Bridging the Digital Divide: Innovation Policy and Implementation in Malaysia

Abstract

Digital innovation is now the primary economic driver. In the era of Industrial Revolution 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT), digital skills are becoming increasingly important. A paradigm shift from manufacturing to the digital economy brings opportunities and challenges to Malaysia. To prepare society and the workforce for this shift, Malaysia must put in place appropriate policies to enhance productivity and economic growth. However, if the digital divide remains widespread in the country, all of these digital development agendas will be viewed as mere rhetorical statements. In the face of such challenges, the government has already committed significant effort to promoting digital skills through a number of initiatives. However, it appears that the pace of the effort is still slow. Hence, the purpose of this concept paper is to examine the efforts and implementation of digital development in Malaysia as well as the digital divide that exists within the country. In light of the discussion generated by this concept paper, it is recommended that additional research be conducted into the most effective means of closing the digital divide in the country.

Effect of e-Service Quality on Customer Engagement Behaviors: Insight from the hotels in Malaysia

“…Despite the ease of use that internet platforms provide, experts say that clients may be reluctant to use them due to these concerns. Multiple prior studies (Ayob, Lan, & Sheringham, 2021) corroborate these doubts by demonstrating a robust correlation between trust and the propensity to make an online hotel reservation when privacy and security issues exist.…”

“…Consequently, website quality is crucial in facilitating the customer's search for the desired product. Therefore, it should never be a problem for hoteliers to enhance the customer experiences and ensure their satisfaction (Ayob, Lan, & Sheringham, 2021).…”

“…The majority of individuals browse online reviews before booking a reservation. By reading other customers' reviews about other customers' experiences on an online hotel booking website, prospective guests can learn more about the hotel of their choice and improve their standards as they make their booking decision (Ayob, Lan, & Sheringham, 2021). Online hotel reviews are a reliable source of information since they are constantly updated and contain more recent data than what is provided by the service suppliers themselves.…”

“…Pieces of information technology (IT) advancements, especially in hotel operations, are driving a radical change in the distribution of product services (Khoo, 2019). Since most reservations or bookings are now made online rather than offline, the hotel business is more likely to implement electronic service (e-service) (Ayob, Lan, & Sheringham, 2021). In addition, 3 out of every 4 billion people use electronic gadgets to browse the online hotel booking every month to make hotel reservations via social media, online travel agencies (OTA), and direct hotel websites, according to preliminary findings by McDonald (2018).…”

Teachers' Perception of the Use of Augmented Reality (AR) Modules in Teaching and Learning

“…All parties need to take care of today's educational context that requires educators to have high levels of digital literacy. Furthermore, in the era of industrial revolution and technology-based teaching and learning, digital skills have become increasingly important and influential (Ayob et al, 2022). As educators, it is crucial to embrace new and creative approaches to apply educational innovation and enhance future learning.…”