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Cultural Intelligence and Employee Innovation Performance: The Mediating Role of Innovative Work Behaviour and the Moderating Impact of Knowledge Sharing
No full textThe burgeoning literature on innovation performance has witnessed a notable increase in interest regarding the multifaceted dynamics that influence employee innovation capabilities. This trend underscores the recognition of the innovation sector as one of the largest and most vital components of the global economy. Within this paradigm, employee innovation performance is increasingly acknowledged as a pivotal factor not only in fostering organizational success but also in significantly contributing to national economic growth. Furthermore, in an era marked by global integration, the growing significance of intercultural communication underscores the pivotal role of cultural intelligence, which refers to the capacity to effectively navigate and utilize cultural differences, in improving employee performance. This study presents a rigorous review of the relevant literature, identifying significant gaps pertaining to the interplay between cultural intelligence, innovative work behavior, knowledge sharing, and employee innovation performance. To address these gaps, a comprehensive research model was proposed to identify and elucidate factors that enhance employee innovation performance, particularly within the context of diverse and cross-cultural environments prevalent in foreign trade companies. Central to this investigation is the role of cultural intelligence (comprising four dimensions: cognitive CQ, metacognitive CQ, motivational CQ, and behavioral CQ) in employee innovation performance. Additionally, innovative work behavior is posited as a mediating variable that elucidates the mechanisms linking cultural intelligence to employee innovation performance. Knowledge sharing is introduced as a moderator that could potentially amplify the relationship between the dimensions of cultural intelligence and innovative work behavior. The theoretical framework for this study is grounded in three interrelated theories: Innovation Theory, Cultural Diversity Management Theory, and Social Exchange Theory. The research was conducted across six eastern cities in China, utilizing a quantitative methodology. Data were collected using survey questionnaires, yielding a robust dataset of 316 responses. Analysis was performed using WarpPLS (version 6.0) software to conduct Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal support for all four hypotheses regarding direct relationships, indicating a strong link between cultural intelligence and employee innovation performance. Notably, all mediating hypotheses were validated, with innovative work behavior serving as a significant mediator across all dimensions of cultural intelligence. Specifically, the analysis demonstrated that innovative work behavior mediates the relationships between cognitive CQ, metacognitive CQ, motivational CQ, and behavioral CQ with employee innovation performance. However, only one moderating hypothesis received support: knowledge sharing positively moderated the relationship between motivational CQ and innovative work behavior. This research offers valuable insights into the field of innovation performance by elucidating the intricate relationships among the constructs, thus providing a foundation for future investigations aimed at enhancing employee innovation capabilities in culturally diverse contexts. The implications of these findings are substantial for practitioners in foreign trade companies, offering strategic guidance for leveraging cultural intelligence and fostering innovative work behaviors to drive performance and competitiveness
Exploring the Psychosocial Lived Experiences of Nurses During the Pandemic in Sarawak: A Hermeneutic Phenomenology Study
No full textIntroduction: This study explores the psychosocial lived experiences of nurses caring for COVID-19 patients in Sarawak, Malaysia. It aims to understand the emotional landscape, social disconnection, adaptation and commitment amidst the pandemic. The unprecedented crisis placed immense pressure on nurses, requiring them to address both professional and personal challenges while ensuring quality patient care. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study employed Heidegger hermeneutic phenomenology to uncover the meaning embedded in nurses’ psychosocial lived experiences. Ten nurses working in the Infectious Disease ward at Sarawak General Hospital were purposefully selected. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically to identify and interpret patterns within the narratives. The emerging themes were further examined through Van Manen’s four existential structures: lived body, lived time, lived space and lived other, offering a comprehensive lens for interpreting the nurses’ experiences. Results: Five key themes were identified: navigating the emotional and physical landscape of COVID-19 nursing care, experiencing social disconnection and isolation, adapting to workplace challenges, strengthening camaraderie in the healthcare environment, and upholding commitment and professionalism. Conclusion: The findings underline the significant psychological impact of the pandemic on nurses, emphasising the need for systemic improvements in healthcare policies, nursing education and mental health support. Strengthening resilience, encouraging teamwork and integrating crisis management training into nursing curricula are crucial steps. Additionally, prioritizing mental health support systems is essential to mitigate the long-term emotional burden on healthcare workers. This study provides beneficial information in relation to developing a more supportive and sustainable healthcare environment
Resistive Loss in PV Array Configurations : Impact of Cable Length and Cross-Section on Power Performance using MATLAB/Simulink Analysis
No full textThe performance of photovoltaic (PV) arrays is strongly affected by resistive losses in interconnecting cables, yet the combined influence of cable size and array configuration is often overlooked in system design. This study examines how cable length (5 m and 20 m) and cross-sectional area (2.5, 4, 6, and 10 mm²) influence the output of four different 4x4 PV array topologies: Series, Parallel, Bridge-Link, and Honeycomb. A MATLAB Simulink model is developed to simulate resistive losses under various cable conditions, with array performance assessed at peak power output. Results show that longer cable runs and smaller cross-sectional areas increase resistance and reduce available power. The impact is especially large in the Series configuration, where output remains near 1,136 W regardless of CSA, even as other topologies exceed 3,300 W under the same conditions. The Honeycomb configuration consistently delivers the highest output across all cable lengths and sizes, closely followed by Bridge-Link and Parallel. At 20 m length, increasing CSA from 2.5 mm² to 10 mm² improves power by up to 9.4% in Honeycomb, while offering negligible benefit in Series. At 5 m length, the gap between topologies narrows, but Honeycomb and Bridge-Link still provide slightly better performance. The results emphasize that array layout plays a larger role than cable thickness in minimizing resistive losses, particularly in longer installations. Using optimized configurations such as Honeycomb or Bridge-Link with moderate cable sizes (e.g., 6 mm²) achieves high efficiency without unnecessary material cost. These insights support design strategies that reduce energy losses and copper usage in medium to large-scale PV systems
myLibrary@unimas : Menjulang Inovasi & Transformasi Digital dalam Kepustakawanan, Bil. 37 Ogos-Okt 2025.
No full textForeign Direct Investment and Housing Prices Nexus in Construction Industry of Malaysia
No full textThe housing market in Malaysia has experienced significant upheaval over the past twenty years, driven by consistent inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) into the building sector. Although these investments have catalyzed urban modernization and economic expansion, they have also been linked to escalating housing prices and diminishing affordability, especially in metropolitan areas. This study examines the association between foreign direct investment in construction and housing prices in Malaysia, determining whether foreign investment serves as a catalyst for housing price inflation or promotes sustainable urban growth. The study utilizes quarterly data from the first quarter of 2009 to the fourth quarter of 2023, employing a Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) to analyze both short-term and long-term dynamics among the housing Price, Foreign Direct Investment in construction sector, real interest rate, and income. Unit root tests indicate that all variables are integrated of order one, I(1), whereas Johansen cointegration results demonstrate a stable long-run equilibrium relationship among them. The results indicate that foreign direct investment in construction has a positive and considerable impact on home prices, whereas real interest rate indicates a negative effect on price fluctuations. Income growth demonstrates a beneficial although insignificant impact. Granger causality studies demonstrate a unidirectional causal relationship from foreign direct investment (FDI) to housing prices, confirming that property market of Malaysia is primarily driven by investment rather than income. The study suggests that whereas foreign direct investment (FDI) fosters construction expansion, it simultaneously impairs affordability constraints. Policymakers ought to implement focused FDI screening, bolster macroprudential instruments, and improve domestic construction efficiency to guarantee equitable and sustainable housing development
Kajian Dialektologi Bahasa Dusun Di Sabah: Analisis Variasi Leksikal Dan Fonologi Antara Kampung Tibabar, Ranau Dan Kampung Kiau, Kota Belud.
No full textThis study examines dialectal variation within the Dusun language, focusing on two primary dialects:
the Tinagas dialect spoken in Kampung Tibabar, Ranau, and the Tindal dialect spoken in Kampung
Kiau, Kota Belud, Sabah. The main objective of this research is to identify and describe lexical and
phonological differences between the two dialects. Adopting a qualitative field-based dialectological
approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with native speakers representing
each community. The 100-item Swadesh list was used as the main instrument to elicit core
vocabulary. The collected data were analysed using phonetic transcription to examine sound-level
and pronunciation differences. Preliminary findings reveal significant variation in several
phonological segments as well as lexical substitutions between the Tinagas and Tindal dialects,
reflecting the linguistic diversity within the Dusun-speaking communities. This study contributes to
the mapping of dialectal variation in the Dusun language and supports efforts in preserving
endangered indigenous languages in Sabah
Peribahasa Melayu Sarawak :Satu Analisis Semantik Inkuisitif
No full textThis study entitled Sarawak Malay Proverbs: An Inquisitive Semantic Analysis was conducted to identify the types of Sarawak Malay proverbs that are still practiced among the community in the Samarahan district, as well as to analyze their implicit meanings through an inquisitive semantic approach. This study uses a qualitative method with an in-depth interview approach involving 16 informants who are native Sarawak Malay speakers aged 40 years and above. Data was collected from the informants' oral speech and analyzed through three levels, namely semantic script, semantic resonance and semantic inquisitive. The results of the study show that Sarawak Malay proverbs contain various layers of meaning that reflect the common sense, philosophy of life, and worldview of the local community, especially those related to the environment such as the sea, rivers, and symbols of daily life. The proverbs studied not only function as a communication tool, but also broadcast cultural values such as patience, perseverance, courage, and vigilance in facing life's challenges. This study contributes to strengthening the documentation of the Sarawak Malay proverb heritage and is an important reference in the study of local linguistics and culture
Enhanced microwave absorption properties of samarium-doped BiFeO3 Composites: Structural and electromagnetic analysis
No full textThe increasing use of electromagnetic (EM) technologies has raised concerns about electromagnetic interference
(EMI), which can affect electronic systems and human health. Bismuth ferrite, BiFeO3 (BFO), is a promising
material for microwave absorption due to its multiferroic properties, but it faces several limitations that affect its
performance. This study aims to enhance the microwave absorption efficiency of BFO composite by modifying its
structure and electromagnetic properties through samarium (Sm) doping. The undoped BFO and Sm-doped BFO
samples were prepared using solid-state reactions and then incorporated into an epoxy resin polymer matrix with
a ratio of 70:30 wt% to create a composite. The magnetic and dielectric testing demonstrated enhanced
magnetization and improved dielectric properties, which significantly contributed to better impedance matching
and a higher attenuation constant, leading to greater microwave absorption efficiency. Microwave absorption
tests conducted in the 8–18 GHz range demonstrated significant improvements for Sm-doped BFO composites
compared to the undoped BFO sample. Notably, the Sm-doped BFO sample with 0.2 Sm concentration and a
thickness of 2 mm achieved a significant reflection loss (RL) of − 22.3 dB at 12.8 GHz. It also had a broader
effective bandwidth compared to undoped BFO, showing improved microwave absorption due to samarium
doping. These results demonstrate that Sm-doped BFO can improve the limitations of current MAMs by offering
better absorption, broader bandwidth with a single layer and optimal thickness
The Utilisation of Rice Husks as Stand-alone Substrate in the Solid-State Fermentation for Amylase Production by Local Isolate Aspergillus flavus NSH9
No full textA variety of agro-waste has been applied as the solid-state fermentation (SSF) substrate for the production of amylase, nevertheless, only a few studies of rice husks with supplements used as the substrate were reported. Hence, this study was conducted as to investigate the feasibility of rice husk alone without additional supplements as the SSF substrate to produce amylase from the local fungal isolate. Different microbial strains or isolate with different fermentation substrates may have different SSF process requirement for achieving high enzyme activity yield. Therefore, the SSF parameters such as initial moisture content of the substrate, incubation period, incubation temperature and substrate particle were studied and optimised. The highest amylase enzyme activity was observed at 70 % of initial moisture content, 144 hours (6 days) and 30°C, with substrate particle size of 2 mm. Starch hydrolysis analysis performed indicated that the strength of amylase activity in the partially purified extracted
enzyme was three times higher than the crude enzyme. Furthermore, a negligible or none of major aflatoxin compounds was detected in the crude and partially purified enzyme. The obtained findings strongly suggest the high potential usage of rice husk alone as the substrate in the SSF process for the production of aflatoxin-free amylase by the local isolate Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) NSH9
Perception Of UNIMAS Preclinical Medical Students Towards Pbl Implementation: A Focus On Teamwork, Satisfaction And Challenges
No full textBackground:
Problem-Based Learning (PBL) has become a cornerstone of modern medical education due to its emphasis on active learning, teamwork, and critical thinking. At Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), PBL has been embedded in the pre-clinical curriculum since 1996, providing students with opportunities to develop clinical reasoning, collaborative skills, and self-directed learning. Despite its long-standing implementation, limited research has explored how UNIMAS pre-clinical students perceive PBL in terms of its effectiveness, challenges, and overall impact on their learning experience. Understanding students’ perspectives is essential, as their engagement directly influences the success of the curriculum.
Objectives:
This study aimed to assess the perception of pre-clinical medical students at UNIMAS regarding PBL implementation, with particular focus on teamwork, satisfaction, challenges, and the interrelationship among these dimensions.
Methods:
A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed, involving 204 Year 1 and Year 2 pre-clinical medical students. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. The instrument assessed teamwork, satisfaction, and challenges through Likert-scale items. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize perceptions, while Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine associations between the three domains.
Results:
Findings revealed that students generally held positive perceptions of PBL. Teamwork received the highest mean score (x̄ = 4.28, SD = 0.55), indicating strong agreement with collaborative learning benefits. Satisfaction also scored positively (x̄ = 4.00, SD = 0.66), reflecting students’ confidence in their self-directed learning and engagement during PBL sessions. In contrast, challenges recorded the lowest mean score (x̄ = 3.07, SD = 0.86), suggesting moderate concerns, particularly regarding the complexity and coherence of PBL problems. Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated a strong positive relationship between teamwork and satisfaction (r = .704, p < .001). However, challenges showed weak and non-significant correlations with both teamwork and satisfaction, indicating they had minimal impact on overall student perceptions.
Conclusion:
This study highlights the critical role of teamwork in enhancing satisfaction with PBL among pre-clinical medical students. While challenges such as problem complexity exist, they do not significantly influence overall satisfaction or teamwork. The findings suggest that fostering effective group dynamics and strengthening collaboration may further optimize PBL outcomes.
Take-Home Message:
Teamwork is the strongest determinant of student satisfaction in PBL. By refining group collaboration and addressing manageable challenges, medical educators can maximize the effectiveness of PBL and improve learning experiences for pre-clinical students.
Keywords:
Problem-based Learning, Medical Education, Teamwork, Student Satisfaction, Challenges, UNIMA