UiTM Young Digital Entrepreneurs Enliven Lazada4Youth

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) has joined forces with Lazada Malaysia for the Lazada4Youth programme, aiming to empower Malaysian youth in digital commerce. Through this partnership, UiTM’s young digital entrepreneurs will participate in programmes designed to enhance their knowledge and skills in digital entrepreneurship. The collaboration is expected to strengthen the Lazada4Youth initiative, boost the local digital economy, and expand to other UiTM campuses and local universities across Malaysia, fostering the growth of e-commerce and the digital economy among Malaysian youth.

UiTM x McDonald’s Management Apprentice Programme

The collaboration between UiTM and McDonald’s Malaysia, with its focus on offering programmes like the Management Apprentice Programme (MAP), Internship Training Programmeme (IP), and Graduate Employability Programme (GEP) to UiTM students, aligns with the first pillar of Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8), which is “Decent Work and Economic Growth.” This pillar emphasises the importance of promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth and creating decent employment opportunities. By offering these programmes, the collaboration contributes to the goal of providing students with valuable work experience, skill development, and employability opportunities, which are integral to achieving decent work and fostering economic growth. In essence, this partnership facilitates access to quality training and employment, thereby supporting SDG 8’s pillar of Decent Work and Economic Growth.

Generating Endowments through the Lease (Ijarah) Method for the Sustainability of Private Tahfiz Schools in Malaysia

Interest from the community to enroll into Tahfiz studies contributes to the annual increase of the number of Private Tahfiz Schools (STS) in Malaysia. Most of these STSs are developed from various sources including private capital, student fees, and community assistance such as charity and waqf. However, these institutions may find difficulties to sustain themselves financially amid the increasing management and financial cost. This paper looks into the financial problems that STSs face and to propose a method that can be applied by certain bodies by means of library data collection method. The results of this paper propose an alternative method in developing waqf through the ijarah method that was applied in the Seetee Aisah Waqf Land Development project. Lastly, the implications of this paper may serve in the development and expansion of waqf to the State Religious Council (MAIN) and the sustainability of STSs in Malaysia.

https://ir.uitm.edu.my/id/eprint/50417/

UiTM Strengthens Global Ties by Signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) With K. J. Somaiya College of Arts, Commerce & Science

On July 14, 2022, UiTM, represented by its UiTM Kedah Branch, forged a significant partnership with India’s K. J. Somaiya College of Arts, Commerce & Science through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This momentous event, conducted via Google Meet, featured key signatories, including Professor Dr Mohamad Abdullah Hemdi, Dr Kamarudin Othman, Principal Dr Birendra Singh Yadav, and Dr Ravindra Ashok Jadhav. The successful culmination of this MoU was the result of collaborative efforts led by project managers and coordinators from both institutions, namely Puan Syazliyati Ibrahim and Dr Ravindra Ashok Jadhav. Their collaboration began in September 2021, with the initiation of the “Window to the Borderless World” online intercultural project, involving over 300 students and 30 lecturers from both institutions. Professor Dr Mohamad Abdullah Hemdi stressed that the MoU signifies a closer partnership with the shared goal of internationalizing education in their respective countries, potentially enhancing their global reputation. Future endeavors include faculty and staff exchanges, student exchanges for study or research, workshops, conferences, competitions, and research-related meetings. Principal Dr Birendra Singh Yadav echoed similar sentiments and expressed gratitude for formalizing this valuable linkage. The MoU signing marks the commencement of a robust collaboration between UiTM, specifically UiTM Kedah Branch, and K. J. Somaiya College, encompassing various areas outlined in the agreement.

https://qs-gen.com/uitm-consolidates-international-connection-with-kj-somaiya-college-of-arts-commerce-science-via-mou/

Examining the Impact of Owner-Manager Expertise on Small Food and Beverage Firms’ Performance in Malaysia

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) serve as a driving force in Malaysia’s economic growth and are instrumental in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8), which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Recognizing the critical role of SMEs in advancing these goals, the government has made substantial investments in supporting them. This support includes financial and credit assistance, marketing and market research facilitation, technical training, advisory services, and infrastructure enhancement. Despite the diverse range of assistance provided, SME failures remain a persistent challenge. One pivotal aspect influencing SME performance is the competence of owner-managers in effectively operating and sustaining their businesses. Thus, this research initiative, driven by UiTM researchers, seeks to assess the existing levels of industry, financial, and Information Technology (IT) expertise among owner-managers of small food and beverage enterprises. It also aims to explore the interconnections between these forms of expertise and firm performance. To accomplish this, the study will conduct a comprehensive survey distributed to small food and beverage companies listed in the SMART Selangor database. The anticipated results of this research will offer valuable insights into the indispensable skill set required by owner-managers of small businesses, particularly within the food and beverage sector in Malaysia. These findings will not only benefit entrepreneurs but will also be of significant relevance to lenders and regulators, serving as a robust screening tool for assessing the survival prospects of small food and beverage firms in alignment with SDG 8.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357340068_ OWNERMANAGER_SKILLSET_AND_SMALL_ENTERPRISES’_PERFORMANCE_ EVIDENCE_FROM_THE_MALAYSIAN_FOOD_AND_BEVERAGE_SECTOR

Government Support’s Influence on Agropreneurship Intent Among Sabah’s Youth

Agropreneurship refers to producing, processing, and selling various agricultural products. Essentially, the Sabah Agriculture Blueprint 2021-2030 aims to attract more public involvement, particularly among graduates in the agriculture and fisheries sector, while lessening such imported goods. The Sabahan youth could also benefit from this blueprint. However, despite this significance, youth participation in the agricultural industry remains low. Therefore, this study examined the effect of the perceived government support on the attitude towards agropreneurship and perceived behavioural control (PBC). On top of that, this study investigated the effect of perceived government support, the attitude towards agropreneurship, PBC, and social norms (SN) on the agropreneurship intention of Sabahan youth. In this study, 353 Sabahan youth participated in the survey. The data were analysed using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) 3.2.9. The results revealed that all hypotheses were significant, except for social norms and agropreneurship intention. In sum, this study could contribute to formulating policies and relevant programmes, especially in increasing youth participation in agropreneurship.

http://journal.umk.edu.my/index.php/jeb/article/view/859

Exploring the Impact of Managerial Behaviors on Construction Worker Safety

The construction industry is notorious for its high level of hazards, leading to numerous accidents resulting in significant loss of life and property damage. One particular concern is the role of managerial behaviour in contributing to workplace safety mishaps. Surprisingly, the link between management conduct and workers’ safety within the construction sector has been inadequately studied and not clearly defined. This paper aims to uncover the specific managerial behaviors that have a substantial impact on the safety of workers in construction projects. The study has three primary objectives: to identify the dimensions of supervisory behavior related to workers’ safety, to assess the consequences of inadequate supervision on worker safety, and finally, to propose solutions for improving subpar supervisory practices to ensure worker safety. A quantitative study was conducted through the distribution of questionnaires, involving 142 respondents selected from construction employees working for various contractor firms. These respondents were drawn from construction firms registered under the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) in three Northern Malaysian states: Pulau Pinang, Kedah, and Perlis. The collected data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Various tests including normality, validity, and reliability tests were applied, utilizing Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient. The consequences of poor supervision encompass delays in project progress, cost overruns, rework, disruptions in project timelines, and a negative impact on overall project productivity. Based on these findings, it is evident that efforts to rectify inadequate supervisory behavior can significantly enhance workers’ safety within the construction industry.

https://ir.uitm.edu.my/id/eprint/76341/1/76341.pdf

Advancing Women’s Equality Via E-Hailing Mobile Branding Applications

E-Hailing applications have played an important role in increasing mobilities in all countries in the world. This study explores women’s equality through e-hailing application services by women for women. Women’s cooperatives offer self-employment opportunities that can contribute to women’s social inclusion and empowerment. Entrepreneurship has empowered them in three ways: economic security, development of entrepreneurial behaviour, and increased contributions to the family. The role of the gender factor emerged in the academic literature on entrepreneurship in the late 1970s. Over the years, attention has been mainly devoted to the analysis of women entrepreneurs’ characteristics in developed countries. Only recently have both the role of female entrepreneurship in emerging economies and the relevance of immigrant female entrepreneurs in developed countries appeared in international journals. Due to the relevance of these two issues for economic development and the still existing gap in the systematization of both theoretical and empirical findings, the authors of this work aim to fill this gap with a systematic literature review based on rigorous criteria.

https://www.pnrjournal.com/index.php/home/article/view/4748

Bolstering Transformation Delivery through Employee Engagement and Innovative Work Behaviour in Malaysia Public Services: A Conceptual Paper

The debut of the National Transformation 2050 plan validates that Malaysia is committed to standing tall amongst the developed nations. Over the years, numerous transformation programmes have been introduced to enhance the wellbeing of the nation and its people. Among the agenda is to overcome challenges in public services delivery which include the improvement of services by the counter service team and frontliners as well as the enhancement of reliability and integrity, issues of productivity, and many more. Public servants are an important source of innovation for an organisation that needs to be continuously nurtured. To accelerate the outcome, engagement is reportedly found to be the key enabler for sustainable success in any change or transformational-related event. Fostering employee engagement will nurture many prodigious advantages such as augmenting people’s innovative mindset and it will greatly enhance the likelihood for a successful transformation programme to happen. Along with the derivation of theoretical concepts guided by Social Exchange Theory (SET), the proposed concept is further reinforced through the best practices obtained from developed countries that have adapted best practices in employee engagement and innovation. The critical key area to a developed nation is always the wellbeing of its public services. In shaping Malaysia to be one of the most prominent figures in the future, everyone needs to be a builder.

https://myjms.mohe.gov.my/index.php/JeA/article/view/16294

Assessing the Economic Influence of UiTM Negeri Sembilan Campuses on Local Communities

The significance of higher education institutions in shaping the social and economic development of their neighboring communities cannot be underestimated today. This paper is dedicated to the examination of the economic effects of UiTM Negeri Sembilan campuses on the surrounding local communities. UiTM Negeri Sembilan is a multi-campus university with three campuses situated within the same state. These campuses differ in location and population size but are primarily administered through a centralized system, with some degree of local campus autonomy in specific areas. The study involved surveying business owners, managers, and employees from 62 local businesses located in the vicinity of these university campuses. The results reveal that all three campuses have had a positive impact on their local economies in terms of gross income for local businesses, although the degree of impact varies. UiTM Seremban, owing to its larger population and urban location, exhibited the highest economic influence. These findings indicate that all campuses contribute to the growth of businesses and the economic advancement of their respective local communities. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of considering factors such as location and student/staff population size, as not all multicampus universities, even under the same administration and policies, will have an identical economic impact on their local communities.

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Wan_Mohamad/publication/355318639_ Local_Economic_Impact_of_a_Public_University_An_Analysis_of_a_Multi-Campus_University/links/6333d5985f6370520d0156e6/Local-Economic-Impact-of-a-Public-University-An-Analysis-of-a-Multi-Campus-University.pdf

Strengthening Financial Stability in Islamic Banking: A Macroprudential Policy Analysis Driven by UiTM Research

The Global Financial Crisis of 2008-2009 (GFC) underscored the resilience of Islamic banking during times of economic turmoil and the critical role of effective macroprudential policies in safeguarding financial stability. This research, spearheaded by a UiTM lecturer, is dedicated to exploring the nexus between macroprudential policies and the Islamic banking sector, aligning with the principles of Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) aimed at promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. The study’s objectives encompass a comprehensive examination of the trends in macroprudential policy indicators within Islamic banks, an in-depth analysis of the impact of macroeconomic factors and macroprudential policy components on these indicators, and an assessment of the repercussions of these indicators on the stability of Islamic banks. Employing diverse econometric methods and panel data analysis, this research utilizes data spanning from 2008 to 2017, sourced from Islamic banks in 20 selected countries. The research outcomes emphasize the substantial connections between macroeconomic factors, macroprudential policy indicators, and the stability of Islamic banks. These findings hold significant implications for refining the macroprudential policy framework, empowering policymakers to fortify their toolkit for enhancing financial stability in nations that practice Islamic banking, ultimately contributing to the achievement of SDG 8.

https://ir.uitm.edu.my/id/eprint/74322/

Unlocking Economic Growth: The Mediating Role of Governance in Foreign Direct Investment and ASEAN Nations

Foreign direct investment (FDI) contributes to changes in ASEAN countries’ economic growth. Previous research found a mixed relationship between FDI and economic growth. Government effectiveness, political stability and absence of violence, rule of law, voice and accountability, corruption control, and regulatory quality all had a positive and significant effect on economic growth. However, there is a lack of evidence on the process of quality governance mediating the relationship between FDI and economic growth. As a result, the purpose of this research is to explain the process of governance quality in mediating the relationship between FDI and economic growth. This study examined secondary data from five ASEAN countries with high human development scores based on the United Nations’ 2020 Human Development Report. According to the findings, governance quality mediates and improves the relationship between FDI and economic growth. The findings have important policy implications because they suggest that policymakers in ASEAN countries can foster economic growth by promoting FDI more aggressively while also considering the appropriate governance mechanism to boost economic growth.

https://ir.uitm.edu.my/id/eprint/78911/

Multiplying the Capacity of UiTM Start-Up Companies

In a meeting with five UiTM start-up companies, UiTM expressed its commitment to multiplying the capacity of these businesses. The goal is to see these five companies grow to at least 50, ultimately establishing UiTM as a respected entity that empowers the nation’s excellence. Despite starting small, the focus remains on the overarching objective of transformation. UiTM pledged support in various aspects, including teaching, research, publication, commercialisation, and network formation, to create a distinct UiTM ecosystem. This effort aims to uplift B40 communities into a T20 populace through knowledge and determination. UiTM sincerely applauded and congratulated the founders of these start-up companies and it was highlighted that UiTM’s Business Innovation & Technology Commercialization Centre (BITCOM) will oversee the operation of these companies.

The World Digital Economy Distinguished Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award: A Symbol of Recognition for UiTM’s Continuous Efforts

At the World Digital Economy & Technology Summit 2022, UiTM Vice Chancellor, Professor Datuk Ts Dr Hajah Roziah Mohd Janor was awarded the World Digital Economy Distinguished Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the Governor of Malacca. This recognition signifies the ongoing efforts and contributions to establish UiTM as a globally renowned university by 2025. The event, themed “Creating Opportunities, Endless Possibilities,” gathered key players in the digital economy to discuss trends, challenges, and risks. UiTM’s commitment to developing talents in the digital economy and collaborations with global companies like Huawei, Apple, Microsoft, Google, and Adobe were highlighted. Additionally, congratulations were extended to Dato’ Sri Dr Haji Irmohizam Haji Ibrahim, a member of UiTM’s board of directors, who received the Corporate CEO Lifetime Achievement award.