Malaysian Public University Students Research Articles

AI Concepts Integration in Developing E-Muhadathat Kits For Non-Arabic Speakers

Recent educational reforms focus on strategically integrating technology into teaching, aligning with the principles of the fourth industrial revolution (IR 4.0). Among the swiftly evolving technologies in language learning is Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly in the form of Natural Language Processing (NLP). This technology has been applied to create the E-Muhadathat kit, an interactive Arabic conversation simulation tool designed to enhance communication skills for non-Arabic speaking students in Malaysian public universities. This study aims to investigate the role of AI in education, address the challenges in developing AI-based Arabic language learning software, and propose a model for the E-Muhadathat kit tailored for non-Arabic speakers. This literature review uses documentary methods to gather information from journals, conference proceedings, articles, dissertations, and digital books from databases such as Google Scholar, Springer Link, Science Direct, and Research Gate. The collected data undergoes descriptive analysis based on thematic categorization. The findings indicate that the concept of AI consists of three core components: machine learning, deep learning, and neural networks. Arabic linguists have recognized several challenges in developing AI-based software, such as orthographic, morphological, syntactic, anaphoric, and semantic ambiguities. Moreover, the E-Muhadathat kit's design integrates machine learning and deep learning techniques, featuring applications for both spoken and written language. The study's findings support educators and researchers aiming to create Arabic language software tailored for non-native speakers in Malaysian higher education institutions. As a result, the study advocates for further investigation into the use of AI in Arabic language education to enhance the communication abilities of non-native speakers in Malaysia.

Pioneering Digital Ventures: Investigating Proactive Personality, Education, and Opportunity in Malaysian Higher Education

Digital entrepreneurship has become increasingly important in the context of Industry 4.0. This study explores the connections between digital entrepreneurial intention, proactive personality, entrepreneurial education, and entrepreneurial opportunity among Malaysian public university students. Additionally, it examines the mediating roles of attitudes, subjective norms, and PBC, guided by the TPB. A quantitative research design was employed, collecting data from 250 students, which was then analyzed using SPSS to test the proposed model. The findings reveal that entrepreneurial education and PBC are significant predictors of students’ digital entrepreneurial intention. Moreover, proactive personality, entrepreneurship education, and entrepreneurial opportunity indirectly influence digital entrepreneurial intention via PBC. These results contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the factors driving digital entrepreneurial intention and highlight the importance of fostering educational environments that support entrepreneurship. The study provides valuable insights for educators and policymakers to develop strategies that enhance digital entrepreneurial capacities among students, promoting innovation and self-employment opportunities

Educational Tourism: A Behavioral and Perceptual Analysis of Chinese Students in Malaysian Public Universities

ABSTRACT This study embarks on an exhaustive exploration of these determinants, leveraging the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to decipher their interaction and overall impact on educational tourism. The research examines a variety of psychological variables, Attitudes, Subjective Norms, Perceived Behavioral Control, Resource Availability, Self-Esteem Motivation, Novelty Seeking, Perceived Value, and Opportunity Cost, focusing on their modulation by Resource Availability and Novelty Seeking. A structured closed-ended questionnaire serves as the research instrument, obtaining responses from 376 participants over a period of three months. The collected data is meticulously analyzed using the Smart PLS tool. The results illuminate considerable direct and indirect relationships between these factors and their consequent effect on educational tourism. Specifically, Attitudes, Subjective Norms, and Perceived Behavioral Control significantly influence Resource Availability, Self-Esteem Motivation, and Novelty Seeking. In turn, Resource Availability and Novelty Seeking exert a positive effect on educational tourism, while Self-Esteem Motivation shows a minor positive correlation. Perceived Value and Opportunity Cost also play an instrumental moderating role. Although perceived value positively modulates the influence of resource availability, counterintuitively, it exerts a negative moderating effect on novelty seeking. Opportunity Cost presents mixed moderation results. The study concludes by highlighting potential future research directions.

A Review of a Malaysian Public University Students’ Motivational Behaviour in Learning a Foreign Language

A Review of a Malaysian Public University Students’ Motivational Behaviour in Learning a Foreign Language

Risk perception and its predictors towards type 2 diabetes mellitus among students in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has become increasingly prevalent among young adults. Risk perception is believed to be an important determinant of preventive health behaviors; however, young adults remain unaware of the benefits. The current study aimed to examine Malaysian public university students' perceived risk of developing T2DM and its predictors. This cross-sectional study involved a total of 1078 healthy students at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). The validated Malay version of the Questionnaire on Risk Perception of Developing Non-Communicable Diseases in Malaysia was used to assess their perceived risk of developing T2DM in the future. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the data regarding the predictors of perceived risk to obtain the final model after controlling the potential confounders. . It was found that the majority of respondents (83.8%) perceived low risk of developing T2DM. Results from the multiple logistic regression indicated that respondents from non-health related faculties (OR, 1.71: 95% CI 1.162, 2.515), smoking (OR, 8.43: 95% CI 1.108, 64.130), consume fast food ≥ 3 times/month (OR, 1.56: 95% CI 1.104, 2.207), and snacking ≥ 3 times/week (OR, 1.79: 95% CI 1.262, 2.550) were significant positive predictors while family history of diabetes was a negative predictor (OR, 0.50: 95% CI 0.350, 0.695). Students who self-rated themselves as practising healthy lifestyles and actively seeking health information perceived a low risk of developing diabetes in the future. . The findings indicate that students perceived their risk as low even though they have the risk. This creates an urgent need to emphasize the necessity of diabetes prevention education, especially on socio-behavioral factors, to address the widespread misunderstandings among university students regarding diabetes risk factors to reduce diabetes incidence.

Internationalization of Higher Education, University Quality Service, and International Students’ Loyalty in Malaysia

This quantitative study examines the effects of internationalization practices on university quality service and students’ loyalty as perceived by international students in Malaysian public universities. A total of 1,575 international students from 10 different public universities in Malaysia and from different home countries participated in this study. Stratified sampling was used to select the international students by dividing the population into continents. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using SmartPLS Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM). The findings of PLS-SEM confirmed the effect of internationalization of higher education practice and university quality service on international student loyalty in Malaysia. It was also found the effect of internationalization of higher education practice on university quality service. The research reported here adds to the growing body of knowledge on foreign student satisfaction and perceptions of quality, internationalization of education, and student mobility. It also helps provide some insights for the education industry in Malaysia and beyond in their effort to gain global recognition in the field of academic teaching, research, and professional development.

The Perception on Gender Stereotype among Students in Malaysian Public Universities

The Perception on Gender Stereotype among Students in Malaysian Public Universities

Key Determinants of Instagram Usage Among Malaysian Public University Students: An Extended Technology Acceptance Model

This research seeks to investigate the influencing factors affecting students’ intention of Instagram usage in Universiti Putra Malaysia. Drawn on the theoretical framework of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), social influence and self-efficacy were additionally incorporated to extend the TAM. A total of 373 online questionnaires were distributed to the targeted respondents. The PLS-SEM was applied for data analysis and the outcome shows that behavioral intention was positively anticipated by perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and social influence, while behavioral intention significantly impacts actual use. Meanwhile, the moderating effect of self-efficacy was found insignificant. The current study brings about empirical evidence in terms of the predictors anticipating students’ intention to use Instagram as an interactive platform by extending the TAM model. The outcome of the paper can serve as guidance for service providers in improving Instagram in the future.

Voices of special need students at public higher learning institutions: a wishlist to ponder

The global movement towards inclusive and equitable education has gained significant momentum in recent years. This study delves into the aspirations and challenges of special needs students in Malaysian public universities, aiming to provide insights into their expectations and experiences. Through qualitative research methods, via semi-structured online interviews and thematic analysis, this study uncovers several key themes. First, the study highlights concern regarding inadequate infrastructure and facilities within higher education institutions. Participants emphasized the need for infrastructure that caters to diverse disabilities, revealing a gap between policy and implementation. Secondly, equitable treatment emerged as a paramount concern. Special needs students desire fair and respectful treatment from peers, lecturers, and employers. Thirdly, the need for greater awareness and understanding of special needs students’ unique needs and capabilities is emphasized. Fourthly, participants highlighted the importance of robust support systems, including academic assistance and counselling services. Fifthly, fostering empathy among peers, family, and special needs students themselves is critical. E-learning is proposed as an intervention to support inclusivity of the special needs students at higher learning institution. E-learning provides equitable access to educational resources- it contributes to equal treatment by offering standardized interfaces and incorporating universal design principles, raises awareness through disability awareness modules and asynchronous communication, fosters greater understanding among peers and educators, integrates virtual support services, ensures tailored guidance for special needs students, and creates opportunities for collaborative learning experiences. Clear and enforced policies are crucial to safeguard the rights of special needs students and can facilitate policy dissemination and enforcement by serving as a centralized platform for communication.

Assessing Writing Abilities using AI-Powered Writing Evaluations

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of AI software, Automated Writing Evaluation (AWE), in identifying grammatical errors and increasing writing abilities among Malaysian public university students, as well as their perspectives on AI software in enhancing writing skills. The outcomes of this study reveal that students have good attitudes toward the implementation of AWE. The findings have implications for using artificial intelligence (AI) software (AWE) in ESL writing classes. Moreover, future scholars are anticipated to do similar research to increase the effect and relevance of this work. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence; Automated Writing Evaluation; Writing Skills; Technology eISSN 2514-7528 ©2023. The Authors. Published for AMER & cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under the responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour StudiesCollege of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/jabs.v8i24.420

The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mobile Messaging Application Among Millennials in Public Universities in Malaysia

Mobile messaging apps are currently a popular method in Malaysia for communicating while on the go, owing to its convenience, reliability, and contact-free feature of mobile application. Fueled by mobile internet and smartphone growth, mobile messaging apps have become a strong force in the mobile app sector, offering users an alternative to SMS-based texting paired with social media elements and enhanced features, such as group chats and photo sharing. The study was anchored using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 theory. A survey with 150 respondents and PLS analysis is used to determine the antecedents of mobile application continuance usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results revealed that there is an influence in the usage of mobile messaging apps among the younger generation in Malaysian public university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main implication shows that mobile application among young generations in public universities has become popular. The convenience usage of the internet has turned the world into a global village.

A Study of Correlation between Metacognitive Strategy, Self-Efficacy and Arabic Achievements of University Level Students in Malaysian Public Universities

This study investigated the correlation of metacognitive strategies, self-efficacy and academic performance of university-level Arabic learners. A total of 317 university level Arabic learners from Year 1 to Year 4 participated in this study. The quantitative research approach was utilised by using Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) and the Self-Regulated Online Learning Questionnaire (SOL-Q) as instrument of the study. SPSS analysis of the data indicated a high level of metacognitive skills and self-efficacy. Metacognitive skills and self-efficacy correlated with each other significantly predicted academic performance. Subsequent data analysis also yielded a significant difference in metacognitive strategies and self-efficacy beliefs among Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, and Year 4 learners. The implications of the results for language learning and educational practice are discussed.

Postgraduate Students Academic Writing Skills: The Needs for Supervision and Self-esteem

The study aimed to understand how supervision and self-esteem influence academic writing skills among postgraduate students in Malaysian public universities. Academic writing skills of postgraduate students, particularly PhD students, are essential for them to conduct their research effectively due to the high demands placed on the quality of their study. It is beneficial to understand postgraduate students' self-esteem as well as their supervisor’s support in order to boost their academic writing skills. A quantitative cross-sectional survey research design was used in this study. Data were gathered through the use of a survey questionnaire that was distributed to 171 postgraduate students (PhD students). Non-probability sampling (convenient sampling) method was used to select the participants for this study. SPSS version 26 was used to analyse the data. An investigation of the relationship between supervision, self-esteem, and perceived academic writing skills was carried out using Pearson correlation analysis and linear regression. Both supervision and self-esteem were shown to have a moderate correlation with perceived academic writing skills. When compared to supervision, self-esteem is a slightly stronger factor for perceived academic writing skills. The implications of this study can provide direction to those involved in developing the most appropriate strategies to improve the writing skills of postgraduate students. Researchers suggested that more variables in the literature to be studied in future research, which could lead to a better result. Furthermore, future researchers can use a mixed methods approach to gain a deeper understanding of postgraduate students' conditions in order to boost their writing skills effectively.

Effect of Dark Triad Personality on Cyberbullying Behavior among Malaysian University Students

Cyberbullying has become more prevalent in this age due to the increased usage of electronic gadgets, the Internet, as well as the personality traits of the aggressor. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of Dark Triad personality traits on cyberbullying behaviour among university students. The personality model adopted in this study is the Dark Triad Model, which includes Machiavellianism, Narcissism and Psychopathy. This current study used a cross-sectional quantitative research design to collect data through online questionnaires. This study utilized the 9-Item Cyberbullying Offending Scale and the 12-Item Dirty Dozen scale to gather the data. A total of 400 samples from Malaysian public university students were selected based on the convenience sampling methods. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics through SPSS version 27. The finding shows a low level of cyberbullying behaviour among Malaysian university students. The findings also indicated that all three dark traits (i.e. Machiavellianism, Psychopathy, Narcissism) are significantly correlated with cyberbullying behaviour. Meanwhile, the regression analysis indicates that both Psychopathy and Machiavellianism significantly positive affect cyberbullying behaviour. The study contributes to the existing literature by providing evidence from the Malaysian perspective, which is a collectivistic culture in nature. Additionally, the findings provide information to the stakeholders as guidelines for future intervention and prevention programs development for cyberbullying.

The Effects of Financial Knowledge, Financial Attitude and Locus of Control on Financial Well-Being among Students in Malaysian Public University: An Empirical Investigation

Financial well-being is one of the elements of well-being and it was explained where an individual can control the financial matter on current life and future life as well without feeling worries on his or her financial situation and it is vital to get better quality of life. Therefore, this study aims to analyses the factors that influencing financial well-being among students in Malaysian public university. Three variables are tested for this study namely, financial knowledge, financial attitude, and locus of control. The sample for this study consisted of 54 students participated in the survey using purposive sampling. The data collected via online form. Multiple regression analysis is employed to analyse the data gathered. The findings revealed that there was a significant relationship between financial knowledge and financial attitude with financial well-being. However, there was an insignificant effect between with locus of control towards well-being. The results could be used as guide to related government agencies, financial institutions, and the individual as well in understanding the important of financial well-being to curb from facing financial problem and to sustain the quality of life from young age.

Exploring Artificial Intelligence using Automated Writing Evaluation for Writing Skills

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of AI software which is Automated Writing Evaluation (AWE) in detecting grammatical errors in improving writing skills among Malaysian public university students and examine their perceptions of AI software in improving writing skills. The findings of this study show the positive perceptions of students towards the implementation of AWE. The study provided implications for the effective use of AI software (AWE) in ESL writing classrooms. Finally, future researchers are expected to conduct research on a similar topic to enhance the impact and significance of this study

27 Salient Spoken English Grammar Errors Identified in Malaysian Public University Students: A Remedial Guide

Poor spoken English has been widespread among Malaysian public university students for decades. Many Malaysian students graduate deficient in English and subsequently face an abrupt reality shared by approximately 40,000 jobless fresh graduates each year: oral English proficiency and employability are correlated in Malaysia. The country’s private sector employers have cited poor English as one of the leading reasons for their rejecting applicants. Meanwhile, a limited quantity of articles has been published on Malaysian tertiary students’ salient verbal grammar errors. To identify such errors as a first step towards remediation, an experimental workshop was created at a Malaysian public university. Using an ethnographic qualitative research method over 3 semesters, an aggregate 50-week period, 27 main recurrent spoken grammar errors were detected among 95 Malaysian students, which consisted of 68 undergraduates and 27 postgraduates. This study attempts to provide a relatively explicit identification of chief spoken grammar errors by Malaysian public university students sampled, with example corrections. Core concepts in findings are intended to aid syllabus design and targeted remedial English instruction by Malaysian tertiary and school teachers seeking to more efficiently facilitate student progress, mitigate pressures on learners, and alter the outcomes for as many future Malaysian public university graduates as the findings contained herein may effect.

Prevalence of Internet Addiction and Its Relationship with Psychological Distress Among Medical Students in a Malaysian Public University

The internet is an essential part of our daily lives. Studies have reported various impacts of internet addiction on humans, including anxiety, stress and depression. The current study explores the prevalence of internet addiction and its relationship with psychological distress among medical students in Malaysian public university. The current cross-sectional study was performed among second- to fifth-year Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) medical students in the late 2019. The Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were used to gather data. The data collected were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0. A Spearman correlation test and simple linear regression were used for the data analysis. A total of 386 medical students (96.5% response rate) participated in this study. Data analysis found that the prevalence of internet addiction among USM medical students was 6.7%. The results indicated a significant positive relationship between internet addiction and psychological distress. Extensive use of the internet was found to be associated with elevated levels of depression, stress and anxiety. Findings regarding the effects of internet addiction are similar to those in other studies conducted among Malaysian medical students. This study has provided essential insights into the relationship between internet addiction and psychological distress among medical students. Further investigation should be undertaken to explore other possibly addicted groups. Higher education providers should be aware of these internet addiction issues among their students and interventions should be introduced to tackle this problem.

Gender and University Support towards Psychological Well-being: An Exploratory Study in Malaysia

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between university support and psychological well-being among postgraduate students in Malaysian public universities. The second aim of this study was to investigate the gender as the moderators in the model. Convenience sampling method was used in this study. Data were gathered from a sample of 335 postgraduate students selected from 13 Malaysian public universities. An online survey was sent out to postgraduate students via postgraduate groups. PLS-SEM version 3.3.7 software package was used to analyse the data. Findings showed positive effect of university support on postgraduate students’ psychological well-being. However, this study revealed no significant differences between male and female groups with university support on postgraduate students’ psychological well-being. Moreover, the findings of this study will be useful in the creation of policies and programmes aimed at improving the well-being of postgraduate students in the future. The findings of this study will be valuable in the development of policies and programmes targeted at enhancing the well-being of postgraduate students, in the future.

Acculturative Stress Among International Students: A Case of Malaysian Universities

Globalization of education is not uncommon in many countries where international education is of major importance to many, including Malaysia. Malaysia has increasingly become a popular destination for study pursues recently due to various attributes such as the wide verbal implementation of English by the locals, affordable accommodation cost, unique traveling experiences, and great opportunities offered at Malaysian higher learning institutions. Globalization of education develops a proactive global learning environment for local students. When international students come to Malaysia, they must adjust rapidly and learn fast, coping academically and socially. This study aims to assess the acculturative stress experienced by international students in Malaysian public universities. The findings indicate that most international students are under moderate cultural pressure, especially cultural changes or shocks, language barriers, and anxiety. These findings have implications for research on stress