The Malaysian Journal of Social Administration
The Malaysian Journal of Social Administration (MJSA) is an international peer-review journal published by the Department of Social Administration and Justice, Universiti Malaya per annum. The interdisciplinary journal brings together research articles on social policy and social work studies. The journal provides an intellectual venue for academics, postgraduate students, and practitioners in the field of human services to debate on the various issues in the area of studies aforementioned. Authors can submit their manuscripts in either English or Malay language. ISSN: 1675-3925 (print), 2600-951X (online)
Cabaran Penjagaan Penjaga Tidak Formal Pesakit Kanser: Kajian Kes di Negeri Johor
This study aims to identify the challenges faced by informal caregivers of cancer patients and examine the relationship between caregivers’ demographic backgrounds and their caregiving experiences. This qualitative study employed a case study approach using semi-structured interviews involving seven informal caregivers registered with the Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation (YKTLJ). Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, while data validation was conducted through member checking to ensure the reliability of the findings. The results reveal that informal caregivers face various challenges, including physical and mental fatigue, emotional stress due to patients’ behavioural changes, financial burden, and lack of social support. Demographic factors such as gender, marital status, age, education level, and place of residence were found to influence the types of challenges encountered. The study is supported by Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory and the Caregiving Dynamics Theory, which explain how the imbalance between caregivers’ needs and caregiving demands can affect their overall well-being. The findings underscore the urgent need for structured and targeted support to be provided to informal caregivers through psychosocial interventions, financial assistance, and community-based caregiving training in order to enhance the quality of life for both caregivers and patients.
Trust and Networking as Elements of Social Capital During Fieldwork in Malaysia to Mitigate Methodological Obstacles: A Bangladeshi Overview
This paper examines the roles of trust and networking in overcoming fieldwork challenges in Malaysia. The obstacles and their management were described using a phenomenological methodology. Among the most challenging aspects of fieldwork are gender stereotypes, language barrier, safety and security of the researcher, the inherent unpredictability of migrant workers, and the initial rejection of the primary informants. Data was successfully collected from Indonesian and Bangladeshi migrant workers by creating and strengthening networks, building relationships as a means of bonding with people from the same country, achieving acceptance, and exploring alternative means of addressing the different challenges being endured and organised. Despite the unpredictability of fieldwork, the findings demonstrated that impediments can be reduced through the active participation of researchers in identifying risks and developing strategies to mitigate them. Two essential components of social capital — trust and networking — played a crucial role in overcoming fieldwork obstacles. This article describes the researcher's fieldwork experiences and how the elements of social capital, trust and networking are utilised to overcome obstacles. This paper aims to contribute to the reduction of methodological obstacles and the development of a risk management strategy for future researchers, particularly female researchers in a foreign country, by sharing practical experiences and challenges and empowering them in their research endeavours.
Enhancing Adaptive Social Safety Net Parameters in Malaysia: An Initiative to Protect the Vulnerable Population
This concept paper explores the critical parameters of adaptive social safety-net in the context of low-income households in Malaysia. The concept of adaptive social safety-net is derived and introduced by the World Bank in which it seeks to enhance the household resilience. Recent events such as the pandemic Covid-19 crises and increasing covariate shock happened shows that there is a gap and limitation in our social safety- net system particularly on how the Government’s efficiency as well as other authorities managing, funding the systems. Hence, reassess and strengthen current social protection mechanisms by integrating adaptive features that are responsive to local vulnerabilities. Using a quantitative approach, data will be collected through systematic random sampling among residents of Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) in Kuala Lumpur. The findings are expected to explore the critical parameters of an adaptive social safety-net to development of a more resilient and inclusive social protection framework that better supports low-income households during unforeseen shocks and contributes to long-term socioeconomic stability.
Mendepani Cabaran Negara Menua Dan Warga Emas Aktif : Satu Alternatif
Malaysia kini berhadapan dengan peningkatan populasinya yang mencapai usia emas pada kadar yang semakin tinggi, dan dijangka akan mencapai status negara menua pada 2030. Ini menunjukan kurang dari satu dekad Malaysia akan mencapai status negara menua, dan apakah persediaan yang dilakukan. Kajian dijalankan disalah sebuah penempatan warga emas yang dikenali sebagai pondok moden Baitul Maab yang memberi peluang kepada warga emas menjalani kehidupan yang dipenuhi dengan aktiviti keagamaan. Kajian ini bertujuan mencari penyelesaian yang praktikal dan mempromosikan kehidupan lestari dalam kalangan warga emas di Malaysia menuju negara menua. Pendekatan kajian yang digunakan adalah perbincangan kumpulan fokus (FGD), pemetaan kolaboratif dan tinjauan bagi mendapatkan pandangan dan pengalaman penghuni di Baitul Maab terhadap manafaat aktiviti berkebun terhadap kesihatan fizikal, dan sosial mereka. Dapatan kajian menunjukan bahawa aktivti berkebun secara berkumpulan bukan sahaja membantu meningkatkan kesejahteraan fizikal melalui pergerakan yang aktif, malah memperkukuhkan interaksi sosial dengan penghuni yang lain. Selain itu penyediaan kemudahan fizikal yang selari dengan keperluan golongan warga emas ini dapat membantu membina komuniti yang inklusif dan produktif. Penyediakan penempatan yang dilengkapi dengan kemudahan fizikal dan spiritual ini boleh menjadi alternatif kepada Malaysia dalam mendepani cabaran negara menua.
Emotion-Focused Coping with the Increasing Cost of Living: Insights from Middle-Income Households in Klang Valley
The increasing cost of living significantly affects urban middle-income households in Klang Valley, Malaysia, prompting various coping strategies to manage associated stress. This qualitative study examines emotion-focused coping strategies through in-depth interviews with eight middle-income participants. Thematic analysis identified four primary strategies: seeking social support, mental disengagement, acceptance, and religious coping. Participants sought emotional support from close relationships, found temporary relief through activities like hiking or cooking, and embraced acceptance to confront challenges and foster resilience. Religious coping, including prayer and acts of charity, provided solace and emotional strength. While these strategies alleviate emotional distress and promote resilience, they do not address the root economic challenges. The findings emphasise the importance of integrating emotion-focused and problem-focused approaches to support households facing financial stress.
Pengalaman Sokongan Sosial Penjaga Tidak Formal Pesakit Epilepsi di Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The responsibility of caring for a sick family member is a common occurrence for informal caregivers. These individuals heavily rely on the social support available to them. Nevertheless, there is a noticeable gap in research about the experiences of informal caregivers providing care for family members with epilepsy in the Kota Kinabalu, Sabah region. This qualitative study, utilising a phenomenological approach, delved into the types of social support received by primary caregivers. Through interviews with ten informants, the study uncovered that caregivers receive various types of social support, including stress relief, increased confidence, reduced fatigue, early support from medical professionals, and collective care. It is paramount to identify the specific type of social support necessary to address the challenges posed by epilepsy care. The study's findings can serve as a valuable blueprint for establishing a digital social support programme, offering a beacon of hope for epilepsy caregivers in our increasingly digitalised society.
Kemampuan Pegawai Kerja Sosial Perubatan Generik Menyampaikan Khidmat Kerja Sosial Onkologi di Prasarana Kesihatan Awam di Malaysia; Laporan Tinjauan Awal
Oncology social work stands as a critical pillar in healthcare services, especially with the surging incidence of cancer cases worldwide. This paper meticulously assesses the current state of oncology social work services in government healthcare facilities in Malaysia in response to the escalating local cancer cases. By using the five standards of oncology social work services (OSWS) outlined by the Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW), including qualifications, services to patients and families, services to institutions and agencies, services to the community, and services to the profession, as benchmarks, it underscores the indispensable need for OSWS in healthcare institutions. Through a comprehensive review of global research on OSWS development, this paper provides a compelling rationale for the vital components that advocate for the integration of OSWS in Malaysia's government healthcare facilities. This data catalyses the implementation of robust oncology social work services within Malaysia's government healthcare system.
Measuring Rental Satisfaction Among Young Generation: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis
Previous studies have focused on housing affordability yet neglected the aspect of renting among the young generation. Besides, the lack of study tested on the instrument measuring renters’ satisfaction led to the aim of this study. This research uses four (4) variables such as housing conditions, housing security, housing environment, and institutional support in investigating the renters' satisfaction with their current house. A pilot study was conducted, which approached a total of 40 renters aged between 20 to 39 years old, who are currently renting in Malaysia. The findings reported on the reliability and normality results of the independent and dependent variables used in the research instrument. The results revealed that the instruments are reliable since the value of Cronbach's Alpha is more than 0.6, while the values of skewness and kurtosis are normally distributed. The findings confirm that the tested variables are significant in measuring the renters' housing satisfaction and are valid for the actual study. The study hoped to assist the government in providing a comprehensive rental policy, especially for renters, thus contributing to the richness of the housing literature.
Charting The Course: Assessing Malaysia's Preparedness for Implementing Dedicated Legal Safeguards for Older Person Care
Based on the United Nations definition, Malaysia has become an ageing society and is estimated to be an aged society in 2030, with 15 per cent (expected 5.8 million) of its population consisting of older persons. It is essential to realise that Malaysia’s population is fast ageing, resulting in greater demand for care for older persons. The demand evidently increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, can current care deliveries and services meet the demand in all care settings? What is the risk and impact of insufficient care deliveries to care components? What is the current legal protection status for older persons and care in Malaysia? In response to the questions, the authors put the premise that understanding the older person's care current practice and safeguarding care with dedicated legal protection is a primary key and first step to be taken in order to manage needs and overcome challenges of older person care and to ensure a quality care delivery. This article aims to examine selected existing legal frameworks related to older person care and to assess Malaysia’s preparedness to implement a dedicated legal safeguard for older person care in this country. The authors further recommend a dedicated and specific statute that is not only there per se but, most notably, drafted in an enforceable clause based on best approaches for the best interest of older persons and all its care components.
The Santals Ethnic Community of Bangladesh: A Critical Review on the Current status to the Unregulated Minority Right in light of UNDRIP-2007 and ILO-1989/169 to the Unregulated Minority Rights
Bangladesh still needs to ratify UNDRIP-2007 and ILO-1989/169 as a member of the UN and ILO. This article aims to discuss the unregulated Minority Rights in light of two major international treaties—UNDRIP-2007 and ILO-1989/169 concerning the Santal community of Bangladesh. This study explores the gaps and problems in establishing Minority rights under the regime of SDGs and how to overcome these to ensure the development of this community. According to the National Census 2011, Santal, along with other ethnic groups, is not identified as a distinctive 'Indigenous group' but as a small minority group. Methodologically, this study takes an ethnographic approach, aided by secondary data, reflecting diverse perspectives. Consecutively, Santal's identity is that of a minority, and their identity is an illusion. These hurdles, by all means, push them to lag behind most people in society. The Santals have been severely deprived of advantages and possibilities, struggling to compete with the majority of Bengalis to access the shared resources or property pools. This study proposes some legal ratification amendments of existing policies to become a conduit to make a sustainable community development framework for enduring the minority's rights and national prosperity and accelerating to reach the goals 2030.
Penta-Helix Collaboration Approach in Achieving of SDGs Desa: Best Practice from Ketapanrame Village, Mojokerto, East Java
The implementation of UU/2014 allows villages in East Java, Indonesia, to have considerable authority in managing and utilising their potential for the community's well-being. The government realised its commitment to giving more attention to total and sustainable development in the village through the SDGs Desa (village) concept. The SDGs Desa is a global SDGs localisation strategy to reach the villages so that a sustainable development process occurs according to local cultural conditions and needs. This article results from a qualitative study in which data were collected through in-depth interviews with several informants and supported by field observations in Ketapanrame, Mojokerto. The findings indicate that SDGs Desa is a new hope for developing community welfare in the village, which is achieved by collaboration among many actors such as the Government, academic/ university, private Sector, community and media, or the penta-helix collaboration. The success of this approach was evident from the efforts of the Ketapanrame Village administration, which plays a crucial role in managing BUMDES (Village-Owned Enterprises).
Riding in Fear: Female Students’ Lived Experiences of Sexual Harassment in CNG Auto Rickshaws in Sylhet City
In recent years, violence against women has taken on a new form in our society, involving considerable intimidation of women's mobility and dignity. Due to significant under-reporting rates, sexual harassment on public transportation is one of society's neglected aspects of gender-based violence against women. In Sylhet City, the CNG Auto Rickshaw is the primary public transportation mode. Drawing on the findings of a qualitative research design, we aimed to highlight the issue of sexual harassment in CNG Auto Rickshaws. We conducted in-depth interviews with twenty female students from both a public and a private university in Sylhet City. The findings reveal that sexual harassment is common in CNG Auto Rickshaws, with young female students from the universities being highly vulnerable to such incidents. This dehumanizing misconduct causes a significant degree of panic and anxiety among female students, which in turn impacts their academic performance and social lives. Despite experiencing various forms of abuse that result in trauma, none of the participants reported these incidents to the university authorities or the police. CNG Auto Rickshaws seem to provide perpetrators with proximity and anonymity, leading to significant levels of abuse with minimal risk of social or legal consequences.
Opening Routes to Re-Employment Behaviour of Older Women: How do family-related Factors Affect?
The number of older workers in urban China who extend their working life after retirement has recently increased, and the proportion of those working older women remains low. This trend underscores the pressing need to address the challenges faced by older women who wish to extend their working lives after the compulsory retirement age. The present study, which focuses on factors impacting the re-employment of older women aged 55 to 70, family-related factors, in particular, is a crucial step towards understanding and addressing this issue. The study is based on pilot data collected from May 2022 to July 2022 among older women individuals in Fuzhou, China, using a self-designed questionnaire. The results reveal that most older women are temporary workers in less skilled sectors such as business and service, agriculture, forestry and fishing, and transport. Furthermore, it is found that re-employed and self-employed women receive a relatively lower monthly pension income compared to fully-retired older women, highlighting the financial implications of their re-employment. Moreover, the research underscores the challenges faced by older women in their re-employment journey. It is found that self-employed older women, despite their higher monthly incomes, still face significant hurdles. Social capital remains the most common avenue for older women to access re-employment after retirement, highlighting the need for stronger support networks. In terms of factors influencing re-employment behaviour, the study reveals that grandchildren care responsibilities, spousal employment, and marital status significantly influence older women's re-employment behaviour, further emphasizing the complex nature of their situation.
The Impact of China's Ageing Population on Consumption Structure
The rapid development of population ageing makes China a unique subject for study relative to other developed countries with high levels of ageing. Meanwhile, income inequality widens as China's economy grows, making it a major social issue that needs to be addressed. This study evaluates the impact of ageing on income inequality in China's 31 provinces by ANOVA analysis. Panel data is collected from NBS from 2010 to 2020. The estimation results indicate that population ageing tends to widen income inequality during 2010-2020 in China and this impact has a significant time lag.
Reflections on the constant policy changes in Malaysia: The need to prioritise social impact for policy adjustments
This article explores the role of social impact in facilitating policy adjustments in Malaysia. In particular, this article focuses on Malaysia My Second Home programme - a retirement migration programme, which has been reformed several times due to the allegations of adverse impacts on the Malaysian economy. Nevertheless, the changes made have influenced the participant’s personal life, their decision to retire abroad, and affected their well-being respectively. Not only that, the property developers, business operators, and state governments are equally at risk of revenue loss. Yet, there is a limited study that analyses this programme through the lens of prioritising social impact for policy adjustments. Hence, using policy documents and archival records from the government’s database, an analysis of the programme reforms with highlights on the social impacts is discussed in detail. The key finding of this article points to a new direction that focuses on the importance of recognising social impacts in the cost-benefit analysis in terms of social equality, diversity, and well-being rather than being heavily dependent on economic impacts in government decision-making. Therefore, this article concludes with recommendations for policymakers to start addressing social impacts in policymaking so that the government could maintain control over the policy outcomes effectively.
A Conceptual Paper on Population Growth, Economic Growth and Environmental Quality Nexus in Nigeria
This study evaluates existing evidence and proposes a conceptual framework for investigating the multifaceted dynamics of population growth and economic growth on environmental quality in Nigeria, as a developing country. Evidence on the growing ecological degradation (i.e., high population density, pollution, urban squalor, deforestation, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions) is reviewed. The study presents theories that link human population growth, economic growth, and environmental quality, as well as the impact on human well-being and possible relationships with environmental changes. As a result, population growth, economic growth, and environmental quality are all discussed in depth as both a cause and a result of environmental changes. The empirical literature on Nigerian population growth and ecological change, as well as potential links to climatic change, is reviewed. Although there are well-known limitations to current knowledge on the relationship between population growth, economic growth, and environmental quality, the implications for future research and the application of guiding principles are numerous. Keywords: population growth; environmental quality; economic growth; energy consumption; CO2 emissions
Re-employment Pathways and Pension Inequality for Retired Women in China
Previous literature concentrates on China's pension systems and reforms from a macro-level and financial perspective. The gendered pension inequality regarding retirement and re-employment of older women has been ignored to date, and this study set out to address this lacuna. The quantitative research method was adopted in this study. Four hundred women respondents, aged between 55 to 65, who reached the compulsory retirement age were involved and selected in four cities in Fujian Province. A multinomial logistic model was introduced to analyse data, such as re-employment methods, pension incomes and actual retirement age, to explore links between pension schemes and re-employment modes. A significant pension inequality in pension income among retired women in urban China is reported, mainly between enterprise workers/ freelancers and public-sector employees. The study found that respondents' actual retirement age is often older than the compulsory retirement age. This discrepancy may be attributed to the heavy family-care duties that women often bear, which can lead to increased employment after retirement. Gender norms play a significant role in this, as women are more likely to face trade-offs between work/retirement and family care needs throughout their lives. The lack of improvement in gendered re-employment pathways for women reflects the broader patterns of inequality within the current pension scheme in China, highlighting the challenges that women face due to societal expectations.
Education Gap during Emergency Remote Learning amongst Primary School Students in Selangor Low-Cost Flats
This study examined the root causes of the education gap for primary school students living in Selangor low-cost flats throughout emergency remote learning during the Movement Control Order in Malaysia (2020-21). It assessed the availability of resources and preparedness for teaching and learning during emergency remote learning and analysed the effect of emergency remote learning on teachers, parents, and students. The study was conducted in three low-cost flats in Selangor, Malaysia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted amongst 12 parents (3 focus group interviews) and three school leaders of these students, with complementary interviews from three selected Malaysian Ministry of Education officers (state and federal level). Thematic analysis was conducted on the interview responses using the CIPP (Context, Input, Process, Product) model framework embedded within the principal-agent theory. This study identifies positive input and processes throughout emergency remote learning, namely in content resources, flexible Ministry of Education guidelines, and proactive school leadership. It also evaluates the weaknesses in the education process, specifically in reporting communications and participation in online lessons. This study concludes with a two-pronged policy recommendation for short-term recovery and prevention and the long-term establishment of a robust online learning system.
The Implementation of Solid Waste Management Policies in Southeast Asia: The Present Situations and Future Recommendations
Solid waste management (SWM) is a challenge for urban cities in most of the globe, including Southeast Asia. The weak implementation of effective policies, mainly due to increasing solid waste (SW) generation, changing lifestyles, increasing demand for products and services, rapid urbanisation, and multiplication of various waste compositions, have affected the capacity of the authorities to secure financial budget, adequate human resources, and development of infrastructures in managing SW. The ineffective SWM causes severe health hazards and environmental degradation. Most Southeast Asian cities lack efficient SWM programmes. In aiming to provide a SW dataset for the Southeast Asian region, each country’s waste generation and composition are profiled. Southeast Asia generated about 137.4 million tonnes of SW in 2016. Organic waste is the highest fraction of total SW generated, which accounted for 52 percent. The country’s income level influences the waste composition of each country. Landfilling and open dumpsites are the standard methods of waste disposal in the region, accounting for 55 percent of the region’s SW disposal method. Further, to support the policy implementation, this paper analysed gaps and SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) and provided recommendations to incorporate into the action plans for effective SWM policy implementation in Southeast Asia.
The Well-being of the Left-behind Children in Rural Sichuan, China: A Preliminary Study Report
Chinese scholars have studied the status of left-behind children's subjective and general well-being. However, one significant gap is the need to measure comprehensive well-being in China's backward economic rural areas. This study measures the well-being of left-behind children in rural Sichuan, China. Adopting the Social-Ecological Theory as its framework, this paper focused on the well-being of the left-behind children in the micro-system. The preliminary study found that left-behind children reported a very high level of individual well-being, scored lower in most of the listed essential items, and had poor scores in child protection service, stress and problem management, and community participation. In conclusion, the results from this study provide inputs to a new direction for social policies and services for left-behind children in rural areas in China
Family Interaction Patterns Among Adult Children and Divorced Parents According to Bowen’s Family System Theory: A Case Study of Chinese Family in China
Recent years have seen a global trend that more and more adults experience the divorce of their parents. However, the impact of parental divorce on adult children is overlooked due to the independence and maturity of adult children. Existing studies also tend to focus on young children in divorced families as there is substantial evidence on the consequences of parental divorce that impact underage children's physical and mental development. Parents' divorce can remarkably affect adult children's cognition of family relationships. As some literature has noticed, adult children's relational uncertainty and complication in post-parental divorce demonstrate the importance of research in this domain. However, little focus is on how this change in cognition of family relationships can impact family interaction. Therefore, a preliminary study was conducted to investigate the impact of parental divorce on adult children of divorce (ACOD) in China. The study adopted a narrative inquiry method to explore the family interaction patterns conversationally. The preliminary report shows that there are three patterns for ACOD, namely, support divorce type, avoidance type, and inability to intervene type, and those who grow up in high-conflict families can grapple with family uncertainty after their parental divorce. The intervention emphasises post-divorce parenting programmes and parental conflict resolution initiatives, which play a prominent protective role in the children's long-term healthy development.
Correctional Institution (Prison) and the Control of Recidivism among Ex-Convicts in Southwest Nigeria
Recidivism has emerged as one of the foremost social challenges of the 21st century. It remains a considerable social threat facing every society and government today. For that reason, it has garnered considerable attention from scholars interested in developing and testing theories of crime and social change, understanding the process and experience of re-entry, and identifying and evaluating ways to improve successful inmate transitions back into society. Recidivism level has continued to increase despite various intervention strategies. It is on this note that this study is designed to determine the level of recidivism among inmates, assess the functions of correctional institutions, level of job opportunities, and family/social acceptance among ex-convicts in Southwest Nigeria. It is also to establish the relationship that exists between correctional institution, family/social acceptance, and job opportunities in the control of recidivism among ex-convicts in Southwest Nigeria. The study is quantitative, therefore questionnaires were used as study instrument at the Medium Correctional Centre in Ado Ekiti, Southwest Nigeria, where data were collected randomly using 5-scale Likert structured questionnaires among 200 recidivists and semi-structured questionnaires among 200 correctional officials. The reliability and validity test results for both recidivist's and correctional officials' instruments ranged from 0.706 to 0.860. The results show 75% of the respondents get re-arrested, re-tried, and re-convicted for another crime after being released from the previous jail period between 2-3 years. The study also reveals a high level of social and family stigmatisation of ex-convicts, coupled with a high level of unemployment among them. Therefore, the study recommends that government, correctional institutions, and other policy-decision makers enact and enforce policies through awareness campaigns and sensitisation programmes that will help reduce and discourage the inmates from relapsing into crime in future.
Does Transformational Leadership Affects NPOs Performance?
This paper intends to focus on the importance of transformational leadership and whether it affects NPO performance. Nowadays, the role of NPOs has become more critical since the occurrence of several unfortunate events, such as the outbreak of the pandemic and the natural disasters that frequently happened. NPOs act as a helping hand for the government to handle public affairs, have made them accountable to the public at large, and need to be managed by good leaders. In addition, for organisations to achieve transparency, individual managers must agree to conduct their jobs in an atmosphere of trust and high ethical standards. The implementation of transformational leadership can resolve the mentioned issue. This study exposes the importance of transformational leadership and its effects on NPO performance. Previous studies have found that transformation has positive impacts on organisational performance. Hence, this research focuses on Malaysia and the third sector. NPOs are obligated to excel in their field as they carry the same responsibility as the government in improving society's quality of life. At the end of the research, the results determine whether transformational leadership influences the performance of NPOs. This research applies qualitative research design and uses content analysis for the methodology. This study employs a search strategy using online databases, including Scopus and ISI Web of Science (WoS), for studies published from 2017-2021. Therefore, this research is expected to improve the transformational leadership practice in Malaysia. Thus, NPOs can improve their future performance in serving their beneficiaries.
Career Decision-making Process of Secondary School Students in Maldives: Recommendations for Integrating Career Education into Secondary Schools Curriculum
While the career choice process has been extensively studied, research on the career decision-making process has yet to be done in the context of the Maldives. This qualitative study addresses this gap in understanding the career decision-making process of adolescents in Maldives. The paper focuses on first-generation students' reflections on encounters with occupational information and experiences that raised their self-awareness during their adolescent/secondary school years and their challenges and unmet decision-making needs with the aim of identifying revenues for incorporating career education into the secondary school curriculum. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis and semi-structured interviews were used to explore the experiences of college/university students studying in career-relevant undergraduate degree programmes. Findings highlighted the need for a broad generalist secondary school curriculum, increased young people's occupational knowledge, and kept interests alive through extracurricular activities. Policy implications include addressing equity issues between schools and incorporating occupational information into teacher training programmes for secondary school subject teachers
The Role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Sustainable Development
The role of civil society organisations (CSOs) is much appreciated worldwide for their contribution. This paper aims to describe the origin and nature of CSOs in different dimensions and their commitment to sustainable development. Review of secondary sources was the key technique for data and content analysis. This paper points out that sustainable development is an essential ingredient for a safe earth, life and livelihood of the next generations and there is no alternative to it. No nation is capable of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals alone. Moreover, these goals must be anchored in the future global agenda. This paper also provides a set of policy recommendations for greater CSO engagement in sustainable development through global partnerships.
Penjagaan Kanak-kanak Kurang Upaya dalam Keluarga
Anak adalah aset penting keluarga. Setiap pasangan berkahwin mahukan anak sendiri. Tidak hairanlah jika kebanyakan mereka mahu mempunyai anak sendiri dalam jangka masa setahun sehingga tiga tahun selepas berkahwin. Sungguhpun begitu tidak ramai pasangan yang bersedia menerima kelahiran anak kurang upaya. Makalah ini adalah berkaitan peranan dan cabaran yang dihadapi dalam mengurus anak kurang upaya yang menghidap Sindrom CHARGE. Isu penting yang dikupas adalah berkaitan keperluan khas yang harus diberikan perhatian oleh ibu bapa dan keluarga khasnya dalam mengurus kanak-kanak berkeperluan khas. Ada di antara mereka yang diabaikan atau didiskriminasi. Terkait dengan itu makalah ini mengupas peranan Pegawai Kerja Sosial Perubatan yang menjadi perantara di antara ibu bapa, kumpulan pakar perubatan dan badan-badan kebajikan yang memberi sokongan kewangan. Bahagian akhir makalah ini membincangkan peranan dasar sosial yang berkaitan serta peranan Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat, Bahagian Kesihatan Awam, khususnya Bahagian Kesihatan Keluarga dalam mengatur dasar serta pelan tindakan yang sesuai agar dapat dimanfaatkan oleh keluarga yang memerlukan sokongan disebabkan mempunyai anak yang berkeperluan khas.
FACTORS INFLUENCING ENGAGEMENT AND TYPE OF VOLUNTEERING ACTIVITIES PREFERRED BY THE PUBLIC UNIVERSITY STUDENT
Volunteering is defined as a voluntary activity or activity that benefits both the volunteer and the group or community that is aided in urban and rural areas. There is no doubt that students have extensive exposure and accessibility to enable them to actively engage in volunteering activities. However, the changing lifestyle of the community nowadays directly affects the trend of student participation in volunteer activities. In this regard, this study was conducted to examine the trends of students getting involved and participating in volunteering activities. This trend of engagement will be seen from two aspects, i) the factors influencing engagement and ii) the type of volunteering activity preferred by students. The study involves 400 students who participated in volunteering activities at three public universities, namely UM, UKM, and UPM. The results showed that the main factor of influence student participation in volunteering activities was colleagues and instructors (i.e. lecturers, teachers, etc.). Meanwhile, the type of activities preferred by the student is community services, education, and environmental protection.
Validity and Reliability of the Role of Social Support from Social Organisations on the Resilience of Rural Left-behind Children - A Pilot Study
The aim of this paper is to present a preliminary finding based on an empirical study that aims to assess the reliability, validity, and correlation between the variables of a data collection instrument on the role of social support from social organizations in reconstructing the resilience of left-behind children in rural China through a small sample data analysis. Using a quantitative research approach, a paper questionnaire was administered to participants from first grade to third grade of junior high school. Descriptive statistical analysis and validation factor analysis were conducted on this measurement tool by applying Spss v24 and Amos v24, and after modifying the model, the final aggregated validity average variance extracted, combined reliability and discriminant validity of this measurement tool met the conditions and the correlation between the variables was good. The findings suggest that the overall data collection instrument is reliable, valid, and suitable for the forthcoming main study.
CASE MANAGEMENT OF PERSONS WITH MENTAL DISABILITIES IN MALAYSIA: COLLABORATION CHALLENGES AMONG STAKEHOLDERS
Components of Case management of Persons with Mental Disabilities (PWMD) has not been sufficient explored and studied in Malaysia. With the increased numbers of PWMD in Malaysia studies on case management of PWMD are definitely needed. This objective of this paper to explore collaboration challenges among stakeholders in case management of PWMD in Malaysia. Ten social workers from Medical Social Work Department and Social Welfare Department in Malaysia were in-depth interviewed in this qualitative study and the qualitative data were analysed thematically using a case study approach. The study discussed the social workers’ challenges arise within collaboration with the public and private sector such as lack of specialized trainings for officials and lack of formal and effective collaborations between agencies. The findings suggest that the two main primary stakeholders involved with case management of PWMD such as Health Ministry and Welfare Department should enhance collaboration between them in getting their resources such as information and manpower together. This paper is fundamental for policy makers to take into account the complex needs of PWMD and their social workers to ensure the effectiveness of both important services. Thus, the case management services for persons with mental disabilities can be significantly improved aligned with Malaysia’s social work competency standards.
CULTURAL BELIEFS TOWARDS CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
Individuals’ cultural backgrounds in Malaysia significantly impact their views and behaviours, particularly concerning medical issues such as physical disability. This influence is pervasive and extends to various aspects of life, including the upbringing of children with impairments. To gain insight into Malaysians' cultural ideas on disability, a qualitative research approach was employed. The study utilised semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 17 parents from Malaysia's three main ethnicities residing in the Klang Valley region, each with a child with a physical impairment. The interviews were conducted with the participants' informed consent and transcribed for thematic analysis. The findings revealed that attitudes towards impairments are shaped by socialisation, assimilation, and adaptation to current conditions rather than being limited to specific races or religions. Malaysians' cultural attitudes towards impairments are influenced by biomedical and traditional perspectives, independent of ethnic or religious origin. Cultural competence is, therefore, crucial for promoting inclusion and supporting the active participation of people with disabilities in Malaysian society, given the nation's heterogeneous makeup.