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The participation of volunteers in volunteerism activities particularly in combating healthcare issues among underserved communities is highly demanded. Volunteerism refers to intangible contributions of time and effort spent to help those people in straitened circumstances in a community. Volunteerism is a type of philanthropic behavior. This study explored how social network acts as a mediator in the relationships between coping strategies and social trust with volunteerism. This study used a correlational research design involving 300 community health workers (CHWs) under MERCY Malaysia, a non-government organization (NGO) in the healthcare sector. Data were analysed using a two-step approach in structural equation modeling (SEM). Results showed that social network mediated the relationship between task-oriented coping and volunteerism in community healthcare. This study gives insights to managers and NGOs in hiring and retaining CHWs in community development work based on a developing country context.

This study aimed to contribute towards building a common understanding of the shared collaboration and enhancement between the industry, university, graduates and human resource development unite that strive to serve both in organizational learning, career development and training efforts to ensure that university education enhances quality education. Qualitative research design seems appropriate for this study because it entails the dynamic process and decision making to take process proceeds in problem identification, research questions, data collection, and research method, interpretation and presentation of findings. Phenomenological case was used as the most suitable of the study and purposive sampling was applied, while participants of the study consist of thirty (30) all together. The graduate employability capacities and self-esteem are not only promotes their employability skills, but enable the industry to obtain and sustain a competitive advantage in the dynamic world of work. Therefore, universities should critical evaluate their learning transfer, if it is aligned with industrial need to make graduates more viable. The findings indicate that in transfer of knowledge and learning, teaching is based on theory than practical which directly affects the transfer of the knowledge in the labor market. The study reports that there is “skills mismatch” because the application of what they have learnt in the universities is not applicable in the labor market. Therefore, the study recommends that university should engage in employment or open employment center within the university in collaboration with the industrial management. The university education should coordinate and promote academic activities; review their curriculum and other relevant academic matters with stakeholders and affiliating industries.

Youth leadership development is a primary focus in Malaysia’s development agenda as outlined in the ‘Transformasi Nasional 2050’ or TN 50 policy initiative. Research and practice concur that the involvement of young leaders can be strengthened through wider exposure to professional training and mentoring. Yet, mentoring offers a unique learning process that enhances youth development and strengthening connection within communities. The current study was conducted to explore the contribution of mentoring to positive youth development and mentees’ sense of connection to the community and youth stakeholders. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach informed by the case study paradigm. In this study, connection resulted from the mentoring process through communication with mentors, new social and work-related networks as well as within one’s existing networks. In conclusion, data indicated that mentoring clearly has the potential to constitute the process of connection building among youth, and this process contributes to the development of their leadership capacities.

Community engagement has been acknowledged as a core function of higher education, along with research and teaching which helps in promoting economic, environmental and socio-cultural development of communities. This article explores the barriers obstructing community engagement activities in Nigerian higher education. Kwara State University, Malete, being an institution with the philosophy of community development is an interesting case in this study. Using in-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews, nine professors of the university were asked to reflect on how they develop academic career through community engagement activities. From data analysis, even though there is documentary evidence on the remarkable successes been achieved and reported with regard to community engagement activities and outreaches by the professors which help to sustain professional identities and, in turn, career development. Four factors were found as a barrier obstructing the professors’ participation in community engagement activities and outreaches. These were, (a) Educational gap between professors and community members, (b) lack of funds to execute community development projects, (c) time constraint due to multiple engagements, and (d) resistant to change by community members. This study discussion and recommendations are timely, as it concludes with a number of crucial issues that future on community engagement in Nigerian higher education need to address.

Community engagement has been acknowledged as a core function of higher education, along with research and teaching which helps in promoting economic, environmental and socio-cultural development of communities. This article explores the barriers obstructing community engagement outreach and intervention in Nigerian higher education. Kwara State University, Malete, which adopted the philosophy of “the University for Community Development” is an interesting case in this study. Using in-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews, nine professors of the university were asked to reflect on how they sustained community engagement participation at different stages in their academic career. From data analysis, even though there are documentary evidences on the remarkable successes been achieved and reported with regards to community engagement activities and outreaches by the professors which helped to sustain professional identities and, in turn, career development. Four factors were found to be a barrier obstructing the professors’ participation in community engagement activities and outreaches. These were, (a) Educational gap between academics and community members, (b) lack of funds to execute community development projects, (c) time constraint due to multiple engagements, and (d) resistant to change by community members. The discussion and recommendations of this study are timely, as it concludes with a number of crucial issues that future community engagement in Nigerian higher education needs to be addressed.

Community engagement has been acknowledged as a core function of higher education, along with research and teaching which helps in promoting economic, environmental and socio-cultural development of communities. This article explores the barriers obstructing community engagement activities in Nigerian higher education. Kwara State University, Malete, being an institution with the philosophy of community development is an interesting case in this study. Using in-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews, nine professors of the university were asked to reflect on how they develop academic career through community engagement activities. From data analysis, even though there is documentary evidence on the remarkable successes been achieved and reported with regard to community engagement activities and outreaches by the professors which help to sustain professional identities and, in turn, career development. Four factors were found as a barrier obstructing the professors’ participation in community engagement activities and outreaches. These were, (a) Educational gap between professors and community members, (b) lack of funds to execute community development projects, (c) time constraint due to multiple engagements, and (d) resistant to change by community members. This study discussion and recommendations are timely, as it concludes with a number of crucial issues that future on community engagement in Nigerian higher education need to address.

Youth leadership development is a primary focus in Malaysia’s development agenda as outlined in the ‘Transformasi Nasional 2050’ or TN 50 policy initiative. Research and practice concur that the involvement of young leaders can be strengthened through wider exposure to professional training and mentoring. Yet, mentoring offers a unique learning process that enhances youth development and strengthening connection within communities. The current study was conducted to explore the contribution of mentoring to positive youth development and mentees’ sense of connection to the community and youth stakeholders. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach informed by the case study paradigm. In this study, connection resulted from the mentoring process through communication with mentors, new social and work-related networks as well as within one’s existing networks. In conclusion, data indicated that mentoring clearly has the potential to constitute the process of connection building among youth, and this process contributes to the development of their leadership capacities.

Community engagement has been acknowledged as a core function of higher education, along with research and teaching which helps in promoting economic, environmental and socio-cultural development of communities. This article explores the barriers obstructing community engagement outreach and intervention in Nigerian higher education. Kwara State University, Malete, which adopted the philosophy of “the University for Community Development” is an interesting case in this study. Using in-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews, nine professors of the university were asked to reflect on how they sustained community engagement participation at different stages in their academic career. From data analysis, even though there are documentary evidences on the remarkable successes been achieved and reported with regards to community engagement activities and outreaches by the professors which helped to sustain professional identities and, in turn, career development. Four factors were found to be a barrier obstructing the professors’ participation in community engagement activities and outreaches. These were, (a) Educational gap between academics and community members, (b) lack of funds to execute community development projects, (c) time constraint due to multiple engagements, and (d) resistant to change by community members. The discussion and recommendations of this study are timely, as it concludes with a number of crucial issues that future community engagement in Nigerian higher education needs to be addressed.

This study aimed to contribute towards building a common understanding of the shared collaboration and enhancement between the industry, university, graduates and human resource development unite that strive to serve both in organizational learning, career development and training efforts to ensure that university education enhances quality education. Qualitative research design seems appropriate for this study because it entails the dynamic process and decision making to take process proceeds in problem identification, research questions, data collection, and research method, interpretation and presentation of findings. Phenomenological case was used as the most suitable of the study and purposive sampling was applied, while participants of the study consist of thirty (30) all together. The graduate employability capacities and self-esteem are not only promotes their employability skills, but enable the industry to obtain and sustain a competitive advantage in the dynamic world of work. Therefore, universities should critical evaluate their learning transfer, if it is aligned with industrial need to make graduates more viable. The findings indicate that in transfer of knowledge and learning, teaching is based on theory than practical which directly affects the transfer of the knowledge in the labor market. The study reports that there is “skills mismatch” because the application of what they have learnt in the universities is not applicable in the labor market. Therefore, the study recommends that university should engage in employment or open employment center within the university in collaboration with the industrial management. The university education should coordinate and promote academic activities; review their curriculum and other relevant academic matters with stakeholders and affiliating industries.

The participation of volunteers in volunteerism activities particularly in combating healthcare issues among underserved communities is highly demanded. Volunteerism refers to intangible contributions of time and effort spent to help those people in straitened circumstances in a community. Volunteerism is a type of philanthropic behavior. This study explored how social network acts as a mediator in the relationships between coping strategies and social trust with volunteerism. This study used a correlational research design involving 300 community health workers (CHWs) under MERCY Malaysia, a non-government organization (NGO) in the healthcare sector. Data were analysed using a two-step approach in structural equation modeling (SEM). Results showed that social network mediated the relationship between task-oriented coping and volunteerism in community healthcare. This study gives insights to managers and NGOs in hiring and retaining CHWs in community development work based on a developing country context.

To receive support is crucial among youth in order for them to achieve success in life as it could hinder social exclusion, especially for at-risk young people. Empowering the potentials of at-risk youth through the support of external protective factors may enhance and optimise their potency. This study explores the role of external protective factors in young entrepreneurs’ resilient development. This research is based on the hematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with five graduates from Baitulmal Skills Institution who are recognized by the Institution as successful entrepreneurs. This research has found four thematic external protective factors, which contributed to young entrepreneurs’ resilient development; namely getting support from educational institutions, good rapport with peers, supportive teaching staffs, youth-adult attachment and support in business management. The role of external protective factors in developing young entrepreneurs’ entrepreneurial resilience heavily relies on youth’s positive interaction with his/her environment.It is suggested that in the future,studies should focus on protective factors that concentrate on other types of at-risk youth who are able to develop positively.

This paper examines the perception of Malaysian on the proposed removal of race section in official documents used by government and private organizations. The paper employed mixed method research paradigm. A total sample of 1513 Malaysian residents in Peninsular Malaysia was randomly selected from the whole population and data was collected using structured set of instruments, focus group interview and document analysis. The data was analysed using IBM SPSS software version 24 for both descriptive and inferential analysis. The findings shows that majority of Peninsular Malaysians did not support the proposal to remove race section in the official government and private documents. However, the findings revealed that Chinese and Indian communities are keen to support the proposal of removing the race section in the official government and private documents compared to the Malays, so also Sabah/Sarawak Bumiputera living here in Peninsular. Moreover, Gen Z also support the proposal, which contradict from the Baby Boomer, Gen X and Gen Y. Based on the findings of this paper, the removal of the race section in the official government and private documents, can spark race sensitivity and polemic among the multiple race of Malaysia. The paper, however recommends allowing the race section in the official government and private documents in Malaysia.

Several conceptual models have been developed to measure health literacy. However, health literacy of the community, particularly the young is still under reported and under-explored. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate health literacy assessment tool for high school students. Participants were 150 students. The concept of health literacy evolved from defining, redefining, outlining and quantifying health literacy needs of a young population. Seven health education experts reviewed the initial item pool and helped select 85 questions for testing. The reviewer also provided confidential feedback via an evaluation questionnaire. Seven distinct health literacy domains meanings emerged viz health promotion, health care, disease prevention, health behaviour, health attitude, health wellbeing and health culture. The instrument has 85 questions that look promising for measuring health literacy in high school students, but needs additional and continuous testing with larger population to see how these questions continue to perform. The findings of present study might be a useful policy maker and health organizations to reflect and focus their promotion efforts on the more practical aspects of day-to-day in health promotion and are concerned with empowering young through enhancing their knowledge and improving their ability to make choices about their health well-being.

Youth leadership is an element critically needed in nation building agenda. The involvement of new youth leadership talent can be enhanced through wider exposure and professional training, including via mentoring. This paper discusses the potential of mentoring on positive youth development through the help of the communities of practice (COP) in a youth leadership development program. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach informed by the case study paradigm. This study found that mentoring provides opportunity to communicate directly between protégé and mentor and allowing learning through the organizational members. In conclusion, protégé is not only limited to the mentor, but learning process also occurred through organizational members. The qualitative findings provide insight that mentoring clearly has the potential to constitute the process of leadership learning through the COP and provide the opportunity for youth to learn to become better leaders and better individuals.

This paper examines the perception of Malaysian on the proposed removal of race section in official documents used by government and private organizations. The paper employed mixed method research paradigm. A total sample of 1513 Malaysian residents in Peninsular Malaysia was randomly selected from the whole population and data was collected using structured set of instruments, focus group interview and document analysis. The data was analysed using IBM SPSS software version 24 for both descriptive and inferential analysis. The findings shows that majority of Peninsular Malaysians did not support the proposal to remove race section in the official government and private documents. However, the findings revealed that Chinese and Indian communities are keen to support the proposal of removing the race section in the official government and private documents compared to the Malays, so also Sabah/Sarawak Bumiputera living here in Peninsular. Moreover, Gen Z also support the proposal, which contradict from the Baby Boomer, Gen X and Gen Y. Based on the findings of this paper, the removal of the race section in the official government and private documents, can spark race sensitivity and polemic among the multiple race of Malaysia. The paper, however recommends allowing the race section in the official government and private documents in Malaysia.

To receive support is crucial among youth in order for them to achieve success in life as it could hinder social exclusion, especially for at-risk young people. Empowering the potentials of at-risk youth through the support of external protective factors may enhance and optimise their potency. This study explores the role of external protective factors in young entrepreneurs’ resilient development. This research is based on the thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with five graduates from Baitulmal Skills Institution who are recognized by the Institution as successful entrepreneurs. This research has found four thematic external protective factors, which contributed to young entrepreneurs’ resilient development; namely getting support from educational institutions, good rapport with peers, supportive teaching staffs, youth-adult attachment and support in business management. The role of external protective factors in developing young entrepreneurs’ entrepreneurial resilience heavily relies on youth’s positive interaction with his/her environment. It is suggested that in the future, studies should focus on protective factors that concentrate on other types of at-risk youth who are able to develop positively.

Public sector plays a pivotal role in accelerating national development by progressively introducing and implementing series of change initiatives at all levels of public administration. In Malaysia, successful implementation of the change initiatives rest on the shoulder of the Administrative and Diplomatic Officers (ADO) whose managerial responsibilities cut across the most important administrative roles in the Malaysian Public Services (MPS). As their leadership roles continue to grow in significance, they constantly face various challenges in managing their subordinates towards achieving the common goals of the change initiatives. Thus, by having positive perceptions and attitudes towards change are crucial in promoting acceptance of change (AOC) behaviour among the ADO. However, negative perceptions and low attitude towards change would discourage the AOC, which would be detrimental to realizing the change initiatives in the public organizations. This study, therefore, aims to investigate the important roles of locus of control (LOC) and attitude towards change (ATC) in explaining the AOC behaviour among the middle managers in the MPS. A cross-sectional study was conducted by distributing self-administered questionnaires to a total of 400 respondents who were randomly sampled from the list of ADO. The findings revealed that the ATC indicated a statistically significant positive linear relationship with the AOC behaviour. However, the LOC was not statistically significant to explain the variance in AOC behaviour. This study provides new information for the Human Resource Development practitioner and can be used as input during change process in the context of public organisation. Several recommendations are briefly discussed to improve the AOC behaviour towards the end of this paper.

This study aims to explore coastal community views on the environmental changes. Their views are covering four aspects, their awareness, the causes, the impacts and things they have done to absorb the impacts. The data were gained via three FGDs conducted with the coastal community at Kuala Besut, Tanjung Piai and Lumut. Based on the FGDs, it can be concluded the coastal community is aware of the changes and they claimed these changes are mainly caused by two sources – the human and the natural factors. The changes are predominantly impacting them in negative ways and require them to have some initiatives to apprehend the impacts. A number of recommendations are highlighted and hopefully, it can guide the concern parties in constructing related strategies that can assist the coastal community in lessening the impacts of the environmental changes.

To receive support is crucial among youth in order for them to achieve success in life as it could hinder social exclusion, especially for at-risk young people. Empowering the potentials of at-risk youth through the support of external protective factors may enhance and optimise their potency. This study explores the role of external protective factors in young entrepreneurs’ resilient development. This research is based on the hematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with five graduates from Baitulmal Skills Institution who are recognized by the Institution as successful entrepreneurs. This research has found four thematic external protective factors, which contributed to young entrepreneurs’ resilient development; namely getting support from educational institutions, good rapport with peers, supportive teaching staffs, youth-adult attachment and support in business management. The role of external protective factors in developing young entrepreneurs’ entrepreneurial resilience heavily relies on youth’s positive interaction with his/her environment.It is suggested that in the future,studies should focus on protective factors that concentrate on other types of at-risk youth who are able to develop positively.

This paper examines the perception of Malaysian on the proposed removal of race section in official documents used by government and private organizations. The paper employed mixed method research paradigm. A total sample of 1513 Malaysian residents in Peninsular Malaysia was randomly selected from the whole population and data was collected using structured set of instruments, focus group interview and document analysis. The data was analysed using IBM SPSS software version 24 for both descriptive and inferential analysis. The findings shows that majority of Peninsular Malaysians did not support the proposal to remove race section in the official government and private documents. However, the findings revealed that Chinese and Indian communities are keen to support the proposal of removing the race section in the official government and private documents compared to the Malays, so also Sabah/Sarawak Bumiputera living here in Peninsular. Moreover, Gen Z also support the proposal, which contradict from the Baby Boomer, Gen X and Gen Y. Based on the findings of this paper, the removal of the race section in the official government and private documents, can spark race sensitivity and polemic among the multiple race of Malaysia. The paper, however recommends allowing the race section in the official government and private documents in Malaysia.

Several conceptual models have been developed to measure health literacy. However, health literacy of the community, particularly the young is still under reported and under-explored. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate health literacy assessment tool for high school students. Participants were 150 students. The concept of health literacy evolved from defining, redefining, outlining and quantifying health literacy needs of a young population. Seven health education experts reviewed the initial item pool and helped select 85 questions for testing. The reviewer also provided confidential feedback via an evaluation questionnaire. Seven distinct health literacy domains meanings emerged viz health promotion, health care, disease prevention, health behaviour, health attitude, health wellbeing and health culture. The instrument has 85 questions that look promising for measuring health literacy in high school students, but needs additional and continuous testing with larger population to see how these questions continue to perform. The findings of present study might be a useful policy maker and health organizations to reflect and focus their promotion efforts on the more practical aspects of day-to-day in health promotion and are concerned with empowering young through enhancing their knowledge and improving their ability to make choices about their health well-being.

This paper examines the perception of Malaysian on the proposed removal of race section in official documents used by government and private organizations. The paper employed mixed method research paradigm. A total sample of 1513 Malaysian residents in Peninsular Malaysia was randomly selected from the whole population and data was collected using structured set of instruments, focus group interview and document analysis. The data was analysed using IBM SPSS software version 24 for both descriptive and inferential analysis. The findings shows that majority of Peninsular Malaysians did not support the proposal to remove race section in the official government and private documents. However, the findings revealed that Chinese and Indian communities are keen to support the proposal of removing the race section in the official government and private documents compared to the Malays, so also Sabah/Sarawak Bumiputera living here in Peninsular. Moreover, Gen Z also support the proposal, which contradict from the Baby Boomer, Gen X and Gen Y. Based on the findings of this paper, the removal of the race section in the official government and private documents, can spark race sensitivity and polemic among the multiple race of Malaysia. The paper, however recommends allowing the race section in the official government and private documents in Malaysia.

Public sector plays a pivotal role in accelerating national development by progressively introducing and implementing series of change initiatives at all levels of public administration. In Malaysia, successful implementation of the change initiatives rest on the shoulder of the Administrative and Diplomatic Officers (ADO) whose managerial responsibilities cut across the most important administrative roles in the Malaysian Public Services (MPS). As their leadership roles continue to grow in significance, they constantly face various challenges in managing their subordinates towards achieving the common goals of the change initiatives. Thus, by having positive perceptions and attitudes towards change are crucial in promoting acceptance of change (AOC) behaviour among the ADO. However, negative perceptions and low attitude towards change would discourage the AOC, which would be detrimental to realizing the change initiatives in the public organizations. This study, therefore, aims to investigate the important roles of locus of control (LOC) and attitude towards change (ATC) in explaining the AOC behaviour among the middle managers in the MPS. A cross-sectional study was conducted by distributing self-administered questionnaires to a total of 400 respondents who were randomly sampled from the list of ADO. The findings revealed that the ATC indicated a statistically significant positive linear relationship with the AOC behaviour. However, the LOC was not statistically significant to explain the variance in AOC behaviour. This study provides new information for the Human Resource Development practitioner and can be used as input during change process in the context of public organisation. Several recommendations are briefly discussed to improve the AOC behaviour towards the end of this paper.

To receive support is crucial among youth in order for them to achieve success in life as it could hinder social exclusion, especially for at-risk young people. Empowering the potentials of at-risk youth through the support of external protective factors may enhance and optimise their potency. This study explores the role of external protective factors in young entrepreneurs’ resilient development. This research is based on the thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with five graduates from Baitulmal Skills Institution who are recognized by the Institution as successful entrepreneurs. This research has found four thematic external protective factors, which contributed to young entrepreneurs’ resilient development; namely getting support from educational institutions, good rapport with peers, supportive teaching staffs, youth-adult attachment and support in business management. The role of external protective factors in developing young entrepreneurs’ entrepreneurial resilience heavily relies on youth’s positive interaction with his/her environment. It is suggested that in the future, studies should focus on protective factors that concentrate on other types of at-risk youth who are able to develop positively.

Youth leadership is an element critically needed in nation building agenda. The involvement of new youth leadership talent can be enhanced through wider exposure and professional training, including via mentoring. This paper discusses the potential of mentoring on positive youth development through the help of the communities of practice (COP) in a youth leadership development program. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach informed by the case study paradigm. This study found that mentoring provides opportunity to communicate directly between protégé and mentor and allowing learning through the organizational members. In conclusion, protégé is not only limited to the mentor, but learning process also occurred through organizational members. The qualitative findings provide insight that mentoring clearly has the potential to constitute the process of leadership learning through the COP and provide the opportunity for youth to learn to become better leaders and better individuals.

This study aims to explore coastal community views on the environmental changes. Their views are covering four aspects, their awareness, the causes, the impacts and things they have done to absorb the impacts. The data were gained via three FGDs conducted with the coastal community at Kuala Besut, Tanjung Piai and Lumut. Based on the FGDs, it can be concluded the coastal community is aware of the changes and they claimed these changes are mainly caused by two sources – the human and the natural factors. The changes are predominantly impacting them in negative ways and require them to have some initiatives to apprehend the impacts. A number of recommendations are highlighted and hopefully, it can guide the concern parties in constructing related strategies that can assist the coastal community in lessening the impacts of the environmental changes.