This study of the COVID-19 online learning experiences of students in a Singaporean higher education institution (HEI) assesses the students’ ‘fit’ (ie, their satisfaction) with online learning, as gauged through the Information Technology (IT) models of Task-Technology Fit (TTF) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). While current studies have found that curriculum, instructor and learner factors have impacted on students and online learning during COVID-19, it has been observed that there is insufficient understanding of factors that predict students’ online learning satisfaction [24]. This study thus contributes where there are few, if any studies that assess students’ online learning satisfaction through technological models. Furthermore, the study’s finding are that the students’ perception of, general attitude to, and intention to use the online learning shaped their satisfaction, thus pointing to the value of such technological models in understanding student learning at a deeper level. Students’ experiential comments from the study also form recommendations for effective online teaching practice which apply to Singapore, and broadly for higher education (HE) online learning design. Significantly, the information technology (IT) models are shown as valuable in assessing HE students’ online learning satisfaction.

This research aims at finding out which are the factors that greatly impact city dwellers’ perception towards urban farming. The study also looks at the variables which strongly affect the residents’ ability to grasp the idea of adopting urban farming practices in the city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The four main factors included in this study are Confidence, Societal, Naturalness, and Pleasantness. A mixed-method approach was used involving both quantitative and qualitative, of a group of 129 respondents using G-power software. Validity and reliability of the data were also tested to affirm the quality and relevance with accordance to the factors. The main findings revealed that pleasantness and confidence were strong among urbanites for adopting urban farming, in line with Cohen’s R Square of more than 32%. In addition, qualitative analysis shows that while there were positive outcomes to complement the quantitative study, there was also, practical constraints that were highlighted. These constraints are space, conditions, and supply chain. Hence, this study has given two significant contributions to regulators and policymakers on urban farming.

Malaysia is not shielded from the issues of food insecurity. Despite economic progression over the past few years, food insecurity is continuing to affect several vulnerable groups (Orang Asli, elderly, students, B40). It is a growing concern that should not be taken lightly, especially with the recent rise in food prices coupled with low income among vulnerable groups and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. As cities develop and expand, they stretch out and occupy former farmlands forcing farms to stop operating or move further off from the city centre. New trends like urban farming are slowly emerging, which have the potential to be a solution to the developing crises of food insecurity. This research aims to determine how relevant each of the factors, ‘confidence’ (CF), ‘societal’ (SC), ‘pleasantness’ (PL), and ‘naturalness’ (NT), are towards adopting (AD) the idea of urban farming and, if relevant, among which has the most positive impact. A mixed-method approach was used to obtain quantitative and qualitative data. One hundred and thirty-three responses were recorded and used (a significant sample size according to the G-power software). The validity and reliability of the data were also tested to affirm their quality and relevance according to the factors. The main findings revealed that ‘pleasantness’ and ‘confidence’ were strong factors for adopting urban farming, in line with Cohen’s R Square of more than 32%, which signifies a high impact toward influencing adoption. In addition, qualitative analysis shows that while positive outcomes complemented the quantitative study, practical constraints were highlighted. These constraints were space, time, supply chain, resources, tools, community and government support. Hence, this study provides two significant contributions to regulators and policymakers on urban farming (further explained in the discussions section).

Purpose: The global halal industry has been making ground over the past decade in every sector of the worldwide economy. Indonesia is not left out in progress, considering its vast potential to develop the halal industry. This empirical study narrows down to the influence of halal labeling in the cosmetic industry as an export driver towards the economy of Indonesia.Methodology: This study undertakes a mixed-method approach drawing on quantitative and qualitative data. An in-depth face-to-face interview (with social distancing) was held using an interview guide, coupled with a survey questionnaire targeting regulators and manufacturers.Findings: The findings proved that halal certification, cosmetic quality, and brand image simultaneously affect buying decisions of cosmetics. Meanwhile, the Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI) recommends that cosmetics from Indonesia have a great opportunity to export. However, based on the results of interviews with cosmetic companies, they do not understand the concept of Maqashid al Syariah financing, which can integrate with the concept of halal products. Lastly, the cost of halal certification sometimes still burdens small-scale cosmetic companies, so support from the government is needed to encourage them to join the halal certification program.Originality: The research findings are helpful for the industry and regulators to address the export capabilities of Indonesian cosmetics. It provides an insight into the challenges and practical hindrances within the industry.

The lack of coherence, transparency and accountability in traditional financial reporting, led the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) to developed Integrated Reporting (IR) in 2010.  This study draws the attention towards the top 50 public listed companies listed in Malaysian Stock Exchange as per asset size, and their fulfilment towards voluntary IR disclosures. This study is also conducted to examine the organisational characteristics that foster the IR initiative. Most of the Malaysian PLCs are complied with ISO 26000 standards and GRI G4 guidelines. The compliance of these both standards and guidelines are contributing to the adoption of IR as there are all inter-related. A comparison has been made among ISO 26000, GRI G4 and IR framework to develop a common ground for the non-financial reporting frameworks and guidelines. This study is qualitative and descriptive in nature. The findings reveal that although there were traces of the fulfilment of all requirements with regard to ISO 26000, which was 32% and GRI and IR was 12% respectively, there were much to be done to encourage PLCs to incorporate such reporting guidelines.  It was also found that, government-linked companies have greater fulfilment of these requirements.