...AIMST UNIVERSITY School for General and Foundation Studies MPW 2133 Malaysian Studies 2011 / 2012 Assignments Question Answer Session (Group Presentation) Objectives 1. The given task is an integrated approach to enhance the reading and presentation skills for the purpose of increasing students’ general knowledge on current social issues. 2. Students acquire first-hand experience in presenting ideas related to an issue. 3. Students develop team spirit in an effort to perform as best as they could. 4. Students’ gain knowledge of aspects which they have not been exposed to through readings, IT utilization and listening. Skills Acquired 1. Reading, research and study skills: Internet usage, note taking of relevant materials and usage of the library. 2. Listening and speaking skills: Brainstorming, accepting ang refuting ideas. 3. Writing skills: Writing an article. Procedure 1. Students, in groups of four, are required to gather information on a topic chosen from the list given under the following headings: Meaning/Definition Causes Effects/Impacts Precautions 2. The question and answer session is to last for 30 minutes. Equal weightage to be given to be given to all group members. 3. Presentation should be accompanied by visuals such as aidio-clips, photographs, statistics etc. 4. A written assignment on the same topic should be handed over to the lecturer one week after the presentation. 5. Members of each group...
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...INTRODUCTION Islam is the youngest of the world’s major religions. Originated in South Arabia 1400 years ago. Muslims are generally found in Africa and Asia including Russia and South Western China. Their number has increased in America, Australia and Europe during the end of the 20th century Islam is a monotheistic and Abrahamic religion articulated by the Qur'an, a book considered by its adherents to be the verbatim word of God and by the teachings and normative example (called the Sunnah and composed of hadith) of Muhammad, considered by them to be the last prophet of God. An adherent of Islam is called a Muslim. Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable and the purpose of existence is to submit to and serve Allah (God). Muslims also believe that Islam is the complete and universal version of a primordial faith that was revealed before many times throughout the world, including notably through Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus, whom they consider prophets. They maintain that the previous messages and revelations have been partially misinterpreted or altered over time, but consider the Arabic Qur'an to be both the unaltered and the final revelation of God. Religious concepts and practices include the five pillars of Islam, which are basic concepts and obligatory acts of worship, and following Islamic law, which touches on virtually every aspect of life and society, providing guidance on multifarious...
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...The population of indigenous communities are mostly in East Malaysia, which is in the Sabah and Sarawak. Basically, the indigenous group in Sarawak is mostly the Iban, Bidayuh, Malanau, Kenyah, Kelabit, Penan. However, the indigenous group in Sabah is consists of the Kadazan Dusun, Bajau, Murut, Rungu, Lotud, Brunei, Orang Sungai, Kadayan, Bisaya and many others sub-groups. Furthermore, this report is mainly focusing on the ethics group of Ibans and Bidayuhs. Sarawak is located on the island of Borneo with Kuching is its capital. It is the largest State among 13 States in Malaysia. The State of Sarawak cover an area of 124,449.51 sq. km, it is about 37% of the Malaysia total land area. Sarawak is known as the Land of Hornbills. It was naturally blessed with vast areas of both lowland and highland rainforest. Sarawak’s forests are the State’s most important resource and asset, producing timber and a multitude of forest products. The rainforest is home to an incredible variety of more than 8,000 species of flora and over 20,000 fauna, the majority of which are insects. Sarawak is also rich in its’ cultural, history and heritage; natural and adventure. Additionally, Sarawak is the state with the most districts in Malaysia, home to Batang Rajang, the country’s longest river, the world’s biggest flower the Rafflesia, and the Brooke Birdwing, the world’s largest butterfly. Sarawak also boasts the world’s most extensive cave system, the world’s oldest rainforest the size of Austria and...
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...International Review of Business Research Papers Vol.2. No.1 August 2006 pp.1-14 An Evaluation of SME Development in Malaysia Ali Salman Saleh∗ and Nelson Oly Ndubisi∗∗ Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in play a vital role in the Malaysian economy and are considered to be the backbone of industrial development in the country. However, few studies examined their development, challenges and future prospects. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to examine and analyse the role of SMEs in different sectors as well as their major contribution to the economy. The paper goes further to review the existing literature as well as the empirical studies in order to identify the major challenges (domestically and globally) that face this sector. The key messages from the studies examined in this paper are that Malaysian SMEs still face many domestic and global challenges in achieving economies of scale and competing internationally. Among the challenges are the low level of technological capabilities and limited skilled human capital resources, a low level of technology and ICT penetration, low levels of research and development (R&D), a substantial orientation towards domestic markets, a high level of international competition (for example, from China and India), a high level of bureaucracy in government agencies, and internal sourcing of funds. These characteristics suggest that government programs and incentives are either insufficient or not delivered effectively enough to overcome...
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...International Review of Business Research Papers Vol.2. No.1 August 2006 pp.1-14 An Evaluation of SME Development in Malaysia Ali Salman Saleh∗ and Nelson Oly Ndubisi∗∗ Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in play a vital role in the Malaysian economy and are considered to be the backbone of industrial development in the country. However, few studies examined their development, challenges and future prospects. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to examine and analyse the role of SMEs in different sectors as well as their major contribution to the economy. The paper goes further to review the existing literature as well as the empirical studies in order to identify the major challenges (domestically and globally) that face this sector. The key messages from the studies examined in this paper are that Malaysian SMEs still face many domestic and global challenges in achieving economies of scale and competing internationally. Among the challenges are the low level of technological capabilities and limited skilled human capital resources, a low level of technology and ICT penetration, low levels of research and development (R&D), a substantial orientation towards domestic markets, a high level of international competition (for example, from China and India), a high level of bureaucracy in government agencies, and internal sourcing of funds. These characteristics suggest that government programs and incentives are either insufficient or not delivered effectively...
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...other countries have also been investing in Malaysia each day. However, the flowing entrees of these multinational companies do not diminish the Malaysians’ cultural values. Therefore, managers from the foreign or even local companies have to be able to adapt and operate effectively in different cultures. This assignment paper will discuss further about the leadership theory that has been developed by the westerns towards the people in Malaysia. The question is whether they can adopt the western leadership theory in Malaysian cultural values? Or is it possible to practise a one-size fits all theory? Background Culture is among the influences to the attitudes and behaviour of individuals. It is defined as a collective mental programming of the people in an environment. It evolves from an instinctive behaviour to learn. Patterns of this behaviour may be acquired and transmitted from one generation to another, and finally developed into a system of things and events (Hofstede, 1980). Leadership is seen as 'the ability to influence people and get them to do what the leader has envisioned' (Abdullah ,2003). An effective leadership theory which is practiced in one region might not be effective in another different region. The differences in the value systems might lead to differences in the preference for leadership styles among Malaysian managers. Therefore, leaders could better understand the way they should lead by learning the style that their followers from different cultural...
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...Foreign direct investment (FDI) occurs when a firm invests funds in business activities out of its country of origin. In order for a firm to become involved in FDI, three conditions of Dunning’s Eclectic Theory (1993); (1) ownership, that is a company possessing an advantage which gives them a competitive edge in the international market as compared to its domestic market, (2) location, where the country a company intends to invest in must have the right pull factors which will be in favour of the investing company, and (3) internalisation, that is transferring the company’s ownership advantage is more beneficial than selling it off, must be satisfied. Emerging countries focus and rely heavily on FDI as it is a vital element which assists in boosting the country’s development and economic growth. Like other developing countries, Malaysia too depended on FDI and benefitted greatly from the strong inflow (Shahrudin, Yusof, & Satar, 2010) and transformed from an agriculture-based economy to an industrial economy (Wong, 2005). Despite being an attractive FDI destination, as well as an eminent host country to foreign investors, Malaysia has seen an 11% decline in FDI inflow (U.N. Conference on Trade and Development, 2015). A country’s rise or fall in FDI is affected by several determinants such as the market factor, trade barriers, costs, and investment climate (Hill, Cronk, & Wickramasekera, 2014). This essay will serve to discuss both domestic and global factors influencing...
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...occur due to any number of reasons – economic fundamentals, interest rate differentials, political instability, risk aversion among investors and so on. Countries with weak economic fundamentals such as chronic current account deficits and high rates of inflation generally have depreciating currencies. Currency depreciation, if orderly and gradual, improves a nation’s export competitiveness and may improve its trade deficit over time. But abrupt and sizeable currency depreciation may scare foreign investors who fear the currency may fall further, and lead to them pulling portfolio investments out of the country, putting further downward pressure on the currency. Last year 2013, Malaysia had faced the depreciation of Ringgit Malaysia. The Malaysian ringgit plunged to its lowest level in over three years on Thursday amid the brutal sell-off across emerging market assets, and strategists say the pain may not be over for the currency. The ringgit has declined 10 percent against the U.S. dollar since late-May on concerns over a potential capital flight from the country's government bond market in favour of rising U.S. Treasury yields. Before closing on Wednesday 3 December, the ringgit dropped to as far as 3.4455 to the US dollar – the weakest it has been since February 2010. The ringgit had its largest two-day depreciation since the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis, falling 2.4% to 3.4300 to the US dollar on Monday 1 December at closing, from 3.3465 per US dollar on Thursday 27 November...
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...CONTENTS INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND ANALYSIS AND IMPLICATION OF THE TRAGEDY THE OBJECTIVES OF RUKUN NEGARA THE PRINCIPLE OF RUKUN NEGARA CONCLUSION REFERENCE INTRODUCTION Even though most of the people in the country has heard of Rukun Negara, the understanding and the level of knowledge about it varies very much between each individual. Most of them only know about the existence of the Rukun Negara, while some are only able to repeat the principle. However, there are some who understand the meaning as well as the message and the demands of each principle. Rukun Negara should be taken as a guide in our day-to-day living because it is a set of “national tenets” that teaches us the right norms of behaviour. There are two types of dimensions of relationship involved wherever there is human interaction. These two relationships are relationship among fellow human beings and relationship with god. Both of these two dimensions of relationships are recognised by all religions and all profess doing the right things in life. The principles of Rukun Negara ideologise the level the level of authority that control and guide us from the level of god down to the state level, institutions level and finally the self level. The entire background of the ideology and the purpose for creating it must be clearly understood by an individual to internalise the spirits of Rukun Negara. Ideology means a scheme of ideas at the basic of a system. When we say that Rukun Negara is...
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...International Review of Business Research Papers Vol.2. No.1 August 2006 pp.1-14 An Evaluation of SME Development in Malaysia Ali Salman Saleh∗ and Nelson Oly Ndubisi∗∗ Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in play a vital role in the Malaysian economy and are considered to be the backbone of industrial development in the country. However, few studies examined their development, challenges and future prospects. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to examine and analyse the role of SMEs in different sectors as well as their major contribution to the economy. The paper goes further to review the existing literature as well as the empirical studies in order to identify the major challenges (domestically and globally) that face this sector. The key messages from the studies examined in this paper are that Malaysian SMEs still face many domestic and global challenges in achieving economies of scale and competing internationally. Among the challenges are the low level of technological capabilities and limited skilled human capital resources, a low level of technology and ICT penetration, low levels of research and development (R&D), a substantial orientation towards domestic markets, a high level of international competition (for example, from China and India), a high level of bureaucracy in government agencies, and internal sourcing of funds. These characteristics suggest that government programs and incentives are either insufficient or not delivered effectively...
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...affected as it cannot afford to resist trespasser from inside and outside. Therefore, citizen unity is an issue that needs to be taken seriously in strategizing the country’s development and administration so that it could retain and defend its freedom as a country which is sovereign. To practice unity, Malaysians first practice “RUKUN NEGARA”, then form political unity, studies unity, social and culture unity such as culture program, festival celebration and foods. First and foremost, Malaysians’ acceptance of multi-racial to Malaysia’s ideology that is “RUKUN NEGARA”. Country’s Rules are life rules or life norms that are very important to each and every citizen in this country. In “RUKUN NEGARA” all Malaysians are united to practicing five principles; Believing in God, Being Loyal to the King and country, Purity of the constitution, Sovereignty of the laws, and Politeness and manners. The first principle is regarding believing in God. It brings the meaning that Islam is the official region of this country. However, other religious other than Islam can be practiced freely by all races in Malaysian. Second, being loyal to the king and country. This brings the meaning of Malaysian despite different races is obligated to give their utmost sincere loyalties to the ruling King. Third, purity of the constitution. This principle avers that it is the...
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...and its employees. The specific objective of the plan is to accelerate industrial restructuring, technological upgrading, human resource development and industrial linking. HRD being one of the development factor is given priority to support the implementation of a productivity-driven growth which required highly skilled, trainable and knowledgeable manpower. A greater emphasis is continuously given to increase accessibility to education at all levels in line with the democratization of the education policy. At the same time, the long-term objectives of generating a highly skilled labor force to meet the demand of the current economy remains in focus that HRD is a primary element in enhancing the nation’s competitiveness. Under the Tenth Malaysian Plan, one of the main emphasis for achieving productivity is to focus on skills development, especially in terms of upgrading the skills the existing work force to facilitate industries to move up the value chain. Skill development is also more concentrated towards specialization as one of the current ten big plans of the country is to thrive towards transforming into high-income country through specialization. Towards nurturing top talent of the nation, the Government plans to undertake a comprehensive reform across the entire life-cycle of human capital development, from upgrading early childhood education right through to upskilling the existing adult workforce. Developing and motivating teachers will be the focus towards driving...
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...Studying locally and studying overseas The advantages and disadvantages of studying locally and studying overseas have long been discussed especially among high school graduates. The options available to pursue further in studies and the choices made will contribute to how a particular individual’s future is shaped. Both studying locally and studying overseas have their ups and downs that could benefit students or causes challenges for them. Studying locally and studying overseas can be compared in terms of cost of living, academic benefits, language and more. First and foremost, the cost of living of studying overseas is higher especially in well-developed countries. With a present low Ringgit Malaysia currency value, it should be tougher for students to meet the basic needs in countries like the United States and Australia. The fees for college itself is already expensive and this does not yet include the expenditure for accommodation, food and transportation. Contradictory, studying locally is much cheaper. Moreover, the presence of government universities help student to pay cheaper college fees. Even if the students don’t study in a government college or university, there are quite a high number of financial aids being provided as loans or scholarships. The expenditure for accommodation, transportation, and basic needs are also cheaper. Furthermore, studying overseas allows the opportunity to travel providing students with new and more experiences. Students get to see...
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...Purina Petcare Company is a leading company in the pet products industry. Purina Petcare Company is truly dedicated to improving the lives of cats and dogs through quality nutrition and care. Core philosophies include promoting responsible pet care, humane education, community involvement, and the positive bond between people and their pets. PURINA Petcare Company was formed when Friskies PetCare Company and Ralston Purina merged in December 2001. The new organization combines their rich histories, diverse resources and complementary strengths, offering pets and their owners a wide variety of innovative, high-quality and nutritious products. Competitors of the Company: * Iams Proactive Original ( www.iams.com ) * Hills Pet ( www.hillspet.com ) * Whiskas ( www.Whiskas.com ) Suppliers: * Shouguang Xincheng Food Co., Ltd. (supplies raw materials for manufacturing) * Qingdao Odenry Pet Product Co., Ltd (supplies raw materials for manufacturing) * Pet Center Inc. China Co., Ltd. (supplies raw materials for manufacturing) Intermediaries: * Hileytech Sdn Bhd (reseller of pet food and other services) * Pet Lovers Centre (retailer of certain cat food products and vet services) * Qian Hu The Pet Family Sdn Bhd (seller of certain cat food products and services) Customers: * Pet-specific customers (those who only look for specialty store that caters their own specific pet. For example, cat enthusiasts only visit stores that only specializes in...
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...1Malaysia - Concept and Values By Ir. Dr Hasnul Mohamad Salleh Abstracts Upon ascending to Malaysia’s highest public office on April 2009, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Razak has made waves to all corners of the nation with the introduction of 1Malaysia concept. The concept evolves around culture of excellence, perseverance, acceptance, education, integrity, meritocracy, humility and loyalty. It also encompases NKRAs on six major issues. Since independent, national unity has been made top priority – unity in education, culture, socio-economy, political, regional, etc. 1Malaysia seeks to improve the relations of all Malaysians, regardless of racial, religious or cultural backgrounds. There are certain major concerns that need to be addressed in order to seriously engage in 1Malaysia concept. Without correcting them, all efforts will be in vain. 1Malaysia concept caters the needs of all sector of the plural society and to ensure equal distribution of wealth between racial groups, between states and federal. Integrity on the part of the government and the public sector is one matter. The introduction of NKRAs and KPIs is a laudable move. The managing of all spectrums of unity (not just racial) is to be given proper thinking. In order to move Malaysia towards a better society, identity and future hence unity and integration should promote co-operation between race, beliefs and region as one Malaysia, not as Sarawakian or Sabahan. The trust and aspiration...
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