Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities
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The Graphic Notation in Chinese Traditional Music Notation History
Graphic notation plays an important role in the development of traditional Chinese music notation. Music notation is the most important method of recording and preserving music, and the study of ancient Chinese music notation can provide a deeper understanding of Chinese musical culture. However, despite the fact that graphic notation is one of the major notation methods preserved in ancient China, there is still limited academic research on the far-reaching importance of graphic notation. Based on this, this research employs a qualitative approach combining historical, functional, and musicological analyses to explore the classification and function of the ancient Chinese graphic notation, as well as the relationship between the ancient Chinese graphic notation and the ancient Chinese musical styles, by reviewing and analysing a number of ancient musical scores, theoretical texts, and treatises. Findings highlight the multifaceted significance of ancient Chinese musical notation in the preservation and understanding of China's musical heritage. The diversity of notation, from Jianzi notation to visual symbols and written descriptions, reflects their adaptability to a wide range of instruments, genres and styles, serving to guide performances, preserve works and support improvisation. Beyond technical performance, these notations serve as tools for music education, preservation of traditional compositions and performance practices, and cultural expressions, bridging the gap between written and aural traditions. Moreover, their consistency with traditional Chinese musical principles, such as pentatonic structure and improvisation, underscores their role in capturing the aesthetic and cultural essence of the era. Taken together, these findings attest to the enduring importance of ancient Chinese musical scores in the understanding and preservation of this rich heritage
The Impact of AI-Generated Art on the Creative Process of Painting Artists: A Conceptual Paper
This conceptual paper explores how AI-generated art tools impact the creative processes of painters in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, China. By constructing a conceptual framework, the study analyzes the effects of AI tool dependency and technology acceptance on creative inspiration, efficiency, innovation, and satisfaction, with self-efficacy considered a moderating factor. Based on existing literature, it can be inferred that current research lacks empirical studies on different types of painters who use AI-generated art, including in China. This study provides a new perspective for understanding the potential role of AI in artistic creation, offering a theoretical foundation and guidance for future research. The findings of this conceptual paper contribute to understanding the influence of AI on artists' creative processes and promote the integration of artistic creation with modern technology
Modeling the Influence of Cultural Graphics on Urban Perception in Qinzhou City: A Structural Equation Approach
This research examines the crucial requirement to incorporate cultural aspects into urban design, especially in Qinzhou, China's smaller urban environment, by studying cultural graphics' impact on urban perceptibility. The study examines cultural graphics' influence on urban perception by studying how cultural and social identity results in changes to urban perception while personal values and beliefs and media consumption serve as intervening factors. Data collection involved 425 valid responses in Qinzhou City through a quantitative research design, which allowed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze the relationships. The evaluation reveals cultural graphics create substantial effects on urban perception through direct pathways as well as indirect routes powered by personal values and media consumption. Urban planning authorities need to make cultural graphics an integral part of city development to develop stronger cultural identities and community attachments. Urban planners should encourage the integration of cultural graphics in urban development to protect heritage elements while fulfilling contemporary development requirements, which will generate more inclusive public spaces
Collaborative Leadership and School Management Committees' Impact on Primary Teachers' Job Satisfaction in Sarawak Malaysia
This study investigates the relationship between headmasters' collaborative leadership, the role of School Management Committees (SMC), and teacher job satisfaction in Chinese National Type Schools (SJK(C)) in Sarawak, Malaysia. The aim is to explore how leadership styles and SMC involvement influence teacher satisfaction and improve the school environment. The study used a survey research design. Stratified, cluster, and simple random sampling were applied to select 120 teachers from 12 SJK(C) schools in Sarawak. Data were collected using questionnaires with Likert-scale items to measure headmasters' leadership, SMC roles, and teacher job satisfaction. The data analysis included descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and regression to examine relationships and mediation effects. The results showed that headmasters' collaborative leadership (β = 0.392) and SMC involvement (β = 0.327) had a positive and significant impact on teacher job satisfaction. The descriptive analysis indicated high satisfaction levels, with average scores of 4.21 for leadership, 3.76 for SMC roles, and 4.11 for teacher satisfaction. The findings confirmed that SMCs mediate the link between leadership and satisfaction, highlighting the importance of collaboration and support in schools. This study provides unique insights into how SMC involvement mediates the impact of collaborative leadership on teacher job satisfaction, focusing on Sarawak context that has not been widely studied. The study benefits school leaders, policymakers, and educators by highlighting effective leadership practices and the role of School Management Committees in improving teacher job satisfaction. It also supports better management and development strategies for rural schools
Organizational Commitment and Job Satisfaction: A Correlational Study in Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS)
Employee turnover rates have been steadily increasing over time. This issue is not only prevalent in Malaysia but has also emerged as a global concern in the employment sector. High turnover rates can negatively impact organizational performance, productivity, and overall workplace morale. The primary objective of this study was to examine the correlation between organizational commitment and job satisfaction among PKNS employees. A total of 285 PKNS employees participated in the study, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire comprising 29 items designed to assess both organizational commitment and job satisfaction. To analyze the relationship between these variables, Pearson correlation analysis was conducted. The results indicated a significant and strong positive correlation between organizational commitment and job satisfaction among PKNS employees. This finding suggests that employees who exhibit higher levels of commitment to the organization tend to experience greater job satisfaction. The results of this study provide valuable insights for PKNS management and future researchers. Understanding the strong link between organizational commitment and job satisfaction can help organizations develop strategies to enhance employee retention, improve workplace engagement, and create a more supportive work environment. These findings can also serve as a foundation for future research aimed at further exploring factors that influence employee commitment and satisfaction
An Empirical Study on College Students’ Agency for Learning in Sabah, Malaysia
The primary purpose of this study was to examine the agency for learning among college students in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. The methodology involved administering the Agency for Learning Questionnaire online to 70 randomly selected college students. Responses were then automatically transferred onto a spreadsheet, and SPSS 26.0 was utilized to analyze the data. Mann-Whitney U test showed no significant gender differences in the college students’ agency for learning, while Kruskal-Wallis H test revealed no significant differences by way of ethnicity and age. Wilcoxon signed rank test revealed the following: (1) For intentionality/planful competence, three of the items were significant at p < 0.001, (2) for intentionality/decision competence, none of the items were significant, (3) for forethought/extrinsic motivation, six of the items were significant at p < 0.001, (4) for forethought/intrinsic motivation, six of the items were significant at p < 0.001, (5) for self-regulation, only one item was significant at p < 0.05, and (6) for self-efficacy, only one item was significant at p < 0.001. Lastly, group means indicated that the college students tended to exhibit low to low-average levels of agency for learning. Findings imply that it is crucial for colleges and universities to implement measures that encourage students to take greater agency over their academic life to progress into a meaningful future
CAR-SCT Blended Learning Framework: Boosting EFL Proficiency in Chinese Primary Schools
This conceptual study presents the Culture, Authenticity, and Relevance-Sociocultural Theory (CAR-SCT) framework, which integrates Self-Determination Theory (SDT), Sociocultural Theory (SCT), and blended learning to tackle the challenges encountered by low-proficiency English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners in Chinese primary schools. The CAR-SCT framework highlights the importance of cultural relevance, learner autonomy, and social interaction in fostering a linguistically rich, socially interactive, and motivationally engaging educational setting. The methodology encompasses theoretical synthesis and conceptual modeling, highlighting significant challenges including restricted learner engagement and conventional teaching methods. The framework integrates interactive activities, digital tools, and collaborative tasks to improve language proficiency, motivation, and engagement. Hypothetical outcomes indicate enhancements in vocabulary acquisition, speaking fluency, and learner motivation. The CAR-SCT framework integrates theoretical insights with practical applications, offering educators and policymakers effective strategies to improve EFL teaching. Future research must empirically validate the framework to assess its scalability and long-term effects
Pre-University Students’ Perceptions towards Mathematics in the Post-pandemic Era
The Covid-19 pandemic that had begun in December 2019 had made all students in Malaysia being thrown into the online learning environment. After the prolonged home schooling, the post pandemic era that was declared in the year 2022 forced the students to attend physical classes again. This may have caused confusion among the students as they had to readapt with their old learning style once more after being comfortable with the online environment. In this research, students’ perceptions towards mathematics concerning their self-concept and achievement were explored. Participants of this study were a group of pre-university students who experienced the shift from online to physical classes in the post pandemic era. A set of questionnaires regarding the students’ perceptions was distributed to the students of the pre-university program at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. The results show that 61.3% students discovered mathematics as scary despite they perceived positively on their achievement in mathematics. In conclusion, the students had moderate level of self-concept and achievement. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between self-concept and achievement in mathematics, and there was no significant gender difference on the students’ self-concept
A Comprehensive Literature Review on AI-Enhanced Autonomous Learning Mechanisms in Vocational Education
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming education, particularly vocational institutions, which play a vital role in producing technically skilled professionals. Vocational colleges face challenges in modernizing teaching methods and addressing deficiencies in self-directed learning mechanisms, such as disparities in students' abilities, technological acceptance issues, and limited teacher support. This study aims to develop AI-based strategies to enhance autonomous learning among vocational students, focusing on intelligent systems, feedback mechanisms, and optimized learning environments while redefining the role of educators. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to analyze existing self-directed learning mechanisms and challenges in vocational education. The findings reveal that integrating AI technologies into vocational education significantly improves learning outcomes. Intelligent learning systems enable personalized pathways and adaptive feedback, while optimized learning environments and educator training address student disparities and motivational issues. The study concludes that adopting AI-supported autonomous learning strategies not only resolves current challenges but also provides a roadmap for innovation in vocational education. Future efforts should focus on refining these mechanisms and ensuring their scalability to nurture self-reliant and innovative professionals
An Empirical Study on Consumer Behavioral Intentions towards Alipay in China
In recent years, mobile payments have revolutionized the way transactions are conducted in China through innovative methods. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of consumers' perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived trust, perceived compatibility and consumers' attitude on consumers' behavioural intention towards Alipay, by using an extended version of the technology acceptance model (TAM). The method used in this study was quantitative, and the data was collected from 384 users in China. In sample selection, the non-probability sampling method is adopted. The analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Modelling and Smart PLS tools. The results show that consumers' usage attitude significantly affects their behavioural intention. Perceived usefulness, perceived trust and perceived compatibility all significantly affect consumers' usage attitudes and behavioural intentions. Perceived ease of use may influence attitudes toward usage but does not significantly impact usage intention