The dynamic relationship between private domestic investment, the user cost of capital, and economic growth in Malaysia

This study attempts to examine the dynamic relationship between private domestic investment (PDI), the user cost of capital, and economic growth in Malaysia over the period of 1970 to 2009. Johansen cointegration test suggests that PDI, the user cost of capital, and economic growth are cointegrated in Malaysia. Granger causality test reveals that there is a uni-directional causality running from PDI to economic growth and also from PDI to the user cost of capital in the long run. Moreover, there is a bi-directional causal relationship between economic growth and the user cost of capital in the long run. Meanwhile, there is a strong evidence of a bi-directional causality between PDI, economic growth, and the user cost of capital in the short run. For completeness, variance decomposition is also generated and the results suggest that PDI is more important than the user cost of capital in explaining the variation of economic growth. Finally, the impulse response function confirmed that a shock in the user cost capital exerts a negative effect on PDI and economic growth in Malaysia.Causality; Cointegration; Economic growth; Private domestic investment

The Linkages Between Domestic Investment, Foreign Direct Investment And Economic Growth In Asean Five Countries

This study is an empirical analysis of the linkages between domestic investment, FDI and economic growth in ASEAN-5 countries namely Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. The objectives of this study are to examine the cointegration and causal relationships between the variables. Furthermore, this study also determines the complementary or substitution effects of FDI on domestic investment in the ASEAN-5 countries. This study used the time series econometric analysis in determining the linkages between the variables for a sample period from 1970 to 2009. The theoretical model is based on the Solow‟s (1956) growth model in explaining the behaviour of ASEAN-5 economies

The effects of inward and outward FDI on domestic investment:Evidence using panel data of ASEAN-8 countries.

In view of the changing FDI landscape, in particular, a drastic increase in outward FDI from developing and transition economies in recent years, this paper attempts to explore the possible impacts of outward FDI other than domestic savings and inward foreign direct investment on domestic investment. The major contribution of this study is that it is the first effort to empirically analyse the short- and long-run effects of the outward FDI using panel data of ASEAN–8 countries, which could provide useful policy implications for governments at both regional and international levels to achieve inclusive growth and sustainable development. Using pool mean group analysis, this paper finds that the gross domestic saving, inward FDI and outward FDI have a positive long-run impact on the gross domestic investment even though their long-run estimates are inelastic. The empirical study reveals that both inward FDI and outward FDI, to some extent, are complementary to the gross domestic investment

The importance of non-technical skills for graduates’ employability during and after covid-19 pandemic

Nowadays, due to the rapidly changing business environment, non-technical skills have become critical factors in determining employment. Companies assert that fresh graduates often fall short of their expectations. Nevertheless, employers emphasize that non-technical skills are crucial for fresh graduates to remain competitive and secure employment in the current job market. Therefore, this research aims to study the importance of non-technical skills and their impact on graduates’ employability. The study utilizes online questionnaire surveys for 120 graduates from different states, universities, occupations, and backgrounds to rank the importance of 15 non-technical skills. Meanwhile, Pearson correlations and multiple regression analysis are employed to study the relationship between three independent variables and graduates’ employability. The statistical findings reveal a positive correlation between non-technical skills and graduates’ employment. According to the study results, the top five skills deemed more important than others are adaptability, ethical behavior, leadership, critical and creative thinking, and tolerance of ambiguity. Therefore, it is essential for students to develop their non-technical skills during their studies to meet the expectations of future employers

Examining the Causal Linkages among Domestic Investment, FDI, Trade, Interest Rate and Economic Growth in ASEAN-5 Countries

The aim of this study is to empirically analyse the linkages among domestic investment, FDI, trade, interest rate and economic growth in the ASEAN-5 regions in the period 1970-2012. The Johansen-Juselius cointegration approach is applied to examine the long-run relationship and the Granger causality approach is applied to evaluate the causal linkages among the variables. The results confirm the existence of long-term causal links between domestic investment and FDI for the ASEAN-5. This means that collaboration of domestic and foreign investors is essential as the development of domestic firms contributes to further participation by multinational investors. We also reveal that domestic investment and FDI are growth enhancing and their impact is felt in both short- and long-run in the majority of the ASEAN-5 markets, indicating that these three variables are interrelated since they could be attracted to the growing economies. Thus, economic policies that aim at improving and promoting both local and foreign enterprises are indeed necessary in stimulating economic growth in the ASEAN-5 nations. Keywords: ASEAN-5; Causality; Cointegration; Domestic Investment; FDI; Economic Growth JEL Classifications: C32; O1

The dynamic relationship between private domestic investment, the user cost of capital, and economic growth in Malaysia

This study attempts to examine the dynamic relationship between private domestic investment (PDI), the user cost of capital, and economic growth in Malaysia over the period of 1970 to 2009. Johansen cointegration test suggests that PDI, the user cost of capital, and economic growth are cointegrated in Malaysia. Granger causality test reveals that there is a uni-directional causality running from PDI to economic growth and also from PDI to the user cost of capital in the long run. Moreover, there is a bi-directional causal relationship between economic growth and the user cost of capital in the long run. Meanwhile, there is a strong evidence of a bi-directional causality between PDI, economic growth, and the user cost of capital in the short run. For completeness, variance decomposition is also generated and the results suggest that PDI is more important than the user cost of capital in explaining the variation of economic growth. Finally, the impulse response function confirmed that a shock in the user cost capital exerts a negative effect on PDI and economic growth in Malaysia

Monitoring and Management of Childhood Asthma in Asian Countries

BACKGROUND: A recent study by the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood has shown that asthma symptom prevalence is still increasing in parts of Asia. As such, it is important to know how well asthma is being managed. Practices of physicians in India, China, Sri Lanka, Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, and Taiwan in monitoring and treating childhood asthma were examined. METHODS: A 6-page standardized questionnaire was sent to physicians via post. The questionnaire is made up of 3 parts, including (1) methods of monitoring of childhood asthma, (2) practices in managing acute asthma exacerbations, and (3) choice of therapy in maintenance treatment. RESULTS: Our study reflects mostly the practices of physicians who practice in urban regions. Of respondents, 41.4% were general pediatricians, whereas 26.3% were general practitioners. A small fraction of physicians used score cards or diaries to monitor asthma, ranging from 0% (Philippines and Australia) to 15.9% (India). Only 8.1% (Sri Lanka) to 52.0% (Australia) use either a peak flow meter and/or spirometry to monitor asthma. However, for frequency of use, 35% (China) to 94% (Indonesia) never or seldom make use of a peak flow meter, and 33% (China) to 97.6% (Indonesia) never or seldom use spirometry for monitoring. Most physicians treat acute asthma appropriately with short-acting bronchodilators. For maintenance treatment, an inhaled corticosteroid was the most frequently chosen first-choice therapy. However, a significant fraction of physicians chose a long-acting β-agonist monotherapy as a first-choice treatment for asthma maintenance. For infants, the percentage ranged from 1.4% (Australia) to 76.3% (Indonesia); in preschoolers, 1.8% (Australia) to 43.3% (Indonesia); and in older children, 0% (Philippines) to 28.8% (Indonesia). These results may be related to the overall affluence of each nation. CONCLUSIONS: There is much room for improvement in increasing physicians' awareness to guidelines for more effective management of pediatric asthma in Southeast Asia, especially regarding the high use of long-acting β-agonist monotherapy, even in young children

Listening to the voices of undergraduate students: exploring astin’s theory of student involvement during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted higher education, particularly in terms of student engagement in academic and extracurricular activities. This study aims to investigate the specific challenges faced by undergraduate students in maintaining their academic and extracurricular involvement during the pandemic. Employing Astin’s theory of student involvement as a theoretical framework, qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with eight highly active undergraduate students. The findings reveal significant challenges both inside and outside the classroom. Outside the classroom, students struggled with ineffective teamwork, poor communication, and a lack of engagement in repetitive programmes. Inside the classroom, the shift to online learning led to participation shifts, increased workload, and stress due to non-conducive home environments and poor internet connections. The pandemic's impacts on students were mixed, with negative effects including increased stress and feelings of missed opportunities, while positive effects included enhanced resilience, patience, and problem-solving skills. Students suggested several strategies for improvement, such as administrative support for extracurricular activities, enhanced communication, and innovative teaching methods balancing synchronous and asynchronous learning. The study concludes with recommendations for fostering positive student-lecturer relationships and improving the overall educational experience. The findings underscore the need for universities to develop resilient and adaptable systems to support student engagement during future crises

Secondary Household Transmission of SARS, Singapore

Secondary household transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was studied in 114 households involving 417 contacts. The attack rate was low (6.2%). Occupation of the index case was the factor that most influenced household transmission (adjusted hazard ratio for healthcare workers 0.157; 95% confidence interval 0.042 to 0.588)