Choi-Meng Leong, Chin-Hong Puah, Venus Khim-Sen Liew and Matviychuk-Soskina Nadiya
The unstable money demand function over the recent decades may explain the unsatisfactory performance of the exchange rate model. Numerous studies have shown that Divisia money…
Abstract
The unstable money demand function over the recent decades may explain the unsatisfactory performance of the exchange rate model. Numerous studies have shown that Divisia money serves as a better variable for a stable money demand function. In this study, Divisia money is used as an alternative money supply in MYR/USD exchange rate determination. This study finds that Divisia money differential, real income differential, relative short-term interest rate and real stock prices affect the MYR/USD exchange rate in the long run. The major implication of this study is that policy-makers could monitor the MYR/USD exchange rate via the money supplies following the principle of Divisia monetary aggregate, which assigns higher weightage to more frequently traded monetary assets.
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Shafiqul Islam, Cordia Chu, Leong Liew and James C.R. Smart
The purpose of this paper is to inspect disaster risk reduction (DRR) challenges from a political economy (PE) perspective and to explore how PE determinants facilitate or hinder…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to inspect disaster risk reduction (DRR) challenges from a political economy (PE) perspective and to explore how PE determinants facilitate or hinder effective DRR in Bangladesh.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative case study, using semi-structured in-depth interviews, official documents and literature review has been conducted to explore the current process and practices of DRR in Bangladesh. The specific focus is on the distribution of public spending on flood shelters implemented by the Department of Disaster Management.
Findings
The study revealed a number of findings, including that the interest and incentives of influencing decision makers matter; formal and informal institutions have influence; and the values and ideas of dominating stakeholders’ impact on decisions regarding public spending of DRR in Bangladesh. These PE factors often hinder efficiency by leading to overlapping efforts and inefficient use of scarce resources. DRR planners and practitioners need to take steps to mitigate potential risks from PE processes in the allocations of DRR funding by implementing improved distribution arrangements.
Originality/value
Despite many successes in dealing with disasters, Bangladesh faces several challenges, including better governance of funds. DRR challenges can be considered as a problem of PE, which concerns the distribution of resources, and includes how powerful decision makers affect economic choices. Prior research examining the challenges in DRR-related funding distribution from a PE perspective is limited. Therefore, this study attempts to fill this gap in the literature by focusing on the situation in Bangladesh from this perspective. The authors elaborate how PE determinants can function as both barrier and opportunities on the ground in DRR-related fund distribution and in the selection of project locations and beneficiaries.
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Chee Kai Chua, Kah Fai Leong, Chu Sing Lim and Trong Thien Vu
The purpose of this paper is to detail the development of a multimedia courseware that enhances the learning of rapid prototyping (RP) among professionals, senior year and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to detail the development of a multimedia courseware that enhances the learning of rapid prototyping (RP) among professionals, senior year and graduate students.
Design/methodology/approach
The design and development of the multimedia courseware is based on a “visit a science museum” concept where each topic can be accessed depending on the interests or the needs of users. Factors that influence learning curve such as structure of information, application of visual and auditory components and human‐computer interface are addressed and discussed.
Findings
Instructions using multimedia significantly enhances the education process of RP technology. Methods to produce a good multimedia courseware have been introduced.
Originality/value
This paper describes the latest version of the multimedia courseware which is an accompaniment to the third edition of the book entitled Rapid Prototyping: Principles & Applications published in 2009.
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Boon Cheong Chew, Lay Hong Tan, Nurlisa Loke Abdullah and Syaiful Rizal Hamid
This study aims to explore the unique establishment of the early stage of the Alipay ecosystem in Malaysia by the Chinese-based Ant-Financial Services Group (Ant-Financial is the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the unique establishment of the early stage of the Alipay ecosystem in Malaysia by the Chinese-based Ant-Financial Services Group (Ant-Financial is the parent company of Alipay). Alipay, a Chinese m-payment technology, is used by Chinese tourists visiting Malaysia. With the diverse set of domestic–foreign stakeholders formed within this early stage of the Alipay ecosystem in Malaysia, this empirical study provides fresh insight that is different from the typical group of domestic stakeholders and crucial for a successful early stage of an m-payment ecosystem establishment. This early stage of the Alipay ecosystem in Malaysia set a promising precedent for the next m-payment ecosystem for Malaysians.
Design/methodology/approach
This exploratory case study examined the early stage of the Alipay ecosystem established in Malaysia. The authors collected primary data from eight respondents through qualitative, semi-structured interviews. These respondents were identified using a snowballing technique, including individuals with relevant knowledge. To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information, the authors triangulated the primary data obtained with other primary and secondary data sources.
Findings
The results elucidate how Ant-Financial established the early stage of the Alipay ecosystem in Malaysia. A significant aspect of this establishment was the strong collaboration between Alipay-Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (Alipay-Malaysia as a subsidiary in Malaysia) and three Malaysian banks. This collaboration, which was backed by Bank Negara Malaysia, allowed Alipay-Malaysia to obtain its regulatee status in 2017, making it lawful to provide escrow e-money services in Malaysia. Following this, Alipay-Malaysia gained support from local merchants under these banks’ networks to accept Alipay from Chinese tourists. This study revealed that the early stage of the Alipay ecosystem in Malaysia was characterised by a diverse set of domestic-foreign stakeholders and functioned effectively from the outset. Consequently, in 2018, Malaysia was ranked among the top ten countries in global Chinese tourist spending.
Research limitations/implications
This study of Alipay in Malaysia from 2016 to 2022 was challenging. Initially, the authors faced the obstacle of information scarcity as the respondents kept the information confidential to reduce rivalry. In the middle stage of our study, the authors encountered information inconsistency due to numerous erroneous personal assumptions and predictions. At that time, limited official information about Alipay’s establishment in Malaysia was available. It took a long time to gather primary and secondary data. The authors cross-examined these data by comparing different sources and triangulated them by validating the findings with other data sources. When Alipay was widely accepted in Malaysia and attained the top 10 position in global Chinese tourist spending, the COVID-19 outbreak froze the global tourism economy and reduced Alipay transactions. Later, the Malaysian Government enforced a nationwide movement control order that halted Alipay operations.
Practical implications
This study documented the early stages of the Alipay ecosystem establishment in Malaysia and made two contributions. Firstly, our research contributes to understanding the strategic approaches of an m-payment ecosystem establishment from a developing country-drawing from the Malaysian experience. Secondly, our study offers practical lessons for other m-payment service providers aiming for global expansion. The lessons learned in developing an early stage m-payment ecosystem in Malaysia, the strategies, a diverse set of domestic-foreign stakeholders’ roles and their collaboration within the Alipay ecosystem established in Malaysia are worth noting.
Originality/value
Up to this point, no exploratory qualitative study has been conducted on the early stage of an m-payment ecosystem (dominated by a foreign m-payment technology) in a developing country. By addressing the research question of “How has Ant-Financial established the early stage of the Alipay ecosystem in Malaysia?” this study provides a unique perspective on the establishment of an early stage Alipay ecosystem, underscores the strategies of an early stage Alipay ecosystem establishment and understand a diverse set of domestic-foreign stakeholders’ roles and their collaboration within such ecosystem that contributed to the existing theory of m-payment ecosystem.
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Won‐Shik Chu, Suk‐Young Jeong, Sung‐Geun Kim, Won‐Shik Ha, Sang‐Chul Chi and Sung‐Hoon Ahn
Rapid prototyping (RP) technology has been widely applied in biomedical research. The purpose of this paper is to describe how a scaffold composite drug delivery system (DDS) was…
Abstract
Purpose
Rapid prototyping (RP) technology has been widely applied in biomedical research. The purpose of this paper is to describe how a scaffold composite drug delivery system (DDS) was fabricated using a nano composite deposition system (NCDS).
Design/methodology/approach
A biocompatible and biodegradable thermoplastic polymer (poly(DL‐lactide‐co‐glycolide acid)) was used as the matrix, and a mixture of anti‐cancer drug (5‐fluorouracil) and bio‐ceramic (hydroxyapatite – HA) was added to the polymer to form a bio‐composite material for the DDS. An in vitro drug release test showed that the release rate of the drug composite could be controlled by the amount of HA for 50 days.
Findings
Faster release was observed for the DDS with higher weight percent of HA. The relationship between release rate and the amount of HA showed a bi‐linear manner, and bi‐linear drug release models were developed based on the experimental results.
Originality/value
Cylindrical scaffolds were fabricated with polymer/drug/additive using an NCDS. A series of in vitro drug release tests was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the additive, HA. Drug release models were developed based on the experimental results.
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WeiLee Lim, Uma Thevi Munikrishnan, Choi-Meng Leong, Lee-Chea Hiew, Mei-Wei Leong and Liu Yang
This study aims to explore e-wallet continuance intention in Malaysia using perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEU), perceived risk (PR) and perceived security…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore e-wallet continuance intention in Malaysia using perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEU), perceived risk (PR) and perceived security (PS). Additional emphasis is placed on the degree of necessity of risk and security conditions driving the continuance intention to use e-wallets.
Design/methodology/approach
This quantitative study used a sample of 281 respondents. Partial least-squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the associations, while necessary condition analysis (NCA) was performed to uncover the factors’ necessity level.
Findings
PU is the primary facilitator for the continuance intention of e-wallet usage, followed by PS, PR and PEU. However, none were necessary for usage. E-wallet providers must emphasise enhancing PU, prioritise data security and improve the PEU to foster sustained e-wallet usage, while prudent risk management is a nice-to-have.
Practical implications
To maintain the survival of e-wallets, service providers must focus on prioritising PEU, PU and PS for positive user experiences, including contentment, utility, convenience, comfort and safety. Compliance with user authorisation, real-time transaction monitoring and comprehensive security protocols is a must for security concerns.
Originality/value
This study represents the limited empirical research focusing on risk and security in the continuance intention of e-wallet usage. Furthermore, an NCA was performed to determine the essential circumstances of risk and security for the continuance intention of e-wallets.
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Yayue Pan, Abhishek Patil, Ping Guo and Chi Zhou
Polymer-particle composites, which have demonstrated wide applications ranging from energy harvesting and storage, biomedical applications, electronics and environmental sensing…
Abstract
Purpose
Polymer-particle composites, which have demonstrated wide applications ranging from energy harvesting and storage, biomedical applications, electronics and environmental sensing to aerospace applications, have been investigated for decades. However, fabricating polymer-particle composites with controlled distribution of particles in polymer continues to be a fundamental challenge. As to date, a few additive manufacturing (AM) technologies can fabricate composites, however, with a limited choice of materials or limited dispersion control. Against this background, this research investigated a hybrid polymer-particle composite manufacturing process, projection electro-stereolithography (PES) process, which integrates electrostatic deposition and projection based stereolithography (SL) technologies.
Design/methodology/approach
In PES process, a photoconductive film collects charged particles in the regions illuminated by light. Then, collected particles are transferred from the film to a polymer layer with defined patterns. Lastly, a digital mask is used to pattern the light irradiation of the digital micromirror device chip, selectively curing the photopolymer liquid resin and particles of that layer. By transferring particles from the photoconductive film to the photopolymer in a projection-based SL system, multi-material composites with locally controlled dispersions could be produced. A proof-of-concept PES testbed was developed. Various test cases have been performed to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the developed approach.
Findings
Challenges in this novel AM process, including process design, particle patterning and transferring, are addressed in this paper. It is found that particles can be transferred to a layer of partially cured resin completely and accurately, by using the stamping approach. The transferring rate is related to stamping force and degree of conversion of the recipient layer. The developed hybrid process can fabricate polymer-particle composites with arbitrary dispersion pattern, unlimited printable height and complicated geometries.
Originality/value
Although an electrostatic deposition process has been investigated as a 3D printing technology for many years, it is the first attempt to integrate it with projection SL for fabricating multi-material polymer composite components. The novel hybrid process offers unique benefits including local dispersion control, arbitrary filling patterns, wide range of materials, unlimited printable height and arbitrary complicated geometries.
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Chi Zhou, Yong Chen, Zhigang Yang and Behrokh Khoshnevis
The purpose of this paper is to present a mask‐image‐projection‐based stereolithography (MIP‐SL) process that can combine two base materials with various concentrations and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a mask‐image‐projection‐based stereolithography (MIP‐SL) process that can combine two base materials with various concentrations and structures to produce a solid object with desired material characteristics. Stereolithography is an additive manufacturing process in which liquid photopolymer resin is cross‐linked and converted to solid. The fabrication of digital material requires frequent resin changes during the building process. The process presented in this paper attempts to address the related challenges in achieving such fabrication capability.
Design/methodology/approach
A two‐channel system design is presented for the multi‐material MIP‐SL process. In such a design, a coated thick film and linear motions in two axes are used to reduce the separation force of a cured layer. The material cleaning approach to thoroughly remove resin residue on built surfaces is presented for the developed process. Based on a developed testbed, experimental studies were conducted to verify the effectiveness of the presented process on digital material fabrication.
Findings
The proposed two‐channel system can reduce the separation force of a cured layer by an order of magnitude in the bottom‐up projection system. The developed two‐stage cleaning approach can effectively remove resin residue on built surfaces. Several multi‐material designs have been fabricated to highlight the capability of the developed MIP‐SL process.
Research limitations/implications
A proof‐of‐concept testbed has been developed. Its building speed and accuracy can be further improved. The tests were limited to the same type of liquid resins. In addition, the removal of trapped air is a challenge in the presented process.
Originality/value
This paper presents a novel and a pioneering approach towards digital material fabrication based on the stereolithography process. This research contributes to the additive manufacturing development by significantly expanding the selection of base materials in fabricating solid objects with desired material characteristics.
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Wing Thye Woo, Yuen Yoong Leong, Wai Sern Low, Jin Soong Liew and Chean Chung Lee
This study employs advanced modelling to assess the effectiveness of Malaysia’s current energy policies in achieving a low-carbon future. By optimising a 100% renewable energy…
Abstract
Purpose
This study employs advanced modelling to assess the effectiveness of Malaysia’s current energy policies in achieving a low-carbon future. By optimising a 100% renewable energy mix, including energy storage, the research identifies pathways to decarbonise the power sector while minimising costs. These findings will inform the development of future policies.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employs the Stockholm Environment Institute-developed Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) and Next Energy Modeling system for Optimization (NEMO) to construct and optimise a comprehensive Malaysian power sector model. The model encompasses both electricity supply, including diverse electricity generation sources and demand across key sectors. Three scenarios – existing policy, optimised existing policy and more ambitious policy (near-zero emissions) – are analysed.
Findings
Solar photovoltaic (PV) is the dominant technology, but realising its full potential requires significant grid upgrades. While natural gas expansion underpins Malaysia’s decarbonisation strategy, solar and storage offer a cleaner and potentially cost-effective alternative. Rapid technological advancements in clean energy increase stranded asset risk for new gas power plants. Malaysia’s abundant bioenergy resources need more tapping. This can contribute to decarbonisation and rural development. Transitioning to a fully renewable grid necessitates substantial investments in energy storage and grid infrastructure. While falling battery costs and regional interconnection can mitigate costs, careful consideration of potential disruptions and cost fluctuations is essential for resilience.
Research limitations/implications
Energy sector modelling results are inherently dependent on input assumptions, such as future technology costs, resource availability and fossil fuel prices. These factors can be highly uncertain. While this study did not conduct sensitivity analyses to explore how variations in these assumptions might affect the results (e.g. cost variations across scenarios, technology mix fluctuations), the core findings provide valuable insights into potential decarbonisation pathways for Malaysia’s power sector. Future studies could build upon this work by incorporating sensitivity analyses to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how key results might change under a wider range of future possibilities.
Originality/value
This study co-optimises a 100% renewable energy mix for Malaysia, incorporating a comprehensive range of renewable resources, battery and pumped hydro storage. The research also provides a unique perspective on the interplay of philosophical underpinnings, psychological maturity and energy policy.
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With the call for educational policies focusing on more accountability and high stakes testing, educational legislations are putting the overall development of the preschool child…
Abstract
With the call for educational policies focusing on more accountability and high stakes testing, educational legislations are putting the overall development of the preschool child at risk. Children spend much of their day preparing for standardized tests and skills such as self-regulation are not supported in early elementary grades. Research demonstrates that students who enter kindergarten without self-regulatory skills are at greater risk for difficulties such as peer rejection and low levels of academic achievement.
This chapter explores the association between self-regulation specifically, cognitive, impulse control, ethnicity, and academic achievement in preschool Dual Language Learners (DLL). Results revealed that cognitive control and academics vastly differs in Hispanic/Latino and African American preschool students. Implications for practice and policy are further discussed.