Malaysian Youth Research Articles

Youth Climate Change Mitigation Practices and Adaptation in Malacca State, Malaysia

Climate literacy is one way to assess youth awareness about current climate change phenomena such as El-Nino or La-Nina. This article aims to build a model of climate change mitigation practices and adaptation among youth in Malaysia, especially in the historical state of Malacca. A total of 400 youth respondents residing in the state of Malacca were selected through a simple random sampling process. Among the sub-constructs studied are sustainable development, environmental conservation, natural resources and effective involvement. The data were analysed descriptively to pair the reliability of results from Cronbach’s alpha with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). CFA was used to obtain a three solutions factor from SPSS 22 and AMOS 20 software. The results showed that the Cronbach’s alpha value was at a ‘high’ classification which surpasses 0.80. Results from CFA analysis shown a three-factor solution is appropriate and acceptable based on the suggested indicators. Therefore, a 30-item measurement model was developed to measure the mitigation and adaptation practices of climate change amongst youth in Malaysia. This study is significant because few studies have been completed on connecting youth practice and adaptation in regard to climate change it; the current study illustrates how Malaccan youth practise mitigation knowledge in the era of climate change, and how they say they will adapt to the effect of climate change.

Predictors of Cyberbullying among Malaysian Youth

Cyberbullying has emerged of late as a serious issue, especially among the most active internet users in Malaysia – youths. As the number of related studies is still lacking, the present study aims to determine the predictors of cyberbullying among youths in Malaysia. The study is quantitative in nature and in total had involved 400 youths aged between 18 to 40 years old. The findings suggest that predictors such as age, loneliness, self-esteem, and empathy yielded significant relationship with cyberbullying, while males were predominantly reported to perpetrate cyberbullying than females. Several recommendations were highlighted and hopefully, it can assist any concerned parties in developing concrete strategies to reduce cyberbullying cases among youths in Malaysia further.
 Keywords: Youth; Cyberbully; Youth development

Twitter as Safe Space for Self-Disclosure among Malaysian LGBTQ Youths

Majority of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) youths in Malaysia are not able to express their sexual orientation in real life due to fear of threats and backlash from the society. Thus, they turn to social media like Twitter to share their true selves and sexualities. Twitter plays an important role in helping the LGBTQ youths to reveal their true selves and and finding a sense of belonging to a community that supports and encourages them and in a country like Malaysia, that is important to their mental well-being. Ten participants from the LGBTQ community gave their consents to be interviewed. This study focuses on the concept of self-disclosure between the participants and their Twitter followers. Results are organized around three primary themes. 1) Motivation which includes knowledge, private life, self-acceptance, and movement and clique. 2) Reciprocity in self-disclosure from both the giving and receiving end which can be positive or negative. Under the giving end, recognition is positive whereas exclusion is negative and under the receiving end, acceptance is positive while dismissal is negative. 3) Consequences of disclosure in the forms of income that is internal gain and outcome, the external gain. It is found that the participants’ actual intentions of self-disclosure are self-acceptance and self-actualization. They use Twitter as it is seen as a private space where they can be themselves and be safe, supporting the notion of Twitter as a safe space for LGBTQ youths. Keywords: LGBTQ, Twitter, self-disclosure, safe space, youth.

Malaysian youth associations as places for empowerment and engagement

Youth organizations often face challenges in reaching their potential as places of empowerment and engagement for youth development. While evidence-based practices of how organizations foster youth engagement exist, there are few replicable models or conceptual frameworks that cross-cut these different practices. The purpose of this multi-level, mixed methods study was to gain insight into how youth associations become empowering settings for youth engagement. Grounded in the theoretical perspective of empowered community settings, we sought to explore the links between national youth policy, the creation of empowering settings and youth engagement. Our focus was on Malaysia and its national network of youth associations. In Phase 1 of the study, thematic analysis of major policy documents revealed that Malaysian youth policy creates a shared belief system for the country’s youth associations according to three core themes: empowerment is intertwined with community capacity building; safety and inclusivity are paramount; and members are expected to be both teachers and learners as ‘partners in development’. In Phase 2, in-depth interviews with youth association leaders (N = 22; M age = 28; 68% male) highlighted the importance of a relational environment that includes opportunities to build social capital with adults and peers. The associations’ opportunity role structure further allows youth leaders to exercise voice in making decisions that mold the associations’ programs and allow the leaders to pass on knowledge and skills to younger members. In Phase 3, building on the findings from the first two study phases, a survey of regular association members (N = 262) indicated that safety and opportunities for personal growth predicted organizational engagement. For community engagement, as members moved outside of the confines of the organization and participated in community work, opportunities for personal growth remained central to engagement with social capital and adult support taking on additional importance. The study provides an initial conceptualization of best practices that link national policy and organizational leadership to participant engagement in youth associations.

FORMAL SCHOOLING AND THE PROCESS OF IDENTITY CONSTRUCTION: EXPERIENCES OF MALAYSIAN YOUTHS IN ‘BAD’ SCHOOLS

In human lifespan development, identity construction is central within social and personal experiences, even more so for teenagers and young adults (youths) who are looking for their sense of self and own identity. The construction of identity involves the growth of a whole person and the development of a stable sense of self. At the same time, the process of identity construction causes some youths to become self-conscious about how others perceive them; this usually results in repeated self-discovery and identity experiment cycles. Their identities are thus constructed and reconstructed as they try out different role types in different settings, such as in schools. The focus of this research paper is to examine the experience of formal schooling and how it relates to the identity process of Malaysian youths. Employing qualitative face-to-face interviews, data were collected from six research participants from a private university in Selangor, Malaysia who were purposively selected for this empirical research. Three criteria for participant selection were used: That they have been in rural schools for most of their lives, the schools adopt a very didactic focus, and the schools have a limited number of highly trained and motivated teachers; in other words, they have experienced being in ‘bad’ schools. The research participants were selected from two different academic programs: Three undergraduate students from Bachelor in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) and another three from the Bachelor in Law program. Two research questions were posed. First, where does the experience of formal schooling figure in the identity construction of these youths? And second, what roles do the formal experience of schooling play in the lifespan identity development of these youths? Although not generalisable to all youths in Malaysia, the experiences of the participants contribute to advancing our knowledge of identity construction through the process of formal schooling.

Generational divide: how Pakatan Harapan swung the youth vote in GE14

ABSTRACT This article examines the strategies of both the Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) in trying to reach out to youth voters. It seeks to understand the factors that led to PH winning 80% of the youth votes despite the political structures in place that were skewed against the Opposition and BN’s strong youth outreach. The article argues that BN’s brand of politics which employs Malay-Muslim supremacy is reliant on a practice of feudalistic politics which privileges older Malaysians and thus tends to disempower youths. Since BN utilised this brand of politics to remain in power, it became exceedingly difficult for its component parties to avoid alienating Malaysian youths. This allowed PH to seize the initiative for the youth vote by crafting strategies that sought to rupture the hierarchical nature of Malay-Muslim supremacy.

Moderating Role of Acculturation and School Type on Association between Parenting Style and Positive Psychological Development among Iranian Adolescents in Malaysia

This study examines the moderating role of acculturation and school type (Iranian vs. International schools) on the association between parenting style and positive psychological development (PPD) among Iranian youth in Malaysia. Some 194 Iranian adolescents were selected from Iranian and International schools using the stratified random sampling method. The Iranian Version of the Self-Identity Acculturation Scale (SL-ASIA), Alabama Parenting Questionnaire (APQ), and Positive Youth Development-Short Form (PYD-SF) were employed. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used for data analysis. The results indicated that acculturation moderated the association between father involvement and poor monitoring in the PPD of adolescents. Moreover, positive parenting moderated the correlation between the total scores for acculturation and PPD, although the school type did not. The current study has indicated the importance of the role of acculturation on the association between parenting and PPD of migrated Iranian adolescents in host countries.

Financial Education as a Moderating Influence in Prudent Financial Management Practices among Malaysian Youth

Financial Education as a Moderating Influence in Prudent Financial Management Practices among Malaysian Youth

Financial Education as Moderating Influence in Prudent Financial Management Practices among Malaysian Youth

Financial Education as Moderating Influence in Prudent Financial Management Practices among Malaysian Youth

Impact of Local Culture-Based Reading Materials on Students' Skill Development and Confidence in English

This paper discusses the impact of a local culture-based longitudinal English language reading program on secondary school students’ skill development and confidence. This program named as Your Language My Culture (YLMC) was the brainchild of a team of local university researchers from secondary schools in the state of Terengganu in Malaysia. Its main objective was to help in improving English competency while instilling local culture awareness among Malaysian youth. The underlying premise was that familiarity with cultural elements (in this case local culture) would provide the schema to facilitate learning and communicating in English. Three supplementary reading modules focusing on local culture and content were developed for use among students from Forms One to Three. After three years of exposure to the local content, a survey was carried out among teachers and students to examine the impact on students’ skill development and confidence in using English language. Furthermore, focus group interviews with teachers and students were carried out concomitantly throughout the three-year period. The findings revealed an enhanced understanding regarding the manner in which the module utilization impacted the development of reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in English amongst these students. The responses obtained from the teachers and students alike depicted the students’ skills that were sharpened, attributable mainly to their increased level of confidence.

Identification of Avatar Mediates the Associations Between Motivations of Gaming and Internet Gaming Disorder Among the Malaysian Youth

Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) genre has been expanding rapidly in Malaysia. However, the nature of this genre is addictive. Research in the area of Internet gaming disorder (IGD) among gamers of this genre is relatively new, signifying a substantial literature gap to be filled. The aim of the present study was to examine the selected determinants (i.e., motivations of gaming and identification of avatar) of IGD among MOBA gamers. The mediating role of identification of avatar in the associations between motivations of gaming (i.e., achievement, socialization, and immersion) and IGD was also investigated. A total of 1175 gamers were recruited through MOBA online groups in social media. Males were accounted for 75.20% (n = 808) and aged between 18 and 29 (Mage = 22.19 years, SD = 3.30). The findings revealed that motivation of achievement, motivation of immersion, and identification of avatar positively predict IGD, whereas motivation of socialization negatively predicts IGD among MOBA gamers. Identification of avatar was found as a significant mediator of the relationships between motivations of gaming and IGD. A large effect size was found with a total of 45% of variances explained by each determinant in the study. Overall, the findings of the present study provided empirical evidence for the underlying determinants of IGD. Intensive collaboration from various parties should be established for diminishing the potential adverse impacts of IGD on youth nowadays.

Muslim youths' e-lifestyle and its impacts on well-being

In the lives of young people, particularly the students, the internet has become all-pervasive. Internet development has sparked debates on how the online activities and online behaviour of youths can affect their well-being. While the positive aspects of internet usage have the potential to learn and improve social relationships, overuse of the internet can lead to addiction, as well as online risks such as abuse, cyberbullying, and sexual exploitation. This research aims to examine the impact of e-lifestyle on wellness dimensions and the total well-being of Muslim youth in Malaysia. The data was collected through a survey of 255 Muslim respondents aged between 18 and 24 years and analysed using SmartPLS 3.0. The results indicate that the second-order construct of e-lifestyle has a significant effect on all wellness dimensions, while only social wellness has a significant effect on the total well-being of Muslim youth. Later, the future implications are discussed, and a conclusion is provided.

Study of Hand Measurements as a Potential Tool for Prediction of Sex and Estimation of Stature in a Sample of Egyptian and Malaysian Youth

Background: Identification of the living and the deceased is of great importance in various civil and legal aspects. An individual hand when recovered and brought for examination can give important information about sex, stature and age of the person. Regression equations have been derived in different populations for estimation of stature and they are reliable, accurate and of utmost importance to forensic scientists for medico-legal cases. Aim of the study: To evaluate hand measurements as a potential tool for determination of sex and estimation of stature in a sample of Egyptian and Malaysian people and to conduct a comparative study between them. Subjects and methods: The study was conducted on 300 volunteers (200 Egyptians and 100 Malaysians) from both sexes aged above 21 years old and less than 30 years old. Measurement of hand length, breadth and finger lengths of right hand were taken using a sliding caliper (Vernier caliper) beside measurement of the stature using stadiometer. SPSS was used to compare the recorded measurements between both sexes; logistic regression was conducted to derive equations for prediction of sex from each hand. Multiple regression was performed to estimate stature from hand measurements. Results: Male measurements of all parameters including hand length, hand breadth, finger lengths of right hand and stature were significantly higher than females in both Egyptian and Malaysian volunteers. There was a moderate to strong positive, statistically significant correlation between stature and the hand length, breadth, and finger lengths of right hand in male and female Egyptian and Malaysian participants. Hand length, hand breadth and thumb length were the best predictors for sex from the right hand, also hand length and index length were the best predictors for stature from the right hand. Conclusion: Sex and stature can be predicted with reasonable accuracy from hand measurements in Egyptian and Malaysian young adults. Further studies are required to validate the derived equations in a large sample of Egyptians and Malaysians and to test the equations validity in other age groups.

Xploring the Underpinnings of Ethnicity, Gender and Body Image as Determinants of the Eating Habits of Malaysian Youth

xploring the Underpinnings of Ethnicity, Gender and Body Image as Determinants of the Eating Habits of Malaysian Youth

Instrument Development of a Risk Barometer to Measure Extremism Behavior Among Early Youth in Malaysia

Instrument Development of a Risk Barometer to Measure Extremism Behavior Among Early Youth in Malaysia

The Influence of Hedonic and Utilitarian Shopping Value Towards Consumer Behavioral Intention Among Youth Mall Shoppers

In the past decade, considerable amount of researches investigated the influence of hedonic and utilitarian shopping values on consumer behavioral intention. Accordingly, this has driven the current study to achieve its objective which is to determine the influence of hedonic and utilitarian shopping values on consumer consumer behavioral intention among youth in Malaysia. Embarking on the quantitative methodology, a survey is conducted among 469 university students who enrolled to a compulsory university course. The results showed that hedonic and utilitarian shopping values had positive influence on the youth consumer behavioral intention. This implies that shopping mall developers should consider hedonic and utilitarian preferences in terms of the design, selection of stores and functionality in creating a shopping mall particularly in serving youth market segment.

NATION-BUILDING AMONG YOUTHS IN MALAYSIA: THE CIVIC EDUCATION APPROACH

This article focuses on the nation-building among youths in Malaysia through civic education. Today's youths are exposed to various social challenges, including domestic and global intimidations, and they are easily involved in social problems and immoral activities. Moreover, some of the youths are seen as close-minded, lack respect for the elders and intolerant in their daily life which may affect inter-ethnic relations in a multiethnic society. It is crucial to foster the youths to ensure a better development of the country. The government has implemented civic education approach in educating the youths to foster a strong patriotism and nationalism, and strengthen their loyalty towards the country. The purpose of this study is to provide insights into the implementation of civic education approach cultivating civic consciousness among the Malaysian youth groups. This study employed quantitative approach through a survey technique by using questionnaires distributed to 431 Malaysian youths from Universiti Putra Malaysia (i.e 241 Malay and 190 Chinese students). Descriptive analysis was implemented to compare and contrast the intensity of civic education based on three dimensions, namely civic knowledge, civic skills and civic disposition. The findings show that the Malay and Chinese respondents have high levels of civic education and high civic consciousness as to understand the importance of living in a multiethnic society. The positive integration among the Malays and Chinese will strengthen a sense of belonging among the Malaysian youths. This study concludes that civic education in this country is important as the foundation for unity and the construction of a dreamed nation-state.
 
 Keywords: Civic education, civic education approach, nation-building, youths, youth groups in Malaysia
 
 Cite as: Ismail, M. M., Othman, Z., Hassan, N. A., Abdullah, N. H., Abdullah, A., & Mohamad Zan, U. M. S. (2019). Nation-building among youths in Malaysia: The civic education approach. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 4(2), 390-409. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol4iss2pp390-409

Promoting Developmental Assets in Positive Youth Development: Identity Development Process through Youth Leadership Mentoring in Malaysia

Involvement in leadership activities is one of the approaches that enhances Positive Youth Development (PYD) among youths. The focus on mentoring process in a leadership program serves as the basis for developing these positive youth elements and has the potential to increase youth's readiness to lead Youth leadership development is a primary focus in Malaysia’s development agenda as outlined in the Malaysia Youth Policy (2015) and Youth Societies and Youth Development Act 668 (2019). Research and practice concur that the involvement of young leaders can be strengthened through wider exposure and professional training through mentoring. Mentoring offers a unique learning process that has been shown to enhance youth development outcomes and strengthening competence of youth leaders. The study was conducted to explore the identity development process in promoting developmental assets through the youth leadership mentoring. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach informed by the case study paradigm that involved 13 informants through in-depth interview data collection, participant observation and document analysis. Empirical findings from the study show that identity development resulted from the mentoring process through the value of tolerance, promotes empathy and shaping philanthropy spirit among youth leaders. In conclusion, data indicated that mentoring clearly has the potential to constitute the process of identity building among youth, and this process contributes to the development of their leadership capacities.

Police Leadership in Developing Youth Leaders in The Community: Positive Youth Development Perspectives in Malaysia

Youth leadership development is one of the important agenda needed in the country's development agenda as outlined in the Malaysian Youth Policy 2015. The involvement of young leaders can be strengthened through wider exposure and professional training that enhances Positive Youth Development among youths. Thus, in community context, the role of police leadership is not merely just as law enforcement officer but an icon of leadership. The authority in public order and security granted by the law to the police officer can be a positive exertion to influence the youth and it has the potential in providing that kind of learning process. Therefore, this paper will explore the process of youth development towards PYD and how police leadership enhanced youth to become leader in the community. The discussion addressed in this paper is how police leadership contributes to the process of developing youth leadership ability form at risk behavior and eventually fulfilling the overall PYD needs.

Application of Rasch rating scale model in calibrating youth adversities in Malaysia

The traditional statistical summation of Likert scale is based on the a priori assumption that all of the items are of equal difficulty and that the thresholds between steps are of equal distance or equal value. The Rasch Rating Scale Model (RSM) emphasize that not only each item have a difficulty estimate, but the rating scale has a series of thresholds to show the progression of the scale used compared to dichotomous data. In order to check the quality of the adapted items based on Malaysian Youth Challenges and also how functions the RSM in calibrating the adversities among youth. The research aimed to investigate the reliability and separation index of adapted items developed and calibrating the main adversities among youth. A set of items in online survey questionnaires with a four-point Likert scale were administered to 500 youth that categorized into early, mid and end youth from five different zones using convenience sampling technique. The data of the questionnaire were analysed using RSM. The items with -0.09 logit from the data set (second quartile or 50 percent), and above are considering as hard to endorse by youth. The findings revealed that all items have good reliability and separation index. The most dominant challenge for all age categories of youth is the economy and the least dominant is technology. The results exposed the potential of logit on the RSM is useful to help organize the adversities. The logit served to convert the ordinal to the interval type of data. The research was contributed to the applications of modern psychometric theory. This information is valuable to redesign the content of the self-development for youth self-development programs, especially to face adversities in their life.