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The South African Basic Education System does little to provide skills, needed to survive outside the schooling system, for those who do not wish to pursue post-secondary school education. The education system produces secondary school graduates who are poised, as content carriers and an un-employable labour force. A research question grappled with in this paper is whether this secondary school curriculum design inherited from the colonial formal education system is beneficial for South African learners? The paper argues that the continuation of the provision of this curriculum is tantamount to contributing very little to the national educational strategic goals of creating a skilled workforce needed to run the South African economy. Additionally, this also contributes to the exacerbation of the unemployment in South Africa. From a decolonial point of view, the paper provides a comprehensive overview of the basic education curriculum from the colonial period until the contemporary period and shows how it has contributed to huge numbers of jobseekers visa-versa employees and subservient of the curriculum design and schooling system. Methodologically, this paper is informed by a qualitative research approach in the form of document review. The research revealed four major important elements in decolonization of the school curriculum namely; history lesson, social justice and self-determination, formulation and execution of the protection of indigenous knowledge systems and promoting the significance of indigenous languages and use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing scholarly interest focused on new media and cross-cultural adaptation research, but a bibliometric analysis with VOSviewer software still needs to be improved. The paper aims to review the literature on new media and cross-cultural adaptation during the past two decades, analyse the current research on new media and cross-cultural adaptation, get an overview of current research, identify the heated topics, and propose future directions. This paper examined 1,1518 English-language articles published in the Web of Science database from 2003 to 2023 using bibliometric techniques and the VOSviewer software. The methodology analysed the variables such as development time, Top 10 countries, organisations, authors, articles, journals, and co-occurrence keywords in the bibliometric analysis. A review of the past 20 years shows a significant increase in excellent research publications on new media and cross-cultural adaptation. Regarding the region of publications, the number of publications in the United States is the absolute leader, followed by China, the United Kingdom, Australia, Spain, and Germany. However, the highest average number of citations is for Germany. As seen from the five categorised clusters, cross-cultural studies on social media use, Internet addiction, psychological health issues, and international students have become a growing concern in recent years. Future research on new media and cross-cultural adaptation may move toward exploring international students' social media usage and psychological adaptations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The country has experienced industry shutdowns, decreased productivity, educational setbacks, increased unemployment rates, and negative healthcare outcomes. Load-shedding in South Africa is primarily caused by inadequate maintenance, internal mismanagement, corruption, and a lack of skills. This issue has had a significant impact on small businesses, as they often lack the necessary resources to handle power surges, equipment damage, and the costs associated with replacing stock. This paper explores how load-shedding has impacted the South African economy from an entrepreneurial perspective. The research is qualitative and exploratory in nature, and it was found that load-shedding has had a significant impact on businesses' finances, resources, and performance. Load-shedding in South Africa has had a severe impact on the daily lives of people, causing disruptions in businesses, households, and the overall economy. Eskom, the primary supplier of energy in South Africa, has been facing significant challenges in meeting the growing demand for electrical energy, leading to job losses, decreased productivity, and a loss of billions of rands. Small businesses have been particularly affected, with an estimated 75% of them failing after being operational for less than three years due to load-shedding. To ensure small businesses have electricity to operate during load-shedding it is recommended that small businesses adopt alternative energy sources like solar power to increase the businesses' independence and mitigate the effects of load-shedding. The South African government should also encourage and support small businesses to collaborate with successful renewable energy companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the pervasiveness of social media in our contemporary communication environment, this paper explored the aptitude of social media use for political information in empowering the wired youth with more diverse political information which is deemed as key precursor of political participation. To be more specific, this paper examined how the utilisation of political information on social media predicts political knowledge, political efficacy, and different modes of political participation (offline, online, and cyber) of the Net Generation. There were 379 Malaysian students aged between 18 and 24, who depend extensively on social media platforms as their primary reservoir of political news and information took part in a selfadministered online survey questionnaire. Among the key findings of the current study are: (i) political informational use of social media predicts political efficacy but not political knowledge; (ii) political informational use of social media predicts offline, online, and cyber political participation via political efficacy; (iii) political knowledge does not predict political participation; meanwhile (iv) political efficacy predicts political participation. All in all, political informational use of social media holds the most potent positive effect on political efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Project-based learning (PjBL) is a student-centred approach focusing on experiential learning. The approach has been widely used in the field of sciences and mathematics but not in social sciences, particularly in English writing skills. As PjBL gains popularity as one of the 21st century teaching and learning approaches, there is a need to identify the trends, key authors, significant countries, and findings related to PjBL in writing. This paper presents a systematic literature review (SLR) conducted on 17 articles from the year 2018 to 2023 from the Scopus database following the PRISMA guideline. The study focused on PjBL and English writing, employing a systematic literature review to analyse trends, countries, authors, and journals. The analysis reveals dynamic trends of PjBL in the writing field. While the publication output fluctuated over the years, Indonesia emerged as a major contributor, signifying a global interest. A diverse distribution of articles across journals and countries underscores the global impact of PjBL, with notable contributions from Malaysia, China, and Russia. This paper synthesises the key themes from the literature review, emphasising the improvement in writing skills through PjBL and its challenges. The findings underscore PjBL's potential in transforming English writing education, emphasising the importance of addressing challenges for effective integration. The study contributes to the literature through a systematic analysis, providing insights into the trends and recommendations in PjBL in English writing research. Further research should delve into refining PjBL methodologies to maximize its innovative potential in English writing instruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some supervisors do not treat students well and this impacts on trust which can be viewed as a cornerstone for the supervision. The supervisor-student trust is a fragile element of supervision, if not handled with care it can break and thus bringing supervision relationship to and end. Hence supervisors and student should clearly understand their roles in sustaining trust so that they can mould it accordingly. This paper sought to explore issues that can break trust between supervisors and students. It was framed qualitatively and employed semi-structured interviews for data generation. Five themes emerged from analysis of findings. These themes were dehumanising pedagogy/behaviour, treating students as tabula rasa, incompetent supervisor, lack of understanding between the supervisor and co-supervisor and harshness. This paper concludes that some supervisors do not understand that students, as adults, have other responsibilities to take care of on top of the study and some supervisors are not patient with students and that affects trust. Therefore, this paper recommends that supervisors and students discuss terms and conditions of the supervision process so that they clearly define expectations at the early stages of supervision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The portrayal of women has long been a concern, especially in cinema, including Indonesian cinema. The modern era of Indonesian cinema began in 1998 and continues to the present day, as the best period for Indonesian cinema. In 1998, only five films were produced, but production gradually increased until its peak in 2016, with 124 titles being produced. This growth has had a positive impact on the image of women in cinema, but it has also presented different values regarding the portrayal of women. This paper examines the portrayal of women characters in Indonesia's popular films, focusing on the top three best selling films. Using the textual analysis method, the study reveals that women are often portrayed in relation to stereotypes entrenched in patriarchal culture. Men still have a strong image as the provider and women are dependent objects. The findings also show that social values are the primary determinants of women's portrayal in film. For instance, in appearance, a good girl is appropriately dressed, will be saved and happy. In contrast, aggressiveness for women will lead them into destruction. The portrayal of women in Indonesian best seller movies cannot be separated from patriarchal and social values, which implies that these films not only reflect but also potentially reinforce and perpetuate existing gender norms and power dynamics within society. This suggests that the representation of women in such media plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions of gender roles, further embedding these values into the cultural fabric and potentially influencing the way women are treated and perceived in real life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: Language assumes a significant role in communication and expression, especially in cinematic and television productions. Despite the widespread popularity of the American animated series, Rick and Morty has not been extensively explored within the field of language and linguistics. This paper addresses this gap by examining the linguistic dimension of Rick and Morty, featuring the deceptive discourse of the character Rick C-137 in Season 1. With McCornack’s Information Manipulation Theory (IMT) as the theoretical foundation, this study aims to achieve 2 objectives: (i) investigate the dimensions in which information are manipulated by Rick C-137 in his deceptive messages and (ii) analyse the methods employed by Rick C-137 in his deceptive discourse. To achieve these objectives, qualitative content analysis is utilised on the transcripts of all 11 episodes of Rick and Morty Season 1. The findings of the study discover that Rick C-137 manipulates information along all four dimensions throughout the season: quantity, quality, relation and manner. Furthermore, the analysis unveils two distinct methods of information manipulation employed by Rick C-137: (i) manipulation along a single dimension and (ii) manipulation along two dimensions. While contributing to the knowledge pertaining to linguistic manipulation in Rick and Morty Season 1, these observations also offer valuable insights to the intricate world of deceptive communication within the context of animated series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Involvement in community activities is one of the indicators of successful reintegration of exprisoners. Factors such as social stigma and social support are often said to influence this involvement. This paper aims to assess the relationship between social stigma, social support, and involvement in community activities among ex-prisoners. A quantitative study design using a survey method was employed. A total of 250 ex-prisoners in the Klang Valley were recruited to respond to a questionnaire consisting of three instruments: the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Social Stigma Scale, and the Community Activity Involvement Scale. The study found a significant positive relationship between social support and involvement in community activities. Conversely, there was a significant negative relationship between social stigma and involvement in community activities, as well as social support for ex-prisoners. Specific intervention programs need to be developed to reduce social stigma and enhance social support for ex-prisoners. Collaboration among all stakeholders is crucial to strategically reduce recidivism rates and ensure successful reintegration of ex-prisoners into society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For nearly 80 years, the study of National Political Assembly (Guo Min Can Zheng Hui) has been a hot topic among scholars in mainland China. However there's a scarcity of deep research regarding the reasons and roles of National Political Assembly. This study aims to identify the reasons behind the establishment of National Political Assembly and to explore National Political Assembly’s role in uniting the Chinese. A qualitative research approach was employed, involving collecting primary and secondary historical materials in archives and libraries of China for literature analysis and case studies of representative events or proposals. The findings show that its establishment was related to Japan's aggression, the foreign policies of the United States, Britain, the Soviet Union and other countries, as well as the domestic anti-Japanese parties represented by the Kuomintang and the Communist Party of China, and the people of all walks of life across the country. This paper concludes that in the early days of its establishment, it played a positive role in China's unity against Japan, democratic politics, and economic stability. This research is extremely valuable for studying the history of China's Second Sino-Japanese War and the Second KMT-CPC Collaboration, as well as the economic policies, political proposals, and military strategies of the Kuomintang, the Communist Party of China, and other parties involved in the Second Sino-Japanese War, as well as the history of the Communist Party of China, the Republic of China, and modern Chinese history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tasawwuf or Islamic mysticism holds a significant place in Islamic scholarship and spirituality. Its literature has contributed profoundly to the development of Islamic thought, ethics, and education. However, despite the undeniable influence of Tasawwuf literature on Islamic education, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of this body of work remains lacking. To address this gap, it is crucial to explore and quantify the scholarly output, dissemination, and impact of Tasawwuf -related research within the context of Islamic education. In this bibliometric study utilizes a systematic approach to analyze a vast corpus of academic literature. We begin by collecting relevant research articles papers from reputable academic databases and repositories. Subsequently, we employ bibliometric techniques, including citation analysis, co-authorship networks, and keyword mapping, to assess the trends, patterns, and connections within Tasawwuf literature in the context of Islamic education. The findings of this study are expected to reveal the most influential works, prolific authors, and leading academic institutions in the field of Tasawwuf literature within Islamic education. Additionally, the analysis will identify emerging research themes and gaps in the existing literature. Insights into the evolution of Tasawwuf scholarship and its intersections with Islamic education will be provided. Conclusion, this bibliometric study will offer valuable insights into the scholarly contributions of Tasawwuf literature to the field of Islamic education. By mapping the intellectual network and identifying influential works and authors, it will facilitate future research directions and promote a greater understanding of the historical and contemporary significance of Tasawwuf within Islamic education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition from one-child policy to two-child policy exacerbated women's employment discrimination in China. Three-child policy may exacerbate women's employment discrimination further. This paper aims to review past literature, on women employment discrimination, causes or factors of the discrimination and the challenges the women faced. Women employment discrimination in China is also reviewed, specifically from the fertility policy perspective. A qualitative systematic thematic literature review revealed specific themes, including employment discrimination and gender discrimination, women discrimination in employment, the influence of childbearing on women employment, fertility policy, and women employment discrimination. Furthermore, there are several causes of women employment discrimination: one of them being fertility policies. The review revealed some research strengths that can strengthen new research on women employment discrimination. Gaps in terms of research limitations are identified, such as a lack of empirical data on gender bias, a paucity of data on research on gender discrimination in relation to specific fertility policies, and a lack of in-depth analyses of women's career opportunities and barriers in different cultural settings. Despite China's concern with the impact of the number of children on women employment, in-depth research on the relationship between fertility policies, especially the latest three-child policy, and women employment discrimination is limited. Therefore, there is a need to conduct more comprehensive and substantive studies on women employment discrimination that is occurring in societies, including in China, undergoing rapid social change due to accelerated modernization, capitalism, and industrialization during this Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of the global pandemic has had devastating effects on institutions of higher learning. In South Africa, many universities had to swiftly switch to online teaching and learning in a bid to mitigate the effects of the pandemic without considerable repercussion on the academic project. The paper investigates first-year undergraduate students’ experiences of induction as a critical phase of university transition at a South African university. The focus was to investigate how first-year undergraduate students transition into the unknown university environment as they come from various backgrounds. A case study research design was employed in the study. The population included first-year students across all schools in various areas of specialisation at the South African University. Given this population, a purposive sampling technique was employed in the study from which selected students to the tune of forty were interviewed. The findings revealed that the students had varying experiences of transition. Nuanced with the theory of resilience, these experiences were then interpreted following the constructions of deterioration, adaptation, and recovery. The study serves as valuable feedback on how South African universities can go about transforming their cultures, systems, and policies to better support first-year students during a phase of induction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has been the socialist country since 1949, when the new country was established. Communist Party of China (CPC) selected Marxism as the governing ideology for China which is consistent with the hierarchical and centre government system. CPC is dedicated to improving happiness of society for the citizens within the framework of Marxism ideology. However, the concept of Marxism happiness, and its development are still limited in terms of understanding and study. This paper explored the development of concept of Marxism happiness through the different works of Marx from his early writing to the authoritative academic book. The researcher then defined the concept of Marxism Happiness. This paper employs document analysis and thematic analysis to provide a clear understanding of the concept of Marxism Happiness and its implication for the happiness of Chinese citizens, meanwhile, it would be conducive to the researchers and policy makers in ideological construction of a country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curriculum reforms at the secondary-school level in Malaysia began in 1988 and was fully implemented in 1989. Heagly and Evans define curriculum as structured experience provided by the school for the student, so the student can meet all set learning outcomes to the best of their abilities. Prior to the introduction of the Secondary School Integrated Curriculum (KBSM), many issues were identified in the secondary school curriculum that served as the benchmark for curriculum reforms in Malaysia. Based on analysis, the introduction of KBSM was closely related to the turbulent historical issues during the first three decades after independence. These issues include problems with unity, inability to produce skilled labour, and the fragile and still negligible usage of the national language. Therefore, this article analyses the historical issues closely related to the introduction of KBSM, and the individuals responsible for ensuring KBSM comes into reality. The historical method is used as the thrust of this paper. Data collection-wise, this paper uses the qualitative analysis method of archival and library research. This approach aims to gather information and analysis a variety of primary and secondary sources such as the Report of the Education Committee 1956, Report of the Education Review Committee 1960, and the Cabinet Committee Report on Review of Implementation of Education Policies 1979, along with the Curriculum Committee Meeting Minutes in 1972, 1986 and 1987. The findings confirm the three historical issues strongly influenced the thought processes that went into planning and drafting KBSM. Implication-wise, the curriculum underwent reforms, towards a shift in the field of education following these historical issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of national symbols plays a crucial role in reflecting the identity of a nation. The national anthem is one of the national symbol categories that are commonly used by every nation in this world. The combination of syntactic (musical) and semantic (lyrical) structure make it unique from any other national symbols. Despite of tangibility of other national symbols, the national anthem is intangible, and the lack of transient makes it stronger towards the emotional attachment. Negaraku also faces the same problem as there is a lack of understanding regarding the significance of the national anthem as a symbol of national identity. The continuous issues of contempt regarding Negaraku from 1957 until 2022 show the lack of understanding of the anthem itself as a symbol of national identity. Therefore, this paper aims to emphasize the significance of Negaraku as a symbol of national identity as a foundation of knowledge for fellow citizens about Malaysia. An integrative literature review is used to analyze the significance of Negaraku towards national identity discussion. The analysis will review various sources of relevant information from international and local references which cover books, journals, websites as well as newspaper cutting. Based on the analysis drawn it proves that Negaraku textual structures indicate a direct interpretation of national identity through historical and cultural elements in political and economic perspectives. In conclusion, the conceptual discussion through Negaraku contextual analysis can widen the social sciences area through anthemology studies in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global environmental concerns have garnered significant attention in recent times. Concerns about encouraging more ecologically friendly production to lessen the effects of pollution have been raised by industrial operations that cause environmental pollution. The adoption of an environmental management system in Malaysian firms, however, has received little attention. This paper explores the mediating effect of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework on the relationship between ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS) and ESG performance of Malaysian companies. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS 4 was employed to assess the relationship through a conceptual model developed for this purpose. A total of 86 completed responses were collected from the targeted respondents in Malaysia of different industries. With ESG framework as a mediator, ISO 14001 EMS has an insignificant relationship with ESG performance, and the R2 value of ESG performance is 0.243. When the ESG framework is removed, ISO 14001 EMS has a significant relationship with ESG performance, and the f-square value is 0.176. This effect size is considered medium. The results provide an empirical proof for Malaysian companies to adopt the ISO 14001 EMS as a business tool, with ESG framework as a mediator in order to enhance their ESG performance. The study's conclusions highlight the implications of using ISO 14001 EMS as a tool for businesses in Malaysia to improve ESG performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to probe the practicality of ethical school leadership amid socio-political and economic turmoil. This was necessitated by the collapse of the Zimbabwean economy in 2000 up until 2009 when they abandoned their currency due to hyperinflation. The downturn of the economy has not been abated to date, and education, together with other social services has been affected tremendously. The objective of this study is to find out the practicality of school leadership amid social, political, and economic turmoil, such as the one prevailing in Zimbabwe. Based on the findings, the study aims to suggest ways of dealing with ethical school leadership in such an environment. A qualitative study was conducted involving two primary and two secondary schools, where four school heads and sixteen teachers constituted the sample. Semistructured interviews and focus group interviews were conducted. The findings indicated that school heads and teachers are finding it very difficult to practice ethical school leadership in the environment prevailing in Zimbabwe. This paper proposes that ethical leadership be promoted in these schools through engaging the 'reusable past' from their African Indigenous Knowledge and additionally applying a multi-dimensional and multi-sectoral intervention strategy to bring sustainable and practical change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional economic activity is one of the important elements in the Orang Asli community's way of life to secure food for a living and at the same time sustaining their customs and belief systems. However, as the global economy is revolving and becoming money-based economy, the Orang Asli community is facing a great threat. Hence, this study aims to observe the Orang Asli especially the Semelai and Semai communities' traditional economic activity and challenges in sustaining their traditional activities. Therefore, the data collection method used is survey and in-depth interview. This study finds that both Semelai and Semai community practices the same economic activity which is cash-crop economic activity and self-sufficiency. Both subgroups do have few similarities and also differences in values and belief system especially involving the traditional agriculture activity. In fact, they are at risk of food insecurity. Hence, this paper highlights the importance of preserving the traditional economic activity so the community able to gain equal access to food supplies and reclaim their rights as Orang Asli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As Chinese women become more educated and participate in the labor force, they earn more money independently. At the same time, thanks to China's one-child policy, women have gained more intergenerational wealth. The economic foundation allowed Chinese women to play bigger power in the consumer market, and a phenomenon called "Her Economy" since 2007. The improvement of discourse power and economic empowerment of Chinese women in the consumer market rendered them better achieve self-empowerment. However, female behavior is also shaped by society, and female consumption is more likely to be influenced by consumer culture and become the background board of consumer society, and women find it difficult to achieve real empowerment through consumption. Although the existing literature has explored this issue, the research field has not been extended to Chinese female consumers, and the theoretical perspective of empowerment is lacking. Thus, this paper reviews women's consumption and empowerment in China from a critical perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nation-state is a sovereign state with the people have an awareness that they have something in common. There is something in common that can be seen among those who live together in the same nationstate territory based on language, customs and old traditions that are shared. In short, a nation-state is a state entity that is free from any world concept of empire. In Malaysia, the basis of nation-state building has existed since the reign of the Malay king, while the British administrative system during the colonial period had introduced Malaya to the concept of a modern nation-state. Thus, this study aims to highlight the history of the nation-state formation in Malaysia and the challenges in order to achieve the goal. This is a qualitative academic history article and the writing used the document analysis method. In addition to that, the Social Science analysis methods are also used to give a more extensive and broad writing analysis. The results of the study found that the nation-state building in the country is an ongoing process. The process has been formed through the traditional nation-state concept that existed before the British colonial era, thus the process keep developed during the colonial period and continued after the independence based on the development of as a sovereign nation-state. Until the post-independence era, the policies that the government tried to highlight continued to empower the nation-state concept to form a nation-of-intent in the country that became the objective of all independent countries. This paper is expected to give such a broad overview of the history and challenges faced by the country in its efforts to form a nation-of-intent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every leader who leads the country will definitely introduce their respective slogans to be used as a big thinking framework that will be used as a template in implementing the country's government policy. After three months as the 10th Prime Minister, Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim launched his government's slogan, Membangun Malaysia Madani, on 19 January 2023 at the Putrajaya International Convention Center (PICC). Various reactions arose from the introduction of the slogan either positive or negative. Thus, this article discusses the voter's views on the slogan "Malaysia Madani" in the 2023 State Election. This study uses quantitative methods which are questionnaires in the field, interviews and also qualitative methods which are references to secondary data which are journal articles, conference/seminar papers and related scientific books. The results of the study found that the majority of respondents had heard the term 'Malaysia Madani' but they did not fully understand the slogan. Although the term has been called PMX for a long time, that is in 1995, but the term has not been widely covered by the media and the public. Overall, voters during PRN 2023 can accept or agree with the term Madani Malaysia which has good life values. Although they agree with the good terms and values, the issue of support for leaders, governments and political parties is another matter. Therefore, in order to get strong support from the people, leaders, governments and political parties need to not only introduce, but also practice these good values in order to be an example and thus convince the voters to support them in a future election. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 15th General Election (PRU), 2022 is seen to take place in a state of haste and disputes between the public and politicians, especially the opposition. However, the general election was held until it was completed without any untoward incident. Many parties expected that the results of GE-15 would result in no political party winning a simple majority, but BN was expected to win the highest number of parliamentary seats. But the GE-15 results show that PH got the highest number of parliamentary seats, followed by PN and then BN. PN managed to get support from the highest number of Malay voters, followed by BN, PH and finally GTA. Therefore, this article discusses the factors of Malay ethnic voter support for the National Alliance (PN) in the 15th General Election (GE), 2022. This study uses a qualitative method which is reference to secondary data which is journal articles, conference/seminar papers and related scientific books. The results of the study found that among the factors supporting Malay voters towards PN are the leadership of PN (PAS and BERSATU) which is seen as clean, the experience and services of PN when governing the country during the era of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the influence of PN's social media (Tik Tok). Therefore, the factors of support need to be used as a guide for subsequent political action to capture the support of Malay voters who still dominate election politics in this country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Songs are an integral aspect of Zulu folklore, as they are performed in almost all ceremonies in Zulu culture. Every ceremony, or occasion in which people come together, such as a wedding ceremony, (coming of (age), mhlonyana (girls ceremony when they reach womanhood) or a funeral gathering, has particular songs associated with it. The aim of this paper was to explore the effectiveness of wedding songs as a means of communication and education in Zulu culture. The researchers first discussed the importance of music in African societies and secondly examined its role as a means of communication and education. The study adopted a qualitative approach located within the interpretivist paradigm. Ten songs were selected to illustrate how artists use songs to convey social messages. The songs were analysed using the critical discourse analysis approach. The researchers argued that the Zulu people compose songs to record a certain event or convey a social message. Thus, wedding songs do not only entertain people at a particular gathering or ceremony but communicate crucial messages that are educational at the same time. This article has revealed that most of the Zulu wedding songs contain repetitions that emphasise a certain word with an important social message. Therefore, the style and linguistic features of a song play a crucial role in emphasising the message embedded in it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to address the violent disputes between herders and farmers in Northern Nigeria, this article looked at the establishment of ranches, cattle routes, and grazing reserves. It also looked at how conflict is a social reality that exists in all human social systems, whether they are in cities or rural areas. It observes that disagreements are a common cause of conflict, particularly between the two opposing factions, the "herders," who are primarily Fulani and Muslim migrants seeking better pasture for their livestock, and the crop farmers, who are primarily from agrarian backgrounds. For data gathering, the paper used secondary sources such books, journals, articles, newspapers and other internet sources. The study discovered that there are a number of reasons why farmers and herdsmen in Northern Nigeria clash. Climate change badly executed government policies, illiteracy, a lack of a solid Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism (ADRM), anger and hostility brought on by the loss of life and property, and so forth are a few of these. The report suggested that pasture areas, livestock routes, and ranches be established in order to settle the disputes. The report also suggested that in order to stop the threat, the Federal Government of Nigeria should set up a practical ADRM and make sure that policies are implemented effectively. Additionally, it recommended a broad education campaign to inform the opposing sides of the risks their ceaseless fighting poses to Nigeria's progress as a developing nation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of Public Service Announcements (PSAs) in capturing the public's attention to awareness messages is increasingly challenging due to the advancements in visual technology that have elevated audience preferences. In order to maximize attention and induce behavioral changes, the common use of fear as a visual rhetoric (RV) threat in various local campaigns, especially those involving health, has been employed. However, implementations of fear appeals lacking empirical foundations often fail to engage attention and instead motivate defensive audience responses. Fear-based RV failures are attributed to the lack of a persuasive fear model specifically tailored to negotiate with the audience's knowledge and experiences. These weaknesses are more noticeable among target audiences exhibiting specific tendencies, such as video game addiction in cases of Problematic Gaming (PG) in Malaysia. This raises questions about the suitability of fear-based RV approaches for attention-grabbing and their risk of rejection. Consequently, existing PSAs attraction strategies necessitate a more cognitively and affectively sensitive concept for the audience. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to discuss and propose the concept of Fear-Induced Visual Metaphors (FVM) as a new form of PSA RV. Choosing the best stimulus construct of MV from the typologies of Pictorial Metaphor Theory (TMB), Visual Rhetoric Theory (TRV), or Visual Structure Concept (KSV) proven effective in commercial advertising, combined with threat components from the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) fear appeal model, aims to enhance the potential for attention-grabbing. Theoretically, FVM attract the audience's attention through significantly superior cognitive and affective allure compared to standard visual or rhetoric. Conclusions from this study are expected to contribute a testable and empirically validated conceptual framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guangzhou is located in the southern part of China, near the South China Sea, belongs to Guangdong Province. It serves as China's southern gateway to the world and was historically called "The Southern Treasure of the Emperor", playing a crucial role in China's maritime trade history. Throughout Chinese history, Guangzhou underwent several cycles of "closure" and "opening", policies that severely impacted trade. However, foreign merchants never ceased to request permission from the Chinese government to engage in trade. In 1757, Emperor Qianlong decreed Guangzhou as the only one official port for foreign trade. This edict led to the establishment of the one port trading system in Guangzhou, as the Qing government aimed to counter foreign influences and local uprisings while maintaining a self-sufficient small-scale agricultural economy. Western nations and their traders sought opportunities within this system, aspiring to expand trade to other regions of China, even the inland areas. The exclusive status of Guangzhou as China's only one trading port persisted until 1842, following the defeat of the Qing government in the Opium War against Britain, the Nanjing Treaty was signed. This treaty opened Guangzhou, Shanghai, Ningbo, Fuzhou, and Xiamen as trading ports, bringing an end to the one port trading system. The reasons and impacts of the establishment of this system have not been comprehensively analyzed to date. Therefore, this paper based on historical archives, analyzes both the direct and underlying reasons behind Emperor Qianlong's decision and elucidates the system's diverse impacts on various aspects of Qing-era China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unhealthy lifestyle among university students is an apparent issue in their quality of life. The criticality of this issue is supplemented by reports that students' lifestyle was severely impacted due to the pandemic and abrupt shift to online learning. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the lifestyle of engineering students at a Malaysian public university. This paper also seeks to determine gender differences in students' lifestyles. Questionnaires were distributed to respondents via Google Forms to uncover their eating habits, physical activity, and sleeping habits. Data were collected for three months from four engineering programmes. Simple random sampling was employed, and 120 responses were obtained. The findings revealed that the students have been practising a moderately unhealthy lifestyle; possess average eating habits; are physically inactive, and do not attain sufficient sleep. This study also observed no significant differences between male and female students' eating and sleeping habits. In contrast, a significant difference was reported between male and female students' physical activities. The results also determined a moderate correlation between eating habits and sleeping habits and also between eating habits and physical activity. The findings recommend universities implement precautionary measures such as constructing relevant courses and health programmes to raise students' awareness of the importance of a holistic lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dating violence is a major source of concern among the general population. Previous literature reviews have studied many other risk factors and dyadic implications of dating violence, but there has been very little research done in diverse elements of psychosocial factors linked to dating violence. The articles related to the term's psychosocial factors (personality traits, attachment style and loneliness) and we looked for phrases linked to dating violence (aggression in romantic partnerships, violence in intimate relationships). The studies for this literature review must be from original studies with any gender sampling and should be written in English. This review included 27 papers that met the criteria for inclusion. The findings of this literature analysis revealed inconsistent results regarding the association between psychosocial factors and violent behaviour in romantic relationships, with some studies unable to detect such links. These findings are explored in terms of current gaps in the literature as well as suggested future research areas. The implication of this study can help in understanding the psychosocial factors that form the basis of relational aggression in romantic relationships and as a proactive step to avoid from being a victim of relational aggression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volunteerism among older adults has been actively encouraged and adopted as a policy measure among developed countries in view of its benefits and impact on the wellbeing of the elderly. However, there is a paucity of research related to the same effort in Asia even though this region is projected to have the fastest-growing ageing population by the year 2050. Utilising the eight determinants of active ageing as posited by WHO Active Ageing Policy Framework, this paper aimed to identify emerging themes in the existing literature grounded upon older adults’ recent volunteering policies and practices in Asia. A systematic review was performed to explore the literature on older adults’ volunteerism in peer-reviewed journals published in the past decade in two main databases (Scopus and Web of Science). The findings identified from the 19 articles were analysed according to the following themes: (1) culture, (2) gender, (3) behavioural determinants, (4) personal determinants, (5) physical environment, (6) social determinants, (7) economic factors, and (8) health and social services. From the review, behavioural, personal and social environment determinants appeared to be the focal point of active ageing research agenda. A robust and strategic collaboration between policymakers and volunteering stakeholders is key to amplify older adults’ volunteer efforts in line with successful active ageing in Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data journalism in Indonesia has been evolving rapidly, with practices and challenges that are unique to the region. This article aims to provide an overview of the current state of data journalism in Indonesia, its potential for growth, and the barriers that need to be overcome. This article uses literature review method focusing on 11 publications relating to data journalism practice in Indonesia ranging from year 2018 to 2024. It shows that (1) the availability of open access data from Indonesian government that has some data credibility issues such as less integrated data, lack of raw data and digital divide of internet availability and coverage in some Indonesian region; (2) journalists’ competence of data skills from gathering to displaying (3) decision of building data journalism team is from top authority (4) good narrative enhances news values and audience engagement, (5) data journalism interconnect with news ecosystem in terms of news production and dissemination collaboration. This study underscores the importance of enhancing the competency of Indonesian journalists, particularly in the realm of data journalism. To address this need, developing targeted training programs that improve data literacy and bolster newsroom data journalism teams is crucial. Additionally, future research should explore the impact of data journalism on audience engagement within the Indonesian news media ecosystem, providing insights into how different media platforms can better connect with their audiences. Furthermore, examining the ethical implications of data journalism, including transparency and validity in news production and dissemination, is essential to ensuring that innovation in this field aligns with journalistic integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arts in healthcare is a broad worldwide movement that includes how the arts influence patient care, hospital surrounds. Art in health research is crucial to prove its effectiveness and guide its practical application in healthcare, addressing current gaps in knowledge and ensuring optimal integration into patient care. The objective of this article is to present a literature review and bibliometric analysis of the mapping art in health research from 2018 to 2023. Text queries on Scopus (1, 670 documents) and PubMed (550 documents) using the term ("art therapy" OR "art in medicine" OR "arts-based interventions" OR "creative arts therapies" OR "Art in Health") have done on 15 October 2023 obtaining 2220 documents for in-depth analysis. Rstudio 4.2.1 and biblioshiny for bibliometrix were used to analyze research trends. The most popular journal in Scopus is the journal Arts in Psychotherapy while the journal Frontiers in Psychology in PubMed. In Scopus, the most frequently used author keywords and add keywords are "art therapy" while in PubMed it shows "humans" REGEV D., (Scopus) and TESTONI I., (PubMed) are the most popular authors. The United States of America produces the most scientific articles in Scopus and PubMed. The most notable affiliations from Scopus and PubMed is University of Haifa. In conclusion, PubMed and Scopus databases, it can be observed that a significant proportion of European researchers exhibit a broader range of research interests in the field of art in health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metaphoric associative card is a well-known communication tool that is used in various fields such as therapy, consultation and pedagogy. Nowadays, its usage is expanding in Malaysia. This type of picture card is a subjective tool as there is no specific interpretation provided. Hence, training is important in assisting the users. Workshops were organised to provide training to the users regarding the usage of metaphoric associative cards. This research aims to explore the perspectives of workshop participants on the content, materials, advertisement, structure, facilitators and facility of the metaphoric associative workshop conducted by the master trainer of Metaphoric Card Malaysia in Malaysia. The research also examines the impact of the workshop on participants. The informants of this research are five participants who attended the workshop. The researcher employed an in-depth interview method to collect data and a thematic analysis method to analyse the data. The analysis identified the strengths, weaknesses, suggestions and impacts of the workshop. The results indicate that the informants were able to apply what they learned in the workshop. Consequently, this research provides insights for the organiser to conduct better workshops in the future. To conclude, it is recommended that workshop effectiveness evaluation should be conducted frequently to ensure that the workshop content is relevant to the participants and able to attract more people to join. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop protection industry grows with an increase in registration reaching 1,049 products, including 57 brands under Azoxistrobyn (AZT) category to control disease and increase grain weight. This encourages tighter and more aggressive market competition leading to challenges in Syngenta Indonesia’s AmistarTop in building brand awareness among growers. The aim of this research is to comprehensively examine brand communication strategy of AmistarTop to increase brand awareness among growers. A qualitative approach with a case study method is used by utilizing multisource data. The results indicate that AmistarTop’s brand communication applies (i) brand building approach, including mass media advertising, public relations; and (ii) brand-business approach, including digital interactive media with the brand communication umbrella "Rice is Life". Billboard is the only activity executed within mass media advertising driven by specific target. Public relations is significantly applied using a public information model through special on-field marketing events, community relations, and media relations. Digital interactive media is carried out through website and social media with informative, interactive and collaborative properties. Modifying AmistarTop's brand communication tactics includes exploration of more mass media channel, increasing public relations activities with a two-way symmetrical model approach, and intensifying digital interactive media content with patterned and scheduled uploads will enrich ways of reaching more growers and establish brand awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risk reduction has become a global focus in disaster management, emphasized by the World Conference on Disaster Reduction (WCDR) in Japan since 2005. The outcome of this conference led to the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015. This Hyogo Framework has been updated with the Sendai Framework (2015-2030), aiming to empower communities to reduce their vulnerability to disaster risks. However, most disaster experiences in Malaysia show that communities tend to rely on external assistance rather than taking the initiative to address and resolve issues themselves. This is because communities should not be seen as passive groups but rather as first responders who need to be empowered through active bottomup involvement. Nevertheless, research on disaster management for empowering communities in Malaysia is still limited. Therefore, this article reviews community action in flood disaster management. It focuses on community empowerment, community action, and community resilience in handling disasters. The methodology used involves literature searches from databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The final number of selected articles journal are 10. The themes emerging from this review are community knowledge, disaster experience, community leadership, and community engagement. Hence, communities should have comprehensive plan action of disaster management strategies to mitigate the impact of disaster crises and restore their functionality after a disaster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tapping into mediatisation as a critical lens to examine how cultural synergy, particularly Korean Wave’s influence, manifests and impacts of everyday cultural practice in Malaysia. Despite a delayed start compared to neighbours, the Korean Wave ignited by the drama “Winter Sonata” in 2002, maintains a remarkable popularity in Malaysia. This study delves deeper than the surface of the Korean Wave, or Hallyu, exploring the intricate interplay between Korean stars, social media, and the phenomenon’s power. This work aims to understand how these elements actively shape and maintain its influence. While there has been a proliferation of research on the Korean Wave, it focuses on K-Pop music and K-Drama. Thus, this research project is designated to highlight elements other than K-Pop and K-Drama in the Korean Wave phenomenon by focusing on non-K-Pop cultural products. By observing open social media accounts and content, as well as events related to South Korean products, this study will use qualitative methods, netnography and participant observation for data collection. The findings are discussed in four key themes: Exploring Platforms and Fan Communities and Their Impact on Everyday Practices; International Brands Using Korean Stars for Product Promotion in Malaysia; the Potential of Selected Qualitative Methods for Understanding Social Phenomena; and the Limitations of These Methods in Research. The study highlights the need to choose relevant theories and research methods to improve the quality and depth of findings, especially when exploring complex subjects such as fandom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficiency and effectiveness are parts of key features in good governance. Public procurement as part of public administration is a tool to achieve development goals and is managed using large amounts of public funds. This makes public procurement vulnerable to elements of malpractice. Therefore, it needs to be managed efficiently and effectively to achieve optimal results through the judicious use of public resources. This study aims to analyze issues related to efficiency and effectiveness in public procurement management and mechanisms to overcome them. This research leverages on a qualitative approach via document review of the Auditor General's Report for the period of 8 years from 2011 to 2018 with a focus on audit remarks related to management efficiency. In-depth interviews were also carried out with procurement officers in federal agencies, states, local authorities and statutory bodies as well as officers from monitoring and enforcement agencies. This study found that there are issues regarding efficiency and effectiveness in the procurement management involving the pre-procurement phase; assessment phase; and the post-decision phase. In order to deal with this issue, the study emphasized four main characteristics to be possessed by the management which are thorough; wise; firm; and open. The findings of this study add to the corpus of knowledge on important aspects of good governance and provide input to stakeholders to formulate more comprehensive policies to preserve the public interest through more efficient and effective government procurement management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with visual impairment in the public service sector face various issues and challenges in their work. Among the issues that visually impaired employees often face are transportation, skills and vocational training, education level, negative employer attitudes, lack of policy enforcement, and an environment that is not conducive to work. Besides that, visually impaired employees also have special needs compared to other workers. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the needs of visually impaired employees in the public service sector. The design of this study is a case study using a qualitative method which is a semi-structured interview. This study was conducted around the Klang Valley area involving four informants consisting of three men and one woman. Interview recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. This study shows that there are three main needs for visually impaired employees in the public service sector, namely in terms of transportation needs, accessibility at work and convenience at work. Therefore, this study suggests that stakeholders take pro steps in meeting the needs of visually impaired employers in the public service sector so that their well-being can be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaysian Japanese speaking graduates with Japanese language proficiency (JLP) and business Japanese competence (BJC) employed in Japanese companies (JC) in Malaysia are considered an asset by their employers. However, to what extent are their JLP and BJC sufficient to function in JC is an under researched area and deserves further scrutiny. Therefore, the focus of this research is to identify JC employers’ JLP and BJC requirements of Malaysian Japanese speaking graduates in their Malaysian companies. This qualitative research via semi-structured one-to-one interviews with JC employers of selected companies in Malaysia investigated the requirements of JLP and BJC for Malaysian Japanese speaking graduates employed in JC. The findings revealed that JLP requirement is dependent on position and task whereas time management and business customs, Ho/Ren/So (Reporting / Contacting / Consulting) are considered as important BJC practices. Furthermore, speaking and listening in Japanese language is considered as crucial skills and the most challenging for Malaysian Japanese speaking graduates at JC to master. Incorporating Japanese business customs and workplace practices in Japanese language curriculum at higher education and increasing internship opportunities at JC would ensure Malaysian Japanese speaking graduates acquire the required JLP and BJC through their higher education. This research augurs well for the enhancement of Japanese language curriculum in higher education institutions in Malaysia as well as Japan-Malaysia bilateral trade to further strengthen Japanese companies’ presence in Malaysia and attract new Japanese investments with high level of JLP and BJC manpower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Sri Lankan universities turned to video conferencing to maintain academic activities, with Zoom being a popular choice. This study explores postgraduate students' experiences in two Master of Education (M.Ed.) programmes at a Sri Lankan university regarding Zoombased online learning. It investigates student perceptions across four key areas: affordability, access and instructor support, quality of teaching, and effectiveness and fairness of assessments. A survey approach was used, with a researcher-developed questionnaire administered online to 189 students studying Sinhala, Tamil, and English. The questionnaire included close-ended questions, Likert-scale items, and open-ended questions, with data analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings indicate that students generally found Zoom-based instruction accessible and effective. However, areas for improvement were identified, such as enhanced instructor support, a more interactive learning environment, and comprehensive course coverage. Concerns also emerged about instructor support during assessments, clarity of formats, and time allocation. Qualitative data highlighted issues with session length, technology affordability, and a preference for diverse assessment methods. The study provides insights for enhancing M.Ed. programmes conducted online. Recommendations include faculty capacity development in online teaching, promoting the affordability of Zoom-based learning, and refining assessment practices. Addressing these areas and seeking student feedback can help institutions create high-quality, engaging, accessible, and effective Zoom-based programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Learners often encounter impediments that hamper their ability to proficiently speak English. This study sought to research and determine the obstacles that impede the speaking of English in literacy classrooms. In particular, the study addressed the following research objectives: (i) to identify the language of teaching and learning that is primarily used in English First Additional Language (EFAL) literacy classrooms, and (ii) to examine why rural primary schools lack English speaking practices. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect primary data from two Subject Education Specialists, four Grade 4 EFAL teachers, and two Heads of Department from selected primary schools. Data was analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Interaction theory informed the study, as this theory emphasises the relevance of inputs and modified interaction(s) with respect to learning a second language. Multifaceted challenges impede the speaking of English in literacy classrooms, and these include lack of confidence, limited vocabulary, and limited opportunities to practice speaking. Teachers should minimise using code-switching teaching strategy in Grade 4 EFAL literacy classrooms, as this practice can further delay learners’ understanding of course content and hinder their proficiency in English. Rather, alternative techniques have to be developed and employed to improve speaking of English in the classroom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: The growing number of children in foster care has often overburdened the foster care system and the social development capacity in South Africa. Cluster foster care is a contemporary and unfamiliar system of foster care in South Africa which emerged, among others, due to the protracted and tedious process of placing children in foster care, in addition to vulnerable children. The increase of children with special needs has also exacerbated the desolate foster care system. That said, the understanding of cluster foster parents particularly those fostering children with special needs has been greatly affected by the dearth of literature and paucity of studies focusing on this domain. Hence the objective of this qualitative study. Through the phenomenological research design and the application of purposive sampling, 15 cluster foster parents were selected to participate in the study. Following some vigorous semi-structured interviews and the subsequent thematic analysis, the findings of the study revealed that cluster foster parents are faced with extreme challenges such as lack of support, knowledge, and limitation of resources in fostering children with special needs. This was worsened by the behavioural challenges exhibited by the challenges with special needs. Further findings revealed that Cluster foster parents continue to struggle to meet the basic needs of foster children in need of care and protection. Consequently, the study recommends the development of empowerment programmes, enhanced support mechanisms and ongoing holistic assessment of cluster foster parents to enable enriching and adequate care of foster children with special needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review focuses on the prevalence of depression and its associated risk factors among Chinese undergraduates, particularly examining the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on their mental health. The aim is to deepen the understanding of depression's prevalence and risk factors within this group, providing a robust reference for future studies and interventions. A comprehensive search and review were conducted on 1,198 documents from CNKI, Web of Science, Scopus, and other relevant databases. The selection process involved deduplication, preliminary evaluation, and a thorough full-text review, culminating in 75 documents that adhered to rigorous analytical standards, including the detailed reporting of depression data, the use of standardized depression scale assessments, and focusing on ordinary Chinese undergraduates. The analysis identified 70 risk factors for depression, confirming that the prevalence of depression among these students is influenced by a complex interplay of sociodemographic, psychological, health status, and personal lifestyle factors. The review also highlights several methodological flaws in previous studies, such as simplified research methods and outdated references. The study underscores the need for future research to consider the impact of different cultural backgrounds on depression, to employ longitudinal studies to establish causal relationships, and to use theoretical frameworks to conduct more systematic and detailed analyses. These steps will enhance the understanding and development of effective interventions for improving the mental health of Chinese undergraduates in a post-pandemic context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current understanding of autism among parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Malaysia reflects a multifaceted perspective marked by various challenges including confusion, financial constraints, limited resources, and a shortage of trained special needs teachers and affordable centers. This study aims to assess the level of autism knowledge among parents of individuals with ASD in Malaysia. A crosssectional study involving 471 parents was conducted in the Klang Valley between May 2022 and June 2023, utilizing an online survey tool. The study found that most parents exhibited limited understanding in crucial areas related to autism such as its causes, diagnosis, and treatment options. Moreover, there was a significant relationship between the level of education and knowledge of ASD. The findings underscore the importance of comprehensive parental training to provide enduring support for children with ASD. This highlights the necessity for ongoing efforts to enhance parental knowledge and support systems for individuals with autism in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Belief in God is the first of several principles enshrined in the Rukun Negara of Malaysia which makes it one of the important principles to be upheld by any Malaysian citizen. However, there are some who do not accept this concept of believing in God and they are referred to as atheists. The existence of this group can seen clearly when issues that concern this group became public knowledge like the meeting of atheists in Kuala Lumpur that took place in 2017 and the existence of a Facebook group called Warung Atheist (Atheist Stall). Therefore, this article is prepared to discuss a discourse on the atheism within the Malaysian society including: [1] to analyze past studies related to the definitions and history of atheism; [2] to analyze past studies related to atheist thoughts and arguments and [3] to analyze past studies related to the response and objection to atheism. This article is written using qualitative method with content analysis design. In general, the research findings show that, in Malaysia, there are so few studies conducted on this topic. The study on the definitions and history of atheism among Malaysian researchers is still lacking because many researchers make the studies as a side topic only. This also happens to studies on themes related to atheism, but it should be noted that there are several studies have begun to make focusing on atheism. However, most researchers in Malaysia conduct studies which concern the objection against and criticism towards atheism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study explores the intricate dynamics between students' passion for music and their motivation in higher education music performance classes. Guided by Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), the research involves in-depth interviews with fifteen undergraduate music performance majors. The study identifies five pivotal themes shaping students' motivation. The theme of personal music connections emphasises the profound impact of individualised relationships with music, highlighting the significance of nurturing personal and emotional dimensions within musical connections. Exposure to diverse musical styles emerges as a transformative factor, broadening students' musical horizons and significantly influencing their motivation. Involvement in extracurricular music activities is identified as a powerful motivator, providing real-world experiences that enhance students' passion for music performance. The theme of supportive interactions highlights the critical role played by educators, peers, and the overall learning environment in shaping students' motivation. Cultivating a strong personal bond with music accentuates the profound impact of an individualised and emotionally resonant connection with music on students' motivation within the educational context. These findings underscore the vital role of cultivating enthusiasm, providing diverse musical experiences, and fostering supportive environments to enhance motivation in higher education music performance classes. The implications extend to educators, enabling them to design more engaging and effective music programs, enriching the overall educational experience for students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to advancements in technology and digital connectivity, travel patterns have changed. Technological developments have increased the amount of information and inspiration available to consumers, and big data analytics allows for the creation of innovative insights. When it comes to implementing cuttingedge technologies, small businesses typically lag behind larger ones. In light of the above, this study aims to examine the extent of usage and challenges SMEs face concerning e-marketing. SMEs in the tourism sector have demonstrated that they are drivers of economic growth through the development of entrepreneurial skills and job creation. In this study, data was qualitatively collected from 14 SME service providers, through a purposive sampling method. The findings revealed that SMEs struggle with the adoption of e-marketing. Moreover, the findings revealed that SMEs are also faced with the challenge of easy access to funding, this was found to affect their flexibility towards digital transformation. Lastly, this study found that SMEs are faced with the challenge of lack of expertise to implement digital transformations. This study concludes that, although in South Africa government funding provided to SMEs through grants plays a critical role, it is still not enough. The government can further their SME development initiatives through public sector and private sector partnerships. By increasing SMEs access to funding, joint SME development programs offer a substantial chance to promote entrepreneurship in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) reports that, in most of its member countries, the percentage of employed individuals who are members of trade unions has decreased significantly over the past few decades, with less than 20 percent. Some of the studies done on this subject unequivocally acknowledge that low membership turnover and dwindling trade union densities are caused by the incapacity to mobilize, organize, and serve members. In order to determine the most effective and efficient way to use these integrated digital strategies, this research investigates types of digital modes for organising, mobilising, and retaining new coming educators. Data were gathered through interviews with ten SADTU organisers and ten students from particular South. African universities, using the qualitative method. The data was analysed using a grounded (thematic) approach. The study's overall findings shows that digital technologies play a significant role in luring newer generations of trade union members. The findings of this study directly influenced the creation of more precise and efficient digital strategies for recruiting and organizing young emerging teachers, leading to an overall enhancement in the recruitment and retention of talent within the education sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In countries like South Africa, where cash plays a pivotal role in social and economic life, limited access to financial institutions, in rural areas has led to significant economic challenges for citizens and businesses. This limitation has further exacerbated the financial exclusion of the underserved population resonating with poor economic growth. In addressing the issue, this desktop-based theoretical discourse, draws on the Technology Acceptance Model, Schumpeterian Entrepreneurship Theory, and Circular Flow of Income Model to conceptualise cash point-of-sale business model, as an innovative mechanism with the potential to spearhead the country's financial inclusion efforts, entrepreneurial imperatives and local economic participation. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and financial institutions to design and implement effective financial inclusion policies in rural areas. By addressing unique challenges faced by rural communities, such as limited infrastructure and lower levels of education, a more inclusive and resilient financial ecosystem can be achieved, contributing to broader social and economic development goals in South Africa's rural landscape. An exploratory empirical study is further recommended to pave the way for the development of a contextual framework to guide the model's implementation in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, the digital age has immensely contributed to the evolution and emergence of delinquency and social problems among emerging adults. As excellent as the tremendous benefits that technology has afforded these generations of youths raised in a wired world, some have decided to engage in the dark side of computer technology. The main aim of the study is to explore the how problematic internet use can influence development of delinquent behaviour among emerging adults in higher school of learning. It also explored the role of household financial capabilities of the emerging adults. The study adopted convenient sampling method to select n=386; (50.5% males and 49.5% females) who were aged between 16-27 years from University of Lagos. This cross-sectional study administered standardized instruments to examine the variables (Problematic internet use questionnaire, Disciplinary and delinquent behaviour survey) Result showed no significant difference between problematic internet use and emerging adult delinquency (t(384) = -1.29 P> .05), also, no significant difference between the delinquency of participants from high or low income earners, t(373) = -1.93, P> .05). Therefore, it is expedient to develop safety guidelines that will serve as interplay between digitalization and delinquency in which emerging adults must exercise restraint and broader range of delinquency can be confirmed among other samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]