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Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage in China: Policy Evolution and Challenges
This study focuses on the emergence of the heritage policy discourse in China concerning Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) and the effects of this on cultural transmission. In its infancy, in China, the concept of ICH protection drew on ideas of the protection of the tangible cultural heritage, arising in the late Qing Dynasty with the gradual introduction of Western libraries and museums. Thus, over the years, the Chinese approach to ICH may be said to have evolved and articulated into a much finer law-based ICH protection system, inspired by both internal and international legal efforts. This study employs historical analysis and policy evaluation to assess China’s legislative developments, challenges, and achievements in ICH protection, particularly in the realms of legal frameworks, digitalization, and cultural tourism. Key findings reveal significant progress in policy formulation and the establishment of legal protections, though challenges such as uneven resource allocation and digital preservation remain. The study offers concrete recommendations for enhancing public participation and strengthening the integration of digital technologies in ICH safeguardin
The Homo Sapiens Seafarer Diaspora in the Southeast Asian Archipelago: Traversing Transoceanic Waters from the Mesolithic to the Neolithic Era
This study delves into the profound impact of waters, seas, and oceans on the historical trajectory of Southeast Asia, challenging the prevailing narratives that have often overlooked the vital contributions of the region’s seafaring ancestors. Traditionally dismissed as mere sources of inspiration, these maritime expanses were instrumental in shaping the transition from traditional kingdoms to modern nation-states in Southeast Asia. While historical theories such as the Out of Yunan and Out of Taiwan paradigms proposed by Western scholars have dominated discussions on the development of traditional civilizations in the Southeast Asian Archipelago (Nusantara), this paper advocates for a Southeast Asia-centric perspective to rectify the marginalization of historical realities. The narrative encompasses the ancient epoch and prehistoric eras marked by the migrations of Homo erectus and Homo sapiens from mainland Asia, providing a comprehensive understanding of the early evolution of maritime civilizations in the region. This exploration highlights the risks and sacrifices made by seafaring communities from B.C. to A.D., as they navigated treacherous waters and stormy weathers to ensure the legacy and continuity of future generations. Far from being trivial, their millennia-long contributions have been likened to “shipwrecks laying at the bottom of the sea in their forgotten watery graves.” By elucidating how these communities utilized seas and oceans as sources of emancipation and development, this study aims to reposition Southeast Asia as an epicentre of civilization, rivalling any in the ancient world. Ultimately, this research provides a nuanced perspective on the region’s maritime history, challenging existing paradigms and contributing to the broader international discourse on the development of civilization
Closing the Gender Gap in the Mining Sector: the Inclusive Practices
Multinational corporations (MNCs) are increasingly involved in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiative to enhance the quality of life in host countries. Gender equality (SDG 5) is the key focus. This study examines how MNCs in the male-dominated mining industry in Thailand and Laos promote gender equality through their policies and practices. Using a qualitative approach, we investigated the experiences of stakeholders in the mining sector. Our findings reveal significant gender disparities in employment, health, and vocational opportunities. While MNCs are making efforts to address these issues, the complex interplay of stakeholders and cultural factors influences progress. To effectively advance gender equality, this research suggests a shift in focus towards strategies that actively engage women in diverse business roles. Providing women with the necessary skills and knowledge is essential for their growth and empowerment within the mining industr
Norma Baharu Perlaksanaan Ibadat Solat Ketika Pandemik Covid-19 dari Perspektif Maqasid Syariah
Pandemik Covid-19 memberi impak terhadap aktiviti keagamaan dan kerohanian umat Islam kerana Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) dilaksanakan oleh pemerintah. Perlaksanaan syariat dan ibadat solat telah berubah ke arah normal baharu. Sifat Islam yang praktikal bagi setiap keadaan dapat diamalkan meskipun ketika PKP. Objektif kertas kerja ini membincangkan normal baharu dari aspek ibadah solat umat Islam ketika pandemik Covid�19. Pada peringkat awal perlaksanaan PKP, masyarakat Islam berada dalam kekeliruan dalam melaksanakan ibadah solat di masjid. Maka satu penelitian perlu dilakukan untuk menerangkan kaedah yang sesuai perlaksanaan ibadah solat berdasarkan Maqasid Syariah. Kajian ini telah menggunakan metod kualitatif analisis kandungan (content analysis) yang menggunakan kaedah intrepretasi teks bagi menjawab objektif kajian. Hasil dapatan mendapati berdasarkan fatwa pihak berautoriti, ibadat solat tidak boleh dilaksanakan di masjid, surau dan sebagainya ketika PKP namun perlu dilaksanakan di rumah. Hal ini mendekatkan masyarakat Islam untuk memahami maqasid serta kaedah syarak seperti qawaid fiqhiah atau prinsip umum fiqh dan faktor pewartaan fatwa yang mengutamakan maslahat kesihatan serta tegas menjauhkan sebarang mudarat terhadap umat sejagat. Justeru, andai kata musibah lain muncul pada masa depan, masyarakat sudah memahami jalan penyelesaian ditentukan Isla
Effect of Tax Incentives on MSMEs’ Tax Compliance in Nigeria
Tax incentives have been used as tools to encourage investments and tax compliance from businesses. Little is known about the effect of tax incentives on tax compliance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria. The study, therefore, investigated the effect these tax incentives (the Nigerian government tax exemption to MSMEs with income of a particular threshold and low-interest financing) have on the tax compliance of MSMEs in Nigeria. The study adopted quantitative research and administered questionnaires to MSMEs in Nigeria. Guided by the theories of social influence and slippery slope, the study employed the regression technique for the analysis and concluded that tax incentives have a significant effect on the tax compliance of MSMEs in Nigeria. Also, tax exemption and low-interest financing have a significant effect on the tax compliance of MSMEs in Nigeria. The study has contributed to the body of knowledge by showing the effect the government tax policy of tax exemption to MSMEs has on tax compliance. The different incentives of government are not sufficiently communicated to these businesses to take advantage of. It is, therefore, recommended that government policies especially on incentives to MSMEs should be well broadcast through different social media platforms for them to benefi
Rural Banditry and Human Rights in Southwest Nigeria (2017-2022): A Study of Oyo and Ondo States
Government in an ideal society strives to promptly crush security challenges like banditry with a view to safeguarding human rights of the people but regrettably the reverse is the case in Nigeria. This study investigated the effect of rural banditry on human rights in Oyo and Ondo States, Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive survey research design and quantitative method using self-structured questionnaire to collect data. A total of 400 respondents were sampled adopting stratified random sampling technique while ANOVA analysis was used to test the research hypotheses of the study. The study revealed that rural banditry activities violated the freedom of movement, rights to privacy, property, human dignity, liberty and security of life, among other civil and political rights of the people in Oyo and Ondo States. It also disclosed that rural banditry grossly violated the freedom of religion, rights to education, property as well as social and cultural rights of the people in Oyo and Ondo States. The study concluded that rural banditry activities like kidnapping, robbery, village raids, hostage and ransom taking, maiming and murder, among others severely impacted on the rights of people in both Oyo and Ondo States. The study recommended that government should establish special court to try and swiftly deal with the cases of banditry while Amotekun security outfit, which was established to confront the menace should be empowered through intensive training and supply of adequate and modern weapons and equipmen
Corporate Governance Reform and Sustenance of State-Owned Enterprises in Zimbabwe
The study sought to ascertain corporate governance reforms that foster sustenance of the SOEs in Zimbabwe and how such reforms can be implemented. This study has used a mixed-methods technique and a pragmatist philosophy. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, whereby structured questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data. Top and middle management, board members, board chairpersons, and CEOs of Zimbabwe’s SOEs made up the target population. For quantitative data, a sample size of 351 people was obtained using the sample process created by Krejcie and Morgan (1970). Interviews were done with sixteen (16) people until saturation was achieved. Stratified random sampling was used in the study to choose respondents for the quantitative data collection. To choose interview subjects for the qualitative data, purposeful sampling was applied. The quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 and NVivo version 12, respectively. According to the study, the primary corporate governance reforms for the survival of the SOEs in Zimbabwe included the following: open nomination processes for the SOEs; removal and resignation of directors who did not comply with best corporate governance practices; limitations on board member compensation; and changes to the executive directors’ terms of service. This research has shown that best corporate governance practices in the SOEs are brought about by reforming the Board Appointments Board (RAB). In order to ensure that corporate governance reforms are implemented effectively, the present study has suggested that term limits, with a maximum of ten (10) years, in Chief Executive Officer Employment contracts be strictly enforce
Factors Effecting Paddy Productivity in the MADA Regions, Malaysia
Rice commodity is becoming increasingly important for most countries worldwide, particularly those where rice is the main staple meal. This study examines the socioeconomic attributes of farmers, their perspectives on management practises, and the implementation of paddy machinery technology in the four MADA (Muda Agricultural Development Authority) regions in Malaysia. The study aims to determine the main factors effecting paddy productivity in the MADA regions. Primary data was collected from paddy farmers in the four MADA zones using a standardised questionnaire. The data was collected from 673 respondents from four regions of MADA. The analysis employed both descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The results indicate that variables such as land area, selection of paddy planting as the primary occupation, increased time spent on paddy farms, gender, and the educational background of farmers have a significant impact on paddy productivity in the MADA regions. The findings also show that, only a small percentage of respondents (6.2%) followed the crop schedule, and 93.8 percent of them were late. The utilisation of machinery in paddy cultivation achieved the following results: nine farmers achieved a success rate of 85.71 percent, while a majority of farmers (662 farmers) achieved a 71.43 percent utilisation rate, with one farmer earning the lowest usage rate of 57.14 percent. In conclusions the study has found that it is imperative to promote the use of management practises and advanced machinery technologies among paddy farmers to effectively increase productivit
Supplier Relations and Control in the Malaysian Automotive Industry
This research examines the archetypes of buyer-supplier-supplier relationships within triad supply networks in the Malaysian automotive industry. Existing literature indicates that such triad relationships, involving buyers and two suppliers, are pivotal to supplier relations in the industry. In Malaysia, where the automotive industry is protected, this triad relationship may differ structurally. Through multiple-case studies, this research explores the opinions of interviewees on buyer-supplier relationships, focusing on control over business processes. The findings suggest that in these triads, various levels of control exist, and that competition between suppliers, facilitated by the buyer, is feasible if both parties' capabilities are develope
Do Students Communicate? Making Sense of Malaysian Undergraduates’ Classroom Experience
Meaningful interactions can help establish good rapport among individuals. However, in reality, not much is known about whether students in particular, communicate with each other in class or outside of class. There is thus a need to explore student interaction to understand their communication experiences. This paper presents the Malaysian undergraduate students’ narratives of their intercultural interactions in a classroom situation. As part of a larger study, data were gathered and analysed based on the focus group interviews and classroom observations with students from multicultural backgrounds in the northeast of Malaysia. The findings revealed that the intercultural interaction occurred but minimally. They conversed politely with diverse strategies. Also, the English language used varied based on their backgrounds and proficiency level. Such interactions assisted them to be acquainted with each other in the classroom environment and to be aware of their potentials and differences particularly in the understanding of cultural practices. The paper concludes with some implications that include highlighting the importance of language as an essential component that is often neglected and the need to make classroom a relevant and non-hostile realm for meaningful interactions to occur and to embrace polite and respectful language among individual