Table of Contents

Expatriate teachers in China: Exploring the utilisation of social media in the adaptation process
Le Roujia, *Ireena Nasiha Ibnu, Tengku Elena Tengku Mahamad
Abstract: With the popularity and ubiquity of social media, it seems that adjusting to different cultures is easier than it used to be. Despite social media's pervasive presence in the daily lives of expatriate teachers, there is little research on how it influences their acculturation experience. Hence, this study looks at social media’s role in the cross-cultural adaptation process of expatriate teachers in China. Nine expatriate teachers who taught in China were selected from five Chinese colleges as the study’s participants. Using semi-structured interviews, the study explored the role of social media in the participants’ adaptation experiences in China. The study highlights...
To write or not to write about female politicians: Factors that influence Malaysian journalists in theirnews reporting
Nur Farazilla Mohd Arsad, *Mohd Shahnawi Muhmad Pirus, Nur Nasliza Arina Mohamad Nasir
Abstract: The media significantly influences the formation of public opinion as well as the development and maintenance of gendered stereotypes of men and women. Given this impact, understanding gender representation is crucial for evaluating news credibility and addressing gender stereotypes. In addition, media plays a key factor in the development of democratic societies. Apparently, women are underrepresented in the news, which suggests that although they make up about half of the world's population, they are not equally represented in the reality that the news generates. Thus, this study aims to investigate factors that might influence news reporting...
Harnessing advertising appeal in social media: Boosting consumer attention and purchase intention
Nur Syafiqah Ambran, *Wan Hartini Wan Zainodin, Umi ‘Afina Mohd Hanif
Abstract: Instagram is one of the many social media platforms today equipped with its own internal online stores. As the number of Instagram users rises, businesses are advised to use eminent marketing tools and effectively engage with customers on the platform. Creating a strong brand image in consumers’ minds should be one of the main objectives of advertising. To be able to catch the attention of consumers, advertising appeal may be achieved through innovation and advertising creativity. This study examines the role of advertising appeal of social media marketing on consumer attention and purchase intention. Employing the qualitative thematic data...
Virtual human influencers in live streaming commerce on social media platforms: Exploring parasocial interactions with consumers in China
Lu Yao, Nursafwah Tugiman, *Mohamad-Noor Salehhuddin Sharipudin
Abstract: The research explores the expanding role of virtual human influencers (VHIs) in digital marketing via parasocial interactions (PSIs) in live streaming commerce, with a focus on Chinese consumers. Grounded in the theoretical framework of the parasocial interaction theory, this study examines how VHIs attract viewers, engage with the material, and influence purchase decisions. Our study comprised two phases. Firstly, we conducted an extensive search across different scholarly databases and digital libraries using the keywords VHIs, PSIs, and live streaming commerce, which produced 35 relevant studies with matching content to the context ...
Navigating patriarchy among Javanese women who married French men from the perspective of Javanese 3M values
Hany Nurahmawati, *Mohd Shahnawi bin Muhmad Pirus
Abstract: Marrying a foreigner has become a trend and a reflection of a modern lifestyle to achieve gender equity. Nowadays, the number of mixed marriages in Indonesia, particularly among Javanese women who marry French men and subsequently migrate to France, has steadily increased. The Javanese adhere to a patriarchal system called 3M: Macak-Manak-Masak (Beautifying herself–Giving offspring–Cooking), that places and limits the movement of women. Adopting a phenomenological approach, the study observed how the Javanese culture is integrated with the French culture, particularly in understanding how Javanese...
Leveraging VSP community policing apps: Royal Malaysia Police’s strategic communication approach to crime prevention
Ghazila Ghazi, *Wan Hartini Wan Zainodin, Azizul Halim Yahya
Abstract: The Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), like many modern law enforcement agencies, actively engages with the public through social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook. In addition, the force has built a community policing mobile application as a strategic communication approach for smartphones called the Volunteer Smartphone Patrol (VSP) to prevent crime. A strategic communication approach in crime prevention involves using community-oriented policing and outreach to influence public perception and cooperation with law enforcement efforts. The collaborative efforts with various stakeholders and RMP through the strategic...
The virtual playground: Exploring action video games among adolescents
*Muthukumaran Kanasan
Abstract: Currently, action video games have emerged as the most popular form of entertainment among young individuals. The recent COVID-19 pandemic and the enforcement of movement control order (MCO) led to a significant increase in the regular engagement of young people with action video games, often through portable devices like smartphones. Owing to their widespread appeal, video games have significantly shaped contemporary society. Various elements contribute to aggression and violence. The potential impact on aggression, even if relatively small could be significant considering the substantial number of individuals participating...
The role of social groups in enhancing the sense of social cohesion among rural youth virtual communities
*Hamizah Sahharon, Jusang Bolong, Siti Zobidah Omar
Abstract: Promoting unity among Malaysia’s diverse communities relies heavily on social cohesion, an ongoing challenge that requires continuous nurturing and adaptation. One initiative in Malaysia aimed at using social media to bridge cultural divides is the 1Malaysia Wireless Village Project. This project enhances social cohesion and digital unity by enabling locals to engage in conversations and voice concerns about their communities. Hence, this study explores the dynamics of social cohesion, with a particular focus on the moderating effect of social groups, specifically in-groups and out-groups, on Facebook functionality usage among rural youths. The in-group...
The acceptance and use of virtual reality on learning attitude among junior boy scouts in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
*Aris Abdul Rahman, Khairudin Murad, Wardatul Hayat Adnan
Abstract: Virtual reality (VR) technology is a computer simulation system that generates immersive learning experiences in a virtual world. Simulated environments created using VR has the potential to impact learner attitude which directly influences learners’ physical learning behaviour through interactive three-dimensional views. This innovative approach of communication is able to guide students engaging with real-time simulations, making it a powerful tool for gaining a deeper understanding of knowledge. In contrast to the monotonous nature of traditional learning methods, interactive learning processes facilitated by VR are less time-consuming and...
The exploration of Malaysian public awareness on MCMC’s CYL campaign
*Nur Haniz Mohd Nor, Nurul Wahidah Mahmud Zuhudi, Nicole Lee Fong Yee, Qasim Ali Nisar, Prema Ponnudurai
Abstract: What is MCMC? How important is the MCMC label? Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is a Malaysian government regulatory body that regulates the communications and multimedia industry in accordance with the MCMC Act (1998). One of its best initiatives is the MCMC label. The MCMC label in every communication device in Malaysia is important as it verifies that the device is legal, safe to use and meets the Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulation 2000. Yet, Malaysian users are still lacking of the awareness on the importance of the MCMC label in the communication devices that they...