Vietnam is a nation in significant transition, characterised by a youthful, dynamic population with high literacy rates and substantial human capital potential for sustained economic growth. Since the implementation of the "& Dstrok;oi Mai" economic the influx of FDI has presented both opportunities and challenges, including labour disputes and strikes, particularly in foreign-invested enterprises. This study explores the importance of meals at work as a focal point of labour strikes, examining the broader implications for industrial relations, Taiwanese factory management practices, and the role of trade unions in Vietnam. The study draws on data from in-depth interviews with 25 Vietnamese informants and 13 Taiwanese informants, who have been working in Binh Duong province. The study shows that, with changes in Vietnamese government policies, the context of globalisation, and the shortage of unskilled labour, industrial relations and the management policies of Taiwanese factories in Binh Duong province have changed. This research emphasises the need for improved meal quality for workers, urging factories to select better meal providers to help reduce strikes. It also recommends that government agencies strengthen grassroots trade unions by providing legal training and helping mediate between workers and employers to reduce conflicts and prevent strikes.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is transforming Vietnam's economic, cultural, and spiritual landscape through the accelerated adoption of artificial intelligence, automation, and pervasive digital connectivity. This article investigates how key 4IR dynamics-global cultural flows, platform-mediated communication, data-driven governance, and shifts in labour regimes-intersect with Vietnam's philosophical and cultural traditions rooted in Confucianism, Buddhism, and Marxist humanism. Drawing on an integrative qualitative thematic review of peer-reviewed literature and policy documents (2015-2025), combined with interpretive philosophical analysis, the study identifies four overarching themes: first, tensions between cultural continuity and the commodification of heritage; second, changing youth values and the emergence of digital subjectivities; third, ethical challenges associated with automation, datafication, and surveillance; and (4) the mediating influence of education and cultural policy. The findings argue that while 4IR poses significant risks of cultural erosion, it also presents opportunities for renewal through digitisation, creative industries, and community-centred cultural technologies. The paper introduces a Vietnam-specific analytical framework that links technological drivers, institutional mediators (education, policy, and digital platforms), and resulting impacts on cultural identity and spiritual well-being. It concludes with recommendations for human-centred AI governance, curriculum reform integrating digital citizenship and cultural literacy, strengthened support for the digitisation of intangible heritage, and community partnerships that sustain spiritual practices in hybrid online-offline forms. Achieving a balance between modernisation and cultural stewardship is essential if Vietnam is to harness the benefits of 4IR without compromising the values that underpin its social cohesion and spiritual life.
Marine parks in Malaysia are designated protected areas where human activities are restricted to conserve marine ecosystems. These parks promote ecotourism and increase public awareness of the marine environmental importance. Understanding local tourists' perceptions of ecotourism development in marine parks is essential for balancing conservation objectives with visitor expectations. This study investigates local tourists' perceptions of ecotourism development in Labuan Marine Park (LMP) using a questionnaire survey. Data were analysed with SPSS employing both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The results indicate that most respondents recognised the park's conservation purpose, and approximately half strongly agreed that Labuan Marine Park had deteriorated due to surrounding development. While respondents expressed general satisfaction with ecotourism services in LMP, they recommended improvements to certain infrastructure. Therefore, marine park development should be carefully planned and regulated to align with tourist expectations while safeguarding the ecosystem. The study highlights the potential of Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) to enhance marine ecotourism in LMP.
The article discusses the development of Southeast Asian Studies or more broadly area studies in Malaysia through the lens of the Department of Southeast Asian Studies at the Universiti Malaya. The experiences and trajectories of the department as a pioneer institute in the region offering a degree program in Southeast Asian Studies merits a close analysis. Through the intersections of pedagogies, perspectives and practices implemented by the Department of Southeast Asian Studies, the article delineates key achievements and challenges for area studies, both at the national and regional levels. The article concludes with some observations to move area studies forward, suggesting a region-plus framework that embraces existing and emerging subregions in the region and wider East and South Asian regions.
The Orang Asli are frequently associated with poverty, but conventional unidimensional measures like the Poverty Line Income (PLI) fail to capture the full scope of their complex deprivation. This study employs the UNDP-Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the profound socio-economic challenges faced by the Batek community in Taman Negara Pahang, with a specific focus on severe deprivation in the dimensions of standard of living, education, and health. Through in-depth interviews and field observations with 17 informants, the research reveals the community grapples with severe deficiencies in their standard of living, lacking basic necessities such as adequate housing, clean water, and sanitation. These material shortfalls coexist with and exacerbate significant, persistent barriers in accessing equitable education and healthcare services, creating an interlocking cycle of disadvantage. The study documents a nuanced reality; while the establishment of village clinics has demonstrably improved healthcare access and utilisation, substantial obstacles remain. The findings underscore the critical need for collaborative, multidimensional interventions from policymakers, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organisations. These interventions must be specifically tailored to the community's unique cultural context to prioritise holistic development and effectively break the cycle of poverty.
This study aims to examine the motivation of international students from Asia in choosing Brunei Darussalam as a destination for learning Arabic. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study design. Informants in this study include students from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines who are enrolled in Arabic language programs at Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University. The results show that Southeast Asian students choose Brunei for its high-quality education, conducive multicultural environment, socio-political stability, and strong Islamic influence. Despite the gap between initial expectations (such as educational modernisation and Western cultural influence) and the reality on the ground, most students were able to adapt and achieve their learning goals. This is supported by various effective strategies, such as joining study groups, interacting with native speakers, using digital resources, and participating in Arabic extracurricular activities. These strategies not only improve linguistic competence but also strengthen motivation and confidence. These results confirm that the combination of factors that encourage interest, local adaptation, and appropriate learning strategies makes Brunei an attractive and practical destination for Arabic language learning, while also contributing to the development of Arabic language education policy in ASEAN.
This study explores the therapeutic potential of angklung a traditional bamboo musical instrument as an art-based intervention to enhance the well-being of senior citizens in Malaysia. Despite angklung being commonly played for recreational purposes in group settings, its specific health applications remain underexamined. Thus, this study aims to identify the benefits of angklung as an art-based activity for the elderly and to analyse its impact on their physical, psychological, cognitive, and social well-being. This study employed the qualitative descriptive method, and data were collected through literature review and semi-structured interviews. Participants included angklung experts, medical professionals, caregivers and elderly residents from two care centres in Penang. The Angklung Healing Art Project was used as the primary intervention. The collected data were then analysed thematically using the WHOQOL framework, and purposive sampling was employed to ensure sampling diversity. The findings revealed that angklung activities helped improve the participants' physical and psychological health, independence, social interactions and their overall engagement in daily life. The elderly participants expressed enjoyment, increased motivation, and a sense of accomplishment after being involved in the sessions. Some also reported reduced anxiety and improved memory recall following the intervention. In this light, despite cognitive limitations faced by some of the participants, most were able to participate meaningfully, demonstrating the angklung's accessibility. The melodic and calming tones of the angklung, along with its lightweight and easy-to-play design, make it a suitable tool for therapeutic and recreational purposes in aged care environments. This study has highlighted the importance of incorporating culturally relevant, low-barrier, and enjoyable musical activities into elderly care programs. It also recommends the development of assistive tools to support angklung use among older adults with physical or cognitive limitations.
In the face of modernisation and technological advancement, traditional performing arts (theatre, puppetry, mime, music, and dance) education has faced challenges, and even its survival is at stake in Java, Indonesia. The local Javanese population has been taking measures to strengthen and sustain traditional performing arts education on the island. However, this research lacks information on local traditional factors, measures, or practices for improving and sustaining traditional performing arts education in Indonesia, especially on Java Island. Therefore, this research aims to identify and examine factors and actors that strengthen and sustain traditional performing arts education. To address this question, the research used a qualitative research approach, specifically in-depth interviews and participant observations in schools in the Yogyakarta and Central Java regions of Indonesia. It also used secondary data. The findings show that local Javanese communities are using traditional arts education local wisdom, which significantly strengthens students' character. In this educational process, values such as gotong royong (cooperation), tepa selira (harmony), ungguh-ungguh (respect), and nguri-uri kabudayan (cultural preservation) are taught and inculcated. The research also underlines the current state of performing arts education, relevant local wisdom values, and collaborative strategies to maintain the relevance and sustainability of arts learning in formal, non-formal, and informal settings. This research also found that multi-stakeholder collaboration, integration of local elements into the curriculum, contextual learning approaches, and selective use of digital technology were key to sustainability.
Economic relations between Cambodia and Vietnam are characterised by strong trade ties, investment collaboration, and shared economic interests, though not without contention. The two countries occupy distinct positions within regional integration processes, deriving differing benefits from their interactions. The study aims to analyse the evolution of Cambodia-Vietnam economic relations, focusing on bilateral trade dynamics, investment patterns, and ongoing integration processes that affect both economies. The research employs various statistical analyses, utilising data from reputable sources such as the World Bank and ASEANstats. It examines trade and investment activities from the 2000s to the present, assessing both qualitative and quantitative indicators. The findings indicate a significant increase in bilateral trade, with Vietnam emerging as Cambodia's third-largest trading partner. However, the study reveals persistent asymmetries in trade data reported by each country, often highlighting frequent statistical discrepancies. It also discusses the predominance of raw material exports from Cambodia and the implications of substantial Vietnamese investments across sectors of the Cambodian economy. The article concludes that while the economic cooperation has brought benefits such as job creation and infrastructure development in Cambodia, it also presents threats, notably the risk of Cambodia becoming raw material appendage to Vietnam. Enhancing the efficiency of these economic relations, developing infrastructure, and fostering deeper bilateral cooperation are posited as crucial for the sustainable growth of both nations.
From Indonesian migrant workers (IMWs) to the children of IMWs, both have encountered challenges, particularly with regard to the rights of the IMWs' dependents. This research discusses more towards fulfilling the needs of the children of IMWs to access education, especially in Sabah, Malaysia. The paper pursues to reveal the multi-centric actors behind the establishment of community learning centres (CLCs), and secondly to explore and discover the process by which these children access higher education during their stay in Malaysia. Data were collected from six informants through interviews to support this inductive research. This study highlights the importance of non-state actors, such as NGOs and IMWs, also known as Perantau, in initiating such educational institutions, especially since the limitation of education access for the children of IMWs following amendments to education policy. The Perantau's roles are particularly valuable in understanding social problems and maintaining connectivity with their motherland and community. An NGO also played a significant role in providing educational opportunities, but a lack of government recognition hindered its efforts. Ultimately, government contributions were crucial in establishing better educational institutions.
The halal cosmetics industry is an expanding sector within Southeast Asia's economy, fuelled by consumer demand for products that align with both religious values and contemporary lifestyle preferences. This study examines the purchasing behaviour of young consumers in Malaysia and Indonesia-two prominent Muslim-majority countries that play a significant role in the halal cosmetics market. The research aims to explore the social, cultural, and psychological factors influencing young people's choices of halal cosmetic products, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of consumer behaviour in the region. A quantitative descriptive approach was used, with data collected from 400 university students-200 from each country-using a structured questionnaire. The survey assessed purchasing behaviour, attitudes, personality traits, perceived environmental concern, price, shopper psychology, and religiosity. The findings reveal distinct differences between the two countries. In Malaysia, purchasing behaviour is primarily influenced by personality and attitude, underscoring the importance of personal identity and lifestyle. Conversely, in Indonesia, religiosity and environmental concern exert the strongest influence, reflecting collective values and ethical awareness. These contrasts highlight the cultural and institutional contexts that shape consumption patterns in Southeast Asia. This study enhances our understanding of youth consumer behaviour in the region and offers valuable insights for those developing halal cosmetic products that cater to the values and needs of young Southeast Asian consumers.
Impact evaluation studies are often generic and susceptible to large sampling errors. Therefore, assessing impacts using small area configurations to analyse poverty alleviation and economic development is crucial, particularly in the poorest region of Luzon, Philippines. This study utilised randomised control trials, predictive analytics, and regression discontinuity. Most households in the treatment locality live above the poverty line (19.85%), whereas a significant portion of households in the comparison locality live below the poverty threshold (41.93%). Gap metrics (0.36-0.44), severity statistics (0.17-0.26), and Watts indices (0.53-0.79) were analysed. Logistic (17) and multivariate (2) regression models were employed to examine the impact of eligibility (-6.8715), socio-economic characteristics (Sig = 9VAR), and economic development variables (3.8208, 0.000, R2 = 0.4967). Results indicate that the programme has successfully reduced poverty (0.26%) and fostered economic development (diff=P022.08%, P1=0.08, P2=0.09, w=0.26) by decreasing child malnutrition (0.08%) and mortality rates (0.62%), lowering dropout rates from schooling (e=0.35%, 0.23%, h=0.61%, 0.49%, s=0.84%, 0.87%), improving housing (0.17%), settlement (0.77%), water (0.47%), and sanitation facilities (0.58%), increasing employment (U=-0.70), creating new sources of income (6+), promoting participation in community development initiatives (15+), and enhancing peace and order outcomes (0.12%). Additionally, regression discontinuity design was applied to estimate the overall impact (LATE=0.9386) at various levels of disaggregation. Finally, policy proposals were provided to complement the poverty alleviation and economic development programme.
Khmer people are one of 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam, and they live mainly in the southern region of Vietnam, with Tra Vinh having the largest concentration. The Khmer people in Tra Vinh province have a diverse folk belief system and unique characteristics. Khmer folk beliefs play an important role in their spiritual life; they partially meet the needs of cultural and religious activities, thereby contributing to psychological relief and balancing their spiritual life. This study aims to generalise and clarify the folk belief system of the Southern Khmer people in Tra Vinh province, survey, analyse, and evaluate the role and value of the folk belief system in the spiritual life of the Khmer people. A qualitative study and a semistructured survey were conducted. The sample selected for the survey was 75 people, semi-structured interviews using a convenient method, and the sample size was 15, including 07 men and 08 women (ages 25 to 70). Combined with previous research and assessments, it shows that in Khmer people's folk beliefs, values must be promoted, and limitations must be overcome.
Indigenous communities maintain a profound relationship with the natural world, rooted in a deep understanding of ecological systems and guided by generations of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). This knowledge is central to cultural identity and continuity and offers practical frameworks for sustainable living and biodiversity conservation. As modern development and environmental degradation intensify, recognising the role of TEK in shaping resilient, sustainable communities has become increasingly important. This study explores how TEK informs and sustains the livelihoods of two indigenous groups: the Baduy tribe of Indonesia and the Batek tribe of Malaysia. The purpose of the study is to examine the ways in which these communities apply TEK in daily practices and how they respond to the pressures of modernisation while striving to maintain cultural integrity. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews and non-participant observations with five key informants from both communities. The findings reveal that both groups rely heavily on TEK in areas such as agriculture, health, education, and governance. However, they differ in their levels of adaptation-while the Baduy remain largely resistant to external influences, the Batek exhibit selective engagement with modern systems such as schooling and healthcare. The study concludes that TEK is essential to indigenous resilience and should be actively integrated into national sustainability and development strategies, with respect for local customs and governance structures.
Refugee children of school-going age in Malaysia continue to face significant barriers to accessing inclusive and equitable quality education. A central debate in addressing this issue is whether Malaysia should integrate refugee learners and local students into its public education system. This paper contributes to the discourse by offering evidence-based insights to guide stakeholders, particularly policymakers, in making informed decisions on refugee education. It presents a systematic literature review on the current educational landscape for refugee children in Malaysia, supplemented by qualitative analysis of public perspectives drawn from key informant interviews. Findings reveal limited progress in integrating refugees into public schools, with most educational access occurring through resource-constrained, humanitarian-led alternative learning centres. Given the protracted nature of displacement and continuous forced migration in the region, the integration of refugee learners into the national education system must be anticipated as an inevitable and necessary policy direction. The paper argues that Malaysia must move beyond this fragmented approach by fostering strategic, multi-sectoral partnerships and adopting inclusive education models already implemented in other refugee-hosting nations. Ultimately, expanding access to education for refugee learners is a moral imperative and a strategic investment in Malaysia's social cohesion, economic development, and long-term national resilience.
Novels written by female writers in pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) from 2019 to 2020 were republished by Ning, who was the daughter of a Kiai and pesantren caregiver. The writers of the original novels include Khilma Anis, Najhaty Sharma, Nisaul Kamilah, Mar'atul Makhmudah, and Liza Samchah. The attempt made by Ning shows the effort to revive pesantren literature, specifically those written by female writers. The phenomenon is interesting because the works are read in different pesantren despite the limited space for female writers. Therefore, this study aims to show how literacy in pesantren is developed through the interaction of social capital, social media, and independent publishers, which enable writers to express ideas and expand their audience. The perspective of literary sociology and the capital theory of Bourdieu was used to connect social capital with the production of works by female writers in pesantren. The theories were also used to understand how the works reflected the social structure of pesantren. The results showed that Ning articulated the experiences, ideas, and Islamic identities through novels based on the interaction of capital possessed. The resulting works provided a new perspective on the experiences of female writers. It was observed that the works functioned as a personal expression and a negotiation of social structures experienced. The results contribute to the development of pesantren literature, currently dominated by male authors. Moreover, this study shows the social transformation in the tradition of more inclusive pesantren literacy as well as an increase in the awareness of issues related to female writers.
Indigenous peoples (IPs) in Southern Philippines face significant challenges in preserving their Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSPs) from misappropriation and exploitation. This study explores the revitalisation and protection of IKSPs through a qualitative-descriptive approach grounded in oral history, ethnographic fieldwork, and narrative inquiry to centre indigenous voices, cultural backgrounds, and storytelling traditions. Ethnographic fieldwork conducted between the 3rd quarter of 2021 and the 1st quarter of 2023adopted a reflective inquiry style, while open interviews were employed from the 1st quarter to the 3rd quarter of 2024, capturing oral histories, narratives, and memories of the Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs). Narrative inquiry was conducted on the narratives and stories of selected IP groups from the 4th quarter of 2023 to the 2nd quarter of 2024. Findings reveal that IKSPs permeate the daily lives of ICCs, encompassing environmental conservation, governance, spirituality, artistic expression, and community well-being. Art emerged as a vital conduit for preserving and transmitting this knowledge system through oral traditions, storytelling, and performance. This is exemplified in the adaptation of the Legend of Durian and Macariu Tiu's Balyan into a three-act theatrical play, as well as the composition of Singgit, illustrating how academic research can powerfully integrate with creative expression and community engagement. Three core themes surfaced: Theme 1 emphasises that IKSPs are dynamic, evolving knowledge systems grounded in place-based learning and cultural normativity. Theme 2, on supplementary materials, utilises Indigenous ecological knowledge for disaster risk reduction, interpreting animal behaviours and wind patterns that uphold traditional practices in conflict resolution and cultural transmission to assert selfdetermination. Finally, Theme 3 from the Pakighinabi session at the TINGUG International Conference further demonstrates efforts to position IKSPs within global dialogues on Indigenous safe space, preservation and governance. The study advocates for recognising IKSPs as central to cultural heritage and environmental stewardship, ensuring that IPs continue to actively shape policies that reflect their unique traditions and collective aspirations, directly impacting the well-being of their communities and future generations.
By 2030, Malaysia will become an 'aging society' according to the World Bank's criteria. The government bears the responsibility of effectively managing the demographic changes. This paper analyses how elderly characters are portrayed in Malaysian primary school national language textbooks (Buku Teks Bahasa Melayu Sekolah Kebangsaan, years 1-6) and compares them to the aims set forth in the 2011 ‘Malaysian Five Dimensions Framework of National Policy for Older Persons’. The findings reveal that elderly individuals are often depicted as non-contributing, weak, ill, or chronically dependent, thus perpetuating stereotypes and biases. This leads to children absorbing and acknowledging these biases without critically examining them. Textbook writers should implant more realistic and helpful representations of the aged among children as they begin their own journeys into adulthood and old age. Elderly misrepresentations limit social awareness of ageing and reduce empathy and interest in finding solutions for their problems.
The narrative regarding Maxwell Hill during the era of colonialism highlights the popular tourist destinations among the European community who lived temporarily in Malaya from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. Advantages in terms of cool climate, scenic beauty, and availability of complete facilities and infrastructure have been the source of attraction in Maxwell Hill and indirectly contributed to the increase in the number of tourists from Europe. This article will explore the history of Maxwell Hill as a tourist destination and focus on the factors that make it so attractive to the European society of that era. This method uses historical qualitative methods to analyse primary sources such as records, government documents, and newspapers. Secondary sources are also used as support sources, namely the use of internet access methods to obtain resources in the form of e-books, and journal articles; quantitative methods are also used to analyse the data. This paper uses a descriptive analysis approach to describe the role of Maxwell Hill as a tourist destination for the European community from the end of the 19th century to the middle of the 20th century. The results of this study found several other features such as natural attractions, European-style accommodation, the aesthetic value of the rose garden and stunning panoramic views, infrastructure facilities, which attracted visitors to Maxwell Hill before the Second World War, as well as the ease of interaction and culture. These were additional factors, apart from the accommodation facilities which were over-highlighted in previous studies. Overall, Maxwell Hill, until the mid-20th century, was indeed one of the hill stations with high popularity due to its unique features. The implications of this study may encourage management to re-evaluate the unique features available at this hill station to ensure sustainable development and preserve the inherited historical value.
