from the supervisor, consulting colleagues or seniors’ expertise, and reading work-related documents. The implications of the findings focus on university administrators to strengthen the teaching and learning of the English language and help undergraduates improve their communication skills in English are also discussed in this paper.

Superficial Causes of AUM Theory Affect Uncertainty and Anxiety among Students in a High-Context Culture

International students in Malaysian universities face uncertainty and anxiety toward a multi-new culture, a must-encountered cultural shock. This study investigated the relationship between superficial causes of AUM theory and uncertainty and anxiety in a high-context culture. In this study, 388 international students from different faculties were chosen through a method called stratified random sampling, which sampled two public universities with the largest number and richest nationalities of international students. The researchers used a self-administered questionnaire to gather information from the participants, which was analyzed by AMOS and applied to the validation of theoretical construct through Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), and other statistical methods were employed to analyze the data and test seven hypotheses. The findings of the study showed that five superficial causes affect the management of uncertainty and anxiety in AUM theory. The results of this study have important implications for Malaysian public universities in terms of understanding the factors that influence uncertainty and anxiety management among students.

A quantitative exploration of the knowledge of pharmacy and medical students about Pharmacogenetics: Findings from a public university in Malaysia

Background: Having a strong foundation in the science of pharmacogenetics is a significant prerequisite for both pharmacy and medical students to apply this knowledge in patient care once they enter into the healthcare setting. This study examines the level of foundational knowledge of pharmacogenetics and interest in learning about pharmacogenetics among third and fourth-year pharmacy and final-year medical students of the University Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) in Malaysia. Method: A total of 95 students participated in the study. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated questionnaire from a previously published research paper. It was an electronic-based survey shared among the targeted population. Results: The average knowledge score for pharmacy students was 15.58 (SD ± 0.49) while final-year medical students had an average score of 14.56 (SD ± 0.32). A major percentage of the fourth-year pharmacy students were able to obtain scores higher than their junior counterparts and final-year medical students. Although the overall average knowledge score of the medical students was lower than that of the pharmacy students, nevertheless, they had a greater interest in learning about pharmacogenetics. Conclusion: There is a need to introduce up-to-date curricula for both pharmacy and medical students to enhance student comfort levels in pharmacogenetics practice.

Is Average Worrying? A Mixed Method Study of Malaysian Public University Administrative Staff’s Workplace Communication Apprehension

Even when employed, English oral communication skills proficiency continues to be an asset; mastering the skill is advantageous. The notion has driven comprehensive studies on communication, including apprehension, yet the focus on workplace contexts remains minimal. Therefore, this investigation aims to discern communication apprehension’s effect on staff’s communication skills, their administrative tasks, and the institution, to support the skill enhancement. Utilizing the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension instrument and a purposive sampling, the study’s explanatory sequential mixed method design sampled institution’s one hundred fifteen administrative staff. The staff communication apprehension levels were recorded as moderate, with the highest in delivering public speeches. Nevertheless, interview results proved differently to extend worrying trends among staff. The trend could jeopardize staff’s personality and productivity in the long run. The mediocre level also hinted at skill’s stagnant inclination or deterioration if it is not consistently used in conducting workplace tasks or events. The need for an impactful lifelong learning professional development plan to improve staff English oral communication skills is apparent by the University. The university's plan also need to include supporting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for their employees.

Initial Insights into CEFR Adoption at a Language Faculty of a Public University in Malaysia

Initial Insights into CEFR Adoption at a Language Faculty of a Public University in Malaysia

Examining Willingness to Communicate in the English Language Classroom

Although graduates are skilled in their fields, many now face problems getting employment relevant to their specialisations. One reason for this is the lack of good communication skills in English, which is now the international business language. Students in higher education institutions need to have a high propensity of Willingness to Communicate (WTC) in order to gain fluency in English language skills. WTC is seen as an indicator to measure students’ propensity in learning English effectively. WTC is also said to be related to confidence, which is an essential variable in communication. However, research shows that WTC among undergraduates in Malaysia is low. This paper examines the relationship between WTC and communication confidence (CC, and the relationship between WTC and self-perceived communicative competence among undergraduates in a public university. This study uses survey to collect data on WTC. 187 undergraduates in a public university in Malaysia were involved in this study. These respondents were selected using stratified sampling and systemic random sampling technique. The correlation analysis was done using the Pearson bivariate correlation analysis. The findings showed that WTC was positively correlated with CC and self-perceived communication competence. The findings also revealed that WTC was negatively correlated with communication apprehension. The implications of this study suggest it is necessary to increase students’ WTC as it is related to students’ CC and communication competence. Increasing students’ WTC enhances the effectiveness of English language learning. In the long run this will help with developing a more competent workforce that has effective and relevant communication abilities.

Factors that contribute to integrity of academicians in Malaysian public university: A case study

Low integrity is a challenge for any organization. However, most organizations emphasize integrity without explaining what is required of an individual with high integrity. Exhibiting high integrity is necessary for academics; yet, the level of academic integrity remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the integrity level of academicians in a Malaysian public university. This paper shares the findings on the level of integrity of academics based on a questionnaire completed by 213 academicians. Data were collected by survey questionnaire and was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. An overall mean score of 9.45 from a possible 10.0 indicated a high level of integrity among academics. The self-evaluation results by academics also demonstrated that they have attained integrity at a high level for their generic task, teaching and learning, research and publications and service for community with a mean score between 9.36 and 9.49. The value with the highest mean score was for “service to community”, whereas the lowest was for “research and publication”. These findings show that the university has successfully instilled values of integrity among academicians. Nevertheless, the university must continue to enhance academic integrity by exploring religiosity. Using Google Scholar, a literature search identified an Islam-based academic integrity model to explain the quantitative findings. Finally, a mixed method approach and involving all universities in Malaysia are recommended to further the findings of this study.

STRATEGI KETIDAKSANTUNAN BAHASA DALAM KALANGAN KOMUNITAS FACEBOOK DI MALAYSIA

This study focuses on the impoliteness strategies used in interactions among Facebook users in Malaysia. It is also scrutinized the perception of Malaysian netizens regarding the impoliteness strategies used in social media interactions. A mix of the qualitative descriptive and quantitative methods was employed. An approach of a qualitative descriptive is to comprised social interactions in the selected Facebook pages that contained the construction of impoliteness strategies. A total of 288 comments from netizens were selected, examined, and analyzed using the Impoliteness Strategies (Culpeper, 2011). The findings showed that there are various patterns of impoliteness strategies used, such as bald on record impoliteness, sarcasm, and inappropriate address forms. Whereas a quantitative approach involved a questionnaire that intended to determine the perception of netizens regarding the use of impoliteness strategies and factors that instigate the use of these strategies in social media interactions. Respondents consisted of 100 students aged between 18 to 35 years, randomly selected from public universities in Malaysia. The analysis of the questionnaires has shown that most respondents accept negatively the use of impoliteness strategies in social media interactions. Essentially the results of the questionnaire were inconsistent with the practicalities of the interaction on Facebook, which clearly demonstrated the widely used impoliteness strategy.

Clinical Placement Among Malaysian Nursing Students: What Are Their Challenges?

Introduction: Nursing is a theory-practice course that requires high-quality and effective clinical education experiences. Clinical placement is one of the most important parts of nursing education; that can be challenging, stressful, and causes unpredictable changes. However, studies describing the challenges during clinical placement faced by nursing students are scarce. This study aimed to explore the challenges of Malaysian nursing students during a clinical placement at hospitals. Methods: A phenomenology qualitative study was conducted among nursing students at a public university in Malaysia. A semi-structured interview was used to collect data from October 2020 until November 2020. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Five themes emerged from this study: 1) attitude of the nurse, 2) patient’s distrust, 3) student’s issues, 4) learning environment, and 5) theory-practice gaps. Conclusion: This study revealed that nursing students face many challenges during their clinical postings. Therefore, various methods could be applied to increase the quality of practical sessions. Additionally, further research is needed to assess the coping strategies used by nursing students in dealing with the challenges during their clinical placement and the effectiveness of the interventions taken by the authority in helping the students.

Postgraduate Dropout Issues of a Public University in Malaysia

Postgraduate Dropout Issues of a Public University in Malaysia

Technology Readiness Among Future Accountants Towards Digitalization of Accounting Profession

As the digital world evolves, accounting professionals must embrace the digital shift to remain relevant. Future accountants must be equipped with the most up-to-date technological knowledge. Thus, this study investigates the link between optimism, innovativeness, discomfort, and insecurity about technology with technology readiness for the digitalization of the accounting profession among future accountants. This study employs a non-probability purposive sampling approach with future accountants as the research unit. Online surveys are used to gather data for this study, delivered to interns from the top six public universities in Malaysia for accounting and finance. The findings of this study show a moderate technology readiness level among the respondents. Despite respondents being optimistic about technology, they indicate feelings of discomfort towards technology. As a result, adequate focus must be given to establishing accounting expert qualifications alongside professional degrees. Their tertiary education should include more exposure to and practice technology readiness.

The Impact of Online Learning on Mental Illness Among Physical and Health Education Students at Malaysian Public University

The Impact of Online Learning on Mental Illness Among Physical and Health Education Students at Malaysian Public University

IDENTIFYING 21ST-CENTURY SKILLS GAP IN THE ESL/EFL MALAYSIAN POSTGRADUATE EDUCATION SYSTEM

Abstract: Literacy in the 21st century entails creating and approving knowledge and data. Due to the abundance of information available, users must be able to sort through the uncertainty and be able to verify opinions from several aspects. Those who are pursuing postgraduate studies in particular need to be critical thinkers because simply understanding the material is not enough. Nonetheless, adjusting and transferring digital skills may be difficult for postgraduate overseas students as they have to use their linguistic skills to address issues with online navigation. The current study intends to look into how Malaysian and Chinese English language postgraduate students integrate and apply some 21st-century abilities to their research. One public university in Malaysia received voluntary responses from 207 respondents (96 postgraduate students from Malaysia and 111 overseas students from China) to a series of 21st century skills survey questions that were adapted from Kelly, Knowles, and Euisuk Sung (2019). The survey consists of four relevant 21st century skills that are identified as important to postgraduate students, which are collaborative, critical thinking, communication as well as creativity and innovation. The findings show that Creativity and Innovation has the lowest mean score. This study emphasizes the importance of having a variety of digital abilities for these postgraduate ESL/EFL students to succeed in the digital world. This study offers insights into the difficulties and possibilities for the development of digital skills in various cultural contexts by examining the skills gap between ESL/EFL students of Malaysia and China.&#x0D; Keywords: 21st century skills; digital literacy; critical thinking; communication; creativity and innovation