Quantum Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities
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.
STRATEGI INTEGRASI NILAI TRADISIONAL DAN KEHIDUPAN MODEN DALAM KALANGAN BELIA DI KOTA MARUDU
Kajian ini meneliti strategi integrasi nilai tradisional dan kehidupan moden dalam kalangan belia di Kota Marudu dengan memberi tumpuan kepada pendidikan budaya, penyertaan strategik belia, peranan NGO dan ekosistem sokongan institusi. Kajian ini memusatkan analisis kepada bentuk tindakan integratif yang berpotensi menghubungkan sekolah, komuniti, media digital dan institusi adat. Kajian menggunakan pendekatan kaedah campuran yang melibatkan 100 responden belia, 12 temu bual mendalam dan tujuh sesi perbincangan kumpulan fokus. Dapatan menunjukkan 42.0% responden menilai penekanan MAN dalam kurikulum pada tahap sederhana, namun 81.0% setuju atau sangat setuju bahawa belia perlu memainkan peranan dalam organisasi MAN. Sebanyak 84.0% pula bersetuju bahawa NGO atau pertubuhan belia boleh membantu penglibatan belia dalam MAN, manakala 44.0% memilih gabungan latihan kepimpinan, dokumentasi dan kem latihan belia sebagai program yang sesuai. Dapatan kualitatif menunjukkan pendidikan formal masih minimum, pendidikan tidak formal kekal penting dan belia memerlukan cara penghayatan adat yang lebih serasi dengan media serta gaya hidup semasa. Kajian ini merumuskan bahawa integrasi nilai tradisional dan kehidupan moden perlu dibangunkan sebagai ekosistem berlapis yang menghubungkan pendidikan, komuniti, teknologi digital, penyertaan belia dan sokongan institusi secara berterusan. This study examines strategies for integrating traditional values and modern life among youth in Kota Marudu by focusing on cultural education, strategic youth participation, the role of NGOs and the institutional support ecosystem. The study centres on integrative forms of action that can connect schools, communities, digital media and customary institutions. A mixed-methods approach was employed involving 100 youth respondents, 12 in-depth interviews and seven focus group discussions. The findings show that 42.0% of respondents rated the emphasis on MAN in the curriculum as moderate, yet 81.0% agreed or strongly agreed that youth should play a role in MAN organisations. A total of 84.0% agreed that NGOs or youth organisations could support youth involvement in MAN, while 44.0% selected a combination of leadership training, documentation and youth camps as suitable programmes. Qualitative findings indicate that formal education remains limited, informal education continues to play an important role, and youth require ways of appreciating custom that are more compatible with contemporary media and lifestyles. This study concludes that the integration of traditional values and modern life should be developed as a layered ecosystem that continuously connects education, community, digital technology, youth participation and institutional support.
Copyright (c) 2026 MAIJOL MAHAP, JOHAN JOHNES, ROSAZMAN HUSSIN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
PENGARUH TEKNOLOGI TERHADAP KONFLIK IDENTITI DAN NILAI TRADISIONAL BELIA DI KOTA MARUDU
Artikel ini menganalisis bagaimana globalisasi dan teknologi membentuk konflik identiti serta mempengaruhi pemeliharaan nilai tradisional dalam kalangan belia di Kota Marudu. Berbeza daripada artikel yang menilai kesedaran institusi atau strategi integrasi, artikel ini menumpukan ekologi digital sebagai medan rundingan identiti. Kajian menggunakan reka bentuk kajian kes dengan pendekatan kaedah campuran yang melibatkan 100 responden belia, 12 temu bual mendalam dan tujuh sesi perbincangan kumpulan fokus. Dapatan menunjukkan 55.0% responden pernah melihat maklumat MAN di media sosial dan 66.0% memberi skor positif bahawa media sosial membantu memahami peranan MAN. Walau bagaimanapun, hanya 38.0% menilai maklumat digital sebagai menarik dan informatif, manakala 22.0% menganggapnya kurang jelas. Sebanyak 44.0% responden mengakui wujud konflik antara undang-undang sivil dan adat, 49.0% menyatakan aktiviti sosial lebih diutamakan berbanding acara adat, tetapi 83.0% bersetuju teknologi boleh mempromosi dan memelihara budaya tempatan. Dapatan kualitatif menunjukkan konflik identiti berlaku pada aras bahasa, gaya hidup, autoriti budaya dan cara belia menilai relevansi adat. Artikel ini merumuskan bahawa teknologi bukan sekadar alat promosi, tetapi medan sosial yang menuntut literasi digital budaya, kawalan mutu kandungan dan naratif adat yang dipimpin oleh belia. This article analyses how globalisation and technology shape identity conflict and influence the preservation of traditional values among youth in Kota Marudu. Unlike articles that assess institutional awareness or integration strategies, this article focuses on the digital ecology as an arena of identity negotiation. The study employed a case study design and a mixed-methods approach involving 100 youth respondents, 12 in-depth interviews and seven focus group discussions. The findings show that 55.0% of respondents had seen information about MAN on social media and 66.0% gave positive scores indicating that social media helped them understand MAN's role. However, only 38.0% regarded digital information as interesting and informative, while 22.0% considered it unclear. A total of 44.0% acknowledged a conflict between civil law and customary law, 49.0% stated that social activities were prioritised over customary events, yet 83.0% agreed that technology could promote and preserve local culture. Qualitative findings indicate that identity conflict occurs through language, lifestyle, cultural authority and the way youth evaluate the relevance of custom. The article concludes that technology is not merely a promotional tool, but a social arena requiring cultural digital literacy, content quality control and youth-led customary narratives.
KESEDARAN DAN PEMAHAMAN BELIA TERHADAP PERANAN MAHKAMAH ANAK NEGERI SABAH DI KOTA MARUDU
Kajian ini meneliti tahap kesedaran dan pemahaman belia terhadap peranan Mahkamah Anak Negeri Sabah (MAN) di Kota Marudu. Fokus utama kajian ialah jurang antara kesedaran permukaan dengan pemahaman fungsional, iaitu sama ada belia hanya mengetahui kewujudan MAN atau benar-benar memahami fungsi, bidang kuasa, saluran rujukan dan kedudukannya sebagai institusi adat. Kajian menggunakan reka bentuk kajian kes dengan pendekatan kaedah campuran yang melibatkan 100 responden belia, 12 temu bual mendalam dan tujuh sesi perbincangan kumpulan fokus. Dapatan menunjukkan 99.0% responden pernah mendengar tentang MAN dan 78.0% berada pada tahap sedar atau sangat sedar terhadap kewujudannya di Kota Marudu. Namun, hanya 58.0% menyatakan maklumat yang diterima membantu mereka memahami undang-undang adat, manakala 45.0% tidak pernah menerima pendedahan tentang undang-undang adat. Sekolah dan universiti menjadi saluran utama pendedahan awal, tetapi pendedahan tersebut masih bersifat umum. Kajian ini merumuskan bahawa kelestarian MAN memerlukan peralihan daripada promosi kesedaran kepada pembinaan literasi institusi adat yang lebih aplikatif, berasaskan senario kes dan dekat dengan pengalaman belia. This study examines youth awareness and understanding of the role of the Sabah Native Court (Mahkamah Anak Negeri, MAN) in Kota Marudu. Its main focus is the gap between surface awareness and functional understanding, namely whether young people merely know of MAN's existence or understand its functions, jurisdiction, access pathways and position as a customary institution. The study employed a case study design and a mixed-methods approach involving 100 youth respondents, 12 in-depth interviews and seven focus group discussions. The findings show that 99.0% of respondents had heard of MAN and 78.0% were aware or highly aware of its existence in Kota Marudu. However, only 58.0% stated that the information they received helped them understand customary law, while 45.0% had never received exposure to customary law. Schools and universities were the dominant channels of early exposure, yet such exposure remained general. This study concludes that the sustainability of MAN requires a shift from awareness promotion to the development of applied, scenario-based and youth-friendly customary institutional literacy.
MODEL-MODEL KONTEKSTUALISASI TEOLOGI STEPHEN B. BEVANS DAN KAITANNYA DENGAN DAKWAH ISLAM: SUATU TINJAUAN AWAL
Kontekstualisasi teologi merupakan pendekatan yang penting dalam memahami bagaimana ajaran teologi dapat diaplikasikan dan relevan dalam berbagai budaya. Sehubungan itu, kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi model-model utama kontekstualisasi teologi yang diimplementasikan dalam budaya tertentu. Di samping menjelaskan bagaimana nilai dan praktik keagamaan dapat disesuaikan dengan budaya, keadaan sosial, dan latar belakang masyarakat yang berbeza-beza. Dalam pada itu, pengkaji cuba untuk mengaitkan ia dengan dakwah Islam. Bagi mencapai tujuan tersebut, kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif, berdasarkan kepada kaedah perpustakaan dengan menganalisis dokumen seperti artikel, buku, tesis dan bahan rujukan berautoriti yang lain. Hasil kajian ini mendapati, model kontekstualisasi teologi tidak berfokus pada budaya semata-mata tetapi turut melihat aspek lain, seperti keperluan semasa dan permasalahan yang sedang dihadapi. Oleh sebab itu, model kontekstualisasi sememangnya memudahkan penyampaian dan penerimaan pesan teologi dalam kalangan masyarakat dengan menjadikan budaya dan isu yang sedang dihadapi sebagai jembatan untuk menyampaikan pesan teologi. This study aims to explore the main models of theological contextualization implemented in specific cultures. In addition, it explains how religious values and practices can be adapted to different cultures, social conditions, and backgrounds. The study also attempts to relate this to Islamic propagation (dakwah). To achieve this goal, the study uses a qualitative approach, based on library methods by analyzing documents such as articles, books, theses, and other authoritative reference materials. The results of this study found that the model of theological contextualization does not solely focus on culture but also considers other aspects, such as current needs and problems being faced. Therefore, the contextualization model facilitates the delivery and acceptance of theological messages among the community by making culture and current issues a bridge to convey theological messages.
Copyright (c) 2026 MOHAMAD SHAUKHI MOHD RADZI, MOHAMMAD FIRDAUS HASMIN, MOHD SOHAIMI ESA, SYAMSUL AZIZUL MARINSAH https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
DAKWAH KONTEKSTUAL DALAM AKTIVITI SYIAR ISLAM DI KAMPUNG SUNGAI PADANG, PAPAR PADA TAHUN 1973
Makalah ini bertujuan untuk meneliti penganjuran pertandingan Tafsir al-Quran, Syarahan dan Azan yang dianjurkan oleh USIA Cawangan Kampung Sungai Padang, Papar Sabah pada tahun 1973. Objektif utama kajian ini, adalah untuk mengenalpasti elemen-elemen dakwah kontekstual seperti dakwah bil hal (tindakan), bil lisan (perkataan) dan bil qalam (penulisan) yang diterapkan dalam program tersebut. Bagi mencapai tujuan tersebut, pengkaji telah menggunakan kaedah kualitatif berdasarkan kepada analisis dokumen arkib, khususnya Majalah Sinar USIA terbitan tahun 1973. Sehubungan itu, hasil kajian mendapati bahawa penganjuran pertandingan ini sememangnya mengandungi unsur dakwah kontekstual yang komprehensif, iaitu penyampaian mesej Islam yang dilakukan secara bersepadu merangkumi ketiga-tiga elemen dakwah kontekstual tersebut, iaitu dakwah bil hal, bil lisan dan bil qalam. Oleh yang demikian, kajian ini menegaskan bahawa, integrasi elemen kontekstual dalam dakwah sememangnya penting, bagi memastikan mesej Islam dapat disampaikan secara relevan mengikut situasi penerima dakwah (mad’u), agar mesej tersebut dapat diterima dengan baik oleh masyarakat. This paper aims to examine the organization of Al-Quran Interpretation, Public Speaking, and Azan competitions by the USIA Kampung Sungai Padang Branch, Papar, Sabah in 1973. The primary objective of this study is to identify the elements of contextual da’wah, namely da’wah bil hal (action), bil lisan (speech), and bil qalam (writing), integrated within the program. To achieve this, a qualitative method was employed based on archival document analysis, focusing specifically on the 1973 editions of the Sinar USIA Magazine. Consequently, the research findings reveal that the organization of these competitions indeed incorporated comprehensive contextual da’wah elements, where the Islamic message was delivered through an integrated approach encompassing all three elements: da’wah bil hal, bil lisan, and bil qalam. Therefore, this study asserts that the integration of contextual elements in da’wah is essential to ensure that Islamic messages are delivered relevantly according to the situation of the recipients (mad’u), ensuring that such messages are well-received by society.
Copyright (c) 2026 MOHAMAD SHAUKHI MOHD RADZI, MOHAMMAD FIRDAUS HASMIN, SYAMSUL AZIZUL MARINSAH, MOHD SOHAIMI ESA https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
SOCIAL MEDIA INNOVATION: DRIVING BEHAVIOURAL INTENTION IN MALAYSIA’S CORPORATE SECTOR
With the continual growth of social media integration in corporate environments, many employees lack social media literacy skills necessary for effective and responsible platform use. Additionally, the rapid evolution of social media innovation presents notable challenges for corporate employees, many of whom struggle with adapting to new tools and features. These issues have posed significant challenges regarding employees behavioural intention to use social media, that could impact their professional efficiency and business performance. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between social media innovation characteristics (relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability) and behavioural intention to use social media among Malaysian corporate workers. A quantitative method was adopted, employing both paper and online surveys distributed to Malaysian corporate employees who use social media in their professional roles. A total of 156 responses were collected, and the findings indicated that Malaysian corporate employees exhibited favourable perceptions regarding all the factors affecting their behavioural intention to use social media, as reflected in the mean score. However, out of the five (5) hypotheses examined, only two (2) were supported, indicating that the compatibility and complexity of social media significantly influence the behavioural intention of Malaysian corporate employees to use social media. This study has identified certain limitations that indicate future research to consider increasing the sample size and potentially introducing a new independent variable for further exploration.
Copyright (c) 2026 AL AMIRUL EIMER RAMDZAN ALI, ALYA NASIHAH ABDUL RASHID, NUR NABILAH ABDULLAH, SHAHRUL NIZAM MOHD BASARI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ASSESSING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GAME DESIGN PREFERENCE, ESCAPISM AND IMPULSIVITY WITH GAMBLING ADDICTION
The growing popularity of mobile gaming, particularly gacha games, has raised increasing concern over their potential association with gambling addiction. Gacha games operate on randomized reward systems that resemble gambling mechanisms and encouraging repeated play and monetary spending in pursuit of uncertain outcomes. Despite their prevalence, empirical research exploring how psychological and design-related factors contribute to gambling like behaviours among players remains limited, especially within the Malaysian context. This gap underscores the need to understand how individuals’ motivations and personality traits interact with gaming mechanics to influence addictive tendencies. This preliminary quantitative study investigates the relationships between game design preference, escapism, impulsivity, and gambling addiction among active gacha game players. Using a structured self-administered online questionnaire, data were analysed through Pearson correlation to determine the strength and direction of association between the studied variables. The results indicate that impulsivity and escapism are positively associated with gambling addiction, while game design preference shows no significant relationship. Overall, the findings contribute to the growing body if literature on digital gaming behaviour by highlighting the psychological and motivational dimensions underlying gambling tendencies. This study offers important insights for researchers, game developers, and policymakers in developing a culturally more relevant interventions and responsible gaming framework.
Copyright (c) 2026 NUR'AIN NATASHA MOHAMMAD NAZRUL KOH, HAMIZAH SAHHARON https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
MULTIMODAL FEATURE FUSION FOR INTELLIGENT JADE CARVING DESIGN: A HUMAN-AI COLLABORATIVE APPROACH
Multimodal feature fusion offers a transformative approach to intelligent jade carving design by integrating human expertise with artificial intelligence to enhance creativity in traditional crafts. As a traditional Chinese art form, jade carving faces modern challenges such as limited efficiency, restricted adaptability, and the difficulty of merging traditional workflows with digital innovation. This study introduces an intelligent design framework that employs human–AI collaboration and multimodal structured feature fusion to inspire creativity while maintaining cultural authenticity. The proposed system applies a three-stage reference image recommendation process involving material-feature extraction, thematic and compositional analysis, and design-decision support. Using deep learning segmentation and color-space thresholding, key geometric and color features of jade materials are extracted and structured as encoded vectors. These are then matched with a database of traditional compositions through multimodal models that generate semantic labels and apply weighted similarity scoring. The system integrates automatic screening with human evaluation to ensure accuracy, diversity, and cultural sensitivity. Experimental outcomes indicate improvements in design efficiency, precision, interpretability, and reduced cognitive load for designers. This research underscores the value of AI-assisted systems in preserving traditional craftsmanship while driving innovation, offering a framework that connects deep learning with human creativity for the sustainable transformation of cultural heritage design.
Copyright (c) 2026 ZHENWEI WENG, HEMA ZULAIKA HASHIM https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
MEDIA REPRESENTATION OF RELIGION, RACE AND ROYALTY (3R) IN MALAYSIAN POLITICAL JOURNALISM PERSPECTIVES
This study explores the perceptions and representations of politically sensitive issues-religion, race, and royalty (3R)-by mainstream journalists in Malaysia based on selected media reportage. Notwithstanding the digital change of newsrooms, 3R framing persists in shaping political narratives and public discourse, mirroring established sociocultural norms. The study addresses an important gap by interpreting how journalistic decision-making is shaped by institutional, cultural, and political elements in reporting on these delicate topics. A qualitative approach was employed, incorporating in-depth interviews with experienced journalists from mainstream media organizations, alongside a critical discourse analysis of selected political news articles published during the 2018–2025 electoral cycle. This period was chosen as it captures a significant shift in Malaysia’s political and media landscape, beginning with the historic 2018 general election that marked a change in government and extending to contemporary developments such as the 2020 political realignment and GE15 in 2022. Covering this cycle allows for a deeper understanding of how 3R narratives evolved amidst heightened political transitions, editorial pressures, and public sensitivities. The research project employed Agenda-setting Theory and Media Priming Theory to interpret how journalists construct 3R narratives while navigating political and editorial constraints. The results indicate that although journalists recognize the necessity for balanced reporting, institutional boundaries, self-censorship, and audience expectations often result in cautious and repetitive framing, particularly in coverage of royalty and religion. Race-related matters are frequently influenced by political disputes and historical conflicts. Notwithstanding the digital transition, conventional narratives endure, and the capacity for transformation is constrained by structural limits. This research enriches understanding of the Malaysian media's handling of sensitive identity politics, offering insights into the intersections of media, politics, and social values. The study highlights the need for reflective journalistic practices and comprehensive media reforms to ensure fairer portrayals of Malaysia's diverse society.
Copyright (c) 2026 ZAMIRUL NUR HAKIM M ZAILANI, MOHD SHAHNAWI MUHMAD PIRUS, WARDATUL HAYAT ADNAN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
CULTURAL INFLUENCES ON PUBLIC APOLOGIES AMONG MALAYSIAN PUBLIC FIGURES: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
Public apologies by Malaysian public figure such as political leaders, celebrities, internet influencers, and entrepreneurs have been under consistent scrutiny on digital platforms such as X, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok where audiences actively evaluate their sincerity and cultural appropriateness. Although apology communication has been widely studied in Western contexts, there remains a lack of systematic understanding of how Malaysia’s collectivist and high context cultural norms can shape apology strategies and audience interpretations. This gap limits the applicability of the existing image repair theories to non-Western societies. To address this issue, this systematic literature review (SLR) examines how cultural factors influence the framing, expression, and public reception of apologies among Malaysian public figures guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. The review analysed studies published between 2020 and 2025 from two databases; Google Scholar and SCOPUS that explore the intersection of culture, communication, and public image repair. Findings reveal that Malaysian public apologies emphasize moral responsibility, respect for hierarchy, and face saving. This reflects a harmony-oriented communication deeply rooted in the nation’s multicultural identity. However, empirical integration across studies remains limited. The review also highlights the limitations of Western-centric models, such as Benoit’s Image Repair Theory, and proposes incorporating culturally grounded perspectives such as normology. Overall, this synthesis helps understand intercultural and crisis communication by offering a culturally informed framework for understanding apology practices in Malaysia’s sociocultural landscape.
Copyright (c) 2026 NURUL SYAFIQAH ZAMREE, HAMIZAH SAHHARON https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
POST-CALIPHATE ISIS DIGITAL PROPAGANDA EVOLVES, RESONATING THROUGH ‘GLOCALIZED’ RESONANCE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
Despite the 2019 territorial collapse of its physical "caliphate," the Islamic State (ISIS) has adeptly transitioned its sophisticated media apparatus into a decentralized, resilient "virtual insurgency." This study addresses a critical temporal (post-2019) and contextual (Southeast Asian) gap in the literature by examining the narrative evolution and strategic adaptation of ISIS digital propaganda. We argue that to maintain relevance, ISIS has pivoted from a monolithic "utopian state-building" narrative to a highly adaptive "glocalized" model that targets specific regional audiences. This article employs a mixed-method qualitative analysis, combining Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) with Visual Semiotics. The analysis is performed on a curated corpus of official and supporter-driven digital media (videos, infographics, editorials) disseminated between 2019 and 2024 on encrypted platforms (e.g., Telegram) and targeting Malay- and Indonesian-speaking audiences. The findings reveal a three-pronged strategic adaptation: (1) an ideological pivot from "caliphate utopianism" to narratives of "sabr" (strategic patience) and resilient, clandestine insurgency, (2) the systematic "glocalization" of grievances, wherein global jihadist dogma is strategically fused with proximate, emotive local issues, such as the Rohingya crisis and domestic Malaysian political-religious debates, and (3) a corresponding adaptation in form to "lo-fi," ephemeral, and "snackable" media, a tactic designed to evade AI-driven content moderation and decentralize production by encouraging user-generated content (UGC). This study concludes that this "glocalized virtual insurgency" is a more insidious and resilient threat than its state-based predecessor. Its ability to co-opt local issues renders traditional, reactive content-removal policies insufficient. We assert the urgent need for a policy shift toward proactive, culturally-resonant counter-narratives and the promotion of critical digital media literacy to inoculate vulnerable populations in the region.
Copyright (c) 2026 ROSLIE MD TAJUDDIN, WAN MOHD YUSRIZAL WAN HANAPI, ABDUL HAFIZ IBRAHIM, MOHD TARMIZI NAWI @ AB GHANI, ABDOLREZA ALAMI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
RESEARCH ON THE DESIGN TRANSFORMATION MODEL FOR GLASS PRODUCTS INTEGRATING CHINESE CULTURAL HERITAGE ELEMENTS
China's cultural and creative industry is expanding. This paper aims to examine the design process by integrating cultural heritage elements into glass products and to achieve the translation of cultural symbolic signs at visual, behavioural, and meaningful levels. Through expert interviews and case studies, it was found that this model of gradual transformation, from visual elements (shape, colour, and decoration) to behaviours (ritualised behaviour embedding, reconstruction of daily behaviours, and performance behaviour simulation) and then to philosophical thought (philosophical thought transmission, moral and spiritual metaphor, and blessing and auspicious meaning); demonstrates a hierarchical integration strategy that aligns with both user perception and cultural authenticity. From the findings, it is clear that, in the combination of three levels of cultural elements in cultural heritage, each glass product has its focus: some focus on one level, some on two levels, and some can be passed on at all three levels. The reason is that every existing product has a specific value. However, designers aim to give products as much value and attributes as possible. The additional cultural value of the product can be enhanced through the transfer and integration of cultural elements from cultural heritage spatial analysis. This allows glassware not only to embody cultural heritage but also to communicate its deeper symbolic meaning, offering users a more comprehensive and meaningful experience. This model provides a reference for other cultural and creative sectors and offers innovative ideas to product designers. Future research could incorporate actual consumer feelings and feedback to further improve and refine this model.
Copyright (c) 2026 QINGFENG LIU, WAN NOOR FAAIZAH WAN OMAR, MASITAH AHMAD, JIALIN HU https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
UNDERSTANDING ESCAPISM AS A KEY MOTIVATION BEHIND GENERATION Z’S ENGAGEMENT IN TIKTOK HASHTAG TRENDS
This study explores the motivations driving Generation Z’s engagement with TikTok hashtag trends in Malaysia, with a particular focus on escapism as a key psychological and social factor. Rather than analyzing specific hashtags, the study examines content appearing on the platform’s “For You Page” (FYP), where algorithmic exposure encourages spontaneous engagement and interaction. It investigates how TikTok functions as a digital escape from societal, academic, and personal pressures, while simultaneously enabling self-expression and identity construction within online communities. A qualitative phenomenological approach was adopted, combining semi-structured interviews with digital ethnographic observations of Malaysian Gen Z users actively participating in TikTok hashtag trends. Purposive sampling guided informant selection, and data were thematically analyzed and saturated using NVivo 14 software. Grounded in Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT) and Social Identity Theory (SIT), the findings revealed four key themes: Theme 1: Trends Virality; Theme 2: Fear of Missing Out; Theme 3: Self-Representation and Alternate Identity and Theme 4: Algorithm Exposure and Digital Immersion. The analysis indicates that while TikTok provides avenues for creativity, self-expression, and emotional regulation, it simultaneously fosters social pressure to remain visible and relevant within fast-moving trends. Overall, the study concludes that TikTok operates as a dual-purpose platform that serves as both a coping mechanism for emotional relief and a space for online identity negotiation. These insights hold implications for educators, mental health professionals, and digital policymakers, helping them understand and support healthier digital engagement among young adults in Malaysia.
Copyright (c) 2026 MIERA SYAFIERA RAZEMI, TENGKU ELENA TENGKU MAHAMAD, YUSLINDA MAT YASSIN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
MEDIA FRAMING AND SOCIAL COHESION: PEACE JOURNALISM IN MALAYSIAN RELIGIOUS-CULTURAL CONFLICT REPORTING (2013-2025)
This systematic article review critically examines the role and effectiveness of Peace Journalism (PJ) as an alternative framework for mitigating interethnic tension and enhancing national harmony in Malaysia’s diverse religious and cultural landscape. Conventional reporting often exacerbates tensions, making PJ, which emphasizes conflict resolution, context, and multi-perspective reporting, crucial. Employing a qualitative, systematic synthesis approach, fifteen peer-reviewed journal articles and academic sources published between 2013 and 2025 were analyzed. This review integrates Galtung’s Peace Journalism Theory and Framing Theory to assess the structural and socio-cultural constraints impacting PJ implementation. Findings confirm the prevalence of conflict/war-oriented frames in both international and domestic religious coverage. The limited adoption of PJ is attributed to complex structural constraints (e.g., regulatory frameworks, editorial policies, self-censorship) and a bias towards majority-group and authoritative perspectives, limiting exposure to alternative voices. The study establishes that PJ's theoretical potential is compromised by practical and systemic pressures. It recommends comprehensive institutional reforms, journalist empowerment, and strategic leveraging of citizen journalism to facilitate a proactive media role in social cohesion and peacebuilding.
Copyright (c) 2026 SURAYATUL NATASYA KERISTIFA, ANIS ELLYANNA MANSOR, KARIMAH AWI, MUNDZIR ZAHIR, ABDOLREZA ALAMI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
FRAMING AND REPORTING SENSITIVE ISSUES IN MALAYSIA: A CONCEPTUAL STUDY
The study examines how framing theory can be adapted to improve the understanding of sensitive issue reporting in semi-authoritarian contexts, using LGBTQ coverage in Malaysia as a focal case. The representation of socially contested topics typically reflects the complex dynamics between journalistic responsibility and public sensitivity. The process of frame-building involves both internal and external factors which influence the frame selection for the narrative. The selection of frames is heavily influenced by newsroom culture that involves the intertwining of elements such as editorial policies, journalistic values and news values, while external factor like regulatory pressure heavily embedded in local reporting ethics and acts as the guiding principle in Malaysian news landscape. LGBTQ is a sensitive topic which often treated with biased reportage due to the cultural and values influences. Rather than promoting a specific stance on LGBTQ issues, the conceptual study focuses on the topic to act as the lens to theorize how local news media navigate contested discourses under constraint. While framing theory has been extensively applied in liberal democratic settings, the utilization of the framing approach is still limited in conservative media scenes which is bound by restriction in values and political influences. The conceptual study critiques the Western-centric assumptions that often applied in framing approaches and highlight the need for a local-centric framework that molded according to Malaysian’s values.
Copyright (c) 2026 FARHANAH SYAZWANI MD SAFIAN, MUHAMMAD HAKIMI TEW ABDULLAH, SHAZLEEN MOHAMED https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HUMOROUS ADVERTISEMENT IN ENHANCING BRAND IDENTITY AMONG GENERATION Z IN MALAYSIA
This study examines the effectiveness of humorous advertising in enhancing brand identity among Generation Z in Malaysia. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from 143 respondents through an online survey that assessed emotional responses, attention levels, brand recall, and consumer–brand connection toward humorous social media advertisements. Descriptive findings show that most respondents felt uplifted, relaxed, and more interested in the brand when exposed to humorous content. Humor was also found to significantly increase attention, memorability, and the likelihood of sharing advertisements with others. Inferential analysis further indicates that humor positively influences consumers across gender and age groups, although the differences were largely insignificant. The study concludes that humor functions not only as a source of entertainment but also as an effective branding strategy that strengthens emotional engagement, cultural resonance, and recognition of a brand’s identity. However, limitations include a small sample size, demographic imbalance, and reliance solely on quantitative methods. Overall, the findings highlight humor as a strategic asset for brands seeking to enhance visibility, recall, and loyalty among Malaysian Generation Z consumers.
Copyright (c) 2026 MANIMEGALAI AMBIKAPATHY, CHRISTY KH’NG KER YING, CHEONG ZHI HERNG, ER ROU JING, LEONG JING MEN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EDUCATIONAL CONSUMPTION AND REGIONAL COMMUNICATION INFRASTRUCTURE: AN ANALYSIS USING CHINA’S PROVINCIAL PANEL DATA
This paper examines how regional communication infrastructure affects education price dynamics across China. Using an annual panel of six provinces-Jiangsu and Shandong (east), Henan and Hubei (central), and Sichuan and Gansu (west) from 1993 to 2023, the study ensures consistent series for the Education Consumer Price Index (EduCPI) and its subcomponents: education supplies, education services, and culture & entertainment. Communication infrastructure is measured as the logarithm of cultural, educational, broadcasting, and postal institutions (ln(Media)). Two-way fixed-effects regressions with Driscoll–Kraay standard errors control for GDP per capita, disposable income, and government education spending. Results show a small but significant positive effect of ln(Media) on overall EduCPI growth. Yet, the effects vary across categories: infrastructure expansion tends to lower prices for education supplies and culture & entertainment, but slightly raises service costs. Regional heterogeneity is evident-price-containment is stronger in eastern and central provinces, while short-term upward pressure appears in less developed western areas. Overall, communication infrastructure can both moderate and amplify education prices depending on consumption type and regional capacity. Policy should therefore combine infrastructure investment with supply-side improvements in lagging regions and network optimization in advanced ones.
Copyright (c) 2026 JIANG LU, GUFENG WU https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
UNDERSTANDING PUBLIC PERCEPTION IN SOCIAL MEDIA: THE UAD FRAMEWORK
The rapid growth of social media has significantly changed the way the public, especially in Malaysia, interacts with law enforcement institutions such as the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP). With increasingly easy access to various digital platforms, public perceptions are now not only formed more quickly but also more easily influenced through open, immediate and interactive communication channels. This new dynamic has caused the digital space to become the main site for the formation of public discourse, including issues related to integrity, professionalism and misconduct of police officers. This situation presents a major challenge to the RMP in managing public perceptions, as negative sentiment, even stemming from a small number of incidents, can spread widely and affect overall trust in the institution. Based on these needs, this study presents a conceptual study through literature analysis with the aim of introducing the Understanding–Adaptation–Diffusion (UAD) Framework as a strategic communication model that can help the RMP navigate public perceptions in today's digital ecosystem. The objectives of this study are: (i) to introduce UAD as a conceptual framework that can explain how public sentiment is formed and changed through social media displays; and (ii) explore more responsive and transparent communication approaches in disseminating information to strengthen the reputation of policing institutions. UAD describes three main stages in public perception management: comprehension, which refers to the way audiences interpret media narratives and frames; adaptation, which is the institutional response to emerging sentiments; and dissemination, which emphasizes the need for clear, accurate and credible strategic communication. This study also incorporates Framing Theory (Goffman; Entman) and McQuail's thinking on mass communication, thus positioning UAD as a relevant contextual framework for the Malaysian environment. It is hoped that the contribution of this study can help public institutions build more effective digital communication strategies, increase transparency, and ultimately strengthen the level of public trust in the fast-moving information age.
Copyright (c) 2026 NURUL BAZILAH JAAFAR, ZULKIFLI ABD LATIFF, YUSLINDA MAT YASSIN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
NARRATING A CORPORATE BEHEMOTH: A MEDIA SENTIMENT ANALYSIS TOWARDS INDONESIA’S LARGEST STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISE
This study provides a quantitative analysis of media sentiment surrounding Pertamina, Indonesia's largest state-owned enterprise (SOE), on Indonesia's leading online news portal, Detiknews. The aim of the study is to empirically map dominant media frames and sentiments, exploring whether the media function as "watchdogs" or "narrative stabilizers" in Indonesia's unique media environment, with high levels of trust and concentration. Using a quantitative content analysis methodology, the study examines a comprehensive sample of 1,548 news headlines published between January 2024 and May 2025. These headlines were systematically coded into positive, neutral, and negative sentiment categories. The study's claims are supported through novel triangulation, as presented in a comparison figure, which compares mainstream media themes with public discourse on social media. The results show a significant dominance of neutral coverage (73.56% of articles). Positive sentiment (18.62%) accounts for more than twice as much as negative sentiment (7.82%). Thematic analysis indicates that positive frames relate to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and achievements, while negative frames are driven by corruption and operational incidents. Neutral coverage, for the most part, focused on factual reporting of business operations and official statements. This discussion highlights that this neutral-to-positive frame (92.18%) constructs a "discourse of normality" that serves as a "reputational shield," a finding supported by triangulation, which confirms a clear "narrative platform dichotomy" (e.g., neutral media on fuel prices vs. negative social media). This aligns with the finding that traditional media, not social media, often determines long-term reputation in crises. The study concludes that the media, in this context, acted as a narrative stabilizer, reinforcing Pertamina's functional image, protecting its reputation from the volatile critical discourse found elsewhere.
Copyright (c) 2026 BAGUS ADITYA SUSANTO, VIDI SUKMAYADI, DEDE MARIANA, RIDWAN BUDISAPUTRA https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
STIGMA AND SILENCE: UNDERSTANDING MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH COMMUNICATION AND HELP-SEEKING IN KLANG VALLEY
In the realm of mental health discourse, considerable attention has traditionally been directed toward women’s well-being, resulting in a significant gap in understanding and addressing the unique challenges surrounding men’s mental health. This study aims to explore the factors contributing to the persistent stigma surrounding men's mental health in the Klang Valley, identify the communication barriers that discourage men from seeking help, and propose strategies to facilitate more supportive help-seeking behaviours. Employing a qualitative research design, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with ten male participants from the Klang Valley to capture rich, first-hand insights into their experiences and perceptions. Through thematic analysis, six major themes were identified: Toxic Masculinity Norms, Cognitive Barriers, Social Stigma Barriers, Structural and Financial Barriers, Narrative or Norms Shifts, and Supportive and Institutional Interventions. These themes reveal the complex interplay of cultural expectations, internalised stigma, and systemic barriers that shape men’s reluctance to seek mental health support. Framed through the lens of Muted Group Theory, the study highlights how men’s emotional expressions and help-seeking behaviours are frequently marginalised within dominant social narratives, often leaving them without the language, space, or societal permission to articulate their struggles. Participants in the study underscored the urgent need to reshape prevailing narratives by leveraging the influence of media, public figures, and grassroots community initiatives. They also stressed the importance of fostering greater support within families, workplaces, educational settings, and government institutions. This study contributes to public discourse by offering practical recommendations for media organisations, NGOs, and government agencies to design targeted mental health awareness strategies. It further underscores the need for continued research and sustained efforts to challenge harmful gender norms and promote help-seeking as a collective social responsibility.
Copyright (c) 2026 NA MOHAMAD NOR, SUFFIAN HADI AYUB https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE IMPACT OF PERCEIVED INTERNAL COMMUNICATION ON JOB SATISFACTION AMONG PROFESSIONAL TEACHERS
Internal communication plays a vital role in shaping positive employee attitudes, boosting work engagement, and improving overall organizational effectiveness within higher education institutions. As universities increasingly emphasize faculty well-being and institutional governance, the quality of internal communication has become a key factor influencing teaching and research stability. This study focuses on exploring how perceived internal communication affects job satisfaction among professional teachers in Chinese universities. Based on a questionnaire survey of 328 professional teachers from various Chinese universities, this research adopts structural equation modeling (SEM) to empirically test the hypothesized relationships. The findings indicate that perceived internal communication exerts a significant positive impact on teachers’ job satisfaction. Efficient and open internal communication enables faculty members to access timely and accurate institutional information, clarify organizational development goals, strengthen their sense of belonging, and build higher trust in university management, all of which further elevate their satisfaction with their professional roles and working environment. These results enrich the empirical research on organizational communication in the higher education sector and offer actionable managerial implications for university administrators. By optimizing communication systems, enhancing information transparency, and improving feedback channels, institutional leaders can effectively enhance faculty job satisfaction, promote stable teaching teams, and support the sustainable development of higher education institutions.
Copyright (c) 2026 JUAN HAN, CHIEW TUNG MOI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
POLITENESS AND SILENCE IN JAPANESE INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
Intercultural communication is frequently examined within formal educational, institutional, or workplace contexts, while everyday intercultural encounters during travel remain comparatively underexplored. This paper presents an autoethnographic reflection on intercultural communication experiences during a short visit to Japan, focusing on how cultural norms and communicative practices shape social interaction in public and service-oriented spaces. Drawing on personal observations, reflective journaling, and interpretive analysis, the study examines how silence, politeness, indirectness, and non-verbal communication mediate meaning-making between individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Guided by intercultural communication frameworks and politeness theory, the paper explores how culturally embedded practices such as bowing, queuing etiquette, minimal verbal exchanges, and technology-assisted communication influence interactional expectations and perceptions. The analysis demonstrates that effective intercultural communication extends beyond linguistic proficiency and requires sensitivity toward implicit social cues, contextual appropriateness, and culturally preferred interactional styles. The findings further highlight the role of adaptive communicative strategies and reflective awareness in reducing misunderstanding and promoting respectful engagement across cultures. In addition, the study underscores the pedagogical value of travel-based autoethnography in fostering intercultural competence, critical self-reflection, and context-aware communication practices in English as a lingua franca settings within increasingly globalised and technology-mediated societies.
Copyright (c) 2026 HAIDA UMIERA HASHIM, KATSUYA YOKOMOTO https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
DIGITAL CONTENT ECOSYSTEMS AND THE RECONFIGURATION OF THINK TANK INFLUENCE
This study explores the strategic evolution of think tanks from traditional research bodies into "digital advocates" within the contemporary information ecosystem. Utilizing a qualitative comparative case study of nine think tanks across China, Eastern Europe, and Spain, the research identifies how national political and media ecologies dictate the "interactivity potential" and communicative latitude of these institutions. The findings reveal distinct regional models: Spanish think tanks harness digital channels for broad advocacy and democratic deliberation; Eastern European organizations adopt a posture of "tactical neutrality" to mitigate political risk; and Chinese think tanks sustain unilateral, state-aligned communication trajectories. Furthermore, the study analyses the disruptive impact of emerging technologies, specifically AI-powered personalization and the shift toward "zero-click" search environments; which are fundamentally reshaping the mechanisms of institutional visibility and audience engagement. The research concludes that in an era of automated content and fragmented discovery, think tanks must transition from one-way broadcasting to a participants-led engagement model. Maintaining policy relevance and legitimacy requires the integration of multi-platform "liquid" content with authentic, human-led storytelling to distinguish deep research from AI-generated outputs.
Copyright (c) 2026 NUR ZULAIKHA ATIQAH MOHD ZAHRIL, CHE NUR AMALINA S CHE ZAINAL https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EVOLUTION AND FRONTIERS OF CYBERCHONDRIA RESEARCH: A BIBLIOMETRIC REVIEW BASED ON CITESPACE
This study employs CiteSpace to map the evolutionary trajectory and intellectual structure of cyberchondria research from 2016 to 2026. A bibliometric analysis was conducted on 348 core documents retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection, focusing on publication trends, collaboration networks, and citation bursts. Findings delineate a three-stage evolution: early conceptualization within clinical psychology, a COVID-19-driven surge, and current reconceptualization as a digital behavioral addiction. A critical "eHealth Literacy Paradox" is identified, wherein higher digital literacy may paradoxically exacerbate anxiety due to interactions with commercial recommendation algorithms. Structurally, the field remains highly fragmented, separating early clinical psychiatry cohorts from recent information systems and algorithmic research clusters. The results suggest that cyberchondria is a product of both individual cognitive bias and platform algorithmic alienation. To address current structural fragmentation, future research must dismantle disciplinary barriers and foster interdisciplinary collaboration between psychiatrists and algorithm engineers. Transitioning from individual-centric interventions to the ethical optimization of digital health architectures is essential for constructing a resilient and inclusive health information ecosystem.
Copyright (c) 2026 QI WANG, WAN ANITA WAN ABAS, ZULHAMRI ABDULLAH https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL PRACTICES AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND SPORTS, MALAYSIA
Performance appraisal is a systematic process of evaluating employee performance based on predetermined objectives and standards. Issues of fairness, transparency, and clarity may hinder performance and reduce commitment. This study investigates the effect of performance appraisal on employee performance among the Ministry of Youth and Sports Putrajaya employees, guided by Goal-Setting Theory and Expectancy Theory. A survey of 241 full-time employees used 22 items to assess appraisal process and employee performance, with data analyzed using Jamovi software. Findings show both appraisal processes and employee performance were at a high level. Results further revealed a moderate but statistically significant effect of performance appraisal on employee performance. In conclusion, structured, fair, and transparent appraisal systems contribute meaningfully to performance outcomes and organizational goals. Future research should include factors such as motivation, job satisfaction, leadership style, and organizational culture for a more comprehensive view. Expanding the sample to other ministries and public or private organizations would strengthen insights into the effect of performance appraisal on employee performance.
Copyright (c) 2026 MUHAMMAD HAFIZ KHUSYAIRI MOHAMED RIZAR, MOHAMAD FIRDAUS AHMAD, NUR SYAZWANI ZULAIKHA SAFWAN, NUR HANI SYAZWANI BAKRI, MUHAMMAD WAFI A RAHMAN, SITI AIDA LAMAT https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE IMPACT OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ON PURCHASE BEHAVIOR: EVIDENCE FROM URBAN CHINESE CONSUMERS
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a critical factor influencing consumer behavior in modern markets, especially in emerging economies such as China. This study investigates the impact of CSR on purchase behavior among urban Chinese consumers, focusing on CSR as a multidimensional construct encompassing environmental responsibility, ethical practices, consumer protection, and community engagement. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 336 urban consumers, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to test the relationship. The results indicate that CSR has a significant positive effect on purchase behavior, suggesting that consumers are more likely to buy products from companies perceived as socially responsible. CSR operates as both an informational and emotional cue, enhancing trust, reducing perceived risk, and aligning consumer decisions with ethical and social values. The findings highlight that urban consumer in China increasingly consider social and environmental factors in their purchasing choices, reflecting a shift toward value-driven consumption. The study contributes to CSR research by providing empirical evidence from an emerging market context and offers practical implications for firms seeking to strengthen consumer loyalty and competitive advantage through responsible business practices. Transparency, authenticity, and effective communication of CSR initiatives are emphasized as critical for influencing consumer behavior.
Copyright (c) 2026 YULING GUO ZHENG, MD ABDULLAH AL MASUD https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE IMPACT OF DIGITALIZATION ON HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN CHINESE SMALL ENTERPRISES
The rapid advancement of digital technologies has significantly transformed the operational and managerial practices of modern enterprises. For Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), digital transformation presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly in the domain of human resource management (HRM). Despite the growing importance of digitalization, empirical research examining how the digital level of SMEs influences HRM practices remains limited. This study investigates the relationship between digital level and human resource management in Chinese SMEs by developing and testing a structural model. Digital level is conceptualized as the extent to which digital technologies are integrated into organizational systems, managerial decision-making processes, and communication platforms, while HRM is operationalized as a multidimensional construct including recruitment, training and development, performance management, compensation management, and employee communication. Using questionnaire survey data collected from managers and employees of SMEs across multiple industries in China, the study employs structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze the proposed relationships. The empirical results indicate that a higher digital level significantly improves the effectiveness and standardization of HRM practices. Digital technologies enhance recruitment efficiency, support data-driven performance evaluation, facilitate employee training, and strengthen internal communication. The findings suggest that digitalization not only upgrades technological infrastructure but also promotes managerial innovation in SMEs. This research contributes to the literature on digital transformation and HRM by providing empirical evidence from the SME context and offers practical implications for managers seeking to improve organizational competitiveness through digital development.
small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
Copyright (c) 2026 YUZHOU CHENG, MD ABDULLAH AL MASUD https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
INTEGRATING AUTISM-FRIENDLY DESIGN IN MALAYSIAN PUBLIC SPACES
This paper examines the emergence of autism-friendly public spaces in Malaysia through an analysis of visual spatial elements and design principles used in accessible environments. Employing a qualitative approach, this study presents findings on the current state of accessible design for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Malaysian urban contexts through expert interviews. The paper examines best practices, including the case study of Sunway Putra Mall's implementation of autism-friendly concepts, and proposes a framework for future improvements. The study reveals an increasing trend toward adopting disability-sensitive architectural features in Malaysia, with prospects for enhanced autism accommodation specifically in sensory design, staff knowledge, and public understanding. Key themes discussed include awareness and adoption, sensory considerations in construction, staff training, technology integration, and public education. Additionally, the study identifies economic values of autism-friendly design and explores the concept of future-proofing buildings for neurodiversity. Despite challenges such as perceived high costs and lack of standardized protocols, this research concludes that systematic application of design principles, effective staff training, and public education are essential to realizing an autism-friendly Malaysia. This study serves as a reference for subsequent interventions and policies aimed at creating accommodating and acceptable public environments for individuals with ASD and their families.
Copyright (c) 2026 MOHD ASRAF AYOB, RUTH LUA EJAU, CLEMENT ANAK JIMEL, MUHAMAD HAFIZ HASSAN, RAINAL HIDAYAT WARDI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EXPLORING THE UNSEEN: HAMKA’S ENCOUNTERS WITH THE PARANORMAL
Hamka (Haji Abdul Malik Karim Amrullah) was one of the most significant Islamic scholars in the Malay-speaking world. Many of his publications received attention on a global scale. In this article, the researchers look at a totally different facet of Hamka’s life, namely elements that can be called paranormal. The researchers used an approach that integrated aspects of the so-called phenomenological sociology, and in particular the concept of the lifeworld. It was detected that Hamka faced paranormal events during his lifetime. Some of these events were integrated into his work, while others were reported by family members. All of these events influenced his ideas about the concept of the ghaib (the invisible), an important aspect of Islamic belief. The research also discovered that Hamka’s approach to encountering the unseen is an essential part of his epistemological approach to this kind of knowledge. Further research could look into a Hamka’s view of other elements of the unseen like the concept of time.
Copyright (c) 2026 ALEXANDER STARK, BALAZS HUSZKA https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE READING STRATEGIST: AN ONLINE READING GAME FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Gamification is an educational approach that has been gradually introduced into the learning environment in recent years to enhance students' interest and enthusiasm for reading. Digital reading games provide interactive environments where learners may apply reading strategies in a more engaging way. The ongoing study aims to evaluate the usability and acceptance of The Reading Strategist, a Web-based game designed to support students in practicing reading comprehension. A quantitative survey design was used, involving 25 undergraduate students at a Malaysian government university; the participants were exposed to the game beforehand before completing the questionnaire. The survey tool was designed into four different segments assessing perceived usefulness, ease of use, enjoyment and behavioural intention. Findings showed high usability scores and a positive attitude toward the game, with perceived usefulness and enjoyment receiving the highest mean scores. Respondents also wanted to continue using and referring to the game. These findings imply that gamified reading tools like The Reading Strategist have significant potential to facilitate student engagement and reading practice in the language learning context.
Copyright (c) 2026 JACINTA ANN XAVIER BELAMAN, AFIQAH ABD AZIZ, FATIHAH HASHIM, SITI FAUZIANA ZAKARIA https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0