Journal of Human Development and Communication (JoHDeC)
Journal of Human Development and Communication (JoHDeC) is a refereed journal published by the Center for Communication Technology and Human Development, UniMAP. The main objective of JoHDeC is to provide an intellectual platform for the international scholars. JoHDeC aims to promote interdisciplinary studies in humanities and social science and become the leading journal in social science in the world. The journal publishes research papers in the fields of Operation Management, Strategic Management, Technology Management, Communication and Languages, ICT, Economy, Entrepreneurship and Technopreneur, Co-curriculum Education, Culture, Literature and Arts, Civilization and Religions, Psychology and Sociology, Occupational Health and Safety, Soft Skills and Leadership, Values and Patriotism and so on. The journal is published in online versions. JoHDeC publishes original papers, review papers, conceptual framework, analytical and simulation models, case studies, empirical research, technical and notes. Special Issues devoted to important topics in humanities and social science will occasionally be published. Entrepreneurship innovation and research strategies, tactics and tools of both theoretical and practical nature are welcome.
Using Healthcare Transitional Probability Matrix (TPM) For Patient Attribute: A Bibliometric Analysis
Effective patient management is essential for improving clinical outcomes and optimizing healthcare service delivery. This study explores the application of the Transition Probability Matrix (TPM) as a tool for analyzing and enhancing patient attributes within healthcare systems. By modelling patient movements across key hospital states such as admission, treatment, and discharge, TPM enables a data-driven assessment of patient flow and the identification of operational inefficiencies. The paper emphasizes a bibliometric analysis of TPM to demonstrate its research significance and application trends. The findings offer insights into optimizing patient care, workload allocation, and process bottlenecks. Additionally, the study discusses integrating TPM into healthcare decision-making frameworks to improve patient experience, reduce waiting times, and strengthen capacity planning. Overall, the proposed approach supports hospital managers and policymakers in adopting a more systematic, patient-centred strategy to enhance healthcare efficiency.
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A Systematic Literature Review on Cinematic Virtual Reality Design Elements
This systematic literature review explores how design elements in Cinematic Virtual Reality (CVR) are identified, categorised, and evaluated in relation to user experience (UX) outcomes. A total of 844 peer- reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025 were analysed. The findings reveal six key experiential categories—Immersion and Presence, Interactivity, Navigation, Comfort of Use, Cognitive Load, and Narrative Engagement—that structure the influence of design strategies on UX. Within these categories, specific elements such as high-fidelity visuals, adaptive playback, gaze-based interaction, and guided navigation were found to enhance dimensions like presence, emotional engagement, usability, and cognitive clarity. Evaluation methods varied across studies, combining subjective instruments (e.g., questionnaires and interviews) with objective techniques (e.g., gaze tracking and behavioural analysis). This review not only clarifies the current landscape of CVR design and assessment but also highlights critical gaps in narrative structure, cognitive regulation, and user agency. The findings provide a conceptual foundation for developing a user-centric model to improve UX in CVR environments.
A Bibliometric Perspective: Research Trends in Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) and Mahalanobis Taguchi Gram-Schmidt (MTGS)
This study presents a comparative bibliometric analysis of two decision-making methodologies: Multi- Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) and the Mahalanobis Taguchi Gram-Schmidt (MTGS) method. The primary objective is to examine the scholarly landscape, research growth trajectories, and geographic dissemination of these approaches better to understand their academic evolution and potential for future research. MCDM has been extensively utilized across diverse disciplines to address complex decision-making problems involving multiple criteria. In contrast, MTGS represents a relatively nascent technique that mitigates multicollinearity through Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization. Drawing upon the Scopus database as the sole data source, this study systematically analyzes publications from 2020 to 2025. Key bibliometric indicators, including annual publication trends, subject area distributions, and contributing countries, are evaluated using Microsoft Excel, VOSviewer, and Harzing’s Publish or Perish. The findings indicate a pronounced dominance of MCDM in the literature, with 228 publications primarily situated within thedomains of Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics. Conversely, MTGS is represented by only 10 publications, predominantly within technical fields such as Engineering and Computer Science. In terms of geographic contribution, India, China, and Iran emerge as leading contributors to MCDM research, while MTGS-related studies are primarily concentrated in China and Malaysia. It is important to acknowledge that this study is limited to Scopus-indexed publications within the 2020 to 2025 timeframe, which may restrict the comprehensiveness of the analysis by excluding relevant literature from other databases or earlier periods.
The Application of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in Evaluating Employee Selection Criteria: Insights from Northern Malaysia
Employee selection in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is increasingly challenged by financial constraints and skills gaps. This study addresses these challenges by employing the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to develop a systematic framework for optimizing academic staff recruitment. Through a survey conducted among experienced lecturers at public universities in Malaysia's Northern Region, the research identifies and ranks critical selection criteria: Innovative Work Behaviour AHP (IWBA) emerges as the most significant, followed by Ethical Climate AHP (ECA) and Cultural Diversity AHP (CDA). The findings underscore the importance of fostering creativity and ethical environments in academic recruitment to meet institutional goals of excellence and innovation. By integrating the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology, this research provides Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) administrators with a robust, quantitative decision-making framework to refine personnel selection processes. This strategic approach ensures alignment between recruitment practices and organizational objectives, offering actionable insights to enhance staff performance, retention, and overall institutional success.
Streamlining Smart HR Digital Platform to Refine Staff Satisfaction and Retention in MTUN Institutions
In Malaysia, universities often face the challenge of managing human resources (HR) functions efficiently while nurturing staff satisfaction and retention. To address these challenges, this study envisions a smart digital platform serving as a one-stop centre for all HR services, specifically designed for university staff. By integrating features like self-service portals, personalized notifications, and real-time updates, the platform aims to reduce administrative burdens, minimize human error, and foster a greater sense of ownership and connection among staff. Additionally, by delivering timely and accurate information, it increases staff satisfaction and helps universities retain top talent. This innovation not only simplifies HR operations but also aligns with the goal of creating a more supportive, responsive, and engaging workplace for university staff, ultimately contributing to improved organizational performance holistically. The proposed system is designed to meet the dynamic needs of universities, offering scalable solutions that adapt to future technological advancements. Focusing on the Malaysian Technical University Network (MTUN) objective by emphasizing the practical and technical education in engineering, technology and applied sciences. As it is believed, a comprehensive and user-friendly system enables the improvement of the entire team performance and leads to goal achievement.
Navigating Digital Risks: The Impact of TikTok on Youth Privacy, Safety and Psychological Well-being
The rise of TikTok as a dominant social media platform has transformed digital engagement among youth. However, it also presents significant risks, including privacy concerns, exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and online predators. This study examines the relationship between TikTok usage and youth’s vulnerability to digital risks. These frameworks explain how online behaviors are shaped by observation, reinforcement, and perceived risk assessment. The findings highlight the necessity of digital literacy education, stronger platform regulations, and increased parental involvement to mitigate these risks and afoster a safer online environment.
TikTok Addiction Among Teenagers: Causes, Effects, and Solutions
The rapid rise of TikTok among teens has raised concerns about excessive screen time, schoolwork, mental health, and social skills. This study examines the thoughts and actions that influence TikTok use among young people. It checks why they use it, how long they use it affects their thinking and feelings, and what it does to their school and social life. Using Social Learning Theory (Bandura, 1977) and Uses and Gratifications Theory (Katz, Blumler, & Gurevitch, 1973), the research examines how TikTok meets many needs, such as fun, self- expression, and social approval. It also shows some such negative effects, such as reduced focus, increased stress, and lower grades. The study also finds ways to help cut down on too much TikTok use by teaching better online habits and ways to help self-control. By sharing what it finds about how teens use media, this study hopes to help teachers, parents, and leaders develop effective plans to balance TikTok use and reduce its negative effects
Ke Arah Media Halal: Kajian Konseptual Produksi Kandungan Digital Islamik
Dalam era digital yang pesat berkembang, media halal semakin mendapat perhatian sebagai prinsip teras dalam penghasilan kandungan yang berpaksikan nilai-nilai Islam. Namun, cabaran utama industri ini adalah mengeimbangkan pematuhan syariah dengan daya tarikan komersial dan elemen kreativiti bagi memenuhi keperluan industri media serta kehendak pasaran. Walaupun media halal semakin berkembang di Malaysia, kajian mengenai budaya produksi dalam industri ini masih belum diteroka secara mendalam. Oleh itu, kertas ini merupakan sebuah kajian konseptual yang bertujuan untuk mencadangkan satu kerangka konseptual bagi memahami bagaimana budaya produksi media halal dibentuk, dengan menumpukan perhatian kepada platform penstriman digital Islamik, Durioo+ sebagai kajian kes. Kajian ini akan membincangkan bagaimana prinsip media halal diterapkan dalam penghasilan kandungan digital Durioo+, termasuk aspek pematuhan syariah, nilai Islam yang disampaikan kepada khalayak, serta cabaran yang dihadapi dalam memastikan keseimbangan antara pematuhan syariah, daya tarikan komersial, dan kreativiti. Selain itu, kertas konseptual ini akan mengenal pasti faktor yang mempengaruhi proses produksi media halal. Dengan menggunakan pendekatan sosiologi media dan budaya produksi sebagai asas teoritikal, kajian ini diharapkan dapat menyediakan asas konseptual yang kukuh bagi kajian masa hadapan mengenai industri media halal di Malaysia. Penemuan kajian ini diharapkan dapat menyumbang kepada pemahaman lebih mendalam mengenai cabaran dan peluang dalam industri ini serta membantu memperkukuhkan kedudukan Malaysia sebagai peneraju dalam industri media halal secara global. In the rapidly developing digital era, halal media is increasingly gaining attention as a core principle in the production of content centered on Islamic values. A key challenge in this industry lies in balancing shariah compliance with commercial appeal and creative expression to meet market and industry demands. Although halal media is growing in Malaysia, studies on the production culture in this industry have not yet been explored in depth. Therefore, this paper is a conceptual study aims to propose a conceptual framework to understand how the production culture of halal media is formed, by focusing on the Islamic digital streaming platform, Durioo+ as a case study. This research will address the application of halal media principles in the creation of Durioo+ digital content, covering topics such as shariah compliance, audience-received Islamic values, and the difficulties in striking a balance between shariah compliance, commercial appeal, and creativity. In addition, this conceptual paper will identify factors that influence the production process of halal media. This study is anticipated to offer a strong conceptual basis for subsequent research on Malaysia's halal media sector by employing the sociological approach of media and production culture as a theoretical basis. The findings are expected to enhance understanding of halal media challenges and opportunities while strengthening Malaysia’s position in the global halal media industry
To Identify and Analyze the Factors Influencing Social Media Use By SMES
This paper examines the key factors influencing social media adoption among small and medium enterprises (SMEs), recognising the growing importance of digital platforms in enhancing business competitiveness, customer engagement, and market visibility. Drawing on an extensive review and synthesis of recent literature, the study adopts the Technology– Organization–Environment (TOE) framework to provide an integrated understanding of how technological capability, organizational practices, and environmental conditions shape SMEs’ social media adoption decisions. The findings indicate that digital competency and continuous training enhance SMEs’ technological readiness, customer-centric strategies strengthen organizational engagement and trust, and financial support serves as a critical environmental enabler of sustained digital adoption. Importantly, the study highlights that these factors are interdependent rather than independent, suggesting that effective social media adoption emerges from their combined influence. By applying the TOE framework, this paper contributes to the existing literature by offering a holistic perspective on SME social media adoption and addressing gaps in prior studies that examine adoption factors in isolation. The study further provides practical insights for SME owners, policymakers, and industry stakeholders by identifying strategic areas for intervention to support sustainable digital adoption and strengthen SMEs’ long-term competitiveness in the digital economy.
The Parents’ Responsibility for Teaching Children in the Digital Age
In today's world, technological advancement is increasingly integrated into everyday life. Technological advances, such as computers, smartphones, and tablets, help children grow, develop their capabilities, and improve their learning. The term "Gen Alpha," which describes children born between 2010 and 2024, is the first generation to have been raised entirely in the twenty-first century and is characterised by their digital- native status and worldwide connectivity. Thus, "Gen Alpha" mostly spends their time interacting with digitalization. Since technology is a part of every parent's and child's life, there is worry about how it may harm the cognitive, motor, and social development of very young children. Parents are the most important people who are responsible for creating a child-friendly environment. Thus, the pattern that parents follow with their children meets the design of children's physical and psychological needs. Furthermore, by socializing children to society norms, this pattern can be put into practice and help them coexist peacefully with their surroundings. Parents must teach and guide their children in the responsible and constructive use of digital media.
The Dangers of Oversharing: How Much Should Parents Post About Their Children
Children should feel safest under the protection of their parents. However, in today’s digital era, many parents overshare personal details about their children on social media without considering the long- term consequences. From prenatal ultrasound scans to daily milestones, children’s personal information often enters the online sphere before they are even born. Such actions overlook the fact that parents do not fully control their children’s digital footprints, potentially exposing them to privacy breaches, exploitation, or reputational harm. While laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) exist, enforcement gaps remain in family contexts. This paper examines the benefits and risks of parental sharing, the ethical implications of children’s right to privacy, and the need for mindful online behavior. Recommendations are offered to balance parental freedom with child protection.
Literasi Digital: Peranan Aplikasi Facebook dan AI dalam Membentuk Sokongan Politik dalam Konteks Malaysia dan Antarabangsa
Kajian ini bertujuan untuk meneliti peranan aplikasi Facebook dan AI dalam membentuk sokongan politik, dengan penekanan khusus kepada konteks Malaysia dan perbandingan dengan negara-negara lain. Facebook, sebagai salah satu platform media sosial terbesar di dunia, telah memainkan peranan yang semakin penting dalam politik moden, terutamanya dalam mobilisasi pengundi dan pengaruh dalam pilihan raya. Dalam kajian ini, penulis akan mengkaji pelbagai literatur terkini untuk menganalisis bagaimana Facebook digunakan sebagai alat politik oleh kerajaan, parti politik, dan individu untuk membentuk persepsi politik serta meningkatkan sokongan kepada pihak berkuasa. Fokus utama adalah pada penggunaan Facebook dalam Pilihan Raya Umum Malaysia (PRU14 dan PRU15), dengan perbandingan kepada pilihan raya di negara-negara lain seperti Amerika Syarikat, India, dan Filipina. Kajian ini mengaplikasikan teori-teori media sosial seperti Agenda-Setting Theory, Uses and Gratifications Theory, dan Spiral of Silence untuk memahami dinamik hubungan antara media sosial dan sokongan politik. Selain itu, kajian ini juga menilai kesan negatif seperti penyebaran berita palsu dan polarisasi politik yang sering kali wujud dalam perbincangan politik di Facebook. Dapatan kajian ini dijangka dapat memberikan wawasan tentang keberkesanan Facebook dalam mempengaruhi pengundi dan bagaimana ia membentuk keputusan politik, serta menawarkan cadangan untuk pengurusan media sosial yang lebih bertanggungjawab dalam konteks pilihan raya. This study aims to examine the role of the Facebook application and AI in shaping political support, with a specific focus on the context of Malaysia and a comparison with other countries. Facebook, as one of the largest social media platforms in the world, has played an increasingly important role in modern politics, particularly in voter mobilization and influence in elections. In this study, the author reviews various recent literature to analyze how Facebook is used as a political tool by governments, political parties, and individuals to shape political perceptions and increase support for authorities. The main focus is on the use of Facebook in Malaysia’s General Elections (GE14 and GE15), with comparisons to elections in countries such as the United States, India, and the Philippines. This study applies social media theories such as the Agenda-Setting Theory, Uses and Gratifications Theory, and Spiral of Silence to understand the dynamics of the relationship between social media and political support. Additionally, the study also evaluates negative effects such as the spread of fake news and political polarization that often arise in political discussions on Facebook. The findings of this study are expected to provide insights into the effectiveness of Facebook in influencing voters and shaping political decisions, while also offering recommendations for more responsible management of social media in the context of elections.
Reimagining Southeast Asian Mythology in Digital Games: A Case Study of Kabaret by Persona Theory Games
Character design in digital games is more than creating visually appealing figures; it is an evolving discipline that blends storytelling, cultural heritage, and artistic expression. As global audiences increasingly seek diverse and culturally grounded narratives, Southeast Asian folklore offers a rich and underrepresented source of inspiration for digital games. This study investigates how Southeast Asian mythological characters are adapted and reimagined in game design, focusing on the representation of cultural identity through character design. The research centres on Kabaret, a narrative-driven game developed by Persona Theory Games, which features a cast of characters inspired by Southeast Asian myths and legends. Adopting a qualitative methodology, this study combines literature review with visual and thematic analysis. It examines character names, design aesthetics, personality traits, costume elements, cultural references, and symbolic forms to explore how cultural identity is visually encoded. Findings reveal that Kabaret achieves a balance between creative reinterpretation and cultural authenticity, presenting Southeast Asian culture in a manner that is both respectful and globally accessible. Each character contributes to a cohesive narrative that bridges traditional heritage with contemporary game aesthetics. This research underscores the role of digital games as powerful platforms for cultural storytelling and heritage preservation. It contributes to academic discourse in game studies on cultural representation and provides practical insights for developers and artists seeking to produce culturally respectful content. By bringing Southeast Asian folklore into the digital sphere, Kabaret demonstrates how games can foster intercultural appreciation and strengthen the visibility of regional identities in the creative industries. Reka bentuk watak dalam permainan digital bukan sekadar penciptaan figura yang menarik secara visual, ia merupakan satu disiplin yang berkembang dengan menggabungkan penceritaan, warisan budaya, dan ekspresi artistik. Dalam era ketika khalayak global semakin menginginkan naratif yang pelbagai dan berasaskan budaya, cerita rakyat Asia Tenggara menawarkan sumber inspirasi yang kaya namun kurang diwakili dalam permainan digital. Kajian ini menyelidik bagaimana watak mitologi Asia Tenggara disesuaikan dan diolah semula dalam reka bentuk permainan, dengan memberi tumpuan kepada representasi identiti budaya melalui reka bentuk watak. Penyelidikan ini memfokuskan kepada Kabaret, sebuah permainan naratif yang dibangunkan oleh Persona Theory Games, yang menampilkan barisan watak yang diinspirasikan daripada mitos dan legenda Asia Tenggara. Dengan menggunakan metodologi kualitatif, kajian ini menggabungkan ulasan literatur dengan analisis visual dan analisis tematik. Ia meneliti nama watak, estetika reka bentuk, ciri-ciri personaliti, elemen kostum, rujukan budaya, dan bentuk simbolik bagi meneroka bagaimana identiti budaya dikodkan secara visual. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa Kabaret berjaya mencapai keseimbangan antara interpretasi kreatif dan keaslian budaya, serta mempersembahkan budaya Asia Tenggara secara hormat dan boleh diakses oleh khalayak global. Setiap watak menyumbang kepada naratif yang padu, yang menghubungkan warisan tradisional dengan estetik permainan kontemporari. Kajian ini menegaskan peranan permainan digital sebagai platform yang berkuasa dalam penceritaan budaya dan pemeliharaan warisan. Ia menyumbang kepada wacana akademik dalam kajian permainan mengenai representasi budaya dan memberikan panduan praktikal kepada pembangun dan artis yang ingin menghasilkan kandungan yang menghormati nilai budaya. Dengan membawa cerita rakyat Asia Tenggara ke dalam ruang digital, Kabaret membuktikan bahawa permainan mampu memupuk penghargaan antara budaya serta memperkukuh keterlihatan identiti serantau dalam industri kreatif.
Typing Behavior in Web Authentication: A Human-Computer Interaction Case Study
This research investigates keystroke dynamics as an interdisciplinary phenomenon from the perspective of human-computer interaction theory, viewing typing synchrony as an interactional episode between human and computer rather than as a singular biometric security tool. In the present study, 200 users were enrolled, each typing the same short phrase multiple times, and their patterns of movement rhythm and pauses were examined to better understand the human experience of behavioral authentication. Our analysis reveals that typing patterns are highly distinctive yet variable, reflecting complex interactions between motor learning, cognitive processing, and individual differences. We present an in-depth comparison of two contrasting cases that illustrate the design challenges: User 400 demonstrated fast, consistent typing with stable interkey intervals (100-150ms average) and minimal variability, suggesting well-developed motor automaticity. In contrast, User 380 exhibited slower, more variable typing (average 200- 400ms) with pronounced cognitive pauses, particularly at word boundaries and capital letters (delays up to 1,296ms). Neither typing style is inherently superior; both represent legitimate human behavior patterns. These individual differences have critical implications for authentication system design. Generic one-size-fits-all models would either exclude variable users like User 380 through excessive false rejections or provide inadequate security for consistent users like User 400. Our findings demonstrate that behavioral authentication systems must employ personalized models, adaptive thresholds, and transparent feedback mechanisms to accommodate natural human diversity. Systems must treat variability as a normal characteristic of human behavior rather than a suspicious anomaly. This work challenges the prevailing paradigm that treats typing patterns as stable biometric templates, arguing instead for a user-entered design that embraces individual differences, ensures fairness across diverse populations, and respects user autonomy through transparency and control.
Role Conflict and Interpersonal Interactions as Predictors of Job Stress among School Teachers
This study examines how interpersonal interactions and role conflict affect job stress among Malaysian secondary school teachers. Teachers’ job stress has become a significant problem, with many expressing feelings of pressure. Individual factors in Malaysian secondary schools are the main focus of this study. In Melaka, Malaysia, 136 teachers participated in a cross-sectional quantitative study using convenient sampling and the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the data, and the results showed that role conflict and job stress were highly correlated, whereas interpersonal interactions were only moderately correlated. Role conflict significantly affects job stress, according to regression research. Future research should employ longitudinal designs, enhance sample diversity across secondaryschools, and incorporate both quantitative and qualitative methods to yield more profound insights.
A Behavioural Perspective on Online Impulse Purchasing: The Influence of Social Factors, Arousal and Habit
The rapid growth of digital commerce has intensified the prevalence of online impulse purchasing, driven by socially embedded platforms that integrate interaction, emotional stimulation, and seamless transactions. Despite extensive research on impulse buying, limited studies integrate social, affective, and automatic mechanisms within a unified framework. Drawing on the Stimulus– Organism–Response (S-O-R) theory and Dual-Process Theory, this study examines how social influence, emotional arousal, and habit shape online impulse purchasing behaviour. Social influence is conceptualized as an external stimulus embedded in digital environments, arousal as the organismic mechanism translating stimuli into behavioural tendencies, and habit as an automatic processing pathway that reinforces impulsive responses. Using a quantitative research design, data are collected from online consumers to test the proposed relationships through structural modelling analysis. By integrating social, emotional, and habitual perspectives, this study advances theoretical understanding of impulse purchasing in digital commerce and provides insights for developing responsible and effective online marketing strategies.
Psychological Research on Jealousy in Marital Relationships: Global Research Trend
Psychological research on jealousy in marital relationships has gained increasing scholarly attention due to its significant implications for emotional well-being, marital satisfaction, and relationship stability. Despite its importance, existing studies remain fragmented across disciplines and contexts, making it difficult to obtain a comprehensive overview of research patterns, thematic evolution, and global collaboration in this field. To address this gap, this study aims to systematically map and analyze the intellectual structure, publication trends, and collaborative networks of psychological research on jealousy in marital relationships using a bibliometric approach. Data were collected from the Scopus database using an advanced search strategy with the keywords marital jealousy, marital relationships, intimate relationships, psychological research, and psychology. After applying the inclusion criteria, a total of 581 publications were retrieved for the final dataset. Scopus Analyzer was employed to examine publication trends, citation patterns, and country-level productivity, while OpenRefine was used to clean, standardize, and harmonize the bibliographic data to ensure analytical accuracy. VOSviewer software was subsequently utilized to generate visualizations of author keyword co-occurrence and international co-authorship collaboration networks. The findings reveal a clear upward trend in publications over time, with a notable surge in recent years, indicating growing academic interest in the topic. Country analysis shows that research output is dominated by a small number of highly industrialized nations, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom, while keyword co-occurrence analysis identifies major thematic clusters related to marital satisfaction, mental health, stress, conflict, and emotional well-being. Collaboration network analysis further highlights the central role of leading research countries in facilitating international partnerships. Overall, this bibliometric study provides a comprehensive overview of the knowledge structure and research dynamics of psychological studies on jealousy in marital relationships, offering valuable insights for scholars and practitioners and identifying directions for future interdisciplinary and cross- cultural research.
Cyberbullying Awareness Among University Students: Evidence From Public Universities In Perlis, Malaysia
Cyberbullying has become a significant challenge in the digital era, particularly among university students who are active users of online platforms. However, existing literature in the Malaysian context has yet to sufficiently examine students’ awareness of cyberbullying. Therefore, this study aims to assess the level of cyberbullying awareness among university students, with a focus on emotional, social, and legal aspects. This study employed a quantitative survey approach. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. A total of 126 respondents from public universities in and near Perlis were selected using simple random sampling. The analysis examined students’ awareness across the three dimensions of cyberbullying. The findings indicate that university students demonstrate moderate to high levels of awareness in emotional, social, and legal aspects of cyberbullying. These findings provide useful insights for educational institutions to better understand students’ perceptions of cyberbullying and to support the development of initiatives that promote safer digital environments.
Cultural Appropriation and Structuralist Semiotic Through Game Narrative in Southeast Asia
This study examines cultural appropriation and its relationship to structural semiotics within game narratives in Southeast Asia. The regional gaming industry is expanding, leading to a rising number of video games that integrate elements from Southeast Asian cultures, including folklore, traditions, visual themes, and mythological symbols, into their narratives. The adoption of cultural features without contextual comprehension or ethical awareness can lead to misrepresentation and the loss of cultural authenticity. Grounded in a structuralist semiotic framework, this research explores how meaning is constructed and potentially distorted when cultural signifiers are detached from their original signified concepts within local semiotic systems. The study employs a qualitative methodology to examine cultural appropriation in game design by analysing Southeast Asian games. To achieve this, qualitative content analysis is utilised to scrutinise gaming narratives, alongside a comprehensive examination of the visual and narrative components in Kabaret (2022), Pamali (2018), and Skull and Bones (2024). The results are analysed using structural semiotics to reveal trends in cultural representation and appropriation. This method facilitates the recognition of ethical and semiotic ramifications in the representation of culture in digital games. Ultimately, the study contributes to the discourse on ethical game development by providing a culturally grounded framework for assessing authenticity and sensitivity in narrative design. It emphasizes the need for developers to engage with cultural elements responsibly, ensuring that game narratives reflect and respect Southeast Asia's cultural richness.
Theorizing the Impact of AI Tools Usage on Students' Motivation in Technical Higher Education: A Multidimensional Conceptual Framework
The fast use of AI (artificial intelligence) systems in higher education has changed the way students access material, get feedback, do academic assignments, and manage their learning. Despite the widespread implementation of AI, the motivational effects of using AI tools remain underexplored, especially in technical higher education contexts, where applied learning, digital competence, and Education 4.0 requirements are major institutional concerns. This conceptual paper suggests a multidimensional theoretical framework to study the influence of AI tools usage on student motivation among first-year undergraduate students in the Malaysian Technical University Network (MTUN), which consists of Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), and Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA). The framework is a focused, theoretically bounded integration of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Self-Determination Theory (SDT). The operationalization of AI technology use is based on three dimensions: frequency of use, purpose of use, and perceived usefulness. Student motivation is operationalized by three SDT-based dimensions: intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and amotivationa unique negative result of motivation characterized by the lack of deliberate academic engagement. Nine formal propositions specify the directional relationships among these dimensions, with a central argument that AI tools’ motivational impact is conditional: AI tools may support intrinsic and extrinsic motivation when used deliberately for learning-oriented purposes, but may increase amotivation when used excessively, in a dependency-driven manner, or as shortcuts that bypass genuine cognitive effort. This paper presents a parsimonious integration of TAM and SDT that incorporates motivational quality, the treatment of amotivation as a distinct theoretical outcome, the specification of conditional directionality in AI-motivation relationships, and contextual grounding in MTUN's technical education environment. A recommended methodology for future empirical validation using PLS-SEM is discussed, and practical implications are provided for MTUN policy makers, lecturers, curriculum designers, and students.
Islamic Work Ethics and Job Performance among Muslim Foreign Workers in Malaysia: Evidence from a Survey Study
This study examines the influence of Islamic elements, including Islamic work ethics, religious belief, and Islamic leadership justice, on job performance among Muslim foreign workers in Malaysia. Drawing on Self-Determination Theory, the study employs a quantitative cross-sectional design and an online survey, using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for analysis. Convenience sampling was used to select respondents from various nationalities. The findings indicate that Islamic work ethics, religious belief, and Islamic leadership justice are associated with job performance. It is suggested that future research include additional variables.
Sustainability and Quality Assurance of Online Education Models in Chinese Higher Education in the Post-Pandemic Era
In the post-pandemic era, online education has expanded rapidly across Chinese higher education, raising complex challenges for sustainability and quality assurance. This study employs a narrative literature review with embedded critical synthesis, complemented by an exploratory case study of representative institutional practices between 2019 and 2025. While prior research has addressed technical deployment and teacher adaptation, it often lacks systematic evaluation frameworks and equity-focused analysis. By reviewing both domestic and international scholarship, this study identifies persistent gaps in quality assurance, particularly the absence of unified standards, weak interaction design, and limited student-centered approaches. It also critiques the over-reliance on survey data and the scarcity of longitudinal, cross-institutional evaluations. Through an analysis of key cases such as Rain Classroom and Peking Online, the study reveals how platform proliferation has driven innovation while simultaneously widening digital divides and intensifying data governance risks. In response, the paper proposes actionable strategies, including nationalized QA indicators, adaptive platform design, and targeted support for disadvantaged learners. It further introduces blended learning frameworks tailored to institutional diversity, promoting integration of online and traditional modalities. The findings offer both theoretical grounding and practical pathways for advancing equitable, high-quality, and sustainable digital education in China.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Awareness Towards Business Sustainability Among Malaysian Northern Region SMEs
business sustainability among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia's northern region. As SMEs are the backbone of the Malaysian economy, their capacity to adopt and sustain CSR practices is crucial for long-term growth. Despite the benefits, many SMEs view CSR as complex, costly, and time-consuming, facing significant barriers like limited resources and a lack of strategic planning. In response, this research investigates three key CSR awareness dimensions: knowledge of CSR principles, perceived importance of CSR, and implementation challenges, to assess their influence on SME sustainability. A quantitative approach was used, employing structured online questionnaires distributed to SME owners, managers, and decision-makers in the manufacturing, retail, agriculture, and service sectors. A total of 357 valid responses were obtained, yielding an 89.25% response rate. Data analysis using SPSS, including regression analysis, revealed that both knowledge of CSR principles (β=0.311, p < 0.001) and the perceived importance of CSR (β=0.311, p < 0.001) are significantly related to business sustainability. Conversely, while challenges such as limited resources were statistically significant, the results (β = 0.223, p < 0.001) suggest that SMEs may adopt adaptive strategies to overcome obstacles. The findings highlight the need for greater CSR awareness, strategic integration, and supportive frameworks to strengthen CSR practices among SMEs. Recommendations are provided for SME leaders and policymakers to enhance CSR frameworks and align them with sustainable development goals, addressing the challenges SMEs face in innovating or adopting more effective strategies to survive. Kajian ini mengkaji impak kesedaran terhadap Tanggungjawab Sosial Korporat (CSR) terhadap kelestarian perniagaan dalam kalangan Perusahaan Kecil dan Sederhana (PKS) di wilayah utara Malaysia. Sebagai tulang belakang ekonomi Malaysia, keupayaan PKS untuk mengamalkan dan mengekalkan inisiatif CSR adalah penting bagi pertumbuhan jangka panjang. Walaupun CSR menawarkan pelbagai manfaat, ramai pemilik PKS masih menganggapnya sebagai sesuatu yang kompleks, mahal dan memakan masa, selain berhadapan dengan halangan seperti kekurangan sumber dan perancangan yang lemah. Oleh itu, kajian ini meneliti tiga dimensi utama kesedaran CSR, iaitu pengetahuan tentang prinsip CSR, kepentingan CSR yang dirasakan, dan cabaran pelaksanaan CSR, bagi menentukan pengaruhnya terhadap kelestarian perniagaan dalam kalangan PKS. Pendekatan kuantitatif digunakan dengan mengedarkan soal selidik berstruktur secara dalam talian kepada pemilik, pengurus dan pembuat keputusan PKS dalam sektor pembuatan, peruncitan, pertanian dan perkhidmatan. Sebanyak 357 respons yang sah telah diperoleh, menghasilkan kadar respons sebanyak 89.25%. Analisis data menggunakan SPSS, termasuk analisis regresi, menunjukkan bahawa pengetahuan tentang prinsip CSR (β = 0.311, p < 0.001) dan kepentingan CSR yang dirasakan (β = 0.311, p < 0.001) mempunyai hubungan yang signifikan dengan kelestarian perniagaan. Selain itu, walaupun cabaran seperti kekurangan sumber didapati signifikan secara statistik, dapatan kajian (β = 0.223, p < 0.001) menunjukkan bahawa PKS mampu menggunakan strategi penyesuaian untuk mengatasi halangan tersebut. Dapatan kajian ini menekankan keperluan untuk meningkatkan kesedaran CSR, integrasi strategik dan kerangka sokongan yang lebih kukuh bagi memperkasakan amalan CSR dalam kalangan PKS. Kajian ini turut mengemukakan cadangan kepada pemimpin PKS dan pembuat dasar untuk memperkukuhkan pelaksanaan kerangka CSR serta menyelarasnya dengan matlamat pembangunan mampan. Langkah ini penting bagi membantu PKS menangani cabaran yang dihadapi, terus berinovasi dan meneroka strategi yang lebih berkesan untuk kelangsungan perniagaan.
S.O.S. for Synthesis: Quantifying Student Needs for a Mobile Writing Solution
Synthesis writing is increasingly recognised as a core component of academic literacy in higher education, especially for ESL learners who must engage with multiple sources in research-based tasks. However, many continue to struggle with mastering the skill despite its relevance across disciplines. This paper presents the quantitative phase of a needs analysis conducted to inform the design of SEESOAR, a mobile learning solution aimed at enhancing synthesis writing skills among tertiary learners. Synthesis writing is a critical academic skill that requires students to select, organise, and connect information from multiple sources to construct new ideas or arguments. It is widely used in coursework, research papers, and final-year projects, yet many students struggle to master it. A total of 124 first-year degree students at a defence university in Malaysia participated in the study. The instrument was grounded in the needs analysis framework by Dudley-Evans and St John (1998), encompassing four constructs: Target Situation Analysis (TSA), Present Situation Analysis (PSA), Learning Situation Analysis (LSA), and Means Situation Analysis (MSA). The survey consisted of 57 items across five sections and employed a 4-point Likert scale. The collected data were analysed descriptively using SPSS version 23 to identify patterns, trends, and key learner needs. The main finding indicated that students desired scaffolded, interactive, and mobile-based support to address persistent difficulties in synthesis writing. They expressed strong preferences for interactive, engaging learning activities such as games, discussions, and problem-solving tasks. Results also indicated high readiness and enthusiasm for mobile app-based learning. These insights directly informed the development of SEESOAR. This study highlights the importance of data-driven approaches in creating effective and targeted digital learning tools tailored to learners’ needs in higher education.