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In recent decades, issues relating to affordable and inclusive housing have become pressing in the light of globalization and urban neo-liberalism. The predicament is not only common in modern cities but also unfolding in historic cities, especially after receiving the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site inscription. While there are upsides and downsides to the debate on how urban heritage conservation intersects with housing affairs, arguably, the situation and outcomes differ across temporal and geographical contexts. This study aims to examine the relationship between urban heritage conservation and its implications on affordable and inclusive housing in the George Town World Heritage Site. Based on mixed research methods, the findings gathered indicated that following two defining moments namely, (i) the repeal of the Control of Rent Act; and (ii) the UNESCO inscription, socio-economic transformations have altered the demographics, socio-economic base and housing demands/needs of the heritage site. Undoubtedly, gentrification has set in and housing is deemed unaffordable, especially to low-income citizenry. The study recommends that conceptual notions, policy affairs and action plans in GTWHS should integrate the aspect of inclusive housing to ensure that no one in the heritage site is deprived of a roof above their heads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Affordable housing is vital in ensuring the inclusiveness of a city. However, urbanization and gentrification have exacerbated the gap between housing availability and housing affordability. Many factors have contributed to the displacement of local communities in George Town World Heritage Site (GTWHS), with rental spike and the repeal of the Control of Rent Act, among others. Through a survey with 318 samples, this study investigates affordable housing alternatives and its administration in GTWHS of Penang state, Malaysia. Policy recommendations are suggested to improve the diversity of affordable housing options and to conserve the historic city's intangible living heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The housing agenda shifted its paradigm from housing as basic needs to housing as rights. It became widely contested when 'affordable housing' entered the discourse. Contextualising it for Penang island within the 'Right to the City' principle, the element of place-making emerged which questions a person's right to construct one's own habitat, or is it constrained to decisions by powerful elites. This study attempts to make sense of place-making in Penang island's affordable housing schemes by dissecting voices from key stakeholders. The qualitative techniques used revealed that home owners are voiceless in the place-making process. A clearer affordable housing definition and a needs-based approach are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates factors affecting private college graduating students seeking public employment after graduation using a cross-sectional survey that involved 1,290 final-year students of a private college in Malaysia. Findings suggest that job characteristics, and some background and personal characteristics are significant determinants of respondents seeking government jobs. The study also found that the perception of discrimination against minority groups in public sector recruitment and promotion practices is prevalent among respondents. This study provides useful information to policymakers and employers in devising appropriate measures to attract talents. It is also useful to career counsellors in providing career advice to students to develop their career plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]