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Sarawak Heritage – 40th Annual Show
No full textSarawak Heritage – 40th Annual Show
The Sarawak Heritage 40th Annual Show marks a momentous milestone celebrating four decades of artistic legacy, cultural pride, and creative innovation in the Land of the Hornbills. Organized by the Sarawak Artist Society (SAS), this annual showcase brings together generations of artists whose works reflect the rich tapestry of Sarawak’s cultural diversity, natural beauty, and evolving artistic expressions.
This 40th edition highlights the enduring connection between tradition and modernity — from indigenous motifs and craft-based artistry to contemporary interpretations that engage with current social and environmental narratives. Through paintings, sculptures, installations, and new media works, the exhibition becomes a vibrant dialogue between past and present, heritage and progress.
More than a celebration of art, the Sarawak Heritage 40th Annual Show serves as a tribute to the artists, communities, and cultural custodians who have shaped Sarawak’s creative identity. It invites audiences to rediscover the spirit of Sarawak — its people, landscapes, and stories — and to envision the future of heritage through the lens of art
Comparative Analysis of Eschatological Beliefs in Malaysian Chinese Buddhism and Islam : Insights through Ninian Smart’s Dimensions of Religion
No full textThis study aims to perform a comparative analysis to explore the factors contributing to the similarities and differences
in eschatological beliefs between Malaysian Chinese Buddhism and Islam. The analysis used Ninian Smart’s seven dimensions of religion, namely doctrine, ritual, mythic, experiential, ethical, social, and material to evaluate the common and contrasting dimensions shared by Malaysian Chinese Buddhism and Islam. Interviews were conducted with six Muslim converts who were formerly Buddhists. The study revealed that the doctrinal dimension has the highest frequency, indicating a strong focus on the theological differences in eschatological beliefs between Malaysian Chinese Buddhism and Islam. The ethical dimension follows closely, highlighting the importance of moral behaviour in both religions. The material and social dimensions show moderate frequencies, reflecting how practices and communal customs shape beliefs about death. The experiential dimension, though less frequent, emphasises personal spiritual experiences, while the ritual and mythic dimensions receive the lowest references, suggesting a greater emphasis on doctrinal and ethical aspects over specific rituals and narratives. The study also found that moral justice and ethical conduct in the doctrinal dimension are closely related to the ethical dimension. Additionally, the social dimension’s emphasis on community and support is linked to funeral traditions in the ritual dimension. These findings indicate areas of alignment between Malaysian Chinese Buddhism and Islam, revealing shared purposes but differing practices. Ultimately, the common emphasis on virtuous living provides a basis for interfaith dialogue on ethical values
Impacts of Oil Spill on Geotechnical Properties of Soil
No full textThe escalation of environmental pollution in the world is attributed to the recent increase in crude oil spills, mainly due to the increase in crude oil production and the activities of individuals involved in crude oil theft. In oil and gas, the likelihood of soil pollution from petroleum products soars as oil exploration, production, and transportation of substantial oil volumes via pipelines across vast distances continue to dilate. Recent findings divulge a plethora of instances of oil spills occur-
ring in various locations, attributed to damage within the infrastructure of the oil industry. These spills have resulted in soil contamination, giving rise to significant
environmental risks and degradation of both the soil and its engineering characteristics. Herein we explore the changes in geotechnical properties of soil resulting from oil contamination. Beyond understanding the detrimental effects, the chapter explores numerous treatment methodologies, both established and emerging, offering a roadmap for restoring the geotechnical integrity of oil-contaminated soil. The
advantages of employing geotechnical approaches, including sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and long-term efficacy, are highlighted, looking ahead, we identify key areas emphasizing the need for long-term monitoring, exploration of emerging contaminants and technologies like nanotechnology, for the development of scalable and cost-effective solutio
Perspektif Pengkaedahan Melayu Dalam Novel Semangat Tanah Karya Yusuf Mustanir
No full textLiterature is a form of artistic knowledge that encompasses all human activities, whether positive or negative, which require the application of noble values and morals. Literature functions as a medium to foster civilization and reveal lessons that can educate humans with manners (Muhd
Norizam and Shaiful Bahri, 2015). Literary works also play a role in conveying dakwah, educational motifs, entertainment functions, and as a medium of social criticism. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the perspective of Malay philosophizing that has been applied by Yusuf Mustanir in his novel titled Semangat Tanah. The objective of this study is to identify the natural philosophizing in the novel Semangat Tanah and analyze the religious philosophizing found in the novel Semangat Tanah by Yusuf Mustanir. This qualitative descriptive study utilizes the theoretical framework of Malay philosophizing presented by Hashim Awang (1989). The results of the study of natural philosophizing in the novel Semangat Tanah only apply two approaches, namely, the applied approach and the moral approach, while the hunch approach is not applied in this work. Next, the
study found that all approaches in religious methodology such as the dakwah approach, the community approach, and the artistic approach are used in the novel Semangat Tanah by Yusuf Mustanir. The findings found that the analysis of the perspective of the novel Semangat Tanah using Hashim Awang's theory (1989) explains the concept of Malay methodology in Sarawakian literary work
Exploring Tourist Behaviour and Interaction With User-Generated Content on Social Media: A Case of Sarawak’s National Parks and Nature Reserves
No full textThis paper examines the behaviour of tourists and their interaction with user-generated content on social media platforms in the context of Sarawak's ecotourism attractions, particularly its national parks and nature reserves. As the tourism industry shifts towards a more sustainable approach, understanding how tourists engage with digital technologies and social media can provide valuable insights for destination management organisations and tourism operators to market and promote ecotourism offerings effectively. Through a quantitative approach, 657 sets of questionnaires were collected from the national parks and nature reserves in Sarawak, as listed by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation. The SPSS v27.0 and WarpPLS 8.0 software were used for descriptive analysis and hypothesis testing, respectively. It was revealed that weak ties and tourism ties in user-generated content have a positive and significant impact on the destination image. In contrast, the destination image was found to have a positive and considerable influence on revisit intention. The findings offer practical implications for destination management and marketing strategies to leverage user-generated content and social media to enhance the overall ecotourism experience
From Battlefield to Bedside: Contextualizing Just Culture Through Sun Tzu’s Leadership
No full textJust culture provides a framework to distinguish human error, at-risk behavior, and reckless conduct, fostering learning while maintaining fair accountability. This paper uses Sun Tzu’s concubine story from The Art of War as a historical analogy to examine leadership, discipline, and accountability in high-stakes settings. Sun Tzu’s approach: clarifying instructions, addressing repeated noncompliance,
and applying proportionate consequences, illustrates how discipline and fairness can coexist. In contemporary healthcare, these lessons translate into providing clear guidance, coaching at-risk behaviors, and enforcing transparent consequences for reckless actions. Such approaches cultivate psychologically safe, resilient systems where staff are empowered to report errors, learn from mistakes, and uphold patient safety
Clinical characteristics and clinical outcomes in heart failure patients: a multi-center, multi-ethnic study
No full textBackground: Heart failure (HF) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with an increasing prevalence driven by an aging population and
improved survival rates of patients with cardiovascular conditions. Evidence indicates that regional and ethnic variations may influence the clinical characteristics
and outcomes of HF patients in different middle-income countries. Objectives:
We aim to evaluate the clinical characteristics, guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) prescription patterns, and outcomes of HF patients in our region. Methods:
This is a retrospective cohort study encompassing HF clinic patients followed up in 10 hospitals from 1st January 2021 to 30th June 2023. Data were collected on demographic profiles, comorbidities, GDMT prescription, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and clinical outcomes, including mortality and hospital readmissions. Results: A total of 578 patients
(mean age 56±14 years, 76.1% male) were included. Most patients presented with HFrEF (88.5%) and NYHA class II (51.8%). 45.6% of patients were from local ethnic groups. Comorbidities were prevalent, including hypertension (67.8%), dyslipidaemia (52.9%), diabetesmellitus (40%), ischemic heart disease (44.1%), chronic kidney disease (27.5%), anaemia (27.4%) and atrial fibrillation (23.1%). During the first visit, the mean heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 79, 126 and 76 respectively. Utilization of natriuretic peptide as biomarker was low (12.5%) with mean of NT-proBNP 2005.5 pg/ml. The mean eGFR according to EPI-CKD was 74.4 mL/min. The mean for serum urea, serum potassium and haemoglobin level was 6.7 mmol/L, 4.2 mmol/L and 13.5 g/dL, respectively. The mean QRS interval was 110ms. 21% of patients had a QRS interval of > 120ms. At the 6-month follow-up, GDMT for HF patients was optimized as follows: renin-angiotensin-aldosterone
system inhibitors (88%), beta-blockers (94%), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (86.4%), and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (55.5%). Device therapy
utilization remained low at 3.6%. HF patients showed improvements in NYHA class (NYHA I: 31.5% to 65.1%; p<0.001) and LVEF (27.5±9.0% to 39.0±13.5%; p<0.001) over 6 months. The 6-month composite outcome of all-cause mortality,
HF readmissions and urgent visits was 18.8%, with all-cause mortality at 8.9%, HF readmissions and urgent visits at 12.4%. Conclusion: Heart failure patient in our
region were younger and high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors
A Mobile App-Based Peer Assessment for Problem-Based Learning Groups
No full textBackground:
Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is the most significant innovation of the last 60 years that promotes active and self-directed learning through problem solving and teamwork. Assessment of these learning outcomes may involve a combination of self, peer, and facilitator assessments. Our school practices facilitator grading but observed non-uniformity across groups. We complemented facilitator grading with peer evaluation to enhance students' evaluative and reflective skills. The students used a specially developed mobile app, PeerA app, to conduct weekly peer assessments during their PBL sessions. Peer evaluation is notably challenged with problems of friendship marking and anonymity, making it questionable in terms of its reliability and accuracy. Meanwhile, digital tools can offer improved efficiency, fairness, and confidentiality in peer assessment and are increasingly used in education. Thus far, there is no report on online peer assessment tools in PBL settings.
Objectives:
This study aimed to gain insight on students’ acceptance of the implementation of peer assessment in PBL and the use of a mobile app in peer assessment.
Methods:
A survey was conducted on all 152 first-year medical students who completed peer assessment using the PeerA app during a 6-week module in June-July 2024. The students were surveyed using a questionnaire developed by the investigators which was filled out anonymously using a Google Docs form. Responses were analyzed using Microsoft Excel® (2013) with response frequencies converted to percentages.
Results:
A total of 127 students responded to the survey with a response rate of 84.7%. Most students (66.1%) supported the implementation of peer assessment in the curriculum, with over 70% agreeing it improved their own performance and peer feedback was beneficial. More than half the students (59%) agreed that the app reduced friendship marking through confidentiality and averaged weekly marking. Over half of students (55.9%) favoured increasing the frequency of full marks, while other marks responses were similar between current and higher frequencies (48% and 48%). The proportion of students favoring a higher weightage for facilitator grading was greater than those preferring a higher percentage for peer grading (45.7% and 14.9%). Over 80% of students wanted weekly qualitative feedback and agreed on the format. Most students (70.8%) agreed that the app was useful and easy to use.
Conclusion:
Students generally agreed peer assessment benefited their learning and that the processes implemented supported fair and accurate gradings. The PeerA app is a useful and easy tool for conducting online peer assessment in PBL settings
SIKAP DAN PEMILIHAN BAHASA MASYARAKAT JAWA DI KAMPUNG KOLONG 1, MATANG, KUCHING, SARAWAK.
No full textThe Javanese community in Malaysia is classified as a minority group with its own distinct
culture and language. This study was conducted to achieve two research objectives which is to
identify language choices among the Javanese community and to determine speakers' attitudes
toward the Javanese language. The study employed Fishman’s (1972) domain theory, which
includes the family, friendship, religious, educational, occupational, governmental, commercial, and media domains. A quantitative method was applied through an online
questionnaire using Google Forms, which was distributed via WhatsApp and Facebook. A
total of 130 respondents, consisting of different genders and age groups, participated in the
study. Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyze the data by calculating frequencies. The findings show that Javanese community in Kampung Kolong 1 tend to use their mother
tongue, the Javanese language, in the family, friendship, and religious domains. Meanwhile, in the occupational, educational, governmental, and media domains, the use of Javanese is
low. In the commercial domain, the use of Javanese and other languages is balanced, indicating that not only the mother tongue but also other languages are chosen during
shopping. Additionally, the Javanese community in Kampung Kolong 1 displays a positive
attitude toward their identity as Javanese peopl
Natures Echo Biomorphic Motifs in Orang Ulu Traditional Crafts
No full textThis book, Biomorphic Motifs in Orang Ulu Traditional Crafts, celebrates the intricate artistry and cultural significance of the Orang Ulu people's traditional designs, showcasing their profound connection to nature and heritage. It explores the evolution of biomorphic motifs, patterns inspired by organic forms, and their diverse applications, from ceremonial attire to modern adaptations. The book is richly illustrated, capturing the essence of Orang Ulu craftsmanship through historical artefacts, traditional textiles, and contemporary creations.
Each chapter delves into a specific aspect of these timeless motifs. The historical overview highlights the deep-rooted symbolism and function of Orang Ulu designs in artifacts and traditional wear, while subsequent sections reveal their enduring relevance in contemporary ethnic fashion and lifestyle decor. Exclusive photographs provide an intimate look at artisans handcrafting these motifs using age-old techniques, offering insights into their tools, materials, and craftsmanship.
The book also introduces the creative individuals preserving and innovating Orang Ulu motifs, with vibrant profiles of artisans and designers. Featuring stunning visuals, including the dramatic landscapes of Orang Ulu villages and dynamic modern fashion shows, this publication serves as both an homage to Orang Ulu traditions and an inspiration for future explorations of biomorphic art in design