Environmental conservation efforts internationally and in Malaysia are focused on the establishment, maintenance and conservation of Protected Areas. The phenomenon of Protected Areas is justified by both biological considerations and social considerations. Biological considerations are commonly articulated. This research attempts to balance the narrative by focusing on social considerations, specific on the component of social capital, as derived from Social Capital Theory. Social capital is not commonly employed in the discourse on conservation policies of Protected Areas. However, social capital is postulated to have a tangible influence, as witnessed by its successful application in other contexts such as housing policy and social development. To explore the applicability of social capital towards Protected Areas, a case study of Penang in Malaysia is utilized. Document analysis and field observations are adopted as the research methodology and the data is analyzed thematically. The findings indicate that social capital has a tangible effect on the conservation policies of Protected Areas. Subsequently, public policy recommendations are proposed in light of the findings.
This study examines the practice, outcomes and challenges of a “triple-blend” approach which combines the components of classroom instruction, online facilitation and external exposure. Examining this pedagogical approach provides guidance for improving the delivery of teaching and learning. The study takes a multiple case study approach, employing action research methodology. The authors are practicing lecturers and the five cases, drawn from a private institution of higher education in Penang, Malaysia, have an average of 13.8 students, comprise undergraduate and postgraduate classes, and cover business, social science and humanities disciplines. Quantitative and qualitative comparisons are made between student cohorts. Students’ behavior and performance are tracked using an online learning management system. The findings reveal that the deployment of the triple-blend approach on aggregate produces positive outcomes in terms of student engagement and performance. However, there are instances of negative outcomes, suggesting that other factors are at play apart from the choice of pedagogical approach. Discussion of the challenges in deploying this approach shows that the process is far from homogenous. Nonetheless, the overall perspective indicates a positive relationship between the triple-blend approach and positive teaching and learning outcomes. This study provides guidance for teachers on deployment challenges and best practices.
Small businesses are an invaluable source of local knowledge that provide insights into indigenous commercial, cultural and social values and beliefs. This article explores various emergent typologies of small businesses in a multi-ethnic Southeast Asian wet market principally with regards to their social responsibility and sustainability. The field site is Jelutong wet market in Penang, Malaysia. The philosophical and methodological framework is phenomenology, and principal data-collection tool is semi-structured interview. Thirty (30) primary interviews and five (5) verification interviews were conducted in various local languages and dialects. Three (3) typologies emerged and named the Lifestyle, Livelihood and Legacy typologies. Identifying and understanding these three (3) typologies in small businesses provide important inputs for public policy.
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