Malaysian Youth Research Articles

Youth development in rural library: ICT gratification as mediating effect

This study investigates the relationship between ICT facilities and behavioural factors with positive youth development among rural youth in Malaysia, considering gratification of ICT usage in rural library as the mediating effect. The youth in rural areas are inclined to involve in negative affairs due to non- established beneficial activities. Therefore, the government has taken initiatives to equip rural libraries with ICT facilities and services to support social and academic activities amongst youth. A total of 400 respondents comprising rural library users in Peninsular Malaysia aged between 15 to 40 years were surveyed through multi-stage cluster simple random sampling. A survey method was employed and the analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The results revealed that gratification of ICT usage among youths in rural library do not significantly mediates the relationship between ICT and specific behavioural factors in positive youth development. The finding indicates that respondents were not entirely depending on ICT facilities provided in the rural libraries in their undertakings. This study highlights several implications and recommendations for policy makers and practitioners towards improving ICT provisions in rural libraries in Malaysia.

The Relationship between Religious Tolerance and Ethnic Relation Practices among Multi-Ethnic Youth in Malaysia

The study aims to examine the level of religious tolerance, the level of practice in ethnic relations and the relationships between religious tolerance and ethnic relation practices among multi-ethnic youth in Malaysia. A total of 500 respondents from ethnic Malays, Chinese and Indians who were in Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Selangor and Johor were used as samples for this study. The research using the Religious Tolerance Index and Inter-Ethnic Tolerance Behavior questionnaire. The data were analyzed descriptively and inferential using SPSS 24.0. The finding shows that religious tolerance has a moderate association with practices in ethnic relations. The respondents of this study have a high level of religious tolerance, but have a moderate value in practicing the ethnic relations practices. In terms of practicing ethnic relations, the Indians are the strongest people practicing practices in ethnic relations. Meanwhile, in terms of religious tolerance, the Malays are the highest in tolerance with other religions. The implication of this study suggests that the good values inherent in individuals help strengthen the individual religious tolerance. To establish a harmonious relationship between different believers, each individual need to have knowledge of the fundamental principles of other believers while establishing a good and deep relationship between different believers.

The adaptation of the Big Five Inventory in measuring Malaysian youths’ personality traits

The adaptation of the Big Five Inventory in measuring Malaysian youths’ personality traits

Social Entrepreneur as Career: Why it Attracts Youth in Malaysia?

Malaysian government takes seriously in empowering the social entrepreneurship activity among youth with their aim to establish 1000 social enterprise in 2018. Although this issue is important, the number of studies related to career as social entrepreneurs among youth is still scarce in this country. The main goal of this study was to explore why career as a social entrepreneur bring much interest among youth in Malaysia. This study was conducted using a qualitative approach, where interviewing methods were used for eight youth social entrepreneurs who were voluntarily engaged in this study. Data analysis revealed three themes which are i) the motivation gain from their surroundings, ii) interest in business and social activities, and iii) high desire to help and develop their community. This finding may be useful to increase the number of youth social entrepreneurs in Malaysia, in which people who are interested in social sector are encouraged to make campaigns on social entrepreneurship activities towards SME entrepreneurs. By encouraging this, hopefully a sharing session of inspirational stories from successful entrepreneurs will benefit the upcoming youth social entrepreneurs. Perhaps the sharing session will open their eyes in using or continuing using the social entrepreneurship model compared to using the CSR approach to help their community.

Promoting Sikhi among Malaysian youth: A case study of the Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia (SNSM)

ABSTRACTThe Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia (SNSM) has been an important vehicle in keeping the tenets of the Sikh faith alive for the Malaysian Sikh community. It is primarily a Sikh youth organization, initiated with the blessings of the Malaysian Sikh community elders in the 1960s, who decided that starting the activity of prayer and contemplation on Sikhi was crucial from a young age. Over the decades, the SNSM has been adept in evolving its activities and organization to cater to the altering needs and self-conceptions of the various generations of Sikh youth. This paper documents the trajectory of SNSM activities and reinvention to cater to the generations of Sikhs post-Independence.

Exploring Contributing Factors on Holistic Well-being among Malaysian Youth

The Global Youth Wellbeing index includes 35 indicators across seven domains that is gender equality, economic opportunity, education, health, safety and security, citizen participation and information and communication technology. Youth signifies the developmental phase where critical decisions are taken on the key life transitions including; continuing education, entering work, adopting healthy lifestyles, starting a family and participating in society. The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that contribute to holistic wellbeing among Malaysian youth. The Nominal Group Technique was used to address the question ‘What influence the well-being of youth? The group participants were nine youth ages 19 -29 years. Item generation was followed by discussion for clarification and operationalisation. The results indicated that self-recognition, love, quality time, entertainment, health, vacation, education, ICT, spirituality, wealth, peace, interpersonal relationship and infrastructure, influence the well-being of youth. This study highlighted some important findings that could be used as guidelines in conducting further research on the well-being of youth in Malaysia. Interventions implemented on improving youth well-being should cover on individual, family, learning institutions as well as community level.

Proportionality of Anthropometric and Physical Fitness Performance on Youth Aerobic Capacity Model

Oxygen consumption is linked to the overall fitness performance and all the causes of the mortality and cardio-respiratory fitness is determined by the oxygen consumption. The purpose of the current study was to determine the relationship between predicted oxygen consumption towards physical fitness and anthropometric components on Malaysian youth. A total of 219 male student-athletes randomly were recruited to participate in this study with aged between 13-15 years old groups from entire state in Malaysia. Anthropometric and physical fitness battery test were conducted to the student-athletes and recorded for further analysis. To achieve an objective, Multiple Linear Regression were computed whereas VO2max denoted as a determiner meanwhile others physical fitness components and anthropometrics were selected for the predictors. Even though aerobic capacity model shows weak association on anthropometrics and physical performances (R2= 0.275, ? 27.5%), still it proved to be a significant effect, p

Decentralised public education campaigns for tobacco control by Malaysian youth tobacco control advocates towards smoke-free generation

Decentralised public education campaigns for tobacco control by Malaysian youth tobacco control advocates towards smoke-free generation

Religiosity Commitment and Decision-Making Styles Among Generation Y Muslim Consumers in Malaysia

This article examines the influence of religiosity commitment on the decision-making styles of Generation Y Muslim consumers in Malaysia. Both the Religious Commitment Inventory (RCI-10) and the Consumer Styles Inventory (CSI) were tested. A non-probability sampling was employed to select 500 targeted respondents, and 486 completed structured questionnaires were returned. Factor analysis was conducted to determine the religiosity commitment and decision making styles dimensions. A two dependent sample t-test was employed to examine the influence of devout and casual religiosity commitment on shopping styles. The research results indicate that religiosity commitment consists of two dimensions (interpersonal and intrapersonal commitment). Additionally, Muslim Generation Y consumers have eight decision making styles : Fashion Consciousness, Confused by Over choice, Quality Consciousness, Brand Consciousness, Brand Loyalty, Recreational Shopping Consciousness, Value-impulsiveness and Time Restricted. The results also suggest that the devout and casual groups are significantly different in the Quality Consciousness and Brand Consciousness decision making styles. Those high in religious commitment tend to be more quality and brand conscious. Of the eight prevailing decision-making styles, only six are consistent with Sproles and Kendall. Two other styles – Value-impulsiveness and Time Restricted – emerged as new decision making styles of Muslim youths in Malaysia.

Predicting youth participation in urban agriculture in Malaysia: insights from the theory of planned behavior and the functional approach to volunteer motivation

This study examines factors associated with the decision of Malaysian youth to participate in a voluntary urban agriculture program. Urban agriculture has generated significant interest in developing countries to address concerns over food security, growing urbanization and employment. While an abundance of data shows attracting the participation of young people in traditional agriculture has become a challenge for many countries, few empirical studies have been conducted on youth motivation to participate in urban agriculture programs, particularly in non-Western settings. Drawing on the theories of planned behavior and the functional approach to volunteer motivation, we surveyed 890 students from a public university in Malaysia about their intention to join a new urban agriculture program. Hierarchical regression findings indicated that the strongest predictor of participation was students’ attitude toward urban agriculture, followed by subjective norms, career motives and perceived barriers to participation. The findings from this study may provide useful information to the university program planners in Malaysia in identifying mechanisms for future students’ involvement in the program.

Performance analysis of the Malaysian elite youth squash players

This study analysed the frequencies and court locations of squash strokes performed by elite Malaysian youth players before and during a national tournament. One hundred and seventy nine matches participated by six players (three men and three women) were analysed. Data collected via video recordings and coded post match using Studiocode® analysis software. The straight and cross court drives were the most frequent strokes used by both genders, with more on the backhand side. The drop shot and straight drives contributed to most winners for the men and women respectively. Most winners were produced by the players when they occupied the middle areas of the court. The areas that resulted most errors were the four corners of the court for the men whilst the women was on their backhand side areas. Objective feedback on the performance prior to a major competition provided some positive results. Keywords : performance analysis, squash, youth.

The Utilization of Online News Media Among Malaysian Youths and Its Link to Political Participation

Contemporarily, politics is getting more interesting especially with media being one of the major tools in election campaigns as well as political strategy setters. Increasingly, scholars have come to see the new media as playing a vital role in shaping political participation that are able to bring about broader social and nation change. Recent studies have shown a positive link between frequencies of social media usage towards participatory democracy. Highlighting on how social media allows society in its ability to communicate and disseminate information, which includes critical views and dissidents voices, some scholars have viewed this as a negative impact especially on nation building. Taking all these pointers into consideration, this study seeks to understand and examine the role of social media within Malaysian participatory democracy particularly among the youths. This study employed quantitative approach of cross-sectional analysis that focussed on youths of central Malaysia. It is found that online news media consumption among Malaysian youths is on an average level, so is their direct involvement in participatory democracy. Using a co-relational analysis, the study found that there is significant relationship between the use of online news media and political participation among youths of central Malaysia.

Lean start-up awareness and effect on entrepreneurial intentions among Malaysian youths

In an attempt to develop greater interest in enterprise start-up, this study examines the level of awareness of lean start-up model and its effect on entrepreneurial intentions among Malaysian youths. In this study, we argue that greater entrepreneurial interest could be ignited in the youths if lean start-up model is applied in teaching and learning. Using a survey, data were collected from 191 university students at three universities in Malaysia peninsula. These data were analysed with descriptive statistics and regression methods. We found that majority of the students were not aware of lean start-up model. Our research also established a significant positive effect of lean start-up on entrepreneurial intentions among Malaysian youths. We recommend that the government and university authorities should draft appropriate strategies (e.g. inclusion in syllabus) that will engender greater awareness and adoption of lean start-up, especially among students and lecturers, for enterprise creation in the country.

Examining level of spirituality among Malaysian Youth

The aim of this study is to examine the level of spirituality among Malaysian youth. The sample for the study consisted of 4, 703 youths through the stratified random sampling method. In this study the spirituality level for the sample were measured. This quantitative research was conducted using a survey method through questionnaires distributed to a total of 4, 703 youths age between 15 to 40 years from all races, religions and education backgrounds throughout Malaysia. This study applies a systematic stratified random sampling and the data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The result showed that the level of spiritual among Malaysian youth is relatively high with mean at 8.02 out of 10. The spirituality level of Malaysian youth was also found to differ according to category of gender, religion, ethnic, category of primary school, category of secondary school, highest academic qualification at school level and highest academic qualification. This result implies that the level of spirituality is still have room for improvement and the government, non-government organisation as well as parents should take into consideration all the background of the youth when planning any spirituality development program. These to ensure that the program will be effective to increase their level of spirituality once its suitable with their needs according to their different background.

The Arab Spring Through Malaysian Youth ‘Eyes’: Knowledge, Perceptions and Influences

AbstractThis paper examines the attitude of Malaysian youth towards the ‘Arab Spring’ events in the Middle East and North Africa. In particular, it explores the knowledge and perceptions of a selected young generation in Malaysia towards the ‘Arab Spring’ as well as considering how the events influence their attitudes towards regime change, democracy and political stability. The major involvement of Malaysian youth in a series of mass protests (“BERSIH”) against the ruling government, were perceived by numerous local and foreign journalists as an attempt to create a “Malaysian Spring”. However, there have been strong opinions voiced by the Malaysian authorities suggesting that there was no basis for presuming an ‘Arab Spring’ impact in the context of the Malaysian experience. This raises the question of the relationship between the ‘Arab Spring’ and Malaysian youth. In so doing, both quantitative and qualitative methods were applied through a questionnaire based-survey involving 607 respondents as well as 10 in-depth interviews with selected Malaysian youth leaders. The outcome of this research shows that a number of youth believing that they were inspired by the acts of mass street protests during the ‘Arab Spring’. However, the fear of political instability which is currently evident in the post-Arab Spring led to some respondents favouring political stability rather than regime change. Overall, this empirical research found that the majority of Malaysian youth are supportive of a free and democratic election as a relevant medium for political change, rather than overthrowing the current regime via civil disobedience.

Lean start-up awareness and effect on entrepreneurial intentions among Malaysian youths

Lean start-up awareness and effect on entrepreneurial intentions among Malaysian youths

Social media influencers - shaping consumption culture among Malaysian youth

This study reveals the significance of social networking sites (SNS) that created vast opportunities for cultural awareness and consumption among youth SNS users in Malaysia. Simplicity and user-friendly features on Instagram had heightened interest and growth of its users where the ability to “hashtag” on Instagram identifies current trends based on user-generated images and videos that enable users to generate search results instantaneously. Researchers have argued that SNS users at present trust peer recommendations more than search engines and this phenomenon is evident from their resonance with “social media influencers” (SMIs) who are capable of influencing massive followers through reviews of products, services and social trends on their social media accounts; particularly on dining out and “cafehopping” as a social experience. This study examined the curation of Instagram posts by SMIs and found that their visibility of content created shared voices and reinforced cultural identities among their followers. The content analysis deployed in this study also investigated feedback on the selected SMI’s curation of posts and established that peer engagement is a tangible socialization process that would contribute to the youths’ future use of Instagram as a social, cultural and educational tool.

Gender Identity Crisis of the Millennial Generation in Malaysia: Special Focus on the Issue of Pengkid

Gender identity crisis among Malaysian youth nowadays is becoming a matter of grave concern. This article is based on a study conducted to explore and understand the perception of the public towards Pengkid, a term used to refer to a female, whose physical and behavioural appearance resembles that of a male. The sexual orientation is also towards other females, i.e., showing a preference for same-sex partners. Pengkid is becoming more visible in society and lately, the term has been associated with social concerns, like, drug and sexually-related problems. This study also aims to develop possible indicators for identifying a Pengkid. A combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods is used. A survey was conducted involving a total of 1,298 samples, representing people in three main districts in Negeri Sembilan, i.e., Seremban, Port Dickson and Rembau. Structured interviews were also conducted with several target groups or subject matter experts, such as religious leaders, academicians, lawyers, medical doctors and social workers as well as a number of Pengkid. The main finding from the research indicates that the level of awareness of the public of the Pengkid problem is high. The research also developed some physical and behavioural indicators for the purpose of identifying Pengkid.

The Influence Of Financial Literacy Towards Risk Tolerance

The importance of financial literacy in promoting good financial behaviour has been established in Malaysia. Nonetheless, a study that specifically analyses youth is still needed. This study focuses on Malaysian youths’ financial literacy and financial behaviour. It is alsoexpected that financial behaviour and financial literacy significantly among those from different parental, gender and income backgrounds. A quantitative approach was adopted, utilising questionnaire survey as the research instrument. The male respondentswere more financially literate. Findingsindicated that parent backgrounds, predicted students’ financial behaviour. This study provides valueable results reflecting parental influence had a significant influence on financial behaviour. This study suggests awareness programmes to enhance the general financial literacy especially among youths.

Youth and Social Media Comportment: A Conceptual Perspective

The rise in social networking sites (SNS) has inevitably instilled addictive behaviors amongst its users causing social media addiction. Social media addiction has since been found to be a bigger problem to the current society as it causes certain users to develop disorders and compulsive behaviors which leads to negative effects. In view of this, social media addiction and social media disorders has since been the focus study amongst academicians and researchers. This conceptual paper will discuss about the relationship between social media addiction and social media disorders among Malaysian youths. To investigate this relationship, several dimensions for social media disorders are defined such as preoccupation, tolerance, withdrawal, persistence, escape, problems, deception, displacement and conflict. Furthermore, the mediating effect of loneliness will also be evaluated on the relationship between social media addiction and social media disorders. Eventually, this article will propose a conceptual framework which links social media addiction, social media disorders and loneliness. Literature content for all the variables are included in this study to provide context for better understanding and future roadmaps into empirical study of this paper would be provided towards the end of this article.