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The Effect of Organizational Innovativeness in Enhancing Teacher Innovation in Malaysia’s TVET Sector
This study aims to examine the effect of Organizational Innovativeness, a key dimension of Organizational
Culture, on teacher innovation measured as Innovative Work Behaviour (IWB) within Malaysia’s Technical and
Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. A quantitative approach using stratified simple random
sampling was employed, with data collected from 331 vocational college teachers using a validated questionnaire
adapted from the Organizational Culture Inventory (OCI) and the Innovative Work Behaviour Questionnaire
(IWBQ). Multiple regression analysis showed that among the four dimensions of Organizational Culture:
Innovativeness, Effectiveness, Cooperativeness, and Consistency, Innovativeness recorded the highest
standardized beta coefficient (β = 0.522, p < 0.001), making it the most influential predictor of teacher
innovation. A follow up simple linear regression revealed that Innovativeness alone explained 27.3 percent of
the variance in IWB (R² = 0.273, p < 0.001), representing a large effect size. While Innovativeness had the
strongest impact, other cultural dimensions such as Cooperativeness and Consistency demonstrated limited
direct influence, suggesting their potential lies in interaction with innovativeness rather than in isolation. In
conclusion, the findings provide empirical evidence that fostering innovativeness is vital for equipping teachers
to generate, promote, and implement new ideas. Practical implications highlight the need for actionable strategies
such as embedding innovation in professional development, incentivising risk taking, fostering cross disciplinary
collaboration, and balancing stability with flexibility. These results underscore the importance of embedding
innovativeness into institutional culture to ensure that TVET educators remain agile, responsive to industrial
changes, and aligned with the objectives of the National TVET Policy 203
The Perception of Bantul Regency Tourism Office Towards The Development of Surfing Tourist Attractions at Parangtritis Beach, Special Region Of Yogyakarta
Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region, has surfing tourism potential, as evidenced by the numerous surfing events organized by the Regional Government. This potential is inseparable from the perception that Parangtritis Beach is the mystical area of the Ratu Kidul Kingdom, which is used by several community organizations to carry out the Labuhan tradition. This study aimed to determine the perception of the Bantul Regency Tourism Office in developing surfing tourism. This research is a descriptive qualitative study conducted using data collection techniques such as observation, interviews, and documentation. Primary and secondary data were obtained from primary data. Primary data were collected through direct observation, interviews, and documentation, while secondary data were obtained from literature studies, news portals, and data from policymakers. The results of this study show that the Tourism Office supports surfing tourism at Parangtritis Beach. This can be an innovation and a new tourist attraction that can improve the local economy and preserve culture. However, several obstacles exist, including a lack of synergy between government agencies, limited funding, regional spatial planning, and innovation in traditional food and souvenir products
Copro-Molecular Identification of Microsporidia in Rural Communities of Kapit Division, Sarawak
Introduction:
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites of growing global concern, particularly among immunocompromised populations. In Malaysia, the burden of microsporidiosis remains underexplored, especially within the general community, as most studies have focused on immunocompromised patients. Factors such as limited healthcare access, untreated water sources, and close human-animal interactions further increase the risk of transmission. In this context, the present study aims to determine the prevalence of microsporidia among the rural longhouse communities in Kapit, Sarawak.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to July 2024 in two longhouse communities within the Kapit Division: RH Jampong (Kapit) and Bakun Resettlement Scheme (BRS) Sungai Asap (Belaga). Socio-demographic and environmental data were collected using pre-tested questionnaires to identify potential risk factors associated with microsporidial infection. Stool samples were examined microscopically following Gram-Chromotrope Kinyoun (GCK) staining for the presence of microsporidia spores. Samples that tested positive microscopically were subjected to molecular analysis using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) regions specific to Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.
Results:
Microscopy detected microsporidian spores in 22 samples (32.8%; 95% CI: 21.5%–44.1%), while PCR confirmed E. bieneusi DNA in 10 samples (14.7%). Kampung Jampong showed slightly higher microscopy (35.5%), and PCR (17.1%) positivity compared to Sungai Asap (30.6% and 11.1%, respectively). Infection was most prevalent among children aged 7–12 years (35.3%) and farmers (57.1%), indicating age and occupational exposure as key risk factors.
Discussion/Conclusion:
This study highlights a notable prevalence of E. bieneusi among rural communities in Kapit, with children and farmers most affected. Findings emphasize the role of environmental and occupational exposure in the transmission of disease. The data support the need for targeted public health interventions and enhance understanding of microsporidiosis in underserved Malaysian populations. Molecular diagnostics proved essential for confirmation
CULTURAL IDENTITY, MORAL WISDOM, AND CREATIVE INNOVATION, INSIGHTS FROM MELANAU FOLKLORE
Melanau folklore represents one of the most vibrant yet understudied repositories of indigenous knowledge in Sarawak. More than storytelling, these narratives function as vehicles of cultural identity, moral instruction, and ecological wisdom that guide community life. In the context of accelerating globalisation and the pressures of digital modernity, such traditions face increasing risk of dilution. This study examines the moral architecture embedded in Melanau oral literature and considers how these values may be revitalised across contemporary cultural, educational, and creative platforms. Drawing on a qualitative, interpretive approach, the research analyses twenty four folk narratives documented by Harold Stephen Morris in 1997. Through iterative close readings, inductive coding, and researcher triangulation, four interconnected moral domains were identified. These consist of Personal Development and Growth, Social and Cultural Values, Interactions with the Supernatural, and Environmental Stewardship. The domains illustrate how Melanau stories weave personal ethics, communal expectations, spiritual balance, and ecological responsibility into a cohesive moral worldview. The findings reveal that these stories cultivate resilience, emphasise respect for adet, encourage harmony between humans and spiritual forces, and embed ecological taboos that safeguard local environments. Together, they construct a cyclical ethical system in which the growth of the individual supports the stability of the community, legitimised by spiritual equilibrium and sustained by responsible interaction with nature. The study contributes to intangible cultural heritage discourse by offering a structured mapping of moral values within indigenous storytelling. It also highlights practical pathways for application, including curriculum enrichment, eco cultural tourism design, and creative industry innovation. By reframing Melanau folklore as both heritage and resource, the research argues for its continued relevance in strengthening cultural identity, fostering sustainability, and inspiring contemporary creative practices. This ensures that the wisdom held in these narratives remains actively interpreted and meaningfully lived by future generations
Content validation and reliability test for work-family conflict, job satisfaction, family satisfaction and psychological well-being among female healthcare workers in Samarahan Division, Sarawak.
Female healthcare workers face challenges in balancing professional and family roles, often leading to work-family conflict (WFC) that impacts job satisfaction, family satisfaction, and psychological well-being. Valid and reliable instruments are essential to measure these constructs in the Malaysian context. This study aimed to validate and assess the reliability of four instruments: the
Work-Family Conflict Scale (WFCS), Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale (RPWBS), Short Index of Job Satisfaction (SIJS), and Family Satisfaction Scale (FSS) among female healthcare workers in Samarahan Division, Sarawak. The study employed a multi-phase process involving questionnaire
development, translation, and expert content validation by six specialists (public health physicians, psychiatrist, psychologist, and family medicine specialist). Content validity was assessed using the Item-level Content Validity Index (I-CVI) and Scale-level CVI (S-CVI/Ave, S-CVI/UA). A pilot study was conducted among 192 female healthcare workers recruited through multistage sampling across
five facilities. Reliability was measured using Cronbach’s alpha and corrected item-total correlations.
Content validation showed excellent outcomes, with I-CVI values of 0.83-1.00 and S-CVI/Ave between 0.97-1.00. Pilot testing demonstrated strong internal consistency: WFCS (α=0.89), RPWBS (α=0.87), SIJS (α=0.82), and FSS (α=0.91). All items showed acceptable item-total correlations and
were retained. The findings confirm that the adapted questionnaire is valid and reliable, suitable for use among female healthcare workers in Sarawak. Robust measurement tools are vital to understanding the interplay of WFC, satisfaction, and well-being, and to guide evidence-based
workplace interventions
Paediatric Protocols For Malaysian Hospitals
Malaysian hospitals use a set of paediatric protocols, primarily developed by the Malaysian Paediatric Association (MPA) and the Ministry of Health (MOH), to guide the care of sick children. The most recent edition is the 5th Edition, published in October 2025, which builds upon previous versions to provide evidence-based clinical guidelines for managing a wide range of conditions from general pediatrics to specific areas like neonatology and cardiology
THE MINDSET-6 FRAMEWORK: A CURRICULUM BLUEPRINT FOR CULTIVATING INDUSTRY 6.0-READY ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSETS IN MALAYSIAN UNDERGRADUATES
Malaysia continues to grapple with a persistent misalignment between graduate capabilities and the rapidly evolving demands of the workforce, particularly in entrepreneurial
readiness and digital adaptability. Although the Ministry of Higher Education reports graduate employability rates above 80%, many employers remain concerned about graduates’ limited creativity, risk appetite, and technological fluency. This paradox reveals a deeper structural
issue: higher education institutions are producing academically competent yet
entrepreneurially hesitant graduates. This critical review synthesizes empirical and conceptual studies published between 2019 and 2025 to identify key enablers, pedagogical innovations, and policy implications for cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset among Malaysian undergraduates. Findings suggest that attitude, perceived behavioural control, and ecosystem support are dominant predictors of entrepreneurial intention, while experiential, digital, and
sustainability-oriented pedagogies strengthen mindset development. However, significant gaps persist, particularly in translating entrepreneurial intention into behaviour, integrating AI and
data literacy, and embedding sustainability ethics into curricula. To address these limitations, this paper introduces the MINDSET-6 Framework, a curriculum blueprint encompassing Mindfulness and Ethics, Interdisciplinary AI and Data, Networked Learning, Design and Making, Sustainability, Entrepreneurial Finance, and Transversal 4Cs competencies. The framework positions entrepreneurship education not as a business module but as a
transformative, human-centred process aligmed with Malaysia’s transition toward a sustainable and digital Industry 6.0 economy
2 Strut Allograft is better than 1 in Periprosthetic Total Hip Replacement Fracture?
Periprosthetic hip fracture is a potentially devastating
complication following total hip arthroplasty (THA),
with high first-year mortality (15–20%).1 Vancouver B1
generally require open reduction internal fixation with
implant with or without strut graft. We report a case of
dual strut allograft stabilized with cable ties
reconstruction in a chronic kidney disease patient with
osteoporosis
Energy Harvesting from Flow-Induced Vibrations using Piezoelectric Systems
The growing demand for sustainable energy solutions has spurred interest in harnessing energy from flow-induced vibrations (FIV), a phenomenon traditionally associated with structural fatigue but now recognized for its potential in renewable energy generation. Despite advancements in piezoelectric energy harvesting, the interplay between flow dynamics, vibration characteristics and energy conversion
efficiency remain inadequately understood, particularly across varying flow regimes. This study aims to experimentally investigate the relationship between FIV and
piezoelectric energy harvesting, focusing on optimizing geometric configurations and flow parameters to maximize energy output. A square cylinder subjected to controlled
wind tunnel flow was analysed to evaluate its dynamic response and energy conversion efficiency at different reduced velocities (Ur). The experimental methodology included free vibration testing, wind tunnel experiments and piezoelectric voltage measurements to characterize vibration amplitudes and harvested energy. Results identified three distinct regimes: vortex-induced vibration (VIV) at Ur40. The VIV regime exhibited dominant frequency harmonics (f=nf0) with moderate energy output, while the transition regime showed
nonlinear energy responses due to shifting frequency components. The galloping regime demonstrated the highest energy harvesting potential, driven by sustained,
large-amplitude oscillations. These findings underscore the critical role of flowstructure interactions in energy harvesting performance and provide practical insights
for optimizing transducer design to enhance efficiency. This research contributes to the development of robust renewable energy systems leveraging FIV mechanisms
Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic on the SMEs Performance in Nigeria
Purpose: This study aims to examine the multifaceted impacts of the internal and external factors arising from the COVID-19 pandemic on the small and medium-sized Enterprises
(SMEs) in Nigeria. By analysing the internal factors (downsizing and fear of existing business), and external factors (reduction in demand and revenue reduction), the research seeks to provide valuable insight for policymakers, business owners, and stakeholders, ultimately contributing to the development of targeted strategies for enhancing SMEs’ performance and fostering economic recovery in Nigeria. The following null hypothesis guided this study, and was tested at 0.05 level of significance. H0: There is no significant impact of internal factors on SMEs performance in Nigeria; H1: There is no significant impact of external factors on SMEs performance in Nigeria; H2: There is no significant impact of covid-19 on SMEs performance in Nigeria. Methodology: This proposed research methodology was based on a crosssectional and quantitative investigation with a snowball sampling approach. Company
owners, managers, and supervisors of SME's are sent online questionnaires. The online questionnaire was distributed mostly to SMEs based in cities because the average number of
SMEs in Nigeria's cities probably accounts for more than half of all SMEs. This study used an online survey on Google questionnaire that was sent to approximately 100 people; however, by using the snowballing method of sampling, the number of people who participated rose to 300 people from all parts of Nigeria (North and South) who live in the country's cities. The questionnaire was designed in open and closed end pattern which will be administered to the
small and medium scale enterprises directly; and adopts various measurement methods, including Likert scale, multiple choice and ranking method. Regression analysis was employed to measure these impacts from the stated null hypotheses. The data-gathering instrument for this study was a social media-based questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed to obtain quantitative data and information in those locations, to identify the impact of the COVID-19
pandemic on SMEs, recovery method, and constrains to recovery. The data obtained was presented in tables and analysed using mean, percentages, and standard deviation.
Findings: Findings from the study revealed that SME’s need to constantly measure their performances during crises such as covid-19, to be able to take decisions on: continuing, fortifying, or downsizing their businesses. Adapting to the rapid and changing innovation helps in identifying new business opportunities during covid-19. The study also found out that there is a relationship between SME performance; and downsizing/ fear of existing business respectively; while there is equally a positive relationship between SME performance; and reduction in demand/ revenue reduction respectively. Policy Implications: Government should implement fiscal policy measures that would complement the nation's current monetary policies in order to raise the purchasing power of the people and promote family
consumption. National or international border closures should be done in such a way as not to frustrate the business operations of SME’s during pandemic crises. Government can equally find a way to support employees of SMEs of non-government institutions augmenting for the half salaries they are forced on during the pandemic