Quantum Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities
type: channel
description: Quantum Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (QJSSH) is an open-access, online electronic publication, and peer-reviewed journal. QJSSH journal addressing the current issues in the study area of social sciences and humanities. The journal publishes research articles, review articles, short communications, case studies and reports in anthropology and sociology, archeology, area studies, business and administration, cultural and ethnic studies, economic and finance, education and educational research, gender studies, geography, law, library and information science, media and communication, political science and governance, psychology and human development, rural and urban development, social and community work, social and economiv development, social enterpreneurship, sociolinguistics, volunteerism, youth development, and multidisciplinary research of international interest. QJSSH journal provide immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge. Abstract and Indexing Quantum Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (QJSSH) are abstracted and indexing in Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (BASE); COnnecting REpositories (CORE); Dimensions; Directory of Research Journal Indexing (DRJI); EuroPub; Google Scholar; Malaysian Journal (MyJurnal); Malaysian Citation Index (MyCite); Neliti; Open Ukrainian Citation Index (OUCI); Scilit; Semantic Scholar; UDLedge; and many more.
publisher: Quantum Academic Publisher
language: en
publication name: Quantum Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities
issn: 2716-6481
items: DESTINATION CHARACTERISTICS, TOURIST SATISFACTION, AND REVISIT INTENTION IN SPORT TOURISM
items: EVENT TECHNOLOGY EXPERIENCE AND CONFERENCE ENGAGEMENT: A PROPOSED CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
items: WEB-BASED MONEY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (MOMS) FOR ENHANCING STUDENTS’ FINANCIAL PLANNING LITERACY
items: A REVIEW: IMPACT OF VISUAL SENSORY MARKETING TOWARDS IMPULSE PURCHASE DECISION IN TIKTOK LIVESTREAMING
items: BUILDING CONSUMER TRUST THROUGH HALAL BRANDING: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR MALAYSIA’S HALAL ECONOMY
items: ENHANCING EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION THROUGH A SUPPORTIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT
items: SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION BEHAVIOUR AMONG MALAYSIAN MUSLIMS: INTEGRATING VBN THEORY AND ISLAMIC VALUES
items: FUNDING-GOVERNANCE NEXUS AND COOPERATIVE SUSTAINABILITY IN MALAYSIA: EVIDENCE FROM SKM DATA (2020-2024)
items: ADVANCING GREEN PORT INITIATIVES: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE FUEL BUNKERING
items: EFFECTS OF THE WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT ON MENTAL HEALTH IN MALAYSIA
items: FACTORS AFFECTING EDUCATIONAL LOAN DEPENDENCY IN ASEAN
items: E-SERVICE QUALITY ON CUSTOMER LOYALTY IN MALAYSIA E-BANKING: MEDIATING ROLE OF CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
items: THE ROLE OF MOBILE APPLICATIONS IN ENHANCING HOMESTAY PERFORMANCE IN MALAYSIA
items: PRICE DYNAMICS AND NATURAL RUBBER PRODUCTION IN MALAYSIA: EVIDENCE FROM AN EMPIRICAL ARDL ANALYSIS
items: DIGITAL PLATFORMS AND FIRM PERFORMANCE IN SHANDONG’S LOGISTICS SMES
items: EFFECTIVENESS OF USING ONLINE PAYMENT METHODS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
items: IMPROVING RESEARCH METHODOLOGY TEACHING: INSIGHTS FROM EXAMINERS’ EVALUATIONS OF MASTER’S RESEARCH PROPOSALS
items: DETERMINANTS OF CO2 EMISSIONS IN MALAYSIA: AN EKC ANALYSIS
items: FROM SCROLLING TO PURCHASE: INFLUENCERS, EWOM, AND IN-FEED ADS ON TIKTOK
items: EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT IN VUCA ENVIRONMENTS: ROLES OF RESILIENCE, AGILITY, AND AMBIDEXTROUS LEADERSHIP
items: MINDFUL SPENDING AND FINANCIAL WELL-BEING: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK LINKING CONSUMER MINDFULNESS TO LIFE SATISFACTION
items: SPEECH-LEVEL SHIFTS IN JAPANESE MANGA (COMIC): A DISCOURSE POLITENESS THEORY APPROACH
items: ENGLISH, BUT MAKE IT GEN Z: CREATIVITY AND VARIATION IN SOCIAL MEDIA LANGUAGE
items: FOREIGN LANGUAGE READING ANXIETY SCALE (FLRAS) FOR MANDARIN LEARNERS IN MALAYSIAN UNIVERSITIES: VALIDATION STUDY
items: KELESTARIAN BAHASA ISTANA DAN KOMUNIKASI SIMBOLIK DALAM ISTIADAT MENYEMBAH KEMBALI BAUR DI ERA DIGITAL
items: TEACHING AND LEARNING OF KINAYAH IN SAHIH AL-BUKHARI AND MUSLIM THROUGH MINECRAFT EDUCATION
items: CROSS-GENERATIONAL PRAGMATIC FAILURES IN THE MOVIE ‘THE INTERN’ (2015)
items: INTEGRATING SOCIAL CONSTRUCTIVISM AND VISIBLE THINKING IN VIRTUAL DRAMA CLASSROOM: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
items: BRIDGING THE EMPLOYABILITY GAP: ESL COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE AMONG MALAYSIAN YOUTH
items: ACADEMIC WRITING NEEDS TOWARD ETHNOANDRAGOGY-BASED SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION

DESTINATION CHARACTERISTICS, TOURIST SATISFACTION, AND REVISIT INTENTION IN SPORT TOURISM
type: item
description: This research study investigates the role of destination characteristics in shaping sports tourists’ revisit intention, with tourist satisfaction examined as a mediating mechanism in island sport tourism. Integrating the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and Leiper’s Tourist Attraction System (TAS), the study develops a destination-centred framework to explain sports tourism behaviour beyond event-focused perspectives. Data were collected through a survey of 302 sports tourists who attended sporting events in Langkawi, Malaysia, from 2020 to 2023. The hypothesised relationships were tested using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The results of the study demonstrate that destination characteristics significantly enhance tourist satisfaction, which subsequently influences revisit intention (β = 0.424, p < 0.05). This research study findings emphasise the importance of destination attributes in creating positive tourism experiences and identify satisfaction as a critical behavioural pathway linking destination quality to tourists’ future behavioural intentions in island sport tourism contexts.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: sport tourism
  topic: keywords
subject: destination characteristics
  topic: keywords
subject: tourist satisfaction
  topic: keywords
subject: revisit intention
  topic: keywords
subject: island destinations
  topic: keywords
creator: WAN SORAYA WAN ABDUL GHANI
creator: MUHAMMAD HAFIZI ZAMRI
creator: NORHIDAYAH MOHD RASHID
creator: NURAKMAL RAMLI
creator: AYU ROHAIDAH GHAZALI
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 WAN SORAYA WAN ABDUL GHANI, MUHAMMAD HAFIZI ZAMRI, NORHIDAYAH MOHD RASHID, NURAKMAL RAMLI, AYU ROHAIDAH GHAZALI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-30
publication date: 2026-07-30
starting page: 189
ending page: 198
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si4.1572

EVENT TECHNOLOGY EXPERIENCE AND CONFERENCE ENGAGEMENT: A PROPOSED CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
type: item
description: Despite the growing integration of digital tools into conference settings, existing literature remains insufficient in conceptualising how event technology shapes attendees’ experiential perceptions and subsequent behavioural responses, particularly within the Malaysian Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. This conceptual study addresses the identified gap by proposing a theoretically grounded framework that adapts Pine and Gilmore’s Experience Economy model to the context of conference event technology. Grounded in a systematic review of extant literature, the framework positions four experiential realms, such as entertainment, education, esthetics, and escapism, as independent variables that collectively shape attendees’ event technology experiences. Eight directional hypotheses (H1–H8) are proposed, positing that each experiential realm positively influences two post-event behavioural outcomes: intention to reattend and intention to recommend. The original contribution is a realm-specific mapping between technology-mediated experiential value and behavioural outcome, which supplies a qualitative differentiation that current technology-adoption and stimulus-organism-response models lack and complements, rather than competes with, those models. Practically, the proposed framework gives conference organisers a diagnostic for evaluating technology investments by the specific experiential gap each one closes, rather than by a single composite satisfaction score. The framework also establishes a basis for future empirical validation and the creation of measurement scales.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: event technology
  topic: keywords
subject: experience economy
  topic: keywords
subject: conference engagement
  topic: keywords
subject: event management
  topic: keywords
subject: post-event behavior
  topic: keywords
subject: technological integration
  topic: keywords
creator: NUR FARHANA MOHD SAH
creator: AIDA AZLINA MANSOR
creator: NOROL HAMIZA ZAMZURI
creator: SYUKRINA ALINI MAT ALI
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 NUR FARHANA MOHD SAH, AIDA AZLINA MANSOR, NOROL HAMIZA ZAMZURI, SYUKRINA ALINI MAT ALI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-30
publication date: 2026-07-30
starting page: 180
ending page: 188
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si4.1571

WEB-BASED MONEY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (MOMS) FOR ENHANCING STUDENTS’ FINANCIAL PLANNING LITERACY
type: item
description: This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Money Management System (MOMs), a web-based learning platform designed to enhance university students’ financial planning literacy and risk-profiling capabilities. Grounded in financial literacy, behavioural finance, and constructivist learning theories, MOMs was integrated into the Personal Financial Planning course. A mixed-method approach involved 88 undergraduate students selected through purposive sampling. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis. Findings show that 82.95% of respondents reported improved understanding of budgeting, saving, debt management, and investment planning. Students perceived MOMs as user-friendly, engaging, and effective in supporting classroom learning. Qualitative insights highlighted increased financial awareness, confidence in decision-making, and appreciation of personalised risk profiling. The study concludes that MOMs represents an effective educational innovation for strengthening financial literacy and promoting informed financial behaviour among university students through interactive and personalised learning experiences that encourage responsible financial decisions and long-term planning practices.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: financial literacy
  topic: keywords
subject: risk profiling
  topic: keywords
subject: educational innovation
  topic: keywords
subject: web-based learning
  topic: keywords
subject: money management
  topic: keywords
subject: higher education
  topic: keywords
creator: MOHD RAHIM KHAMIS
creator: NORLIZA CHE YAHYA
creator: ZAHARIAH SAHUDIN
creator: MOHD FAIZAL KAMARUDIN
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 MOHD RAHIM KHAMIS, NORLIZA CHE YAHYA, ZAHARIAH SAHUDIN, MOHD FAIZAL KAMARUDIN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-30
publication date: 2026-07-30
starting page: 169
ending page: 179
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si4.1570

A REVIEW: IMPACT OF VISUAL SENSORY MARKETING TOWARDS IMPULSE PURCHASE DECISION IN TIKTOK LIVESTREAMING
type: item
description: TikTok livestreaming has grown as one of the most influential social commerce platforms, especially among Gen Z and millennial consumers. In today’s environment, the fast growth of the livestreaming commerce platform has changed the online shopping experience, for example, with the function of enabling interaction with streamers and, at the same time, assisting in immediate purchase decisions. Therefore, it is suggested that the role of visual sensory marketing elements contribute to the important roles to influence impulse purchase decisions in livestreaming commerce platform. This article review discusses the elements of visual sensory marketing and its relationship with impulse purchase decisions in TikTok livestreaming. Specifically, the discussion of this article has focused on two visual sensory marketing elements found in TikTok livestreaming, namely herding message and streamer attractiveness. Herding message is related to the real-time notification generated by the systems and visually displayed during a livestreaming session, and it becomes an indicator of the other viewers purchasing the products. While streamer attractiveness is related to the visual appeal, physical attractiveness, and social attractiveness of the streamers, which can be captured by viewers during a livestreaming session. Based on previous literature related to livestreaming commerce, sensory marketing elements, and impulse purchase decisions, this article review has suggested an integrated conceptual framework that links visual sensory marketing elements with impulse purchase decisions. The discussion of this article review contributed to building knowledge on how visual sensory marketing elements can contribute to the impulse purchase decision in TikTok livestreaming, particularly for marketers, streamers, and businesses that are using TikTok livestreaming as a platform for marketing. The article also has suggested future research on sensory marketing in livestreaming commerce environ…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: TikTok livestreaming
  topic: keywords
subject: visual sensory marketing
  topic: keywords
subject: herding message
  topic: keywords
subject: streamer attractiveness
  topic: keywords
subject: impulse purchase
  topic: keywords
subject: social commerce
  topic: keywords
creator: NORAFIFA MOHD ARIFFIN
creator: AMILY FIKRY
creator: NOR DIYANA SHOBRI
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 NORAFIFA MOHD ARIFFIN, AMILY FIKRY, NOR DIYANA SHOBRI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-30
publication date: 2026-07-30
starting page: 160
ending page: 168
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si4.1555

BUILDING CONSUMER TRUST THROUGH HALAL BRANDING: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR MALAYSIA’S HALAL ECONOMY
type: item
description: The halal industry in Malaysia has seen significant growth driven by consumer demand for ethical and religious integrity, and as a global leader, the nation is actively refining branding strategies to associate products with safety and quality. This research aims to address the gap in understanding how brand awareness influences purchasing decisions through complex psychological mechanisms by developing a unified framework integrating trust, authenticity, and attitudes within the halal sector. The study adopts a conceptual methodology, synthesizing current literature to pinpoint theoretical and empirical deficiencies while leveraging the Theory of Planned Behavior to provide a rigorous explanation of consumer decision-making. Analysis reveals that traditional studies often overlook the integration of behavioral dimensions like trust and brand perception, highlighting a need for a more comprehensive model to effectively influence long-term consumer confidence. Ultimately, this study contributes a robust theoretical framework for future empirical validation, offering vital insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a premier halal hub.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: consumer trust
  topic: keywords
subject: perception of authenticity
  topic: keywords
subject: consumer attitudes
  topic: keywords
subject: halal brand awareness
  topic: keywords
subject: consumer purchasing behaviour
  topic: keywords
creator: INTAN SYAFINAZ MAT SHAFIE
creator: NORSIAH AHMAD
creator: SHAHIRA ARIFFIN
creator: SYUKRINA ALINI MAT ALI
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 INTAN SYAFINAZ MAT SHAFIE, NORSIAH AHMAD, SHAHIRA ARIFFIN, SYUKRINA ALINI MAT ALI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-30
publication date: 2026-07-30
starting page: 150
ending page: 159
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si4.1554

ENHANCING EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION THROUGH A SUPPORTIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT
type: item
description: This study examined the influence of a supportive work environment on employee satisfaction among employees at Yayasan Pelajaran MARA (YPM), Kuala Lumpur. Specifically, the study investigated the effects of physical, psychological, and social workplace factors on employee satisfaction. A quantitative correlational research design was employed, and data were collected using questionnaires distributed through convenience sampling. A total of 79 usable responses were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Descriptive, reliability, and multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the relationships among the variables. The findings revealed that the regression model explained 68.4% of the variance in employee satisfaction. The social aspect emerged as the strongest predictor of employee satisfaction, followed by the physical aspect, while the psychological aspect did not demonstrate a significant relationship. The findings suggest that supportive workplace relationships, effective communication, teamwork, and conducive physical working conditions play important roles in enhancing employee satisfaction. This study provides practical insights for organizations seeking to strengthen workplace strategies, employee well-being, and organizational effectiveness through supportive work environments.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: work environment
  topic: keywords
subject: employee satisfaction
  topic: keywords
subject: physical aspect
  topic: keywords
subject: psychological aspect
  topic: keywords
subject: social aspect
  topic: keywords
creator: MOHD AFIRUL FAIZ AZIZAM
creator: SYUKRINA ALINI MAT ALI
creator: NOOR’AIN MOHAMAD YUNUS
creator: SRI FATIANY ABDUL KADER JAILANI
creator: NOOR AZZAH SAID
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 MOHD AFIRUL FAIZ AZIZAM, SYUKRINA ALINI MAT ALI, NOOR’AIN MOHAMAD YUNUS, SRI FATIANY ABDUL KADER JAILANI, NOOR AZZAH SAID https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-30
publication date: 2026-07-30
starting page: 140
ending page: 149
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si4.1553

SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION BEHAVIOUR AMONG MALAYSIAN MUSLIMS: INTEGRATING VBN THEORY AND ISLAMIC VALUES
type: item
description: This study investigates the interplay between psychographic dimensions, specifically values, beliefs, and norms, in relation to sustainable consumption behavior (SCB) among Muslim consumers in Malaysia. The research uses a quantitative methodology to evaluate the relationship between the Values-Beliefs-Norms (VBN) Theory and sustainable consumption practices. Furthermore, an exploratory approach is employed to elucidate the influence of these psychographic factors on SCB. A questionnaire, meticulously developed through a prior research framework, which underwent a thorough adaptation process, was subsequently evaluated by industry professionals and esteemed scholars. The results reveal a significant positive effect of Islamic values on the New Environmental Paradigm (NEP). Furthermore, both biospheric and egoistic values showed strong correlations with the NEP. This study's findings are of great importance, providing essential insights for various organizations, especially Islamic institutions and marketers, in formulating strategic plans that align with Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12). By incorporating Islamic values into the VBN Theory, this research presents important perspectives on the relationship between values, beliefs, norms, and sustainable consumption behavior among Muslim consumers in Malaysia.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: sustainable consumption
  topic: keywords
subject: VBN
  topic: keywords
subject: Islamic values
  topic: keywords
subject: sustainability
  topic: keywords
creator: AZMI MAT
creator: ABDUL KADIR OTHMAN
creator: ZARINA ABDUL MUNIR
creator: NUR LIANA KORI
creator: NORLIZA SAIFUL BAHRY
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 AZMI MAT, ABDUL KADIR OTHMAN, ZARINA ABDUL MUNIR, NUR LIANA KORI, NORLIZA SAIFUL BAHRY https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-30
publication date: 2026-07-30
starting page: 131
ending page: 139
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si4.1551

FUNDING-GOVERNANCE NEXUS AND COOPERATIVE SUSTAINABILITY IN MALAYSIA: EVIDENCE FROM SKM DATA (2020-2024)
type: item
description: This study investigates the relationship between financing-related factors, specifically funding sources, funding allocation, and expenditure patterns, and cooperative sustainability in Malaysia's cooperative sector from 2020 to 2024, utilizing governance quality as a moderating institutional mechanism. The study specifically aims to: (i) investigate the correlation between funding source concentration and sustainability outcomes within cooperative size clusters; (ii) analyze disparities in funding allocation efficiency among cooperative functional categories; (iii) explore how expenditure patterns influence sustainability trajectories; and (iv) evaluate whether geographic performance variation aligns with governance quality as a moderating factor in the funding–sustainability relationship. The research utilizes secondary data from the 2024 Malaysian Cooperative Statistics issued by the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM), encompassing 16,284 cooperatives from 2020 to 2024. The analysis use compound annual growth rates (CAGR) and ratio-based metrics to assess funding sources (equity and subscriptions), allocation efficiency (asset utilization), sustainability performance (revenue and membership expansion), and governance-related structural patterns. The results demonstrate that varied and internally sourced finance is positively correlated with sustainability, since large cooperatives dominate sectoral assets and exhibit more robust capital growth. Sustainability performance is more significantly affected by allocation efficiency than by asset size, and disciplined expenditure patterns enhance sustainability outcomes, with small cooperatives surpassing micro cooperatives. Substantial inter-state disparities in asset utilization further underscore the influence of governance quality as a moderating factor affecting financial efficacy. This study enhances the literature on cooperative sustainability by framing governance quality as a moderating institutional factor…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: cooperative sustainability
  topic: keywords
subject: funding factors
  topic: keywords
subject: governance quality
  topic: keywords
subject: Malaysia
  topic: keywords
subject: panel data
  topic: keywords
creator: AZLINA AHMAD
creator: JAAFAR PYEMAN
creator: WAN ANISABANUM SALLEH
creator: MOHD KHAIRI ISMAIL
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 AZLINA AHMAD, JAAFAR PYEMAN, WAN ANISABANUM SALLEH, MOHD KHAIRI ISMAIL https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-30
publication date: 2026-07-30
starting page: 122
ending page: 130
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si4.1550

ADVANCING GREEN PORT INITIATIVES: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE FUEL BUNKERING
type: item
description: The maritime shipping industry plays a vital role in global trade but continues to face environmental challenges due to its heavy reliance on fossil fuels, particularly in fuel bunkering operations. This study proposes a conceptual framework to support sustainable fuel bunkering within Green Port Initiatives (GPIs) in Malaysian ports. Using a qualitative conceptual approach based on literature and policy reviews, the framework integrates five key dimensions: technological innovation, policy and regulatory mechanisms, infrastructure development, stakeholder engagement, and inter-port bunkering substations development. The framework is guided by best practices from leading ports such as Singapore and Rotterdam and emphasizes the importance of regulatory support, infrastructure readiness, and stakeholder collaboration in achieving maritime decarbonization. It also aligns with international environmental frameworks, including the IMO GHG Strategy 2023. The study highlights that sustainable fuel bunkering is not only important for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts but also for improving the competitiveness, resilience, and long-term sustainability of Malaysian ports. The proposed framework provides practical guidance for policymakers, port authorities, and maritime stakeholders in supporting green port development and sustainable maritime logistics.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: green port initiatives
  topic: keywords
subject: bunkering
  topic: keywords
subject: decarbonization
  topic: keywords
subject: clean energy
  topic: keywords
subject: international maritime organization
  topic: keywords
creator: IZNOORHAKMAL IBRAHIM
creator: SITI AYU JALIL
creator: ABDUL RAUF ABDUL RASAM
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 IZNOORHAKMAL IBRAHIM, SITI AYU JALIL, ABDUL RAUF ABDUL RASAM https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-30
publication date: 2026-07-30
starting page: 111
ending page: 121
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si4.1549

EFFECTS OF THE WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT ON MENTAL HEALTH IN MALAYSIA
type: item
description: This study investigates the effects of the workplace environment on mental health, addressing a critical issue within high-stress engineering sectors. It examines how recognition, leadership, communication, and workload influence the mental well-being of employees at a prominent Malaysian engineering firm. Utilising a quantitative correlational design, data was analysed from 100 valid respondents. The study found that leadership significantly and positively affects mental health (β=.368, p<0.05). Surprisingly, recognition (β=.189, p>0.05), communication (β=-.018, p>0.05), and workload (β=-.055, p>0.05) did not show significant relationships with mental health. These results imply that organisations can most effectively enhance employee mental health by implementing strategic interventions that improve empathetic leadership practices. By fostering a supportive and well-led workplace environment, companies can mitigate occupational stress, enhance overall productivity, and contribute to a healthier organisational culture. This study provides valuable insights for practitioners and researchers, emphasising the importance of addressing workplace factors to promote mental health in the workforce.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: mental health
  topic: keywords
subject: recognition
  topic: keywords
subject: leadership
  topic: keywords
subject: communication
  topic: keywords
subject: workload
  topic: keywords
creator: MUHAMMAD AMIN RAMLI
creator: NOOR’AIN MOHAMAD YUNUS
creator: SYUKRINA ALINI MAT ALI
creator: SRI FATIANY ABDUL KADER JAILANI
creator: NOOR AZZAH SAID
creator: AZITADOLY ARIFFIN
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 MUHAMMAD AMIN RAMLI, NOOR’AIN MOHAMAD YUNUS, SYUKRINA ALINI MAT ALI, SRI FATIANY ABDUL KADER JAILANI, NOOR AZZAH SAID, AZITADOLY ARIFFIN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-30
publication date: 2026-07-30
starting page: 102
ending page: 110
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si4.1548

FACTORS AFFECTING EDUCATIONAL LOAN DEPENDENCY IN ASEAN
type: item
description: The challenges concerning the stability of household finances and the sustainable future of national student loan programs have emerged due to the growing dependence on education loans that have resulted from the escalating cost of education in the ASEAN regions. Focusing on Malaysia and Thailand, this paper investigates the dominant variables that influence the dependence on education loans in ASEAN, which include household income, tertiary education enrollment, the rates of poverty, unemployment, and inflation. This research uses the empirical approach through multiple regression analysis to determine the connecting factors of dependency on educational loans and their socioeconomic and macroeconomic variables based on annual panel data ranging from 1997 to 2022. Some of the reliable secondary sources of the data collected come from World Bank, Department of Statistics of Malaysia, PTPTN Annual Reports and the documents issued by the Thailand Student Loan Fund. Some of the tests on preliminary research which ensure the reliability of the model come from descriptive statistics, correlation tests as well as diagnostic tests. The knowledge from this study would benefit policymakers, providers of education loans and post-secondary educational institution policymakers as they attempt to develop a sustainable financial structure for post-secondary education and improve student financial aid structures to reduce the excessive burden of loans taken by many post-secondary students.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: educational loan
  topic: keywords
subject: financial aid and poverty
  topic: keywords
subject: educational financial aid
  topic: keywords
subject: Malaysia
  topic: keywords
subject: Thailand
  topic: keywords
creator: NOR AKILA MOHD KASSIM
creator: NORLIZA CHE YAHYA
creator: BALKIS HARIS
creator: RATNA MULYANY
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 NOR AKILA MOHD KASSIM, NORLIZA CHE YAHYA, BALKIS HARIS, RATNA ,ULYANY https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-30
publication date: 2026-07-30
starting page: 93
ending page: 101
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si4.1547

E-SERVICE QUALITY ON CUSTOMER LOYALTY IN MALAYSIA E-BANKING: MEDIATING ROLE OF CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
type: item
description: In today’s digital age, the rapid growth of digital banking has significantly enhanced customer convenience. Consequently, the quality of e-services has emerged as a key factor for banks aiming to improve their digital offerings by focusing on customer satisfaction and loyalty. This study explores the influence of specific e-service quality dimensions, namely, responsiveness, reliability, and security & privacy; on customer loyalty in Malaysia’s e-banking sector, with particular attention to the mediating role of customer satisfaction, grounded in the E-SERVQUAL model. Data was collected through a self-administered online survey using a non-probability purposive sampling method, resulting in 212 valid responses. Analysis conducted using SPSS revealed that while responsiveness did not have a significant direct impact on customer loyalty, both reliability and security & privacy were found to influence loyalty positively. Additionally, customer satisfaction was shown to play a crucial mediating role in the relationships between all three e-service quality dimensions and customer loyalty. These findings suggest that improving reliability, security & privacy, and responsiveness leads to greater customer satisfaction, which subsequently fosters stronger loyalty.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: e-service quality
  topic: keywords
subject: customer satisfaction
  topic: keywords
subject: customer loyalty
  topic: keywords
subject: banking industry
  topic: keywords
creator: TAN KOCK LIM
creator: TAN YI ZHEN
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 TAN KOCK LIM, TAN YI ZHEN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-30
publication date: 2026-07-30
starting page: 85
ending page: 92
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si4.1546

THE ROLE OF MOBILE APPLICATIONS IN ENHANCING HOMESTAY PERFORMANCE IN MALAYSIA
type: item
description: The Malaysian homestay industry faces challenges in sustaining performance and competitiveness due to the limited adoption of digital technologies, particularly among rural operators. This pilot study examines the role of mobile applications in enhancing homestay performance in Malaysia using the Technological, Organizational, and Environmental (TOE) framework. A quantitative approach was employed using structured questionnaires distributed to registered homestay coordinators, with 30 completed responses analyzed using SPSS. The findings demonstrate good instrument reliability, with an overall Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.872, while the KMO value of 0.742 and significant Bartlett’s Test confirm sampling adequacy and validity. The study highlights that mobile application adoption is influenced by technological utility, organizational readiness, digital literacy, management support, customer demand, and government initiatives. Mobile applications provide opportunities to enhance operational efficiency, market visibility, customer engagement, and competitiveness. The study recommends digital training, affordable mobile solutions, and stronger stakeholder collaboration to facilitate wider adoption among Malaysian homestay operators.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: mobile applications
  topic: keywords
subject: homestay performance
  topic: keywords
subject: TOE framework
  topic: keywords
subject: Malaysia
  topic: keywords
creator: NURUL LIYANA RAMLAN
creator: KHAIRUL NAZLIN KAMARUZAMAN
creator: MOHAMED SALADIN ABDUL RASOOL
creator: ZAHARAH ISAHAK
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 NURUL LIYANA RAMLAN, KHAIRUL NAZLIN KAMARUZAMAN, MOHAMED SALADIN ABDUL RASOOL, ZAHARAH ISAHAK https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-30
publication date: 2026-07-30
starting page: 77
ending page: 84
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si4.1545

PRICE DYNAMICS AND NATURAL RUBBER PRODUCTION IN MALAYSIA: EVIDENCE FROM AN EMPIRICAL ARDL ANALYSIS
type: item
description: This study aims to examine the factors influencing Malaysia’s natural rubber production and the fluctuating prices of SMR20 from 1995 to 2024. It utilized the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to analyze both short- and long-run relationships between natural rubber production and other macroeconomic variables. The results of natural rubber production revealed that smallholdings have consistently contributed more than 80 percent of national production but are highly responsive to price factors and structural constraints. In fact, production records peaked at over 1.3 million tonnes in the mid-2000s but plunged drastically to 347,900 tonnes in 2023. It slightly improved to 386,400 tonnes in 2024. The empirical results verify that price volatility is an important factor in the production of SMR20, as higher prices boost tapping activities while declining prices decrease production. Exchange rate depreciation has both positive and negative effects on the sustainability of smallholders, as it increases export competitiveness while raising the price of inputs. Increases in the price of crude oil improve the competitiveness of natural rubber relative to synthetic materials, while growth in GDP enhances industrial demand, especially in the automotive and medical industries. The results of the ARDL approach verify the cointegration relationships between the production of natural rubber and the macroeconomic factors, confirming the vulnerability of the natural rubber industry in Malaysia to external factors and structural decline.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: natural rubber production
  topic: keywords
subject: SMR20 prices
  topic: keywords
subject: exchange rate
  topic: keywords
subject: crude oil prices
  topic: keywords
subject: GDP growth
  topic: keywords
subject: ARDL
  topic: keywords
creator: KHADIJAH JUNAIDI
creator: SALWATY JAMALUDIN
creator: CHONG SIEW HUAY
creator: RABIATUL MUNIRAH ALPANDI
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 KHADIJAH JUNAIDI, SALWATY JAMALUDIN, CHONG SIEW HUAY, RABIATUL MUNIRAH ALPANDI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-30
publication date: 2026-07-30
starting page: 68
ending page: 76
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si4.1544

DIGITAL PLATFORMS AND FIRM PERFORMANCE IN SHANDONG’S LOGISTICS SMES
type: item
description: Please In the context of accelerating digital transformation, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly confronted with multifaceted challenges arising from rapid technological disruption, evolving customer expectations, and intensifying market competition. These pressures are particularly evident in the logistics sector, where firms must continuously adapt to digital integration and operational complexity. Grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Dynamic Capability Theory (DCT), this study develops a comprehensive conceptual model to examine how digital platforms, knowledge-based dynamic capabilities, and business model innovation (BMI) interact to influence firm performance, with a specific focus on logistics SMEs in emerging economies. The study investigates not only the direct impact of digital platforms on firm performance but also the indirect effects through the mediating roles of knowledge-based dynamic capability and business model innovation. By conceptualizing knowledge-based dynamic capability as a firm’s ability to acquire, integrate, and apply knowledge, and BMI as the mechanism through which firms reconfigure value creation and delivery, this research highlights the pathways through which digital technologies translate into performance outcomes. The findings are expected to provide both theoretical and practical contributions. Theoretically, the study enriches existing literature by integrating RBV and DCT to explain the synergistic relationships among the key constructs. Practically, it offers actionable insights for managers, emphasizing the role of digital platforms as strategic enablers of organizational adaptability and innovation. Ultimately, the study underscores the importance of cultivating dynamic capabilities and aligning business models with digital opportunities to achieve sustained competitiveness and long-term performance improvement in an increasingly volatile business environment.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: digital platform
  topic: keywords
subject: knowledge-based dynamic capability
  topic: keywords
subject: business model innovation
  topic: keywords
subject: firm performance
  topic: keywords
creator: XUE ZHANG
creator: CHUAH SOO CHENG
creator: VEERA PANDIYAN KALIANI SUNDRAM
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 XUE ZHANG, CHUAH SOO CHENG, VEERA PANDIYAN KALIANI SUNDRAM https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-30
publication date: 2026-07-30
starting page: 57
ending page: 67
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si4.1543

EFFECTIVENESS OF USING ONLINE PAYMENT METHODS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
type: item
description: This study explores the effectiveness of online payment methods among university students in Malaysia, with particular attention to lifestyle compatibility, perceived ease of use, and privacy and security concerns. The expansion of digital payment systems, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, has significantly influenced consumer behavior, particularly among younger users. A quantitative approach was employed using a structured questionnaire distributed to 269 students from the Faculty of Business and Management at UiTM Puncak Alam. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis. The findings indicate that perceived ease of use and lifestyle compatibility are significant factors shaping students’ preferences for online payment methods. In contrast, privacy and security concerns, while still relevant, demonstrate a comparatively weaker. The results suggest that convenience and the ability of payment platforms to integrate into students’ daily routines are central to their adoption. This study contributes to the understanding of digital payment behavior among university students and offers practical insights for policymakers and financial service providers in designing payment systems that are both user-friendly and secure.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: online payment
  topic: keywords
subject: e-wallet
  topic: keywords
subject: university students
  topic: keywords
subject: ease of use
  topic: keywords
subject: security
  topic: keywords
creator: NATASHA DZULKALNINE
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 NATASHA DZULKALNINE https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-30
publication date: 2026-07-30
starting page: 48
ending page: 56
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si4.1542

IMPROVING RESEARCH METHODOLOGY TEACHING: INSIGHTS FROM EXAMINERS’ EVALUATIONS OF MASTER’S RESEARCH PROPOSALS
type: item
description: Developing a coherent research proposal is a cornerstone requirement of postgraduate research training. Nevertheless, several master’s students have encountered challenges in writing research proposals of acceptable academic quality. The purpose of this study will be to find common weak aspects of master’s research proposal and to get insights into the inherent challenges that students encounter during the proposal development process. Through a qualitative document analysis method, this paper analysed reports by examiners and advisors on 21 research proposals written by students undertaking a master’s in business economics course. The reports included critical analysis of some of the components of the proposal, such as the title, abstract, problem statement, research objectives, scope of the research, literature review, research methodology, and reference. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the examiner comments in order to determine common trends of weaknesses. The results demonstrate the existence of six key themes, namely, the ambiguous formulation of a research problem, lack of correspondence between research elements, a weak theoretical background, descriptive and unsynthesised literature review practices, methodological confusion and excessive complexity, and deficiencies in structured academic writing. The findings indicate that weaknesses in research proposals are not merely isolated writing issues; rather, they are indicators of larger deficiencies in the conceptualisation of research, the research design, and the students' academic writing abilities. The study identifies a necessity of more systematic pedagogical strategies of teaching research methodology to postgraduate students, especially in building research logic, skills of literature synthesis and justification of methods.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: research methodology
  topic: keywords
subject: research proposal
  topic: keywords
subject: postgraduate research
  topic: keywords
subject: teaching and learning
  topic: keywords
subject: academic quality
  topic: keywords
creator: KESHMINDER J S
creator: NURUL SYIFAA MOHD SHAKIL
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 KESHMINDER J S, NURUL SYIFAA MOHD SHAKIL https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-30
publication date: 2026-07-30
starting page: 39
ending page: 47
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si4.1541

DETERMINANTS OF CO2 EMISSIONS IN MALAYSIA: AN EKC ANALYSIS
type: item
description: CO₂ emissions remain a major challenge to Malaysia’s sustainable development and transition toward a green economy. This study examines the determinants of CO₂ emissions in Malaysia from 1990–2024, focusing on GDP, energy consumption, and trade (imports and exports of goods and services). Guided by the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) framework, the study investigates the long-run effects of these variables on environmental quality. Using annual data from the World Bank and econometric techniques including the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) unit root test, Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), cointegration, and regression analyses, the findings show that GDP, energy consumption, and imports significantly increase CO₂ emissions, supporting the inverted U-shaped EKC hypothesis. Exports exhibit mixed effects, with stronger impacts at higher emission levels, while energy consumption acts as a key channel through which trade influences environmental degradation. The results highlight the need for green economy strategies that promote energy efficiency and sustainable trade practices to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation. Despite being limited to data available up to 2024, the study provides valuable evidence for policymakers seeking to align Malaysia’s economic and trade objectives with international carbon reduction commitments.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: CO2 emissions
  topic: keywords
subject: EKC
  topic: keywords
subject: GDP
  topic: keywords
subject: energy consumption
  topic: keywords
subject: imports
  topic: keywords
subject: exports
  topic: keywords
creator: NUR RAUDHAH ZAKARIA
creator: SITI AYU JALIL
creator: LEYLAWATI JOREMI
creator: MUHAMAD SUKOR JAAFAR
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 NUR RAUDHAH ZAKARIA, SITI AYU JALIL, LEYLAWATI JOREMI, MUHAMAD SUKOR JAAFAR https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-30
publication date: 2026-07-30
starting page: 30
ending page: 38
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si4.1540

FROM SCROLLING TO PURCHASE: INFLUENCERS, EWOM, AND IN-FEED ADS ON TIKTOK
type: item
description: TikTok, a highly popular application, has emerged as a formidable marketing instrument due to its distinctive and engaging features. The platform provides advanced targeting capabilities, enabling businesses to effectively connect with their desired audience to access various information. In 2022, TikTok achieved the highest number of downloads and user engagement among social media applications in Malaysia. Thus, the purpose of this study is to empirically investigate the impact of the TikTok platform on consumers' purchasing intentions regarding instant noodle products in Malaysia. The problem statement emphasizes the necessity of understanding how TikTok influences customer purchase intentions for instant noodles products. Utilizing descriptive research design, the study surveyed 169 respondents and applied various data analysis methods, including multiple regression analysis. Results indicate that Social Media Influencers (SMIs), Electronic Word-of-Mouth (eWOM), and In-Feed Advertising significantly correlate with customer purchase intentions. These variables demonstrate that TikTok’s effectiveness lies in its ability to leverage influencer credibility, peer recommendations, and personalized advertising formats to drive purchase decisions towards instant noodle products. Based on these findings, it furnishes instant noodle products marketers with a set of strategic recommendations to enhance their TikTok platform as a potent marketing tool to enhance customer purchase intentions. Recommendations include fostering interactive content engagement through influencers, utilizing in-feed live demonstrations to showcase product use, designing job-specific content campaign strategies to target niche audiences, and encouraging collaborative content creation to enhance authenticity and relatability. Additionally, these strategies position TikTok as a potent marketing tool capable of enhancing customer purchase intentions and reinforcing brand loyalty within Malaysia’s com…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: customer purchase intention
  topic: keywords
subject: Social Media Influencer (SMIs)
  topic: keywords
subject: Electronic Word-of-Mouth (eWOM)
  topic: keywords
subject: in feed advertising
  topic: keywords
creator: IFFAH NAJWA ARIS
creator: NUR ANIS ATIQAH MAT ALI
creator: RASYIDAH MOHD RASHID
creator: YUSLINA LIZA MOHD YUSOF
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 IFFAH NAJWA ARIS, NUR ANIS ATIQAH MAT ALI, RASYIDAH MOHD RASHID, YUSLINA LIZA MOHD YUSOF https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-30
publication date: 2026-07-30
starting page: 20
ending page: 29
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si4.1539

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT IN VUCA ENVIRONMENTS: ROLES OF RESILIENCE, AGILITY, AND AMBIDEXTROUS LEADERSHIP
type: item
description: The increasing volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA) characterising contemporary business environments have intensified organisational concerns regarding employee engagement. As organisations face rapid technological advancements, changing workforce expectations, and heightened competitive pressures, employees are required to remain adaptable, resilient, and committed to organisational objectives. Although employee engagement has been extensively examined in organisational research, limited studies have investigated the simultaneous influence of resilience and agility on employee engagement, particularly through the mediating role of ambidextrous leadership within a VUCA context. Addressing this gap, this study examines the relationships among resilience, agility, ambidextrous leadership, and employee engagement among private sector employees in Malaysia. Grounded in the positivist paradigm, the study adopted a quantitative research design. Data were collected from 309 private sector employees using a structured questionnaire and analysed using SmartPLS. The measurement model was assessed to establish reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity, followed by structural model evaluation and hypothesis testing. The findings indicate that resilience, agility, and ambidextrous leadership significantly and positively influence employee engagement. Furthermore, resilience and agility were found to significantly predict ambidextrous leadership. The mediation analysis revealed that ambidextrous leadership partially mediates the relationships between resilience and employee engagement, as well as between agility and employee engagement. These findings suggest that employees who possess greater resilience and agility are more likely to exhibit higher levels of engagement when supported by leaders capable of balancing exploratory and exploitative leadership behaviours. This study contributes to the employee engagement literature by extending …
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: employee engagement
  topic: keywords
subject: resilience
  topic: keywords
subject: agility
  topic: keywords
subject: ambidextrous leadership
  topic: keywords
subject: VUCA environment
  topic: keywords
subject: Kahn’s engagement theory
  topic: keywords
creator: SHAFIQ SHAHRUDDIN
creator: IKMAL ABD MALIK
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 SHAFIQ SHAHRUDDIN, IKMAL ABD MALIK https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-30
publication date: 2026-07-30
starting page: 11
ending page: 19
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si4.1538

MINDFUL SPENDING AND FINANCIAL WELL-BEING: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK LINKING CONSUMER MINDFULNESS TO LIFE SATISFACTION
type: item
description: Consumer financial well-being has become a pressing concern in an era of rising personal debt, digital payment proliferation, and heightened economic uncertainty. Despite growing scholarly interest in mindfulness as a psychological tool for promoting well-being, its specific role in shaping financial behaviour and spending decisions remains insufficiently explored. This study addresses that gap by connecting consumers’ mindful spending, financial well-being, and life satisfaction. Against a backdrop of increasing consumerism and frictionless digital transactions, it examines how socio-cognitive mindfulness can promote responsible financial behaviour and curb impulsive consumption. The study adopts a conceptual research design developed through a systematic review and synthesis of prior literature. Drawing on three theoretical perspectives, which is Self-Determination Theory (SDT), Behavioural Economics, and Socio-Cognitive Mindfulness Theory, it integrates psychological, economic, and cognitive viewpoints to postulate testable relationships among these constructs. The proposed framework holds that consumer mindfulness fosters value-based financial choices, which in turn enhance financial well-being and life satisfaction. Mindful spending supports the psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness (SDT), reduces vulnerability to cognitive biases (Behavioural Economics), and encourages flexible, deliberate decision-making (Socio-Cognitive Mindfulness Theory). Financial well-being is proposed as a mediator linking mindful spending to life satisfaction. The paper further identifies how marketers, policymakers, and financial educators can embed mindfulness principles into campaigns, financial literacy programmes, and product design to encourage responsible consumption and consumer well-being. This article contributes to the literature by providing a theoretical synthesis of mindfulness, consumer behaviour, and financial decision-making. It offers a unified …
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: mindful spending
  topic: keywords
subject: consumer mindfulness
  topic: keywords
subject: financial well-being
  topic: keywords
subject: life satisfaction
  topic: keywords
subject: responsible consumption
  topic: keywords
creator: HUSIN N
creator: RAUB N A
creator: MANAF K
creator: MOHAMAD N
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 HUSIN N, RAUB N A, MANAF K, MOHAMAD N https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-30
publication date: 2026-07-30
starting page: 1
ending page: 10
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si4.1537

SPEECH-LEVEL SHIFTS IN JAPANESE MANGA (COMIC): A DISCOURSE POLITENESS THEORY APPROACH
type: item
description: This research concludes that speech-level shifts in Japanese manga (comic) are not arbitrary linguistic variations but are dynamic communicative strategies that function within the framework of Mayumi Usami’s Discourse Politeness Theory (DPT). Problem statement existing research on Japanese manga and anime has predominantly relied on Brown and Levinson of 1987 framework, which focuses on sentence-level strategies to avoid Face-Threatening Acts (FTAs). However, these models often overlook socially obligatory language use (wakimae) and fail to systematically account for discourse-level phenomena, such as how shifting between polite and non-polite forms creates meaning across an entire interaction. There is a significant gap in understanding how Discourse Politeness (DP) Defaults are constructed and manipulated in fictional worlds to produce specific interactional effects. Thus, this research aims to analyse linguistic factors which motivates speech-level shifts among characters in Japanese manga. This study is using qualitative method in analysing the manga series Case Closed: Zero’s Tea Time, focusing on the character Toru Amuro, whose three distinct social roles (café worker, detective, and criminal) provide a rich dataset for observing language variation. The results indicate that several linguistic factors motivate speech-level shifts, including sudden topic changes, the mitigation of difficult or sensitive content, and the creation of friendliness through stylistic incongruity. Overall, this research contributes to Japanese discourse studies by demonstrating how speech-level shifts operate as discourse-level politeness strategies within interaction. It also provides an alternative perspective to politeness research that has traditionally been dominated by Western theoretical frameworks.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Japanese politeness
  topic: keywords
subject: discourse politeness theory
  topic: keywords
subject: manga
  topic: keywords
subject: speech-level
  topic: keywords
creator: AZNUR AISYAH
creator: ROSLINA MAMAT
creator: ZALINA MOHD KASIM
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 AZNUR AISYAH, ROSLINA MAMAT, ZALINA MOHD KASIM https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-10
publication date: 2026-07-10
starting page: 216
ending page: 229
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si3.1467

ENGLISH, BUT MAKE IT GEN Z: CREATIVITY AND VARIATION IN SOCIAL MEDIA LANGUAGE
type: item
description: The popularity of social media has altered the communication pattern of young people, particularly the students of Generation Z who are living in the digital world where internet usage is their daily routine. Communication in these online platforms tends to space out of typical written English by incorporating emojis, abbreviations, innovative spelling, different typography, and seamless blending of English and local languages. Although these linguistic creativities are typical of the telecommunication platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram, their intended meanings can be misinterpreted or perceived as reckless or as lack of language proficiency. This issue reveals an opportunity for further research on the communicative values and social meanings of digital languages. This research aims to determine the creative linguistic elements applied by Generation Z learners on social media, and to analyse the new trends in digital English. Qualitative content analysis was employed to document language as it is naturally found in the digital context. Information is gathered in the form of the screen shots of the actual online communication as captured in several social media platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp communication. The results indicate the Generation Z students employ creative features of language like emojis, abbreviations, stylised spelling and code-mixing language in deliberate and organised means. These practices are signs of flexibility, awareness, and good communicative competence in the digital spaces than indicators of poor language abilities. It was revealed that the creative uses of English language by Generation Z on social media are both purposeful and socially inclined. Emojis, stylistic variation, code-mixing, and the use of abbreviation act as extensions of emotion, expression of identity, and relationship expression, and not to be perceived as language deficiency. This online language emerges as a new English language variation which can be perceive…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: English language variation
  topic: keywords
subject: generation Z
  topic: keywords
subject: linguistic creativity
  topic: keywords
subject: social media communication
  topic: keywords
creator: SITI AFIQAH MOHD SHAH
creator: ERDA WATI BAKAR
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 SITI AFIQAH MOHD SHAH, ERDA WATI BAKAR https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-10
publication date: 2026-07-10
starting page: 198
ending page: 215
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si3.1466

FOREIGN LANGUAGE READING ANXIETY SCALE (FLRAS) FOR MANDARIN LEARNERS IN MALAYSIAN UNIVERSITIES: VALIDATION STUDY
type: item
description: Foreign Language Reading Anxiety Scale (FLRAS) is a self-report instrument designed to measure a learner’s level of anxiety when reading in a foreign language. Although widely used in English language contexts, its application in Mandarin learning environments has been limited, and the validity and reliability of the scale in such contexts remain underexamined. Moreover, existing studies have raised concerns about its factor structure when adapted to Mandarin. This study investigates the validation of the FLRAS in the context of Mandarin learning through a two-phase validation process using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). In the pilot phase, data from 120 respondents were analysed via EFA using SPSS. The results indicated that all items could be retained; however, a four-factor structure emerged rather than the previously proposed two-factor model commonly reported in English-language studies. Subsequently, in the main study phase, data were collected from 326 Mandarin learners across Malaysian public universities. These data were analysed using CFA in AMOS. Fit indices, including chi-square, RMSEA, CFI, and NFI confirmed that the four-factor model demonstrated acceptable to good fit (χ²/df = 2.374, RMSEA = .060,CFI = .964, TLI = .960), thereby supporting the structural validity of the FLRAS for use with Mandarin learners. In conclusion, the FLRAS has been validated as a reliable and structurally sound instrument for assessing foreign language reading anxiety among Mandarin learners in Malaysia. This tool can help educators and stakeholders identify sources of reading anxiety, design targeted interventions, and cultivate learning environments that enhance reading performance and skill development.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: foreign language reading anxiety
  topic: keywords
subject: Malaysian
  topic: keywords
subject: universities
  topic: keywords
subject: Mandarin learners
  topic: keywords
subject: validation
  topic: keywords
creator: YEE CHIN YIP
creator: NURHASMA MUHAMAD SAAD
creator: MARGARET ANTHONEY
creator: NURUL AIN CHUA ABDULLAH
creator: AJHAR AHMAD
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 YEE CHIN YIP, NURHASMA MUHAMAD SAAD, MARGARET ANTHONEY, NURUL AIN CHUA ABDULLAH, AJHAR AHMAD https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-10
publication date: 2026-07-10
starting page: 181
ending page: 197
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si3.1465

KELESTARIAN BAHASA ISTANA DAN KOMUNIKASI SIMBOLIK DALAM ISTIADAT MENYEMBAH KEMBALI BAUR DI ERA DIGITAL
type: item
description: Istiadat Menyembah Kembali Baur di negeri Perak merupakan simbol tradisi yang sarat dengan nilai estetika, adab, dan kedaulatan institusi beraja Melayu. Walaupun lazimnya dikaji dari sudut sejarah, kelestarian ritual eksklusif ini berhadapan dengan ancaman "pencairan makna" dalam arus mediatisasi global. Oleh itu, kajian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis kaitan antara penggunaan laras bahasa istana dengan keberkesanan komunikasi simbolik bukan lisan (non-verbal) menggunakan pendekatan integratif Analisis Wacana Multimodal dan Teori Mediatization. Melalui kajian kes kualitatif, data diperoleh daripada pemerhatian lapangan, analisis arkib, dan temu bual mendalam bersama informan autoriti. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa laras bahasa istana berinteraksi secara intersemiotik dengan pergerakan kinesik dan objek material untuk menzahirkan kedaulatan hierarki secara visual dan lisan. Lebih penting lagi, kajian ini mengemukakan kerangka baharu dalam penterjemahan ritual tradisional ke dalam bentuk arkib digital yang mengekalkan makna sakralnya tanpa dekontekstualisasi. Kajian ini menyumbang kepada wacana global mengenai antropologi digital dan sosiolinguistik, membuktikan bahawa integrasi sistem linguistik dan inovasi digital adalah kunci pelestarian warisan tidak ketara sistem monarki mendepani cabaran abad ke-21. The Istiadat Menyembah Kembali Baur ceremony in the state of Perak is a traditional symbol laden with aesthetic value, decorum, and the sovereignty of the Malay royal institution. Although typically studied from a historical perspective, the sustainability of this exclusive ritual faces the threat of "meaning dilution" amidst the current of global mediatisation. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the correlation between the use of the royal court language register (bahasa istana) and the effectiveness of non-verbal symbolic communication, employing an integrative approach of Multimodal Discourse Analysis and Mediatisation Theory. Through a qualitative case st…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: bahasa istana
  topic: keywords
subject: Menyembah Kembali Baur
  topic: keywords
subject: komunikasi simbolik
  topic: keywords
subject: kelestarian budaya
  topic: keywords
subject: era digital
  topic: keywords
creator: MUHAMAD ADHA ABD JALIL
creator: ROS MAHWATI AHMAD ZAKARIA
creator: ZULISKANDAR RAMLI
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 MUHAMAD ADHA ABD JALIL, ROS MAHWATI AHMAD ZAKARIA, ZULISKANDAR RAMLI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-10
publication date: 2026-07-10
starting page: 161
ending page: 180
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si3.1463

TEACHING AND LEARNING OF KINAYAH IN SAHIH AL-BUKHARI AND MUSLIM THROUGH MINECRAFT EDUCATION
type: item
description: This study examines the teaching and learning of Kināyah in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī and Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim by utilising Minecraft Education as an instructional tool. Guided by the Design and Development Research (DDR) model, this paper reports the findings from Phase 1: Needs Analysis. The objectives of this phase are to: (i) identify students’ learning practices related to al-Kināyah and al-Ḥadīth al-Syarīf, (ii) determine the challenges they face in understanding al-Kināyah, (iii) assess their readiness and perceptions toward the use of gamification specifically Minecraft Education and (iv) identify the multimedia and instructional elements required for designing a Minecraft-based learning module. Data were collected from 42 undergraduate students across various Islamic Studies programmes at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) using a validated questionnaire. The findings show that students encounter multiple difficulties, including limited vocabulary, insufficient learning resources, and reliance on traditional teaching methods. However, the results also demonstrate strong acceptance and positive attitudes toward gamification, with students expressing that Minecraft Education could improve engagement, motivation, and comprehension. This study provides empirical evidence on learner needs for developing a Minecraft-based educational module on al-Kināyah, offering a structured framework for integrating game-based learning into Islamic Studies and Arabic rhetorical instruction.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Al-Kināyah
  topic: keywords
subject: DDR
  topic: keywords
subject: minecraft education
  topic: keywords
subject: Sahih Al-Bukhari
  topic: keywords
subject: Sahih Muslim
  topic: keywords
creator: MUHAMMAD NUR FARHAN ZAMZIBA
creator: RAHMAH AHMAD H OSMAN
creator: MUHAMMAD ANWAR AHMAD
creator: AYU MIRANDA ABDUL HALIM
creator: FATIMAH AZZAHRA RASHID
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 MUHAMMAD NUR FARHAN ZAMZIBA, RAHMAH AHMAD H OSMAN, MUHAMMAD ANWAR AHMAD, AYU MIRANDA ABDUL HALIM, FATIMAH AZZAHRA RASHID https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-10
publication date: 2026-07-10
starting page: 145
ending page: 160
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si3.1462

CROSS-GENERATIONAL PRAGMATIC FAILURES IN THE MOVIE ‘THE INTERN’ (2015)
type: item
description: In order to ensure successful communication in professional settings, pragmatic competence is essential. However, when interlocutors rely on distinct pragmatic standards, communication breakdowns can happen, especially when people from various generations are involved. This study examines how cross-generational pragmatic failure is portrayed in the 2015 movie The Intern, concentrating on interactions between Baby Boomer and Millennial characters at work. This study examines three carefully chosen scenes that demonstrate intergenerational communication in a modern organizational setting using a qualitative content analysis methodology. To find examples of pragmalinguistic and sociopragmatic failure, the analysis is driven by Brown and Levinson's Politeness Theory, Grice's Cooperative Principle, and Relational Work Theory. Verbatim transcriptions of conversations were used to gather data, which were then methodically coded using a coding framework created by the researcher. The results point to a greater occurrence of sociopragmatic failure as compared to pragmalinguistic failure, primarily due to the lack of proper prognostications regarding formality/politeness/joke, communication etiquette, and medium compliance. Additionally, the data demonstrates that older and younger characters experience co-pragmatic failure arising from a lack of questions, presumed to signal a sociocultural ‘ply’ communication breakdown, rather than a ‘failure to communicate.’ The data also reiterates that failure is not only complex, opaque, and rigid, but that it is also pliable and results in a condition of reciprocity with the necessary ‘shifts’ from the involved parties. This research, by prioritising generational identity as a significant pragmatic variable and showcasing the discourse of the film as a pragmatic resource, contributes to the body of knowledge on sociolinguistics and pragmatics. The research also enhances pragmatic awareness as well as the understanding of the nature of …
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: communication breakdown
  topic: keywords
subject: cross-generational communication
  topic: keywords
subject: politeness theory
  topic: keywords
subject: pragmatic failure
  topic: keywords
subject: workplace discourse
  topic: keywords
creator: MUHAMMAD HAFIZIN NAZMI BAHARUDDIN
creator: HAIDA UMIERA HASHIM
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 MUHAMMAD HAFIZIN NAZMI BAHARUDDIN, HAIDA UMIERA HASHIM https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-10
publication date: 2026-07-10
starting page: 134
ending page: 144
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si3.1461

INTEGRATING SOCIAL CONSTRUCTIVISM AND VISIBLE THINKING IN VIRTUAL DRAMA CLASSROOM: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
type: item
description: The expansion of digital learning in the post-pandemic era has created new opportunities for innovative pedagogical approaches in higher education. However, maintaining student interaction and engagement in the virtual language learning environment remains a concern, particularly in drama education, where collaborative and experiential practices are crucial. This conceptual paper aims the complex challenges inherent in virtual drama classrooms by proposing and describing a conceptual framework. The framework combines Social Constructivist Theory (SCT), founded by Vygotsky in 1962, and Project Zero (PZ)’s Visible Thinking (VT) principles developed by Ritchhart that happen in 2006. Grounded in the works of Lev Vygotsky, a renowned socio-constructivist theorist, the proposed framework underpins the significant role of social interaction in the construction of knowledge through dialogue, collaboration and mediation. Aligning with SCT’s approach to learning, PZ’s VT routines, such as Think–Pair–Share and the Ladder of Feedback, are intended to help learners be conscious of their thought processes and, as such, facilitate structured language for discussions, scaffold peer-to-peer communication, and encourage students to think reflectively during drama-based tasks. The proposed framework demonstrates how drama pedagogy, integrated with the underlying social constructivist principles and VT routines, can stimulate collaboration, creative and reflective thinking and thus engagement amongst learners. It therefore seeks to contribute to the scholarly literature on drama education, interactive language learning and social constructivist teaching approaches, providing practitioners with new ways of understanding and designing more engaging drama-based learning activities in virtual contexts.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Social Constructivist Theory (SCT)
  topic: keywords
subject: Visible Thinking (VT) routines
  topic: keywords
subject: virtual drama classrooms
  topic: keywords
subject: conceptual framework
  topic: keywords
subject: interactive language learning
  topic: keywords
creator: ZAAMAH MOHD NOR
creator: LAURA CHRIST DASS
creator: JEBAKUMARI SELVARANI
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 ZAAMAH MOHD NOR, LAURA CHRIST DASS, JEBAKUMARI SELVARANI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-10
publication date: 2026-07-10
starting page: 127
ending page: 133
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si3.1460

BRIDGING THE EMPLOYABILITY GAP: ESL COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE AMONG MALAYSIAN YOUTH
type: item
description: English language proficiency has become a key determinant of employability in Malaysia, particularly in professional contexts where effective communication is essential for workplace interaction, collaboration, and career advancement. Despite holding academic qualifications, many Malaysian youth continue to experience difficulties in securing employment due to limitations in ESL communicative competence. This issue reflects a persistent mismatch between graduates’ communicative abilities and industry expectations, where workplace communication skills are increasingly prioritised in recruitment and professional performance. This study examines ESL communicative competence among Malaysian youth and its alignment with employability. Communicative competence is conceptualised based on Canale and Swain’s (1980) framework, comprising linguistic, sociolinguistic, discourse, and strategic competencies. A quantitative research design is employed, and data are collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to Malaysian youth. The instrument measures the four dimensions of ESL communicative sub-competencies. Data are analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), involving descriptive statistical analysis to determine the level of each sub-competency and identify patterns across dimensions of communicative performance in relation to employability outcomes. The findings are expected to provide empirical insights into the levels of ESL communicative sub-competencies among Malaysian youth in relation to workplace communication demands. Specifically, the study is anticipated to highlight variations in linguistic, sociolinguistic, discourse, and strategic competence, contributing to a clearer understanding of communicative strengths and deficiencies. The study is expected to inform educators, curriculum designers, and policymakers in enhancing English language instruction and improving youth readiness for communication demands in contemporary professio…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: English as Second Language (ESL)
  topic: keywords
subject: communicative competence
  topic: keywords
subject: employability
  topic: keywords
subject: job interview
  topic: keywords
subject: mismatch
  topic: keywords
creator: FARAH HANI SHAHARUDDIN
creator: NOR FAZLIN MOHD RAMLI
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 FARAH HANI SHAHARUDDIN, NOR FAZLIN MOHD RAMLI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-10
publication date: 2026-07-10
starting page: 116
ending page: 126
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si3.1459

ACADEMIC WRITING NEEDS TOWARD ETHNOANDRAGOGY-BASED SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION
type: item
description: Academic writing competence is an essential skill for university students, enabling them to communicate ideas effectively and participate in scholarly discourse. However, many students still encounter difficulties in organizing ideas, constructing arguments, and applying appropriate academic conventions. Therefore, the development of effective learning materials that support students’ academic writing skills is an important concern in higher education. This study aims to analyze students’ needs regarding the development of academic writing learning materials based on ethnoandragogy and self-directed learning using an interactive flipbook. This research employed a mixed methods design. Quantitative data were collected through a survey involving 219 undergraduate students using a Likert-scale questionnaire consisting of 13 items. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The reliability analysis showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.939). The EFA results revealed a four-factor structure comprising: (1) academic writing and andragogy, (2) ethnopedagogy, (3) technology integration, and (4) reflective learning, explaining 72.4% of the total variance. Model fit indices indicated an acceptable to good fit (RMSEA = 0.0769; TLI = 0.950). The qualitative findings provide deeper insights into these results by revealing that students value the practicality and accessibility of digital learning materials, prefer self-directed and flexible learning environments, and expect culturally relevant content. However, they also experience challenges related to comprehension and unequal access to digital resources, as well as the need for more interactive learning features. The integration of quantitative and qualitative findings suggests that students’ learning needs are multidimensional and context-dependent. Therefore, the development of academic writing materials should not only focus on inst…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: academic writing
  topic: keywords
subject: digital learning
  topic: keywords
subject: ethnoandragogy
  topic: keywords
subject: needs analysis
  topic: keywords
subject: self-directed learning
  topic: keywords
creator: INDRAWATI
creator: NURHAYATI
creator: MULYADI EKO PURNOMO
creator: ERNALIDA
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 INDRAWATI, NURHAYATI, MULYADI EKO PURNOMO, ERNALIDA https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-10
publication date: 2026-07-10
starting page: 103
ending page: 115
doi: 10.55197/qjssh.v7si3.1458