International Journal of Asian Social Science

Understanding cybersecurity awareness in Malaysian SMEs: The role of knowledge, resources, experience, and policy

2025-08-18T23:00:58-05:00

This study aims to investigate the key determinants of cybersecurity awareness among Malaysian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), focusing on cybersecurity knowledge, access to resources, past experiences with cyber incidents, and government policies. A quantitative research design was adopted, collecting data from 240 SME owners across diverse sectors using an online survey. The data were analyzed using multiple regression techniques via SPSS to assess the impact of the independent variables on cybersecurity awareness. Findings reveal that cybersecurity knowledge is the strongest predictor of awareness, followed by access to cybersecurity resources and prior experience with cyber incidents. Although government policies and industry initiatives positively influence awareness, their impact is comparatively modest, indicating gaps in outreach and engagement. The study highlights the critical role of educational interventions and resource accessibility in enhancing SME cybersecurity resilience. Practical implications suggest that policymakers and industry stakeholders should focus on tailored training programs, affordable cybersecurity tools, and simplified policy communication to increase SME participation. Additionally, fostering platforms for SMEs to share experiences may promote collective learning and preparedness. This research contributes theoretical insights by integrating the Technology Acceptance Model and Protection Motivation Theory within the SME context in an emerging economy, offering a comprehensive understanding of behavioral and structural factors influencing cybersecurity awareness. The findings support more effective strategies to protect vulnerable SMEs, which are crucial for national economic security in the digital age.

Development and validation of a dual-dimensional career success scale for academics in Malaysian private higher education institution

2025-08-29T22:35:49-05:00

Career success in academia has traditionally been assessed through objective indicators such as salary, promotions, and scholarly output, often neglecting subjective experiences like job satisfaction and work-life balance that are vital to academic fulfillment. Addressing this gap, the present study developed and validated the Dual-Dimensional Career Success Instrument (DDCS) to measure both objective and subjective aspects of career success among academicians in Malaysian Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs). The study employed a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, beginning with qualitative interviews involving 14 academicians to guide item generation, followed by a quantitative survey administered to 413 academic staff. Findings revealed that academicians reported higher levels of subjective career success compared to objective measures, underscoring the salience of intrinsic values in academic career evaluation. This study contributes to the theoretical advancement of dual-dimensional career success models by contextualizing them within a non-Western academic environment. Practically, the DDCS provides higher education institutions with a robust, psychometrically sound tool to inform faculty development, career planning, and organizational policy. The instrument holds potential for broader adaptation in other professional sectors where both measurable achievements and personal fulfillment constitute career success.

Challenges faced by students using ChatGPT: A qualitative study at private universities in Malaysia

2025-08-31T20:59:54-05:00

The rising presence of artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT is shifting the way students are involved with academic content. While many students value its capability to quickly assist with assignments, create content, and support study efforts, the practice of using ChatGPT also presents various challenges in educational settings. The purpose of this study is to explore the problems students face when depending on ChatGPT for academic work. Using data collected from 441 students at two private universities in Malaysia, a thematic analysis method was employed to identify recurring themes. The findings reveal seven central themes: concerns about accuracy and reliability, technical access issues, difficulties in crafting effective prompts, limitations in subject-specific understanding, language and communication barriers, questions of academic integrity, and emotional or cognitive effects. The results also indicate that although students recognize the tool’s usefulness, there are significant issues such as distortion of information, overdependence, ethical risks, and inadequate access. The implications of this research emphasize the importance of equipping students with improved digital literacy skills, establishing clear strategies for ethical AI use, and ensuring AI tools are adaptable to diverse academic and linguistic needs. These insights aim to promote a more responsible and balanced integration of AI in higher education, supporting students in leveraging these technologies effectively while mitigating associated risks.

Entrepreneurial resilience amid economic shocks: A panel data analysis of ASEAN countries

2025-08-31T21:16:10-05:00

This study investigates how GDP and inflation shocks asymmetrically influence entrepreneurial resilience across ASEAN countries. It aims to provide empirical insights into how macroeconomic instability affects enterprise formation and survival in emerging economies. The study employs a Panel Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (Panel NARDL) model on annual panel data from 2000 to 2023 across 10 ASEAN countries. Entrepreneurial resilience is proxied by the number of new business registrations. The analysis incorporates second-generation unit root testing (CIPS) and the Common Correlated Effects Mean Group (CCE-MG) estimator to address cross-sectional dependence and heterogeneity. The results reveal significant long-run asymmetries. Negative GDP shocks consistently reduce entrepreneurial resilience, highlighting pro-cyclicality in business formation. Inflation shocks show mixed effects, with positive inflation stimulating entrepreneurship in some countries while discouraging it in others. Short-run responses are generally weak, suggesting delayed entrepreneurial adjustment to macroeconomic volatility. The study is limited to macroeconomic variables and does not incorporate micro-level firm characteristics or behavioural indicators. Future research may integrate firm-level panel data to examine how internal firm capabilities mediate these macroeconomic effects. The findings underscore the need for counter-cyclical entrepreneurship policies tailored to country-specific macroeconomic dynamics. Promoting macroeconomic stability and inflation management are critical for maintaining entrepreneurial momentum.

Challenges and prospects of sustainable tourism development in Jiuzhaigou, China

2025-08-31T21:31:52-05:00

Jiuzhaigou, China’s first national nature reserve established for scenic landscape protection, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1992. The aim of this study is to examine the key challenges to its sustainable tourism development under the pressure of rapid tourism growth and to propose effective solutions. Using a case study approach, the research reviews ecological and management issues that have emerged in recent years. Four major challenges are identified: environmental degradation, loss of aesthetic value, weak management systems, and limited stakeholder collaboration. In response, several strategies are proposed, including strengthening ecological protection and restoration, setting clear limits on visitor capacity, improving tourism products and service quality, enhancing environmental education and public participation, and establishing a more effective and collaborative management framework that engages multiple actors. The study also outlines directions for future research to ensure long-term sustainability, including conducting sustainable tourism evaluations, strengthening natural heritage conservation, broadening stakeholder participation and cross-sector collaboration, and applying smart technologies to improve scenic area management. The findings provide practical strategies to support the sustainable development of tourism in Jiuzhaigou and offer insights that may inform the management and conservation of other World Natural Heritage Sites facing similar pressures.