Quantum Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities
Quantum Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (QJSSH) is an open-access, online electronic publication, and peer-reviewed journal. QJSSH journal addressing the current issues in the study area of social sciences and humanities. The journal publishes research articles, review articles, short communications, case studies and reports in anthropology and sociology, archeology, area studies, business and administration, cultural and ethnic studies, economic and finance, education and educational research, gender studies, geography, law, library and information science, media and communication, political science and governance, psychology and human development, rural and urban development, social and community work, social and economiv development, social enterpreneurship, sociolinguistics, volunteerism, youth development, and multidisciplinary research of international interest. QJSSH journal provide immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge. Abstract and Indexing Quantum Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (QJSSH) are abstracted and indexing in Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (BASE); COnnecting REpositories (CORE); Dimensions; Directory of Research Journal Indexing (DRJI); EuroPub; Google Scholar; Malaysian Journal (MyJurnal); Malaysian Citation Index (MyCite); Neliti; Open Ukrainian Citation Index (OUCI); Scilit; Semantic Scholar; UDLedge; and many more.
STRATEGI INTEGRASI NILAI TRADISIONAL DAN KEHIDUPAN MODEN DALAM KALANGAN BELIA DI KOTA MARUDU
Kajian ini meneliti strategi integrasi nilai tradisional dan kehidupan moden dalam kalangan belia di Kota Marudu dengan memberi tumpuan kepada pendidikan budaya, penyertaan strategik belia, peranan NGO dan ekosistem sokongan institusi. Kajian ini memusatkan analisis kepada bentuk tindakan integratif yang berpotensi menghubungkan sekolah, komuniti, media digital dan institusi adat. Kajian menggunakan pendekatan kaedah campuran yang melibatkan 100 responden belia, 12 temu bual mendalam dan tujuh sesi perbincangan kumpulan fokus. Dapatan menunjukkan 42.0% responden menilai penekanan MAN dalam kurikulum pada tahap sederhana, namun 81.0% setuju atau sangat setuju bahawa belia perlu memainkan peranan dalam organisasi MAN. Sebanyak 84.0% pula bersetuju bahawa NGO atau pertubuhan belia boleh membantu penglibatan belia dalam MAN, manakala 44.0% memilih gabungan latihan kepimpinan, dokumentasi dan kem latihan belia sebagai program yang sesuai. Dapatan kualitatif menunjukkan pendidikan formal masih minimum, pendidikan tidak formal kekal penting dan belia memerlukan cara penghayatan adat yang lebih serasi dengan media serta gaya hidup semasa. Kajian ini merumuskan bahawa integrasi nilai tradisional dan kehidupan moden perlu dibangunkan sebagai ekosistem berlapis yang menghubungkan pendidikan, komuniti, teknologi digital, penyertaan belia dan sokongan institusi secara berterusan. This study examines strategies for integrating traditional values and modern life among youth in Kota Marudu by focusing on cultural education, strategic youth participation, the role of NGOs and the institutional support ecosystem. The study centres on integrative forms of action that can connect schools, communities, digital media and customary institutions. A mixed-methods approach was employed involving 100 youth respondents, 12 in-depth interviews and seven focus group discussions. The findings show that 42.0% of respondents rated the emphasis on MAN in the curriculum as moderate, yet 81.0% agreed or strongly agreed that youth should play a role in MAN organisations. A total of 84.0% agreed that NGOs or youth organisations could support youth involvement in MAN, while 44.0% selected a combination of leadership training, documentation and youth camps as suitable programmes. Qualitative findings indicate that formal education remains limited, informal education continues to play an important role, and youth require ways of appreciating custom that are more compatible with contemporary media and lifestyles. This study concludes that the integration of traditional values and modern life should be developed as a layered ecosystem that continuously connects education, community, digital technology, youth participation and institutional support.
Copyright (c) 2026 MAIJOL MAHAP, JOHAN JOHNES, ROSAZMAN HUSSIN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
PENGARUH TEKNOLOGI TERHADAP KONFLIK IDENTITI DAN NILAI TRADISIONAL BELIA DI KOTA MARUDU
Artikel ini menganalisis bagaimana globalisasi dan teknologi membentuk konflik identiti serta mempengaruhi pemeliharaan nilai tradisional dalam kalangan belia di Kota Marudu. Berbeza daripada artikel yang menilai kesedaran institusi atau strategi integrasi, artikel ini menumpukan ekologi digital sebagai medan rundingan identiti. Kajian menggunakan reka bentuk kajian kes dengan pendekatan kaedah campuran yang melibatkan 100 responden belia, 12 temu bual mendalam dan tujuh sesi perbincangan kumpulan fokus. Dapatan menunjukkan 55.0% responden pernah melihat maklumat MAN di media sosial dan 66.0% memberi skor positif bahawa media sosial membantu memahami peranan MAN. Walau bagaimanapun, hanya 38.0% menilai maklumat digital sebagai menarik dan informatif, manakala 22.0% menganggapnya kurang jelas. Sebanyak 44.0% responden mengakui wujud konflik antara undang-undang sivil dan adat, 49.0% menyatakan aktiviti sosial lebih diutamakan berbanding acara adat, tetapi 83.0% bersetuju teknologi boleh mempromosi dan memelihara budaya tempatan. Dapatan kualitatif menunjukkan konflik identiti berlaku pada aras bahasa, gaya hidup, autoriti budaya dan cara belia menilai relevansi adat. Artikel ini merumuskan bahawa teknologi bukan sekadar alat promosi, tetapi medan sosial yang menuntut literasi digital budaya, kawalan mutu kandungan dan naratif adat yang dipimpin oleh belia. This article analyses how globalisation and technology shape identity conflict and influence the preservation of traditional values among youth in Kota Marudu. Unlike articles that assess institutional awareness or integration strategies, this article focuses on the digital ecology as an arena of identity negotiation. The study employed a case study design and a mixed-methods approach involving 100 youth respondents, 12 in-depth interviews and seven focus group discussions. The findings show that 55.0% of respondents had seen information about MAN on social media and 66.0% gave positive scores indicating that social media helped them understand MAN's role. However, only 38.0% regarded digital information as interesting and informative, while 22.0% considered it unclear. A total of 44.0% acknowledged a conflict between civil law and customary law, 49.0% stated that social activities were prioritised over customary events, yet 83.0% agreed that technology could promote and preserve local culture. Qualitative findings indicate that identity conflict occurs through language, lifestyle, cultural authority and the way youth evaluate the relevance of custom. The article concludes that technology is not merely a promotional tool, but a social arena requiring cultural digital literacy, content quality control and youth-led customary narratives.
KESEDARAN DAN PEMAHAMAN BELIA TERHADAP PERANAN MAHKAMAH ANAK NEGERI SABAH DI KOTA MARUDU
Kajian ini meneliti tahap kesedaran dan pemahaman belia terhadap peranan Mahkamah Anak Negeri Sabah (MAN) di Kota Marudu. Fokus utama kajian ialah jurang antara kesedaran permukaan dengan pemahaman fungsional, iaitu sama ada belia hanya mengetahui kewujudan MAN atau benar-benar memahami fungsi, bidang kuasa, saluran rujukan dan kedudukannya sebagai institusi adat. Kajian menggunakan reka bentuk kajian kes dengan pendekatan kaedah campuran yang melibatkan 100 responden belia, 12 temu bual mendalam dan tujuh sesi perbincangan kumpulan fokus. Dapatan menunjukkan 99.0% responden pernah mendengar tentang MAN dan 78.0% berada pada tahap sedar atau sangat sedar terhadap kewujudannya di Kota Marudu. Namun, hanya 58.0% menyatakan maklumat yang diterima membantu mereka memahami undang-undang adat, manakala 45.0% tidak pernah menerima pendedahan tentang undang-undang adat. Sekolah dan universiti menjadi saluran utama pendedahan awal, tetapi pendedahan tersebut masih bersifat umum. Kajian ini merumuskan bahawa kelestarian MAN memerlukan peralihan daripada promosi kesedaran kepada pembinaan literasi institusi adat yang lebih aplikatif, berasaskan senario kes dan dekat dengan pengalaman belia. This study examines youth awareness and understanding of the role of the Sabah Native Court (Mahkamah Anak Negeri, MAN) in Kota Marudu. Its main focus is the gap between surface awareness and functional understanding, namely whether young people merely know of MAN's existence or understand its functions, jurisdiction, access pathways and position as a customary institution. The study employed a case study design and a mixed-methods approach involving 100 youth respondents, 12 in-depth interviews and seven focus group discussions. The findings show that 99.0% of respondents had heard of MAN and 78.0% were aware or highly aware of its existence in Kota Marudu. However, only 58.0% stated that the information they received helped them understand customary law, while 45.0% had never received exposure to customary law. Schools and universities were the dominant channels of early exposure, yet such exposure remained general. This study concludes that the sustainability of MAN requires a shift from awareness promotion to the development of applied, scenario-based and youth-friendly customary institutional literacy.
MODEL-MODEL KONTEKSTUALISASI TEOLOGI STEPHEN B. BEVANS DAN KAITANNYA DENGAN DAKWAH ISLAM: SUATU TINJAUAN AWAL
Kontekstualisasi teologi merupakan pendekatan yang penting dalam memahami bagaimana ajaran teologi dapat diaplikasikan dan relevan dalam berbagai budaya. Sehubungan itu, kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi model-model utama kontekstualisasi teologi yang diimplementasikan dalam budaya tertentu. Di samping menjelaskan bagaimana nilai dan praktik keagamaan dapat disesuaikan dengan budaya, keadaan sosial, dan latar belakang masyarakat yang berbeza-beza. Dalam pada itu, pengkaji cuba untuk mengaitkan ia dengan dakwah Islam. Bagi mencapai tujuan tersebut, kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif, berdasarkan kepada kaedah perpustakaan dengan menganalisis dokumen seperti artikel, buku, tesis dan bahan rujukan berautoriti yang lain. Hasil kajian ini mendapati, model kontekstualisasi teologi tidak berfokus pada budaya semata-mata tetapi turut melihat aspek lain, seperti keperluan semasa dan permasalahan yang sedang dihadapi. Oleh sebab itu, model kontekstualisasi sememangnya memudahkan penyampaian dan penerimaan pesan teologi dalam kalangan masyarakat dengan menjadikan budaya dan isu yang sedang dihadapi sebagai jembatan untuk menyampaikan pesan teologi. This study aims to explore the main models of theological contextualization implemented in specific cultures. In addition, it explains how religious values and practices can be adapted to different cultures, social conditions, and backgrounds. The study also attempts to relate this to Islamic propagation (dakwah). To achieve this goal, the study uses a qualitative approach, based on library methods by analyzing documents such as articles, books, theses, and other authoritative reference materials. The results of this study found that the model of theological contextualization does not solely focus on culture but also considers other aspects, such as current needs and problems being faced. Therefore, the contextualization model facilitates the delivery and acceptance of theological messages among the community by making culture and current issues a bridge to convey theological messages.
Copyright (c) 2026 MOHAMAD SHAUKHI MOHD RADZI, MOHAMMAD FIRDAUS HASMIN, MOHD SOHAIMI ESA, SYAMSUL AZIZUL MARINSAH https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
DAKWAH KONTEKSTUAL DALAM AKTIVITI SYIAR ISLAM DI KAMPUNG SUNGAI PADANG, PAPAR PADA TAHUN 1973
Makalah ini bertujuan untuk meneliti penganjuran pertandingan Tafsir al-Quran, Syarahan dan Azan yang dianjurkan oleh USIA Cawangan Kampung Sungai Padang, Papar Sabah pada tahun 1973. Objektif utama kajian ini, adalah untuk mengenalpasti elemen-elemen dakwah kontekstual seperti dakwah bil hal (tindakan), bil lisan (perkataan) dan bil qalam (penulisan) yang diterapkan dalam program tersebut. Bagi mencapai tujuan tersebut, pengkaji telah menggunakan kaedah kualitatif berdasarkan kepada analisis dokumen arkib, khususnya Majalah Sinar USIA terbitan tahun 1973. Sehubungan itu, hasil kajian mendapati bahawa penganjuran pertandingan ini sememangnya mengandungi unsur dakwah kontekstual yang komprehensif, iaitu penyampaian mesej Islam yang dilakukan secara bersepadu merangkumi ketiga-tiga elemen dakwah kontekstual tersebut, iaitu dakwah bil hal, bil lisan dan bil qalam. Oleh yang demikian, kajian ini menegaskan bahawa, integrasi elemen kontekstual dalam dakwah sememangnya penting, bagi memastikan mesej Islam dapat disampaikan secara relevan mengikut situasi penerima dakwah (mad’u), agar mesej tersebut dapat diterima dengan baik oleh masyarakat. This paper aims to examine the organization of Al-Quran Interpretation, Public Speaking, and Azan competitions by the USIA Kampung Sungai Padang Branch, Papar, Sabah in 1973. The primary objective of this study is to identify the elements of contextual da’wah, namely da’wah bil hal (action), bil lisan (speech), and bil qalam (writing), integrated within the program. To achieve this, a qualitative method was employed based on archival document analysis, focusing specifically on the 1973 editions of the Sinar USIA Magazine. Consequently, the research findings reveal that the organization of these competitions indeed incorporated comprehensive contextual da’wah elements, where the Islamic message was delivered through an integrated approach encompassing all three elements: da’wah bil hal, bil lisan, and bil qalam. Therefore, this study asserts that the integration of contextual elements in da’wah is essential to ensure that Islamic messages are delivered relevantly according to the situation of the recipients (mad’u), ensuring that such messages are well-received by society.
Copyright (c) 2026 MOHAMAD SHAUKHI MOHD RADZI, MOHAMMAD FIRDAUS HASMIN, SYAMSUL AZIZUL MARINSAH, MOHD SOHAIMI ESA https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ASSESSING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GAME DESIGN PREFERENCE, ESCAPISM AND IMPULSIVITY WITH GAMBLING ADDICTION
The growing popularity of mobile gaming, particularly gacha games, has raised increasing concern over their potential association with gambling addiction. Gacha games operate on randomized reward systems that resemble gambling mechanisms and encouraging repeated play and monetary spending in pursuit of uncertain outcomes. Despite their prevalence, empirical research exploring how psychological and design-related factors contribute to gambling like behaviours among players remains limited, especially within the Malaysian context. This gap underscores the need to understand how individuals’ motivations and personality traits interact with gaming mechanics to influence addictive tendencies. This preliminary quantitative study investigates the relationships between game design preference, escapism, impulsivity, and gambling addiction among active gacha game players. Using a structured self-administered online questionnaire, data were analysed through Pearson correlation to determine the strength and direction of association between the studied variables. The results indicate that impulsivity and escapism are positively associated with gambling addiction, while game design preference shows no significant relationship. Overall, the findings contribute to the growing body if literature on digital gaming behaviour by highlighting the psychological and motivational dimensions underlying gambling tendencies. This study offers important insights for researchers, game developers, and policymakers in developing a culturally more relevant interventions and responsible gaming framework.
Copyright (c) 2026 NUR'AIN NATASHA MOHAMMAD NAZRUL KOH, HAMIZAH SAHHARON https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
MULTIMODAL FEATURE FUSION FOR INTELLIGENT JADE CARVING DESIGN: A HUMAN-AI COLLABORATIVE APPROACH
Multimodal feature fusion offers a transformative approach to intelligent jade carving design by integrating human expertise with artificial intelligence to enhance creativity in traditional crafts. As a traditional Chinese art form, jade carving faces modern challenges such as limited efficiency, restricted adaptability, and the difficulty of merging traditional workflows with digital innovation. This study introduces an intelligent design framework that employs human–AI collaboration and multimodal structured feature fusion to inspire creativity while maintaining cultural authenticity. The proposed system applies a three-stage reference image recommendation process involving material-feature extraction, thematic and compositional analysis, and design-decision support. Using deep learning segmentation and color-space thresholding, key geometric and color features of jade materials are extracted and structured as encoded vectors. These are then matched with a database of traditional compositions through multimodal models that generate semantic labels and apply weighted similarity scoring. The system integrates automatic screening with human evaluation to ensure accuracy, diversity, and cultural sensitivity. Experimental outcomes indicate improvements in design efficiency, precision, interpretability, and reduced cognitive load for designers. This research underscores the value of AI-assisted systems in preserving traditional craftsmanship while driving innovation, offering a framework that connects deep learning with human creativity for the sustainable transformation of cultural heritage design.
Copyright (c) 2026 ZHENWEI WENG, HEMA ZULAIKA HASHIM https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
MEDIA REPRESENTATION OF RELIGION, RACE AND ROYALTY (3R) IN MALAYSIAN POLITICAL JOURNALISM PERSPECTIVES
This study explores the perceptions and representations of politically sensitive issues-religion, race, and royalty (3R)-by mainstream journalists in Malaysia based on selected media reportage. Notwithstanding the digital change of newsrooms, 3R framing persists in shaping political narratives and public discourse, mirroring established sociocultural norms. The study addresses an important gap by interpreting how journalistic decision-making is shaped by institutional, cultural, and political elements in reporting on these delicate topics. A qualitative approach was employed, incorporating in-depth interviews with experienced journalists from mainstream media organizations, alongside a critical discourse analysis of selected political news articles published during the 2018–2025 electoral cycle. This period was chosen as it captures a significant shift in Malaysia’s political and media landscape, beginning with the historic 2018 general election that marked a change in government and extending to contemporary developments such as the 2020 political realignment and GE15 in 2022. Covering this cycle allows for a deeper understanding of how 3R narratives evolved amidst heightened political transitions, editorial pressures, and public sensitivities. The research project employed Agenda-setting Theory and Media Priming Theory to interpret how journalists construct 3R narratives while navigating political and editorial constraints. The results indicate that although journalists recognize the necessity for balanced reporting, institutional boundaries, self-censorship, and audience expectations often result in cautious and repetitive framing, particularly in coverage of royalty and religion. Race-related matters are frequently influenced by political disputes and historical conflicts. Notwithstanding the digital transition, conventional narratives endure, and the capacity for transformation is constrained by structural limits. This research enriches understanding of the Malaysian media's handling of sensitive identity politics, offering insights into the intersections of media, politics, and social values. The study highlights the need for reflective journalistic practices and comprehensive media reforms to ensure fairer portrayals of Malaysia's diverse society.
Copyright (c) 2026 ZAMIRUL NUR HAKIM M ZAILANI, MOHD SHAHNAWI MUHMAD PIRUS, WARDATUL HAYAT ADNAN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
CULTURAL INFLUENCES ON PUBLIC APOLOGIES AMONG MALAYSIAN PUBLIC FIGURES: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
Public apologies by Malaysian public figure such as political leaders, celebrities, internet influencers, and entrepreneurs have been under consistent scrutiny on digital platforms such as X, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok where audiences actively evaluate their sincerity and cultural appropriateness. Although apology communication has been widely studied in Western contexts, there remains a lack of systematic understanding of how Malaysia’s collectivist and high context cultural norms can shape apology strategies and audience interpretations. This gap limits the applicability of the existing image repair theories to non-Western societies. To address this issue, this systematic literature review (SLR) examines how cultural factors influence the framing, expression, and public reception of apologies among Malaysian public figures guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. The review analysed studies published between 2020 and 2025 from two databases; Google Scholar and SCOPUS that explore the intersection of culture, communication, and public image repair. Findings reveal that Malaysian public apologies emphasize moral responsibility, respect for hierarchy, and face saving. This reflects a harmony-oriented communication deeply rooted in the nation’s multicultural identity. However, empirical integration across studies remains limited. The review also highlights the limitations of Western-centric models, such as Benoit’s Image Repair Theory, and proposes incorporating culturally grounded perspectives such as normology. Overall, this synthesis helps understand intercultural and crisis communication by offering a culturally informed framework for understanding apology practices in Malaysia’s sociocultural landscape.
Copyright (c) 2026 NURUL SYAFIQAH ZAMREE, HAMIZAH SAHHARON https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
POST-CALIPHATE ISIS DIGITAL PROPAGANDA EVOLVES, RESONATING THROUGH ‘GLOCALIZED’ RESONANCE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
Despite the 2019 territorial collapse of its physical "caliphate," the Islamic State (ISIS) has adeptly transitioned its sophisticated media apparatus into a decentralized, resilient "virtual insurgency." This study addresses a critical temporal (post-2019) and contextual (Southeast Asian) gap in the literature by examining the narrative evolution and strategic adaptation of ISIS digital propaganda. We argue that to maintain relevance, ISIS has pivoted from a monolithic "utopian state-building" narrative to a highly adaptive "glocalized" model that targets specific regional audiences. This article employs a mixed-method qualitative analysis, combining Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) with Visual Semiotics. The analysis is performed on a curated corpus of official and supporter-driven digital media (videos, infographics, editorials) disseminated between 2019 and 2024 on encrypted platforms (e.g., Telegram) and targeting Malay- and Indonesian-speaking audiences. The findings reveal a three-pronged strategic adaptation: (1) an ideological pivot from "caliphate utopianism" to narratives of "sabr" (strategic patience) and resilient, clandestine insurgency, (2) the systematic "glocalization" of grievances, wherein global jihadist dogma is strategically fused with proximate, emotive local issues, such as the Rohingya crisis and domestic Malaysian political-religious debates, and (3) a corresponding adaptation in form to "lo-fi," ephemeral, and "snackable" media, a tactic designed to evade AI-driven content moderation and decentralize production by encouraging user-generated content (UGC). This study concludes that this "glocalized virtual insurgency" is a more insidious and resilient threat than its state-based predecessor. Its ability to co-opt local issues renders traditional, reactive content-removal policies insufficient. We assert the urgent need for a policy shift toward proactive, culturally-resonant counter-narratives and the promotion of critical digital media literacy to inoculate vulnerable populations in the region.
Copyright (c) 2026 ROSLIE MD TAJUDDIN, WAN MOHD YUSRIZAL WAN HANAPI, ABDUL HAFIZ IBRAHIM, MOHD TARMIZI NAWI @ AB GHANI, ABDOLREZA ALAMI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
RESEARCH ON THE DESIGN TRANSFORMATION MODEL FOR GLASS PRODUCTS INTEGRATING CHINESE CULTURAL HERITAGE ELEMENTS
China's cultural and creative industry is expanding. This paper aims to examine the design process by integrating cultural heritage elements into glass products and to achieve the translation of cultural symbolic signs at visual, behavioural, and meaningful levels. Through expert interviews and case studies, it was found that this model of gradual transformation, from visual elements (shape, colour, and decoration) to behaviours (ritualised behaviour embedding, reconstruction of daily behaviours, and performance behaviour simulation) and then to philosophical thought (philosophical thought transmission, moral and spiritual metaphor, and blessing and auspicious meaning); demonstrates a hierarchical integration strategy that aligns with both user perception and cultural authenticity. From the findings, it is clear that, in the combination of three levels of cultural elements in cultural heritage, each glass product has its focus: some focus on one level, some on two levels, and some can be passed on at all three levels. The reason is that every existing product has a specific value. However, designers aim to give products as much value and attributes as possible. The additional cultural value of the product can be enhanced through the transfer and integration of cultural elements from cultural heritage spatial analysis. This allows glassware not only to embody cultural heritage but also to communicate its deeper symbolic meaning, offering users a more comprehensive and meaningful experience. This model provides a reference for other cultural and creative sectors and offers innovative ideas to product designers. Future research could incorporate actual consumer feelings and feedback to further improve and refine this model.
Copyright (c) 2026 QINGFENG LIU, WAN NOOR FAAIZAH WAN OMAR, MASITAH AHMAD, JIALIN HU https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
UNDERSTANDING ESCAPISM AS A KEY MOTIVATION BEHIND GENERATION Z’S ENGAGEMENT IN TIKTOK HASHTAG TRENDS
This study explores the motivations driving Generation Z’s engagement with TikTok hashtag trends in Malaysia, with a particular focus on escapism as a key psychological and social factor. Rather than analyzing specific hashtags, the study examines content appearing on the platform’s “For You Page” (FYP), where algorithmic exposure encourages spontaneous engagement and interaction. It investigates how TikTok functions as a digital escape from societal, academic, and personal pressures, while simultaneously enabling self-expression and identity construction within online communities. A qualitative phenomenological approach was adopted, combining semi-structured interviews with digital ethnographic observations of Malaysian Gen Z users actively participating in TikTok hashtag trends. Purposive sampling guided informant selection, and data were thematically analyzed and saturated using NVivo 14 software. Grounded in Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT) and Social Identity Theory (SIT), the findings revealed four key themes: Theme 1: Trends Virality; Theme 2: Fear of Missing Out; Theme 3: Self-Representation and Alternate Identity and Theme 4: Algorithm Exposure and Digital Immersion. The analysis indicates that while TikTok provides avenues for creativity, self-expression, and emotional regulation, it simultaneously fosters social pressure to remain visible and relevant within fast-moving trends. Overall, the study concludes that TikTok operates as a dual-purpose platform that serves as both a coping mechanism for emotional relief and a space for online identity negotiation. These insights hold implications for educators, mental health professionals, and digital policymakers, helping them understand and support healthier digital engagement among young adults in Malaysia.
Copyright (c) 2026 MIERA SYAFIERA RAZEMI, TENGKU ELENA TENGKU MAHAMAD, YUSLINDA MAT YASSIN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
MEDIA FRAMING AND SOCIAL COHESION: PEACE JOURNALISM IN MALAYSIAN RELIGIOUS-CULTURAL CONFLICT REPORTING (2013-2025)
This systematic article review critically examines the role and effectiveness of Peace Journalism (PJ) as an alternative framework for mitigating interethnic tension and enhancing national harmony in Malaysia’s diverse religious and cultural landscape. Conventional reporting often exacerbates tensions, making PJ, which emphasizes conflict resolution, context, and multi-perspective reporting, crucial. Employing a qualitative, systematic synthesis approach, fifteen peer-reviewed journal articles and academic sources published between 2013 and 2025 were analyzed. This review integrates Galtung’s Peace Journalism Theory and Framing Theory to assess the structural and socio-cultural constraints impacting PJ implementation. Findings confirm the prevalence of conflict/war-oriented frames in both international and domestic religious coverage. The limited adoption of PJ is attributed to complex structural constraints (e.g., regulatory frameworks, editorial policies, self-censorship) and a bias towards majority-group and authoritative perspectives, limiting exposure to alternative voices. The study establishes that PJ's theoretical potential is compromised by practical and systemic pressures. It recommends comprehensive institutional reforms, journalist empowerment, and strategic leveraging of citizen journalism to facilitate a proactive media role in social cohesion and peacebuilding.
Copyright (c) 2026 SURAYATUL NATASYA KERISTIFA, ANIS ELLYANNA MANSOR, KARIMAH AWI, MUNDZIR ZAHIR, ABDOLREZA ALAMI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
FRAMING AND REPORTING SENSITIVE ISSUES IN MALAYSIA: A CONCEPTUAL STUDY
The study examines how framing theory can be adapted to improve the understanding of sensitive issue reporting in semi-authoritarian contexts, using LGBTQ coverage in Malaysia as a focal case. The representation of socially contested topics typically reflects the complex dynamics between journalistic responsibility and public sensitivity. The process of frame-building involves both internal and external factors which influence the frame selection for the narrative. The selection of frames is heavily influenced by newsroom culture that involves the intertwining of elements such as editorial policies, journalistic values and news values, while external factor like regulatory pressure heavily embedded in local reporting ethics and acts as the guiding principle in Malaysian news landscape. LGBTQ is a sensitive topic which often treated with biased reportage due to the cultural and values influences. Rather than promoting a specific stance on LGBTQ issues, the conceptual study focuses on the topic to act as the lens to theorize how local news media navigate contested discourses under constraint. While framing theory has been extensively applied in liberal democratic settings, the utilization of the framing approach is still limited in conservative media scenes which is bound by restriction in values and political influences. The conceptual study critiques the Western-centric assumptions that often applied in framing approaches and highlight the need for a local-centric framework that molded according to Malaysian’s values.
Copyright (c) 2026 FARHANAH SYAZWANI MD SAFIAN, MUHAMMAD HAKIMI TEW ABDULLAH, SHAZLEEN MOHAMED https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HUMOROUS ADVERTISEMENT IN ENHANCING BRAND IDENTITY AMONG GENERATION Z IN MALAYSIA
This study examines the effectiveness of humorous advertising in enhancing brand identity among Generation Z in Malaysia. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from 143 respondents through an online survey that assessed emotional responses, attention levels, brand recall, and consumer–brand connection toward humorous social media advertisements. Descriptive findings show that most respondents felt uplifted, relaxed, and more interested in the brand when exposed to humorous content. Humor was also found to significantly increase attention, memorability, and the likelihood of sharing advertisements with others. Inferential analysis further indicates that humor positively influences consumers across gender and age groups, although the differences were largely insignificant. The study concludes that humor functions not only as a source of entertainment but also as an effective branding strategy that strengthens emotional engagement, cultural resonance, and recognition of a brand’s identity. However, limitations include a small sample size, demographic imbalance, and reliance solely on quantitative methods. Overall, the findings highlight humor as a strategic asset for brands seeking to enhance visibility, recall, and loyalty among Malaysian Generation Z consumers.
Copyright (c) 2026 MANIMEGALAI AMBIKAPATHY, CHRISTY KH’NG KER YING, CHEONG ZHI HERNG, ER ROU JING, LEONG JING MEN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EDUCATIONAL CONSUMPTION AND REGIONAL COMMUNICATION INFRASTRUCTURE: AN ANALYSIS USING CHINA’S PROVINCIAL PANEL DATA
This paper examines how regional communication infrastructure affects education price dynamics across China. Using an annual panel of six provinces-Jiangsu and Shandong (east), Henan and Hubei (central), and Sichuan and Gansu (west) from 1993 to 2023, the study ensures consistent series for the Education Consumer Price Index (EduCPI) and its subcomponents: education supplies, education services, and culture & entertainment. Communication infrastructure is measured as the logarithm of cultural, educational, broadcasting, and postal institutions (ln(Media)). Two-way fixed-effects regressions with Driscoll–Kraay standard errors control for GDP per capita, disposable income, and government education spending. Results show a small but significant positive effect of ln(Media) on overall EduCPI growth. Yet, the effects vary across categories: infrastructure expansion tends to lower prices for education supplies and culture & entertainment, but slightly raises service costs. Regional heterogeneity is evident-price-containment is stronger in eastern and central provinces, while short-term upward pressure appears in less developed western areas. Overall, communication infrastructure can both moderate and amplify education prices depending on consumption type and regional capacity. Policy should therefore combine infrastructure investment with supply-side improvements in lagging regions and network optimization in advanced ones.
Copyright (c) 2026 JIANG LU, GUFENG WU https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
UNDERSTANDING PUBLIC PERCEPTION IN SOCIAL MEDIA: THE UAD FRAMEWORK
The rapid growth of social media has significantly changed the way the public, especially in Malaysia, interacts with law enforcement institutions such as the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP). With increasingly easy access to various digital platforms, public perceptions are now not only formed more quickly but also more easily influenced through open, immediate and interactive communication channels. This new dynamic has caused the digital space to become the main site for the formation of public discourse, including issues related to integrity, professionalism and misconduct of police officers. This situation presents a major challenge to the RMP in managing public perceptions, as negative sentiment, even stemming from a small number of incidents, can spread widely and affect overall trust in the institution. Based on these needs, this study presents a conceptual study through literature analysis with the aim of introducing the Understanding–Adaptation–Diffusion (UAD) Framework as a strategic communication model that can help the RMP navigate public perceptions in today's digital ecosystem. The objectives of this study are: (i) to introduce UAD as a conceptual framework that can explain how public sentiment is formed and changed through social media displays; and (ii) explore more responsive and transparent communication approaches in disseminating information to strengthen the reputation of policing institutions. UAD describes three main stages in public perception management: comprehension, which refers to the way audiences interpret media narratives and frames; adaptation, which is the institutional response to emerging sentiments; and dissemination, which emphasizes the need for clear, accurate and credible strategic communication. This study also incorporates Framing Theory (Goffman; Entman) and McQuail's thinking on mass communication, thus positioning UAD as a relevant contextual framework for the Malaysian environment. It is hoped that the contribution of this study can help public institutions build more effective digital communication strategies, increase transparency, and ultimately strengthen the level of public trust in the fast-moving information age.
Copyright (c) 2026 NURUL BAZILAH JAAFAR, ZULKIFLI ABD LATIFF, YUSLINDA MAT YASSIN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
NARRATING A CORPORATE BEHEMOTH: A MEDIA SENTIMENT ANALYSIS TOWARDS INDONESIA’S LARGEST STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISE
This study provides a quantitative analysis of media sentiment surrounding Pertamina, Indonesia's largest state-owned enterprise (SOE), on Indonesia's leading online news portal, Detiknews. The aim of the study is to empirically map dominant media frames and sentiments, exploring whether the media function as "watchdogs" or "narrative stabilizers" in Indonesia's unique media environment, with high levels of trust and concentration. Using a quantitative content analysis methodology, the study examines a comprehensive sample of 1,548 news headlines published between January 2024 and May 2025. These headlines were systematically coded into positive, neutral, and negative sentiment categories. The study's claims are supported through novel triangulation, as presented in a comparison figure, which compares mainstream media themes with public discourse on social media. The results show a significant dominance of neutral coverage (73.56% of articles). Positive sentiment (18.62%) accounts for more than twice as much as negative sentiment (7.82%). Thematic analysis indicates that positive frames relate to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and achievements, while negative frames are driven by corruption and operational incidents. Neutral coverage, for the most part, focused on factual reporting of business operations and official statements. This discussion highlights that this neutral-to-positive frame (92.18%) constructs a "discourse of normality" that serves as a "reputational shield," a finding supported by triangulation, which confirms a clear "narrative platform dichotomy" (e.g., neutral media on fuel prices vs. negative social media). This aligns with the finding that traditional media, not social media, often determines long-term reputation in crises. The study concludes that the media, in this context, acted as a narrative stabilizer, reinforcing Pertamina's functional image, protecting its reputation from the volatile critical discourse found elsewhere.
Copyright (c) 2026 BAGUS ADITYA SUSANTO, VIDI SUKMAYADI, DEDE MARIANA, RIDWAN BUDISAPUTRA https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
STIGMA AND SILENCE: UNDERSTANDING MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH COMMUNICATION AND HELP-SEEKING IN KLANG VALLEY
In the realm of mental health discourse, considerable attention has traditionally been directed toward women’s well-being, resulting in a significant gap in understanding and addressing the unique challenges surrounding men’s mental health. This study aims to explore the factors contributing to the persistent stigma surrounding men's mental health in the Klang Valley, identify the communication barriers that discourage men from seeking help, and propose strategies to facilitate more supportive help-seeking behaviours. Employing a qualitative research design, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with ten male participants from the Klang Valley to capture rich, first-hand insights into their experiences and perceptions. Through thematic analysis, six major themes were identified: Toxic Masculinity Norms, Cognitive Barriers, Social Stigma Barriers, Structural and Financial Barriers, Narrative or Norms Shifts, and Supportive and Institutional Interventions. These themes reveal the complex interplay of cultural expectations, internalised stigma, and systemic barriers that shape men’s reluctance to seek mental health support. Framed through the lens of Muted Group Theory, the study highlights how men’s emotional expressions and help-seeking behaviours are frequently marginalised within dominant social narratives, often leaving them without the language, space, or societal permission to articulate their struggles. Participants in the study underscored the urgent need to reshape prevailing narratives by leveraging the influence of media, public figures, and grassroots community initiatives. They also stressed the importance of fostering greater support within families, workplaces, educational settings, and government institutions. This study contributes to public discourse by offering practical recommendations for media organisations, NGOs, and government agencies to design targeted mental health awareness strategies. It further underscores the need for continued research and sustained efforts to challenge harmful gender norms and promote help-seeking as a collective social responsibility.
Copyright (c) 2026 NA MOHAMAD NOR, SUFFIAN HADI AYUB https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EVOLUTION AND FRONTIERS OF CYBERCHONDRIA RESEARCH: A BIBLIOMETRIC REVIEW BASED ON CITESPACE
This study employs CiteSpace to map the evolutionary trajectory and intellectual structure of cyberchondria research from 2016 to 2026. A bibliometric analysis was conducted on 348 core documents retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection, focusing on publication trends, collaboration networks, and citation bursts. Findings delineate a three-stage evolution: early conceptualization within clinical psychology, a COVID-19-driven surge, and current reconceptualization as a digital behavioral addiction. A critical "eHealth Literacy Paradox" is identified, wherein higher digital literacy may paradoxically exacerbate anxiety due to interactions with commercial recommendation algorithms. Structurally, the field remains highly fragmented, separating early clinical psychiatry cohorts from recent information systems and algorithmic research clusters. The results suggest that cyberchondria is a product of both individual cognitive bias and platform algorithmic alienation. To address current structural fragmentation, future research must dismantle disciplinary barriers and foster interdisciplinary collaboration between psychiatrists and algorithm engineers. Transitioning from individual-centric interventions to the ethical optimization of digital health architectures is essential for constructing a resilient and inclusive health information ecosystem.
Copyright (c) 2026 QI WANG, WAN ANITA WAN ABAS, ZULHAMRI ABDULLAH https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
INTEGRATING AUTISM-FRIENDLY DESIGN IN MALAYSIAN PUBLIC SPACES
This paper examines the emergence of autism-friendly public spaces in Malaysia through an analysis of visual spatial elements and design principles used in accessible environments. Employing a qualitative approach, this study presents findings on the current state of accessible design for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Malaysian urban contexts through expert interviews. The paper examines best practices, including the case study of Sunway Putra Mall's implementation of autism-friendly concepts, and proposes a framework for future improvements. The study reveals an increasing trend toward adopting disability-sensitive architectural features in Malaysia, with prospects for enhanced autism accommodation specifically in sensory design, staff knowledge, and public understanding. Key themes discussed include awareness and adoption, sensory considerations in construction, staff training, technology integration, and public education. Additionally, the study identifies economic values of autism-friendly design and explores the concept of future-proofing buildings for neurodiversity. Despite challenges such as perceived high costs and lack of standardized protocols, this research concludes that systematic application of design principles, effective staff training, and public education are essential to realizing an autism-friendly Malaysia. This study serves as a reference for subsequent interventions and policies aimed at creating accommodating and acceptable public environments for individuals with ASD and their families.
Copyright (c) 2026 MOHD ASRAF AYOB, RUTH LUA EJAU, CLEMENT ANAK JIMEL, MUHAMAD HAFIZ HASSAN, RAINAL HIDAYAT WARDI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EXPLORING THE UNSEEN: HAMKA’S ENCOUNTERS WITH THE PARANORMAL
Hamka (Haji Abdul Malik Karim Amrullah) was one of the most significant Islamic scholars in the Malay-speaking world. Many of his publications received attention on a global scale. In this article, the researchers look at a totally different facet of Hamka’s life, namely elements that can be called paranormal. The researchers used an approach that integrated aspects of the so-called phenomenological sociology, and in particular the concept of the lifeworld. It was detected that Hamka faced paranormal events during his lifetime. Some of these events were integrated into his work, while others were reported by family members. All of these events influenced his ideas about the concept of the ghaib (the invisible), an important aspect of Islamic belief. The research also discovered that Hamka’s approach to encountering the unseen is an essential part of his epistemological approach to this kind of knowledge. Further research could look into a Hamka’s view of other elements of the unseen like the concept of time.
Copyright (c) 2026 ALEXANDER STARK, BALAZS HUSZKA https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
FURNITURE IN SERVICE AND INSTITUTIONAL SPACES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW (2015-2025)
This study reviews research on space and furniture, focusing on service settings such as restaurants and cafes, to incorporate relevant background into the examination of the furniture-space relationship. According to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, literature is obtained from Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus and EBSCOhost, and only English journal articles published from 2015 to 2025 are included. After deduplication, the titles, abstracts and full texts are screened in stages, and finally 28 studies are included and numbered from S01 to S28 to ensure traceability. The results show that there are concentrated research situations in the medical care field (32.1%) and commercial service scenarios (25%), the education and learning environment accounts for 17.9%, and the distribution in residential, workplace, wine, rural, and judicial scenarios is less. The seat furniture belongs to the main category, accounting for 67.9%, of which most are used for tables and desks, accounting for 50.0%, indicating that the seat-space relationship in space research often relies on the sitting posture and the coordination of the seat surface to be reflected. In terms of methodology, quantitative empirical research dominates, accounting for 60.7%; qualitative research, 21.4%; case studies, 10.7%; and mixed-methods design, 7.1% as an auxiliary. In cross-mapping, the distribution of seats in various scenarios is relatively extensive. Most other furniture types are clustered by scenario, and the functional scope of medical and care environments is the broadest. This review will build a replicable baseline by treating furniture as an element of spatial research and analysis, expects more consistent furniture-level operationalization, and needs to pay attention to experience aspects, such as aesthetics and emotions, that have not been fully studied.
Copyright (c) 2026 XUHAI ZHU, MOHD SHAHRIZAL DOLAH, RIZAL RAHMAN, YANING LYU https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
GEN Z CREATIVE STUDENTS’ PREFERENCES FOR SELF-DIRECTED VERSUS STRUCTURED LEARNING
The rapid widening of digital technologies and the requirements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution have disrupted the face of higher education and have changed the expectations of learners. Generation Z students who grew up in a digital world with a higher intake of technology are often stereotyped as students who enjoy autonomy and independent learning. However, technological fluency is not necessarily an indicator of a person's readiness for self-directed learning, especially in a collectivist educational setting like Malaysia. This study examines the orientation of identity formation of the learning preferences of students of the Malaysian Generation Z, in the discipline of creativity, in terms of self-directed and structured learning. The role played by technological familiarity, cultural background, and disciplinary requirements is examined, along with the correspondence between student preference and current pedagogical practices in creative tertiary education institutions. A quantitative survey design was adopted for obtaining patterns of preference and accompanying factors among the creative undergraduate students. The findings provide insight into the fact that although autonomy is valued, guided critique and structured mentorship are still central to effective learning experiences. Preferences show a hybrid orientation and less of a mind to complete independence. These results point to the need for balanced pedagogical models that include scaffolded guidance as well as opportunities for self-initiated exploration in support of culturally responsive and discipline-sensitive approaches to creative higher education in Malaysia.
Copyright (c) 2026 RAINAL HIDAYAT WARDI, RAHMAN ROSMAN, SABZALI MUSA KHAN, KHAIRI KHALID, UMMI ZINNIRAH MOHD YUSOF https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
SOCIAL LEARNING MECHANISMS AND REFLECTIVE ENGAGEMENT IN CROWDSOURCED DESIGN SKILL DEVELOPMENT: A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
This paper has investigated the effectiveness of structured social learning processes in crowdsourced design environments in terms of skill development. The study relied on the Social Learning Theory and focused on the impact of observational learning and peer modeling on the design performance and evaluated the possibility of self-efficacy mediating the impact. A quasi-experimental pretest- posttest design was used with 180 design students, and they were placed in control, observational learning, peer modeling, and combined intervention conditions. Analysis of covariance controlling baseline scores was used to analyze posttest performance. The findings revealed a large overall group effect, which revealed that structured learning processes enhanced design skill development. Premeditated comparisons showed that observational learning and peer modeling were significantly better than the control group and the combined intervention showed the greatest increases in performance. The mediation analysis based on bootstrapped indirect effects showed that the relationship between intervention conditions and performance improvement was mediated by self-efficacy, in part. These results can be used to generalize Social Learning Theory to asynchronous crowdsourced design settings and to show that deliberate learning architecture can be used to improve cognitive performance and psychological ability within competitive digital settings. The research offers practical value in terms of designing crowdsourcing platforms and organized teaching methods that contribute to the long-term skill acquisition.
PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES OF THE CHINESE EFL ADAPTED LANGUAGE LEARNING STRATEGIES SCALE FOR SPEAKING
This study presents the psychometric properties of an adapted version of the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL), an instrument employed for research on language learning strategies. It aimed to examine the reliability and construct validity evidence for the language strategies scale for speaking. Due to the limited validation research conducted in the Chinese EFL context, exploring the psychometric properties of the scale is, therefore, essential. A cross-sectional design with an appropriate sample size of EFL Chinese learners was employed to investigate the factor structure and item loadings across six strategic domains: memory, cognitive, compensation, metacognitive, affective, and social strategies. The reliability analysis of the scale demonstrated high internal consistency, while the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) conducted on the 30 items of a five-point Likert scale revealed that the six-factor model exhibited a good fit to the data. The findings support the scales factor stability and suggest its applicability for measuring speaking strategies among Chinese EFL learners. The study extends the utility of the six-factor structure instrument in assessing language learning strategies of the speaking dimension for EFL learners.
Copyright (c) 2026 ELIA MD JOHAR, GUO MINGSHEN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
WORKFORCE AGILITY: A MULTIDIMENSIONAL INTEGRATIVE FRAMEWORK FOR DYNAMIC BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTS
Organisational survival is often perceived through the lens of resilience in a business landscape marked by disruption, volatility, and rapid digital transformation. Resilience is fundamentally reactive, while workforce agility prioritises anticipation, adaptation, and the proactive reorganisation of human capital to thrive in uncertain environments. Nonetheless, resilience facilitates recuperation. This paper argues that resilience alone is inadequate in dynamic environments and defines workforce agility as the next frontier of strategic capability. The paper constructs a comprehensive framework of workforce agility that surpasses resilience by integrating the Resource-Based View, Dynamic Capabilities Theory, and the Job Demands–Resources model. The essential components that define an agile workforce consist of four interconnected dimensions: cognitive agility, behavioural agility, emotional agility, and learning agility. The framework asserts that workforce agility is a dynamic capability enabled by agile HR practices, adaptive leadership, and innovative organisational cultures. This methodology produces results including future preparedness, ongoing innovation, and enduring adaptability. This perspective differentiates agility from resilience and flexibility, thereby enhancing theoretical discussions in human resource management and organisational behaviour, while also providing practical insights for policymakers and leaders. This paper highlights the significance of workforce agility as a critical element for organisations operating in volatile environments, positing it as the ability to convert disruption into transformation. Future research directions are outlined to empirically validate the framework and examine workforce agility across diverse cultural, technological, and industrial contexts.
Copyright (c) 2026 ABD RAHMAN AHMAD, HAIRUL RIZAD MD SAPRY, ALAA SALAM JAMEEL, MOHAMUD MOHAMED HASSAN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
IS THERE A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN READING ANXIETY AND READING STRATEGIES?
Online reading in second and foreign languages has become commonplace in higher education, where learners engage with digital texts independently. In some studies, learners experienced higher levels of anxiety when reading in online environments. Online reading strategies have shown to mitigate this issue, however the findings are inconsistent. Thus, this study aimed to examine learners’ perceived levels of reading anxiety and online reading strategies and the relationship between these two variables. A quantitative survey design was employed involving 150 undergraduate students from a Malaysian public university, using a questionnaire measuring reading anxiety (top-down, bottom-up, and classroom reading anxiety) and online reading strategies (global, problem-solving, and support strategies). The findings indicate low to moderate levels of reading anxiety, primarily related to background knowledge, vocabulary, and grammar, while problem-solving strategies were the most frequently used. No significant relationship was found between reading anxiety and reading strategies, and no significant differences were observed across levels of study or reading material preferences. The findings highlight the need to integrate both strategic and affective support in online reading instruction.
Copyright (c) 2026 FATIHAH HASHIM, NUR HIDAYATIE MD ADNAN, JACINTA ANN XAVIER BELAMAN, SITI FAUZIANA ZAKARIA, SITI NORZAIMALINA ABD MAJID, NOOR HANIM RAHMAT https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE ROLE OF TELECOMMUNICATION SECTORS IN FINTECH ADOPTION IN AFGHANISTAN’S BANKING SECTOR
Telecom infrastructure and financial technology (FinTech) are jointly shaping the future of banking and financial inclusion worldwide. FinTech, namely mobile and digital payments, offers a potential route to greater inclusion and efficiency in unstable environments like Afghanistan, where political instability, restricted banking access, and low literacy are common. However, dependable telecommunications networks, supportive laws, and public confidence are essential for the long-term adoption of FinTech. This article examines Afghanistan's banking and telecommunications environment, highlighting its unique opportunities and challenges. The example of Malaysia, a nation that has quickly grown digital finance through coordinated telecommunications investments, open rules, and inclusion initiatives, is then used to make comparisons. We examine the interdependence between telecoms and fintech in Afghanistan, highlighting potential opportunities (such as digital remittances, mobile money, and migrant finance) and identifying constraints (such as connectivity and regulatory gaps, and low trust) based on the literature and current information. The article concludes with evidence-based suggestions for Afghanistan, including targeted literacy initiatives, modernizing regulations (fintech sandbox, e-money licensing), integrating digital identity/customer identification, strategic telecom investment (ubiquitous broadband), and consumer protection measures. The study concludes that Afghanistan must adopt a coordinated "digital infrastructure, policy-trust" strategy, as exemplified by Malaysia, to close the financial inclusion gap and build a more robust banking industry.
Copyright (c) 2026 INAMUL HAQ JAMI, MUHAMMAD TAHIR JAN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
UNGOVERNED SPACES AS STRUCTURAL DRIVERS OF SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS PROLIFERATION IN NIGERIA
The proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) in Northwestern Nigeria has emerged as a significant driver of insecurity, disrupting social, economic, and political stability. This study examines the role of ungoverned spaces as structural enablers of SALW proliferation, focusing on Sokoto, Katsina, and Jigawa states. Employing a qualitative approach, data were collected through Key Informant Interviews, field observations, and secondary sources, with thematic analysis conducted using NVivo 15. Findings reveal that porous borders, weak state presence, inadequate law enforcement, and socio-economic deprivation have created fertile conditions for the spread of SALWs and the rise of armed groups. These factors contribute to widespread violence, including banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and armed robbery, while also causing displacement, disruption of agricultural and economic activities, and erosion of community welfare. The study concludes that ungoverned spaces function as structural drivers of arms proliferation and exacerbate insecurity in the region. It recommends strengthening state presence, improving socio-economic infrastructure, engaging local communities, enforcing regulatory frameworks, and enhancing regional cooperation to mitigate SALW proliferation and its associated risks.
Copyright (c) 2026 MUBARAK SULAIMAN JAMIU, MUHAMMAD FEBRIANSYAH https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0