Malaysian University Students Research Articles

Social work programs in Malaysian public universities: an analysis of barriers to producing competent social workers

ABSTRACT The University of Science Malaysia (USM) has developed a social work program for in the Social Welfare Department officers since 1975 to produce practically competent social workers. Courses offered at public universities should include relevant knowledge, skills, and field experiences to ensure that students can effectively communicate and resolve clients’ issues. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) listed 10 standards of social work education, namely the profession, ethics, diversity, social justice, populations at risk, human behaviors, social welfare, practices with individuals, groups and communities, research and skill development. The study aims to evaluate effective social work programs by analyzing the obstacles encountered by public university students in Malaysia to fulfill CSWE standards. A total of 279 final-year students from six public universities pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in social work participated, with questionnaires analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 23.0. Results indicated effective social work education, with students encountering moderate barriers. Students demonstrated competence aligned with the Social Work Act, which was crucial for addressing psycho-social and socio-economic issues in Malaysian communities. This study also highlighted the importance of producing skilled social workers to enhance societal well-being, assisting individuals, families, and communities in resolving various challenges.

Determinants of ChatGPT adoption among students in higher education: the moderating effect of trust

Purpose ChatGPT is a cutting-edge chatbot powered by artificial intelligence that could revolutionise and advance the teaching and learning process. Drawing on the technology acceptance model (TAM) and information system (IS) success model, this study aims to investigate determinants of students’ intention to use ChatGPT for education purposes. Design/methodology/approach The partial least squares technique was used to analyse 406 usable data collected from university students in Malaysia. Findings The results confirmed the relationships between perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEU), attitude and intention to use proposed by TAM. PU and PEU are influenced by system quality. Surprisingly, trust in information moderates negatively the influences of PEU and PU on attitude. Practical implications The findings provide insight for higher education institutions, unit instructors and ChatGPT developers on what may promote the use of ChatGPT in higher education. Originality/value The study contributes to the literature by exploring the determinants of ChatGPT adoption, extending the TAM model by incorporating IS success factors and assessing the moderating effect of trust in information.

Self-Compassion as Mediator between Self-Critical Perfectionism and Depressive Symptoms among Malaysian University Students

Self-Compassion as Mediator between Self-Critical Perfectionism and Depressive Symptoms among Malaysian University Students

The Influence of Zakat Assistance on Academic Achievement Among University Students in Malaysia and Indonesia: A Pilot Study

It is well known that knowledge and education are the best solutions to abolish the Asnaf people from poverty. As a result, zakat institutions actively play an essential role in distributing zakat funds through educational assistance to the asnaf groups in Malaysia and Indonesia. This measure ensures that the asnaf groups receive educational opportunities and succeed like others. Dropping out of studies due to failure to pay tuition fees is among the issues that are often reported in most past studies. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify and analyze the influence of zakat assistance on the academic achievement of students at Universiti Teknologi MARA Terengganu Branch, Malaysia (UiTMCT) and Universitas Sains Al-Qur'an, Indonesia (UNSIQ). This study also provides recommendations to empower zakat assistance at UiTMCT and UNSIQ. This study used a quantitative research method involving data collection by distributing questionnaires to 54 students at UiTMCT and UNSIQ. The findings were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software (version 24). The t-test results showed a significant difference in academic performance and governance between UiTMCT and UNSIQ, with a p-value of less than 0.05. This study is anticipated to provide insight to the community on the efforts to empower zakat institutions to assist asnaf fisabilillah in higher education institutions (IPTs) in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Who’s the Winner? A Comparative Study of Like, Comment and Share Functions in Consumers’ Purchase Intention between Facebook and Instagram

In the past few years, there has been a significant focus on investigating the impact of social media engagement. Although previous studies recognize the importance of social media engagement, there is still a lack of in-depth analysis regarding the specific influences of likes, comments, and shares on consumer behaviour, especially concerning how these engagements affect different platforms. This study aims to examine the relationship between social media engagement metrics (likes, comments, and shares) and consumer purchase intention on two prominent platforms, Facebook and Instagram. By adopting a cross-sectional design, this study employed purposive sampling to gather data from Malaysian university students who have engaged in purchasing activities on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. The analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) based on 265 completed responses, comprising 131 from Facebook users and 134 from Instagram users. The results reveal a significant positive relationship between likes and shares with consumer purchase intention on both Facebook and Instagram. However, comments were not found to be associated with consumer purchase intention on either platform. Furthermore, the study conducted a comparative analysis between Facebook and Instagram and found no significant differences in the relationships between engagement metrics and purchase intention. These findings have practical implications for marketers, emphasizing the importance of fostering engagement through likes and shares to drive consumer purchasing behaviour on social media platforms.

The Role of Instagram in Promoting Mental Health Awareness and Help-Seeking Attitudes Among Malaysian University Students

This study investigates the effect of Instagram (IG) usage for seeking mental health information and emotional support on help-seeking attitudes via mental health awareness among university students in Perak, Malaysia. Utilizing the Media Dependency Theory, a quantitative approach was adopted with data collected from 364 undergraduate students at Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) and MARA University of Technology (UiTM) through a 44-item questionnaire. Descriptive analysis and Structural Equation Modelling were conducted to analyze the data. Findings indicated moderate IG usage for seeking mental health information and emotional support, high mental health awareness, and positive help-seeking attitudes. Specifically, IG usage for mental health information indirectly influenced help-seeking attitudes through mental health awareness, while seeking emotional support had a direct effect but was not mediated by mental health awareness. The study reveals that despite the predominant use of IG for entertainment, a significant portion of students also engaged with the platform for mental health-related purposes. This engagement contributes to their overall awareness of mental health issues and their willingness to seek help. The implications of these findings suggest that IG can be an effective platform for mental health promotion among university students. These findings suggest strategies for social media accounts promoting mental health to enhance engagement and spread awareness, particularly among Malaysian university students, to mitigate the stigma around help-seeking. Keywords: Instagram (IG) usage, mental health awareness, help-seeking attitudes, emotional support, university students.

Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Career Counseling Services for Chinese Students in Malaysian Universities

Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Career Counseling Services for Chinese Students in Malaysian Universities

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.

Why am I obsessed with viewing mukbang ASMR? The roles of mediated voyeurism and intertemporal choice

This study investigates the determinants of the obsessive view of mukbang autonomous sensory meridian response (Mukbang ASMR) and examines the moderation role of intertemporal choice and the mediating effect of mediated voyeurism among university students in Malaysia. A quantitative survey was conducted with 408 university students in Malaysia who viewed mukbang channel(s) often on social media. PLS-SEM is adopted to examine the associated paths and effects. The results demonstrate the significant impact of alienation and novelty, vicarious satisfaction, companionship and loneliness on mukbang ASMR obsession. Mediated voyeurism intervenes the effects of alienation and novelty on mukbang ASMR and intertemporal choice positively moderates the relationship between companionship and loneliness and mukbang ASMR. This study constructs a model to estimate Mukbang ASMR obsession by identifying specific motives and relationships among key factors, highlighting loneliness as the most effective determinant of mukbang ASMR among Malaysian younger generation. Research results provide an extended understanding of the mukbang ASMR, offering valuable insights in the areas of lifestyle, social well-being, and social media consumption.

Talk to engage: The influence of smartphone voice assistants on consumers’ brand engagement

ABSTRACT This study aims to investigate how smartphone voice assistants (SVAs) impact brand engagement among Malaysian university students, who are leading in digital consumption trends. The study aims to investigate how brand characteristics such as appeal, attachment, perceived utility, and usability impact consumer behaviour by utilising Brand Identity and Technology Acceptance models. Analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) in AMOS, data from 500 students experienced with voice assistants was collected through a survey. The results show strong connections in all studied relationships, emphasising the crucial importance of various brand attributes in promoting engagement. Usability and perceived utility are essential factors, indicating that businesses should focus on creating products that are both functional and user-friendly. The study provides distinctive perspectives on improving student engagement and brand partnerships in a competitive environment. It highlights the necessity for more research to help voice assistant professionals and academics enhance consumer-brand connections, especially among the digitally adept youth population in Malaysia.

Sowing green seeds of mind: exploring the determinants of green mindfulness among university students

Purpose This study aims to investigate the determinants influencing green mindfulness among university students in Malaysia within the context of the Malaysia 2030 Agenda, focusing on Sustainable Development Goal 17 attainment. Design/methodology/approach The research uses a quantitative approach with a sample of 203 young adults. It explores the factors of goal difficulty, knowledge and awareness, spirituality, values and perceived university environmental responsibility (PUER), using a novel theoretical framework termed universal identity theory (IT). Findings Values, knowledge and awareness and PUER significantly contribute to green mindfulness, whereas spirituality and goal difficulty did not exhibit a substantial relationship to green mindfulness. Research limitations/implications Limited representation of diverse age groups and the potential influence of seniority on spirituality. Future research should expand the framework to include green behavior and performance, increase the sample size and consider a broader age demographic. Practical implications Universities play a crucial role in promoting green mindfulness through the establishment of rules, regulations, environmental initiatives, incentive systems and the introduction of a green mindfulness course. Clear communication channels and top-down approaches are recommended. Social implications This research contributes to understanding the mechanisms that induce green mindfulness among university students in Malaysia, aligning with national and global sustainability goals. Originality/value The universal IT provides a comprehensive understanding of how personal, social and community-based identities collectively influence green mindfulness. This theoretical perspective contributes to the environmental psychology and sustainability studies field, offering a culturally sensitive approach.

Validity And Realibility Of The Knowledge, Attitude And Practice (Kap) Questionnaire On Hexagonal And Olympic Barbell Deadlift Among Young University Students

An instrument for assessing the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) regarding hexagonal and Olympic barbell deadlift among young university students is crucial for identifying any gaps in KAP. This assessment can assist in developing specific educational interventions, enhancing training programs, improving overall strength and conditioning outcomes, and mitigating health risks. The objective of this study was to create and verify a questionnaire, specifically designed for young university students, that assesses knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to hexagonal and Olympic barbell deadlift exercises. A study employing purposive sampling was undertaken among a cohort of 242 young university students in Malaysia. This questionnaire was derived from a previous study and enhanced with additional components related to hexagonal and Olympic barbell deadlift. The verification of content validity, construct validity, and reliability was conducted utilising several tests. All the items in the questionnaire contribute to a minimal factor structure, as indicated by the results of a rotational component matrix. The Kuder-Richardson 20 (KR-20) coefficient for the knowledge domain was 0.73, which is regarded satisfactory. The Cronbach's Alpha values above 0.70, indicating strong reliability. However, they were lower than the overall Cronbach's Alpha value of 0.965 for the practice domain. Therefore, no item needed to be removed. This questionnaire demonstrates robust validity and reliability, making it suitable for assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to hexagonal and Olympic barbell deadlift.

Factors Affecting Food Choice Among University Students in Malaysia

This study investigates the variables affecting university students' food Choices. A total of 361 respondents were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire, data gathered. The Food Frequency and the Food Choice Questionnaires were used to assess dietary intake and food choice characteristics adapted from Steptoe, Pollard, and Wardle (1995). The study examined various food selection criteria including health, price, convenience, familiarity, and sensory appeal. The results indicated that sensory appeal was the most important factor influencing food choices among university students, while price was the least important. A significant relationship between food choice factors and their food intake. Students showed a strong concern forboth sensory appeal and convenience. Due to limited resources, students prioritized the sensory appeal of food over other factors, with sensory appeal sometimes acting as a barrier to healthy eating. Future research should explore these factors in different geographical areas and educational institutions.

The Relationship Between Socioeconomic Status Background and Sense of Belonging Among University Students in Malaysia

A sense of belonging is increasingly emphasized in higher education. This is because belonging plays an important role in the well-being of students in education. In this study, the socio-economic background is examined to identify its relationship to student’s sense of belonging. Therefore, this study was conducted by implementing a quantitative research design to figure out the relationship. The data were collected by distributing questionnaires to 320 UNITAR International University students through Google Form platform. Based on the analysis of the data, this study discovered that there is a significant relationship between socioeconomic status and a sense of belonging among UNITAR International University students. Further research needs to be conducted to identify a clearer link between socioeconomic status and a sense of belonging in this study. Improvements to study instruments also need to be made to obtain more systematic and clearer findings.

A Qualitative Study of Malaysian University Students’ Experiences on Self-Care of Gastritis: Effects, Challenges, and Coping Strategies

A Qualitative Study of Malaysian University Students’ Experiences on Self-Care of Gastritis: Effects, Challenges, and Coping Strategies

The Influence of Financial Literacy on Entrepreneurial Intention among University Students in Malaysia

The Influence of Financial Literacy on Entrepreneurial Intention among University Students in Malaysia

The Mediating Role of Spiritual Well-Being and Social Support in the Relationship between Mental Health and Suicidal Ideation among Malaysian University Students

The Mediating Role of Spiritual Well-Being and Social Support in the Relationship between Mental Health and Suicidal Ideation among Malaysian University Students

The Mediating Role of Cognitive Workload and Loneliness in the Relationship Between Internet Addiction and Sleep Quality among Public University Students in Malaysia

The Mediating Role of Cognitive Workload and Loneliness in the Relationship Between Internet Addiction and Sleep Quality among Public University Students in Malaysia

Intention to purchase eco-friendly stationery: A study on university students using S-O-R framework

Due to the high usage and demand of stationery among university students, this study investigates the factors that significantly influence university students' intention to purchase eco-friendly stationery. A novel research model has been developed using the stimulus-organism-responses (S-O-R) framework. Four external factors have been proposed as stimuli, namely, environmental knowledge (EK), environmental concern (EC), perceived environmental responsibility (PER), and university green initiatives (UGI), with attitude (ATT) as an organism and purchase intention (PI) as the response. Using purposive sampling, 367 Malaysian university students participated in this study, and the result of the partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) revealed that EK, EC, and PER significantly influenced students' ATT toward eco-friendly stationery. In addition, only the PER and ATT significantly affect the students' PI on the eco-friendly stationery. Additionally, the indirect hypothesis testing showed that EK, EC and PER indirectly influenced students' PI on eco-friendly stationery through ATT. This study's findings provided several important implications, including theoretical and practical implications, which would be utilized to understand the subject area better and cultivate students' PI on eco-friendly stationery in establishing a sustainable environment, communities and campus.

Happiness Among Malaysian University Students Who Stayed on Campus During Movement Control Order: What Really Matters?

Happiness Among Malaysian University Students Who Stayed on Campus During Movement Control Order: What Really Matters?