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Purpose: Intercultural communicative competence (ICC) is important in intercultural exchange, to address problems and conflicts which may arise due to miscommunication that results from interlocutors' diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Interlocutors may have different perceptions and interpretations of communicative behaviour. However, cultural and intercultural aspects seem to be ignored in teaching Mandarin as a foreign language (MFL) in Malaysian higher education institutions. Hence, the ICC level among local MFL learners is unknown. In this study, formative assessments were designed in a culturally integrated MFL module to investigate learners' level of ICC in a selected Malaysian polytechnic. Methodology: The polytechnic was selected as cultural competency was incorporated in the MFL course. A design and developmental research was carried out to design formative assessment for ICC based on experts' feedback. The assessment comprised Intercultural Discussion and Reflections, Cultural Discovery, Cultural Quizzes and an Intercultural Communicative Task. They were implemented to assess learners' ICC. Findings: The results indicate that different forms of assessment were suitable for assessing the respective competences, and that multiple forms of formative assessment should be employed to assess and improve MFL learners' ICC. Significance: Instructors in higher education could apply these forms of formative assessment to develop ICC among their MFL learners. The assessments could also be extended to intercultural communication competence development in other languages, which is important in a multicultural and globalized society.

Intercultural communicative competence (ICC) is the ability to interact and communicate appropriately with people from different cultures. The lack of ICC among non-native speakers has resulted in misunderstandings during interactions. Although Malaysia is a multicultural country, there has not been much emphasis in developing ICC in the curriculum. Students in higher education institutions have low levels of ICC. This is also true among students taking Mandarin as a Foreign Language (MFL) in Malaysian polytechnics. Virtual reality (VR) can engage students in the cognitive and affective domains. There is a potential for using VR to improve students' ICC, particularly when students are engaged in producing their own immersive VR environments. Hence, a quasi-experimental research was designed to determine whether utilizing and developing VR environments related to Chinese culture could improve the level of ICC among students. The participants were 31 students enrolled in a MFL course at a polytechnic. The findings indicated a significant increase in the measures of ICC after the implementation and was verified from student feedback through surveys and interviews. VR has the potential for improving ICC levels as it could be used to develop positive attitudes towards another culture. Further studies could be done to investigate whether VR could be used to develop ICC and engage other Malaysian students. ICC is important and needed for cross-cultural collaborations and interactions to promote respect and compassion for other cultures in a community.

Language cannot be taught outside the culture of the society. A foreign language learner needs to learn the context and the cultural elements to avoid conflicts and misunderstanding arising from differing values, beliefs, and customs. Hence, foreign language instruction needs to emphasise intercultural communicative competence and include cultural and intercultural elements. Teaching materials such as textbooks and learning modules should also include cultural elements to develop students' intercultural communicative competence. Mandarin as a foreign language (MFL) courses has gained popularity among non-native speakers in local higher education institutions (HEIs) as the enrolment for this course has risen. However, there does not seem to be studies determining whether cultural elements are incorporated in the course and in the textbooks used. This study investigates whether the cultural and intercultural are incorporated elements in MFL textbooks from seven selected public HEI in Malaysia. Directed content analysis is used based on the cultural and intercultural framework for communication. The findings indicate that there were insufficient cultural and intercultural elements in most of the sampled textbooks. This means that in future, textbooks written for MFL should include cultural and intercultural elements for better understanding of the language.

Background Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide and has posed numerous health and socioeconomic challenges. This study compared whether nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in combination with tramadol, tizanidine or placebo would be the best treatment regime to improve the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) scores at 1 week. Methods This was a multi-center, double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial including adult patients with acute LBP and sciatica in three emergency departments in Hong Kong. Patients were randomized to the receive tramadol 50 mg, tizanidine 2 mg, or placebo every 6 hours for 2 weeks in a 1:1:1 ratio. The RMDQ and other secondary outcomes were measured at baseline, Day 2, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Data were analyzed on an intention to treat basis. Crude and adjusted mean differences in the changes of RMDQ and NRS scores from baseline to Day 7 between tizanidine/tramadol and placebo were determined with 95% confidence intervals. Results Two hundred and ninety-one patients were analyzed with the mean age of 47.4 years and 57.7% were male. The primary outcome of mean difference in RMDQs on Day 7 (compared with baseline) was non-significant for tizanidine compared with placebo (adjusted mean difference − 0.56, 95% CI -2.48 to 1.37) and tramadol compared with placebo (adjusted mean difference − 0.85, 95% CI -2.80 to 1.10). Only 23.7% were fully compliant to the treatment allocated. Complier Average Causal Effect analysis also showed no difference in the primary outcome for the tizanidine and tramadol versus placebo. Conclusion Among patients with acute LBP and sciatica presenting to the ED, adding tramadol or tizanidine to diclofenac did not improve functional recovery. What is already known on this topic There was no clear evidence of efficacy for cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, and metaxalone in addition to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs alone in patients with acute low back pain in the emergency department setting. What this study adds Among Chinese patients with acute low back pain and sciatica presenting to the emergency department, adding tramadol or tizanidine to diclofenac did not improve functional recovery at one week. The compliance to the analgesic drugs were low in this trial, with only 23.7% has taken at least 75% of the recommended doses, and 53.6% of patients has taken less than 25% of the recommended doses. Significant adverse events related to tramadol and tizanidine were found, with the most common being sleepiness and dizziness. How this study might affect research, practice or policy The lack of compliance would drive the effect estimate towards the null hypothesis (i.e. no difference), and further studies on relevant drugs should take into account of these low compliance rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chinese community’s unique position in Malaysian inter-ethnic relations weaves through intricate interactions with other ethnic groups, maintaining distinct cultural identities amidst Malaysia’s diverse ethnic fabric. This study explores the intricate relationship between ethnic consciousness and cultural heritage among Malaysian Chinese people, examining, within a historical context, how this community maintains its distinct identity within a multi-ethnic society. Utilizing focus group discussions (FGDs) with Chinese independent schools (CIS) students, the study delves into their identity perceptions, influenced by both “authority-defined” and “everyday-defined” social realities. The findings reveal how cultural heritage, particularly through lion dance activities, reinforces ethnic consciousness while contributing to a broader national identity. This study elucidates the complex dynamics of ethnic identity formation in a multicultural context and advocates for an inclusive heritage management. Such an approach fosters dialogue, respects diversity, and enhances our understanding of the role of heritage in shaping a cohesive, multicultural society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Frailty is associated with worse outcomes and higher healthcare costs. The long waiting time for surgery is a potential 'teachable' moment. We examined the feasibility and safety of a pilot prehabilitation programme on high-risk frail patients undergoing major elective surgery. Methods: A single-centre, retrospective pilot study (Dec 2020–Nov 2021) on a one-stop prehabilitation programme (structured exercise training, nutritional counselling/therapy, and psychological support) in collaboration with geriatricians and allied health professionals. At least 4 weeks before surgery, patients at high risk of frailty or malnutrition, or undergoing major hepatectomy, esophagectomy, pancreaticoduodenectomy, or radical cystectomy, were referred for prehabilitation (2–3 sessions/week). The primary outcomes were the feasibility and safety of prehabilitation. The secondary outcomes were changes in functional, emotional, and nutritional status and days alive and at home within 30 days after surgery (DAH30) associated with prehabilitation. Results: Over a 12-month period, 72 out of 111 patients (64.9%) from the Perioperative Medicine Clinic were eligible for prehabilitation, of which 54 (75%) were recruited. The mean (standard deviation) age was 71.9 (6.9) years. The adherence rate to 3 weeks of prehabilitation was high in 52 (96.3%) participants. Prehabilitation improved exercise capacity (P = 0.08), enhanced some functional mobility measures (P = 0.02), and increased nutritional energy (P = 0.04) and protein intakes (P < 0.01). However, prehabilitation-related changes in muscle strength, cognitive function, and emotional resilience were minimal. The median (interquatile range) DAH30 was 19 (14–23) days. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions: This outpatient-based, one-stop multidisciplinary prehabilitation programme was feasible, safe, and improved several measures of patient's physiological reserve and functional capacity. Clinical trial registration: NCT05668221. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the form of social capital present among Malaysian Chinese youth, comparing across those who are Chinese-medium educated and English-medium educated. The reason for comparison is because of the dichotomy of Confucian values in Chinese-medium education and Western liberal democratic values in English-medium education, which may influence their choice of social network. Using a self-designed survey questionnaire, I assessed whether Putnam’s two forms of social capital, the bridging and the bonding social capital, are found in these two sub-ethnic groups. In terms of face-to-face interaction, it is found that ethnic identification remains a strong influence on respondents’ choice of social network. However, respondents also demonstrate an aspiration to network on a more global scale if facilitated by information communication technology. Given Malaysia’s present globalised environment, with strong migratory flows inside and outside, the reality of respondents’ social capital does not match the expectations respondents have of themselves. While they express a desire to network in a global nexus, in order to be more connected to the rest of the world, they are still restrained by attributes like ethnic identification and language preference.

This article discusses the form of social capital present among Malaysian Chinese youth, comparing across those who are Chinese-medium educated and English-medium educated. The reason for comparison is because of the dichotomy of Confucian values in Chinese-medium education and Western liberal democratic values in English-medium education, which may influence their choice of social network. Using a self-designed survey questionnaire, I assessed whether Putnam’s two forms of social capital, the bridging and the bonding social capital, are found in these two sub-ethnic groups. In terms of face-to-face interaction, it is found that ethnic identification remains a strong influence on respondents’ choice of social network. However, respondents also demonstrate an aspiration to network on a more global scale if facilitated by information communication technology. Given Malaysia’s present globalised environment, with strong migratory flows inside and outside, the reality of respondents’ social capital does not match the expectations respondents have of themselves. While they express a desire to network in a global nexus, in order to be more connected to the rest of the world, they are still restrained by attributes like ethnic identification and language preference.

Aim: Sex differences are well documented in schizophrenia, but have been much less studied in at‐risk mental state (ARMS) for psychosis. We aimed to examine sex differences in symptomatology, cognition, social and role functioning in individuals with ARMS, with specific focus on clarifying relationships between sex, negative symptoms and functioning. Methods: One hundred and seventy‐seven Chinese participants aged 15–40 years with ARMS were recruited from a specialized early intervention service in Hong Kong. ARMS status was verified by Comprehensive Assessment of At‐Risk Mental State. Assessments encompassing symptom profiles, a brief battery of cognitive tests and social and role functioning were conducted. Brief Negative Symptom Scale was adapted to measure negative symptoms at the level of five core domains. Results: Males with ARMS exhibited significantly poorer social functioning and more severe asociality of negative symptoms than female counterparts. Mediation analysis revealed that sex difference in social functioning became statistically insignificant when asocality was included in the model, indicating that asociality mediated the relationship between sex and social functioning. No sex differences were observed in other core domains of negative symptoms, other symptom dimensions, cognitive measures and role functioning. Conclusions: This study suggests that sex differences in ARMS may be less pronounced that those observed in established psychotic disorders. Our findings of differential pattern of asociality between sexes and its mediating role on sex difference in social functioning underscore the importance in investigating negative symptoms at a separable domain‐level. Further research is required to identify sex‐specific predictors of longitudinal outcomes in at‐risk populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article unravels the concept of the grey area phenomenon which is getting more specific and intense. The complexity of borders remains a core point regarding boundaries, informal cross border trade, and threats to national security. This article focuses on investigating the survival of informal economic activities in Sebatik Island. This study uses a qualitative approach in the form of field observations and interviews as the main source of primary data of this writing. The results suggest that the grey area phenomenon concentrated in Sebatik Island creates benefits and detriment related to both countries' survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Psychiatric comorbidity frequently occurs with at‐risk mental state (ARMS) for psychosis. Its relationships with psychopathology, cognition and functioning, however, remain to be further clarified. We aimed to examine prevalence and correlates of psychiatric comorbidity, and its associations with psychosocial functioning and subjective quality‐of‐life (QoL) in a representative sample of Chinese ARMS individuals. Methods: One hundred ten help‐seeking participants aged 15 to 40 years with ARMS were recruited from a specialized early psychosis service in Hong Kong. ARMS status was verified by comprehensive assessment of at‐risk mental state (CAARMS). Comorbid Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition non‐psychotic psychiatric disorders at baseline were ascertained using diagnostic interview and medical record review. Assessments encompassing symptom profiles, psychosocial functioning, subjective QoL and a brief cognitive battery were conducted. Results: Forty‐nine (44.5%) ARMS participants were diagnosed as having comorbid non‐psychotic psychiatric disorders at baseline, primarily depressive and anxiety disorders. Binary multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that female gender, more severe depressive symptoms, higher suicidality and poorer global cognitive functioning were independently associated with comorbid diagnosis status. ARMS participants with psychiatric comorbidity displayed significantly more limited extended social networks and poorer subjective QoL than those without psychiatric comorbidity. Conclusion: Comorbid disorders were frequently observed in Chinese ARMS individuals, and were linked to poorer cognition and higher suicide risk. Our findings underscore a potential critical role of psychiatric comorbidity in determining social functioning and subjective QoL in at‐risk individuals. Further longitudinal research is required to clarify trajectories of comorbid disorder status and its prospective impact on clinical and functional outcomes in ARMS populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mainstream rise of "bundle" clothing consumption in Malaysia mirrors the global trend of thrift shopping. Theories about this phenomenon range from the birth of recessionistas, to environmental conservation and identity construction. In this paper, I examine the trend of "selam bundle", or diving into clothingbundles in thrift shops, where people deliberately purchase material goods to communicate their fashion tastes to the public. Bourdieu's concepts of habitus and field are also used to elucidate this phenomenon. I theorise that the act of thrift shopping, or "selam bundle" here is not caused entirely due to a lack of funds based on social class, as individuals from various levels of income participate in this activity. Instead, I view "selam bundle" as an act of increasing one's "street cred" or social capital, where the more unique the find, the more "street cred" one achieves. This is also an activity that is common among the hipster subculture. Observations about thrift shopping or "selam bundle" were made using a mixed-method approach, combining visits to thrift stores, watching YouTube videos of thrift bloggers, reading their blogs, obtaining newspaper interviews and feature stories about thrift shoppers and thrift shops, and obtaining data from social media, as well as data from a large-scale survey titled Platform Integrasi:Pendekatan 'Top-Down' dan 'Bottom-Up' Dalam Mendepani Cabaran Kesepaduan Sosial (Integration Platforms: 'Top-Down' and 'Bottom-Up' Approaches to Facing Challenges in Social Cohesion). As this is a shopping act that transcends the usual social categories of social class, I theorise that "selam bundle" can be seen as a potential platform of social integration, driven by the grassroots or everyday-defined approach to constructing identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of the world economy created its own footprint as a result of the phenomenon. 1/3 of that space is owned by the informal economy also referred to as the Local Economy or System D. The connotation is to imagine a work phenomenon that is truly universal without a clear basis for labor. This increasingly sophisticated and world-class phenomenon takes the place of economic space left by the formal economy. The manipulation of the vast resources, the dynamic practices that take place in the legal and illegal dimensions, provide a guarantee of employment shadowed by survival. This paper traces the phenomenon occurring on the Sebatik Islands of Malaysia and Indonesia. The study method was qualitative based on the interviews of key informants. The results suggest that this phenomenon occurs due to the fact that economic space and opportunities can be exploited for the sake of sustainability in meeting economic demands, especially marginalized groups at the border. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]