JOURNAL OF TOURISM, HOSPITALITY AND ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT (JTHEM)

INTEGRATING LEAN HEALTHCARE AND PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS FOR SUSTAINABLE HOSPITAL WASTE MANAGEMENT: A NARRATIVE REVIEW FROM A BLUE-GREEN ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVE

Zulkhairi Nisa, Irlisuhayu Mohd Ramli, Ahmad Al-Amin Faisal — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Operational efficiency, clinical quality and environmental sustainability are increasingly difficult to balance in the modern healthcare system. Lean Healthcare has proven to be a methodology for waste elimination in processes, but its static nature often limits its responsiveness to dynamic healthcare environments. However, predictive analytics offers advanced forecasting capabilities but often fails to integrate with operational workflows. This narrative review aims to fill this conceptual and practical gap by exploring how the combination of Lean Healthcare and predictive analytics generates a Blue-Green Economic Synergy to transform hospital waste management. Synthesizing literature published between 2015 and 2026 retrieved from Scopus, this review explores four core themes: operational waste reduction via Lean deployment, predictive analytics and artificial intelligence applications in waste forecasting, circular economy integration within blue-green frameworks, and organizational, technical, and policy implementation dynamics. The synthesis shows that combining Lean process discipline with algorithmic foresight may enable proactive resource optimisation, may reduce the gradual accumulation of energy inefficiency, and has the potential to reduce Scope 1–3 emissions. Furthermore, this review extends the Natural Resource-Based View and Dynamic Capabilities Theory by showing how process-based pollution prevention capabilities complement algorithmic sensing mechanisms in digital healthcare operations. In practical terms, this paper may offer health system managers and policymakers a conceptual framework for transitioning hospital operations toward circular waste ecosystems.

THE INFLUENCE OF FOOD SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT TOWARDS EATING HABITS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

The purpose of this conceptual paper is to examine the relationships among social media usage, food content usage, and eating habits among university students. Recently, the rapid growth of social media has significantly influenced students’ daily lives, particularly in shaping their perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours related to food consumption. Despite this growing influence, research exploring the relationship between social media, food-related content, and eating habits remains limited. Continuous exposure to food-related content, such as dietary trends, influencer endorsements, and idealised body images, may influence students’ food choices and eating behaviours. Therefore, an in-depth literature review was conducted on social media use and food content exposure as predictors of eating habits among university students. Based on the review, a conceptual framework and future research directions are proposed for further exploration. The findings are expected to contribute to the theoretical understanding of social media’s influence on eating behaviours and provide practical insights for universities and health educators in developing strategies to promote healthier eating habits among students.

UNDERSTANDING SELECTIVE DIGITALISATION IN LANGKAWI'S WELLNESS TOURISM

Norhayati Mohamad Hussain, Nor Azimah Kamaruddin, Mutiiah Mohamad — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

This study seeks to answer about wellness tourism in Langkawi: which parts of the visitor experience require digital support, and where might that support become intrusive? We interviewed 13 informants with background of tourism and wellness businesses, telecommunications, government agencies, the local Langkawi community and tourists. The transcripts were managed in NVivo and examined thematically. Findings indicatied those participants described stable connectivity, booking, payment and communication as necessary for routine operations. Their support became more cautious when technology entered the wellness activity itself. Operators preferred systems that staff could manage, and several accounts placed privacy, calm and direct interaction ahead of automation. Respondents also discussed readiness in terms of user ability, cooperation between organisations and continued planning; network availability was only one component. We describe this position as selective digitalisation. The term refers to choosing technology for an identified service task while limiting it where it adds work or disturbs the experience. The Langkawi case indicates that an island destination can be digitally prepared without making technology continually visible to the tourist. It also links smart-tourism research with work on digital disconnection by showing how connection and restraint can occur at different stages of the same trip.

QR CODE PAYMENT IN RESTAURANTS: CONSUMER PERCEPTION AMONG ADULTS IN DUNGUN, TERENGGANU

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

The rapid adoption of QR code payment systems has transformed payment practices in the restaurant industry, making contactless transactions faster and more convenient for consumers. Although the use of QR payments in Malaysia increase, limited empirical evidence is available regarding consumers perceptions among the adult population within the semi-urban area such as Dungun, Terengganu. This study therefore investigates consumers' perceptions of QR code payment systems among adults in Dungun, Terengganu, focusing on perceived security, perceived usefulness, and perceived compatibility. A quantitative research design was employed, with data collected from 468 respondents through both online and face-to-face surveys. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The findings reveal that perceived compatibility has the strongest relationship with consumer perception, followed by perceived usefulness and perceived security. Although concerns regarding security persist, the ease of use and convenience of QR code payment systems are stronger drivers of consumer adoption. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening cybersecurity measures and enhancing consumer education to reduce fraud and build greater trust in digital payment systems. This study contributes to the existing literature on digital payment acceptance and provides valuable insights for policymakers, regulators, and businesses seeking to improve QR code payment systems in the restaurant industry.

PLATFORM VISIBILITY AND CULTURAL AUTHENTICITY: MEDIATIZED COMMUNICATION PRACTICES OF XI’AN DRUM MUSIC INHERITORS IN CHINA

Su Hongmei, Feroz De Costa — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

The increasing popularity of short-video and social media platforms has changed the way in which intangible cultural heritage is presented and experienced by people. The current body of research has mostly been concentrated on digital preservation, institutional initiatives, and audience participation, with less emphasis on how the practitioners of heritage make communication decisions in platform environments. This paper explores the ways Xian Drum Music inheritors integrate ritual practice with digital communication, react to feedback provided by audiences, and perceived visibility processes, and negotiate tensions between platform-based presentation and cultural authenticity. The research followed a qualitative interpretivist approach which was guided by the mediatization theory. The interviews were semi-structured with 15 officially recognized inheritors, two of them national-level, seven provincial-level and six municipal-level inheritors. Digital ethnographic observation was also done on Douyin, Bilibili, and WeChat Video Channels. Fieldwork took place in Xian, Baoji, and Weinan during August 2024 and February 2025. Reflexive thematic analysis of interview transcripts and observational materials was used to examine the data using inductive coding and theory-informed interpretation. The results indicate that participants developed hybrid practices connecting offline ritual performance with online dissemination. They related visibility to posting frequency, audience engagement, and perceived recommendation mechanisms, but did not respond in a similar way to these conditions. Some changed the video length, presentation, and interaction strategies, while others supplemented short-form content with cultural explanation or resisted changes considered harmful to ritual integrity. Negotiated visibility is the process of balancing platform expectations, audience feedback, and ritual legitimacy identified in the study. In the context studied, digital communication broadened access to Xian Drum Music but did not necessarily lead to a better understanding of its ceremonial meaning.

THE INFLUENCE OF FOOD ADVERTISING ON UITM DUNGUN STUDENTS’ PURCHASING BEHAVIOR

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

This study examines the influence of food advertising on the purchasing behaviour of students at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Dungun. Specifically, the research explores three primary advertising media: social media, broadcast, and print, to determine their impact on student consumption habits. In the current digital landscape, food products have become integral to the self-identification of young consumers, often being associated with specific lifestyle factors. A quantitative methodology was employed, utilising a structured questionnaire to collect data from UiTM Dungun students. The data were analysed using SPSS Version 28, employing descriptive statistics, correlation tests, and multiple regression analysis to examine the relationships between advertising media and purchasing behaviour. The findings indicate that social media advertising exerts the most significant influence on purchasing behaviour compared to broadcast and print media. This research provides marketers, food vendors, and policymakers with actionable insights to develop effective and health-conscious marketing strategies tailored to the university demographic.

ADAPTING TO WELLNESS TRENDS: A STUDY ON HEALTH-CONSCIOUS CONSUMER SELECTION TOWARD HEALTHY FOOD CHOICE

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

A growing emphasis on wellness is actively reshaping consumer preferences and the broader foodservice industry in Malaysia. This study examines how health awareness, menu labeling, perceived value and the dual constraints of cost and accessibility dictate healthy food choices among health-conscious consumers. Utilizing a quantitative correlational design, the investigation deployed online and offline questionnaires to secure 412 valid responses. Subsequently, multiple regression and Pearson correlation analyses were used to evaluate the structural relationships among the variables. The empirical results reveal that all proposed factors correlate positively with healthy food choice behavior. Perceived value emerged as the primary behavioral determinant, followed by cost, accessibility, and menu labeling. Crucially, although bivariate analysis links health awareness directly to dietary selection, the variable loses statistical significance within the comprehensive regression model. This divergence highlights a pronounced intention-behavior gap, confirming that internal health consciousness cannot drive sustained dietary change without supportive environmental and structural interventions.

ECOTOURISM AND COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM AS PATHWAYS TO SDG 8: EVIDENCE FROM LANGKAWI AND MATANG, MALAYSIA

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Although there have been studies on ecotourism, community-based tourism (CBT) and sustainable tourism development in Malaysia, there are few comparative studies on how different tourism governance models contribute to the specific dimension of Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8), inclusive economic growth and decent work. This study explores the role of CBT in SDG8 in the Malaysian context through two contrasting case studies, one being a government-backed tourism development approach (Langkawi) and the other a community-led conservation approach (Matang). The study uses a desktop review of secondary data from national reports, official statistics and peer-reviewed literature to examine how various development strategies affect employment generation, entrepreneurship, income diversification and local economic resilience. Results show that both models make a significant impact towards SDG 8 outcomes, but in different ways. Although secondary indicators are available, they indicate that Langkawi create more aggregated tourism-related employment and revenues than Matang. Still, due to its reliance on the external market, it is exposed to macroeconomic shocks. Matang, on the other hand, emphasizes the retention of local values, diversified livelihoods, and integration of conservation, with greater livelihood and local economic resilience, albeit at a smaller economic scale. The evidence examined at both locations suggests that it contributed to employment opportunities, skills development and micro-entrepreneurship of local communities. The study finds that the positive impact of ecotourism on SDG 8 is most likely to occur if rooted in true community engagement, sustainable management of the resources, and context-specific policy development. The key recommendations include the need to speed up digital transformation, build support system for small-scale enterprises and create adaptive CBT system that takes into account not only economic competitiveness, but also long-term ecological and social sustainability. The learnings gained from these insights can be used for other ecotourism destinations in Malaysia and the region of Southeast Asia.

DETERMINANTS OF COFFEE CONSUMPTION BEHAVIOUR AMONG EMPLOYEES IN UITM DUNGUN

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, including in Malaysia. This research explores the relationship between several variables, such as price, perceived quality, advertisement, and coffee consumption behaviour among academic and non-academic employees in Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Dungun. Employing a quantitative research design, with data from 231 respondents were collected using a self-administered questionnaire through an online platform, face-to-face data collection, QR codes, and printed copies and were analysed using SPSS through a reliability test, descriptive analysis and correlation analysis. The results show that all three determinants have a significant influence on coffee consumption behaviour with perceived quality being the strongest contributor. The model explained 24.7% of the variation in coffee consumption behaviour. The findings indicate that consumer consumption behaviour is influenced not only by price and advertisement but also by the quality of the product they provide. The valuable insight from this research will benefit the coffee business as they can understand the determinants influencing coffee consumption behaviour among the employees. Future studies might explore other geographical areas, variables and a higher level of coffee drinkers.

THE IMPACT OF FOOD QUALITY ATTRIBUTES ON STUDENT SATISFACTION IN HIGHER EDUCATION: EVIDENCE FROM UITM TERENGGANU

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

This study examines the correlation between various food quality attributes, including taste, freshness, and temperature, and student satisfaction in an institutional dining setting, specifically identifying the attribute that most significantly impacts student satisfaction at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)Terengganu. Data were collected using a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design from a representative sample of 350 undergraduate and postgraduate students across three campus locations in Dungun, Bukit Besi, and Kuala Terengganu. Non-probability convenience sampling was utilised, and data were collected online and in person using a standardised five-point Likert-scale instrument. Statistical analyses, encompassing descriptive profiling, Pearson Correlation, and multiple linear regression modelling, were conducted utilising PSS Version 27.0. The empirical data demonstrate that all three independent food qualities show statistically significant, robust, and positive linear correlations with student satisfaction. The structural quality framework demonstrates substantial explanatory power, accounting for 53.4% of the total variance in overall student eating satisfaction. Standardised regression coefficients indicate that meal temperature is the primary predictor of satisfaction, followed in order by food taste and food freshness. The research shows that physical sensory characteristics are essential criteria for institutional consumers. Serving meals at inadequate holding temperatures leads to consumer dissatisfaction and prompts off-campus departure behaviours, resulting in a decline in institutional income. To enhance student well-being and loyalty, college administrators must implement cohesive operational changes, including investing in capital thermal equipment, evaluating recipes with fresh ingredients, and establishing digital feedback mechanisms. Future research should assess pricing fairness as a moderating variable and utilise longitudinal methodologies.

A WEB OF SCIENCE-BASED BIBLIOMETRIC PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF IMMERSIVE AND INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN CULTURAL HERITAGE, MUSEUMS, AND CULTURAL TOURISM

Jianzhen Liang, Tse Guan Tan, Daeng Haliza Daeng Jamal — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Immersive and interactive technologies are changing how cultural heritage is documented, interpreted, and experienced. Virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), virtual museums, and mobile heritage applications now feature across cultural heritage sites, museums, and cultural tourism destinations. Although research in this area has grown rapidly, no bibliometric study guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) has systematically mapped its scientific productivity, scholarly influence, and multidisciplinary structure using the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection. This study maps the intellectual landscape of the field by identifying the most productive authors, institutions, countries or regions, and journals, together with the most cited publications and the research-area distribution. A PRISMA 2020-guided bibliometric performance analysis of the WoS Core Collection was conducted, with a four-stage screening process retaining 726 English-language articles and early-access records published between 1994 and March 2026. The corpus accumulated 15,513 citations (average = 21.37 citations per paper; h-index = 59), and publication activity accelerated markedly after 2018, reaching 139 articles and 3,889 annual citations in 2025. China emerged as the leading contributor (171 publications, 23.55%), the ACM Journal on Computing and Cultural Heritage was the most productive outlet (39 publications), and Computer Science dominated the disciplinary landscape (260 publications). Within the analysed corpus, AR scholarship has accumulated the greatest citation impact to date, and the field displays a maturing, multidisciplinary structure. These findings offer an evidence base for tracing the evolution of immersive heritage research, identifying influential contributors and emerging directions, and informing collaboration, publication strategy, and technology adoption in cultural heritage and tourism management. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first PRISMA-guided bibliometric analysis of immersive and interactive technologies in this field based exclusively on the WoS Core Collection.

ASSESSING UITM DUNGUN STUDENT’S PERCEPTION OF FOOD QUALITY IN ONLINE FOOD DELIVERY PLATFORMS

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

The purpose of this present study is to explore how student views of food quality; eco-friendly packaging; delivery services; and price relate to customer satisfaction with online food delivery services. With the popularity and rapid expansion of university students using online food delivery services, questions about these services, such as quality, pricing, and sustainable practices, have emerged. This current study employed a quantitative approach, using a structured questionnaire developed from past research. Participants in this study included 386 students from UiTM Dungun who had prior experience using online food delivery services. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse the data, including reliability analysis and descriptive analysis, as well as correlation and multiple regression analyses. Results from this current study showed that all independent variables significantly relate to customer satisfaction; however, price had the strongest relationship with customer satisfaction, followed by food quality; delivery services; and eco-friendly packaging. This current study adds to the literature base by providing empirical evidence of how students perceive online food delivery services; therefore, the study is beneficial to the food service industry, specifically in Malaysia. Additionally, there are practical implications from this current study that can assist online food delivery services in providing better customer satisfaction.

BEYOND SALARY: A GENERATIONAL COMPARATIVE STUDY ON JOB CONTENTMENT AND RETENTION AMONG CULINARY PROFESSIONALS IN MALAYSIA

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Employee retention remains a persistent challenge in the Malaysian hospitality industry, particularly among culinary professionals working in demanding kitchen environments. Existing chef-retention research has largely emphasised monetary and non-monetary rewards and job satisfaction, leaving limited understanding of the deeper psychological mechanisms through which broader motivational resources translate into employees’ willingness to remain. In addition, culinary professionals are often treated as a relatively homogeneous workforce, providing limited insight into whether motivational-retention relationships operate similarly across generational cohorts. This conceptual paper therefore proposes a framework linking motivational attributes, job contentment and job retention among culinary professionals in Malaysia. Motivational attributes are conceptualised through empowerment, psychological resources and a supportive work environment, which are proposed to strengthen job contentment and, subsequently, job retention. Generational cohort is positioned as a grouping variable for multi-group comparison rather than as an additional causal construct in the model. The framework is anchored in the Job Demands-Resources Model, Self-Determination Theory and Social Exchange Theory. Its novelty lies in integrating motivational resources, deeper work contentment and generational heterogeneity within a culinary-specific retention framework. Practically, the framework may help hotel managers develop evidence-based, targeted retention strategies that respond to different workforce needs without assuming that one retention approach is equally effective for all culinary professionals.

CUSTOMERS' BEHAVIORAL INTENTION TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE RESTAURANT

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

As environmental sustainability becomes an increasingly important concern, the restaurant industry has begun adopting sustainable practices to reduce environmental impacts through resource conservation and waste reduction. Drawing on the integration of the Norm Activation Model (NAM) and Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) theory, this study examines the effects of awareness of consequences, ascription of responsibility, personal norm, self-efficacy belief, and green perceived value on customers’ behavioral intention towards sustainable restaurants. A quantitative approach was employed using an online survey distributed through purposive sampling, yielding 351 valid responses from Malaysian consumers. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 29, through descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, and multiple linear regression. The findings indicate that all five factors significantly and positively influence customers’ behavioral intention towards sustainable restaurants. Among these variables, personal norm emerged as the strongest predictor, highlighting the critical role of moral obligation and personal responsibility in shaping sustainable dining decisions. The study extends existing knowledge on pro-environmental consumer behavior in the restaurant context and provides practical implications for restaurant operators seeking to develop effective sustainability initiatives that align with customers’ environmental values and expectations.

GUEST-CENTRIC FACTORS INFLUENCING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION IN HOTELS

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Rapid technological advancements and increasing consumer expectations are reshaping the hotel industry, with smartphone check-ins, Internet of Things (IoT) services, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven personalisation becoming increasingly common. However, guests with limited digital literacy may experience difficulties using these technologies, and the impact of digital transformation on overall guest experience remains insufficiently examined. This study applies the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to examine how digital transformation affects hotel guests’ experiences in Malaysian hotels, focusing on perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU). This study employed a cross-sectional quantitative design. Data were collected from 244 guests of 4- and 5-star hotels in Kuala Lumpur who used digital technologies. Descriptive, correlation, and regression analysis were performed to examine the relationships among PU, PEOU, and technology adoption. Most respondents were educated professionals. A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.395) was found between PU and PEOU, and both significantly influenced guests’ intention to adopt digital technologies, with ease of use having a slightly greater impact. The findings highlight the importance of designing digital hotel services that are both functional and user-friendly to enhance quest satisfaction and encourage technology adoption.

TO BUY OR BOYCOTT: KEY DRIVERS OF CONSUMER ACTIVISM IN MALAYSIA’S FOOD AND BEVERAGE (F&B) SECTOR

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Recently, consumer boycotts have attracted considerable attention within the Malaysian food and beverage (F&B) sector, particularly due to their responses to international moral and political issues. Although there appears to be substantial consumer awareness in relation to such phenomena, participation rates are quite inconsistent. This study aims to identify the main determinants of consumer boycott participation involving F&B brands in Malaysia, with an emphasis on religiosity, exposure to social media, consumer product judgement, perceived efficacy of the boycott participation, and peer and group influence. Using a quantitative research design, the data were collected from a sample of 401 adult Malaysian consumers using an online survey questionnaire. The results indicated that the regression model was highly significant (F (5, 395) = 204.12, p < 0.001, R² = 0.721). Perceived efficacy emerged as the strongest positive predictor (β = .672), followed by social media exposure (β = .121), peer and group influence (β = .116), and religiosity (β = .084), while consumer product judgement demonstrated a significant negative relationship with boycott participation (β = -.111, p < 0.001). These findings highlight the critical social, moral, and psychological drivers of consumer activism, providing valuable insights into the dynamics underlying consumer boycotts in Malaysia.

QUIET LUXURY IN LUXURY DINING: A DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF MICHELIN-STARRED RESTAURANT FOOD REVIEWS IN THAILAND, MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE

Seach Jin Beng, Yahmini Marappan — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Amid increasing scholarly attention to changing forms of luxury consumption quiet luxury has emerged as a countertrend to conspicuous display of wealth. As a movement, quiet luxury has entered the realm of wealth display, particularly visible in the fashion industry. However, the presence of quiet luxury extends beyond the fashion industry. This study aims to highlight how quiet luxury has entered the domain of luxury dining. By analysing selected food reviews from restaurants in Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore on Michelin's official websites through the lenses of Roland Barthes' myth and Pierre Bourdieu's theory of cultural capital, this paper demonstrates that quiet luxury does not need to only be appreciated visually. This study examines how Roland Barthes' myth theory shows that cultural ideas are simplified into linguistic symbols to shape and influence perception. Through linguistic approaches that focus on restaurant heritage, localised food ingredients, simplistic ambiance, and personalised narratives, the charm of quiet luxury is conveyed to potential customers who seek sophistication and refinement in culinary culture. This research offers new insights into how quiet luxury shapes perceptions of luxury dining by showcasing a reflection of cultural status through subtle details that are enhanced by myths.

CULINARY HERITAGE AND DESTINATION IDENTITY IN MULTI-ETHNIC TOURISM CONTEXTS: A CRITICAL NARRATIVE SYNTHESIS WITH FOCUS ON MALAYSIA

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Culinary heritage has become an important resource in contemporary tourism, functioning as an intangible cultural asset, experiential attraction, and marker of destination identity. In multi-ethnic societies such as Malaysia, heritage food carries deeper cultural meanings because it reflects migration, interethnic exchange, religious practices, local memory, and everyday community identity. Despite growing scholarly interest in gastronomy and food tourism, existing studies remain fragmented. Much of the literature is still dominated by consumer-based surveys that focus on food quality, satisfaction, destination image, and behavioral intention, while giving limited attention to governance structures, stakeholder networks, and socio-political issues that shape how culinary heritage is selected, promoted, preserved, and institutionalized. Adopting a critical narrative synthesis approach, this study examines contemporary and seminal literature on culinary heritage, destination identity, food tourism governance, and Malaysia’s multi-ethnic tourism context. Through this analysis, five main thematic domains were identified: conceptualization and branding of culinary heritage; stakeholder collaboration and governance; tourist behavior and destination image; ethnic and socio-political inclusion; and Halal governance. The synthesis reveals two key gaps. First, there is weak integration between macro-level tourism policy and grassroots culinary practices. Second, existing research relies heavily on short-term empirical studies, with limited attention to long-term heritage preservation and inclusive governance. In response, this study proposes an integrative conceptual framework that links institutional policy, stakeholder collaboration, and tourist perceptions through a dynamic feedback system. The framework positions culinary heritage as a living cultural resource, a governance challenge, and a strategic asset for destination identity. It also highlights the need for future research that is longitudinal, inclusive, and cross-cultural to better understand culinary heritage management in multi-ethnic tourism destinations.

ASSESSING STUDENT’S PERCEPTIONS OF RECYCLING INITIATIVES FOR PACKAGING WASTE MANAGEMENT AT UITM DUNGUN

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Packaging waste has become a significant issue in higher education institutions. The increasing usage of packaged food, beverages, and takeaway items among university students. Furthermore, this issue has also increased due to the growing demand for food delivery services and convenience foods. This phenomenon has contributed to the accumulation of packaging waste on campuses. Therefore, recycling is an effective waste management strategy because it helps reduce environmental pollution, conserve natural resources, and promote sustainable practices. Universities should encourage environmentally behaviours for students. In addition, universities should also implement recycling initiatives and provide sufficient waste management facilities. Although there are a lot of recycling initiatives, student participation is often inconsistent. Individual attitudes, personal recycling habits, and awareness of environmental issues were factors that can influence students’ willingness to join in recycling initiatives. Therefore, to improve waste management practices on campus, understanding students’ perceptions of recycling initiatives is essential. Positive attitudes toward recycling, strong environmental awareness, and established recycling habits have been identified as important determinants of recycling behaviour. In contrast, limited knowledge, lack of motivation, and inadequate access to recycling facilities may decrease participation in recycling programs. Therefore, this study determined students’ perceptions on recycling initiatives for packaging waste management at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Dungun. It also examines the influence of attitudes, personal habits, and awareness of environmental impacts on students’ participation in recycling initiatives. The findings provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of current recycling initiatives and offer recommendations for enhancing sustainable waste management practices. Besides that, this study also contributes to promoting environmental responsibility and supporting the development of a more sustainable campus environment.

MAPPING RESILIENCE RESEARCH IN DISASTERS AND FLOOD MANAGEMENT: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF COMMUNITY AND SPECIAL NEEDS POPULATIONS

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

The bibliometric analysis of this study is aimed at identifying the development of the knowledge landscape of resilience research in a disaster and flood context and focusing on community resilience and special needs populations. It is intended to map trends in publication, mental architectures, collaborative networks, and new thematic orientations in this interdisciplinary field. While disaster resilience has been gaining attention in the academic world worldwide, research on the disaster resilience of vulnerable and special needs groups is scattered and relatively small, which is hampering the creation of inclusive and evidence-based disaster risk reduction strategies. To fill this gap, a systematic bibliometric analysis was carried out by taking the data from the Scopus database. Using the advanced keyword search, 708 publications were found, which were screened, validated, and standardized in OpenRefine. The Scopus Analyzer was used to produce descriptive bibliometric indicators, and VOSviewer was utilized with the aim of mapping the co-authorship, the co-occurrence of keywords, as well as the thematic network. The results reveal that research production has steadily increased from 2015 to 2025, with a significant boost after 2020, indicating rising global interest in resilience research in the area of disaster, alongside flood studies. The United Kingdom (UK), Australia, the United States (US), Indonesia, as well as China, were found to be highly influential contributors, and they had significant international research collaboration. Using keyword co-occurrence analysis, four thematic areas emerged, reflecting the growing interdisciplinary nature of resilience research from environmental, social, health, and technological perspectives, namely community resilience, disaster management, flooding, and public health. However, the words that are specifically related to special needs populations, such as persons with disabilities, older adults, and other vulnerable groups, were rarely found, and there is a significant research gap on inclusive disaster resilience. This work adds to the literature by providing an overall picture of the intellectual evolution, research output, collaboration network, and thematic evolution of disaster and flood resilience research. Overall, the results provide useful evidence for researchers, policymakers and practitioners to further enhance inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction DRR policies and adaptive resilience frameworks. Additionally, the research highlights the importance of international cooperation and more in-depth research on vulnerable groups to facilitate the creation of equitable, sustainable, and people-centered approaches for building disaster resilience.

FROM PLATE TO WASTE: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF DETERMINANTS ON HOUSEHOLD FOOD WASTE BEHAVIOR IN PASIR GUDANG, JOHOR

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Focusing on the urban-industrial township of Pasir Gudang, Johor, this quantitative study explores why local adults wate food at home. The research aligns directly with Malaysia’s RMK13 national agenda and the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 12. Utilising the Theory of Planned Behaviour as a framework, data were collected from 89 respondents via a dual-mode snowball sampling approach and analysed using multiple linear regression. The findings reveal that residents' attitudes and community culture are significant predictors, collectively explaining 44.3% of the variance in food waste behaviour. Attitude emerged as the most dominant influence, indicating that internal moral evaluations of waste as ethically wrong are primary drivers for reduction, nevertheless, community culture highlights the role of social pressures and communal over-preparation in shaping waste habits. Despite limitations in sample size and generalizability, the research provides a methodologically sound foundation for localised interventions, suggesting that policymakers prioritise fostering anti-waste community norms and ethical commitment to mitigate Malaysia's annual household food waste of over 3 million tonnes.

PATRONS’ INTENTION TO USE QR CODE MENUS IN KLANG VALLEY RESTAURANTS: UTILISING THE UNIFIED THEORY OF ACCEPTANCE AND USE OF TECHNOLOGY 2 (UTAUT2)

Nur Fatihah Imran, Norzaidah Ngali, Norazlina Rahmat — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

QR code menus are no longer a temporary safety measure but a popular digital transformation tool in the global food and beverage industry as a result of COVID-19. Although QR code menus are increasingly implemented in restaurants, understanding the factors influencing patrons' intention to use this technology remains essential. To address this issue, the present study employs the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2), focusing on six UTAUT2 constructs: which is performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI), facilitating condition (FC), hedonic motivation (HM) and habit (H), to examine the factors influencing patrons’ intention to use QR code menus. The present study employed a quantitative research methodology. The sampling technique used in this study was convenience sampling, and the online survey was distributed to 257 respondents who had previously used QR code menus at restaurants in the Klang Valley. The collected data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to understand the relationship between the UTAUT2 factors and behavioural intention towards QR code usage. The results of this study show that performance expectancy, hedonic motivation, and habit have a significant positive effect on intentions. But effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions have no significant effect on intentions. This study offers valuable insights for restaurant operators in optimizing digital menu strategies and contributes to future hospitality technology research by encouraging further extension of the UTAUT2 framework through additional determinants, broader sampling approaches, and emerging digital solutions.

SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW OF CLIMATE ACTION INITIATIVES AMONG THE PUBLIC IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Addressing climate change requires public action that is active and impactful. Public engagement in combating climate change occurs at multiple levels of impact, especially in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These efforts include personal lifestyle changes, such as reducing energy consumption and using public transportation, as well as community initiatives like local clean-up activities and promoting sustainable practices, which can ultimately lead to broader systemic changes. They can be categorised into low-impact, moderate-impact and high-impact climate actions. Given the significant impact of daily activities on climate change, the public can greatly influence mitigation efforts. At present, studies on public climate action initiatives in Southeast Asian countries are limited. This study, therefore, employs a systematic review of 17 published articles from Scopus- and Web of Science-indexed journals, using ROSES technique, to explore the climate actions taken by the Southeast Asian public, categorised into three main categories. The findings indicate that the public in Southeast Asia participates in all categories of climate actions. They significantly practice moderate-impact actions but have minimal involvement in high-impact actions. They could play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as they can bring effective climate change mitigation at both the individual and community levels. Lastly, this review will recommend future avenues of research for scholars.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INTEGRATION AND JOB INSECURITY AMONG HOTEL EMPLOYEES IN KUALA LUMPUR

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

The current hotel industry is undergoing a profound digital transformation, with artificial intelligence and service automation spreading rapidly. However, AI-induced job insecurity is a strong psychosocial stressor in the contemporary workplace that impacts employees with burnout, low morale, high turnover intentions, and psychological contract violations. This study aims to examine the current penetration of AI and automation technology in the Malaysian hospitality industry and examine the direct impact of AI-driven task substitution on hotel workers’ job insecurity. A quantitative survey was conducted among 414 among hotel workers in Malaysia. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29.0. The results revealed that the higher the visibility of automated systems being implemented in hotels, the stronger the employees’ job insecurity. While AI replacement is a core driver of workplace anxiety, employees who personally experience their daily work being taken over by AI report the strongest levels of anxiety. The findings highlight that this technological shift has imposed high psychological costs on workers. AI automation, job displacement and job-related insecurity show a strong positive correlation, and workers universally have concerns about being phased out. The study provides useful insights for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and hotel senior executives to ensure that intelligent technology empowers rather than replaces the core humanistic values of the hospitality industry.

ANALISIS VIDEO PELANCONGAN BAHASA ARAB: KAJIAN TERHADAP PELAJAR FAKULTI PENGAJIAN BAHASA UTAMA, USIM

Zalika Adam, Aida Hayati Mohd Sanadi, Siti Rosilawati Ramlan, Suo Yan Ju — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Kajian ini meneliti penggunaan video pelancongan dalam kalangan pelajar Sarjana Muda Bahasa Arab dengan Komunikasi (SMBAK) tahun tiga di Fakulti Pengajian Bahasa Utama (FPBU), USIM. Dalam konteks pembelajaran bahasa Arab sebagai bahasa asing, bahan tontonan video sering dianggap mencabar kerana gaya bahasa yang kompleks, unsur budaya asing, serta simbolisme yang tinggi. Isu utama timbul apabila pelajar bukan penutur jati menghadapi kesukaran dalam pertuturan bahasa Arab, sekali gus menjejaskan motivasi dan minat pembelajaran. Objektif kajian ini adalah untuk menganalisis video pelancongan bagi mengenalpasti praktikal penggunaan linguistik, menilai kemahiran komunikasi dalam kalangan pelajar dan menilai kandungan pelancongan. Kaedah kualitatif digunakan dalam kajian ini. Data daripada video pelancongan dianalisis secara tematik Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa video pelancongan berpotensi memperkukuh penguasaan kemahiran bahasa Arab, khususnya dalam aspek kosa kata, tatabahasa, sebutan, dan kreativiti komunikasi. Kesimpulannya, kajian ini mencadangkan strategi pembelajaran bahasa Arab yang lebih efektif dengan memanfaatkan bahan video pelancongan sebagai medium pengajaran, sekali gus meningkatkan keberkesanan pedagogi bahasa Arab di peringkat universiti.

This study examines the use of tourism videos among third-year students of the Bachelor of Arabic Communication program (SMBAK) at the Faculty of Major Language Studies (FPBU), USIM. In the context of learning Arabic as a foreign language, video materials are often perceived as challenging due to complex linguistic styles, foreign cultural elements, and extensive symbolism. The main issue arises when non-native learners face difficulties in spoken Arabic, which in turn affects their motivation and interest in learning. The objective of this study is to analyze tourism videos to identify the practical application of linguistic features, communication skills among students, and the content of tourism discourse. A qualitative method was employed, with data from tourism videos analyzed thematically. The findings indicate that tourism videos have the potential to strengthen students’ mastery of Arabic language skills, particularly in vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and creative communication. In conclusion, this study proposes more effective strategies for Arabic language learning by utilizing tourism videos as a teaching medium, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of Arabic pedagogy at the university level.

STRATEGY, STAKEHOLDERS, AND BEHAVIOR: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK OF GREEN HRM, EMPLOYEE EMPOWERMENT, AND ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE

Xu Ting Ting, Siti Asma' Mohd Rosdi @ Mohd Rodhi — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

The manufacturing industry around the world is facing increasing pressures related to environmental impacts. China's manufacturing sector is the country's largest energy consumer, operating under increasing pressure in line with national and global sustainability mandates. While previous studies have emphasized the role of Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) in improving environmental performance, the behavioural mechanisms that enable GHRM to influence environmental outcomes are still not adequately understood. In particular, the mediation role of Green Worker Empowerment (GEE) has received limited conceptual attention. This conceptual paper proposes an integrated framework linking Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) with Environmental Performance (EP) through the Green Worker Empowerment (GEE) intermediate mechanism. The framework integrates Resource-Based Insights (RBVs), Stakeholder Theory, and Ability-Motivation-Opportunity (AMO) Theory to describe organizational capabilities, external stakeholder pressures, and employee behavior mechanisms. The proposed framework argues that GHRM practices specifically green recruitment and selection, green training and development, green performance evaluation, and green compensation management complement and motivate employees. However, through the empowerment of green workers, these fundamentals translate into tangible environmental outcomes. This framework proposes that the GHRM set organizational conditions for environmental sustainability, while the GEE serves as a behavioral mechanism through which green HR practices translate into better environmental performance. The proposed framework expands on the existing GHRM literature by incorporating employee empowerment as an intermediary mechanism that links green HR practices with environmental performance. The paper concludes by proposing four testable hypotheses and outlining implications for future empirical research, human resource management, and sustainable manufacturing practices.

CHALLENGES AND BEST PRACTICES OF GREEN PRACTICE IMPLEMENTATION: A CASE STUDY OF MCDONALD'S MALAYSIA

Lily Nurainul Ashikin Ishak, Chemah Tamby Chik, Rasidah Hamid — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

The increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability has encouraged restaurant operators to adopt green practices to minimise environmental impacts and improve operational efficiency. Despite growing awareness of sustainability issues, the implementation of green practices remains challenging due to various organisational, financial, and operational barriers. This study aims to explore the challenges encountered during the implementation of green practices and identify the best practices adopted to overcome these challenges in a Malaysian quick-service restaurant. A qualitative case study approach was employed, with data collected through semi-structured interviews with key personnel responsible for sustainability and operational management at McDonald's Malaysia. The interview data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed five major challenges affecting the implementation of green practices, namely supplier mindset and resistance, financial and investment constraints, behavioural and human factors, infrastructure limitations, and low consumer awareness. To address these challenges, the organisation adopted several best practices, including strong leadership commitment, long-term sustainability planning, automation and technology adoption, data-driven decision-making, and stakeholder collaboration. The findings indicate that successful sustainability implementation requires not only environmental commitment but also organisational support, strategic investment, technological integration, and collaboration across the broader business ecosystem. This study contributes to the growing literature on sustainable restaurant management by providing empirical evidence on the implementation challenges and practical solutions associated with green practices in a developing-country context. The findings offer useful insights for restaurant operators, industry stakeholders, and policymakers seeking to enhance sustainability performance within the foodservice sector. Overall, the study demonstrates that effective sustainability implementation depends on an organisation's ability to balance environmental objectives with operational and business considerations.