Empowering Student Development: Civic and Social Engagement in Malaysian Public Universities

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Title: Empowering Student Development: Civic and Social Engagement in Malaysian Public Universities
Language: English
Authors: Norhafezah Yusof, Amrita Kaur (ORCID 0000-0001-6242-5483), Rosna Awang-Hashim (ORCID 0000-0003-0932-678X), Fauziah Md Jaafar, Abderrahim Benlahcene (ORCID 0000-0001-5440-7525), Manvender Kaur
Source: Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education. 2026 18(5):1517-1532.
Availability: Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 16
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Public Colleges, College Students, Citizen Participation, Student Development, School Policy, Educational Practices, College Faculty, Deans
Geographic Terms: Malaysia
DOI: 10.1108/JARHE-10-2024-0575
ISSN: 2050-7003
1758-1184
Abstract: Purpose: Education is pivotal in fostering civic and social engagement (CSE) among college students. This study aims to examine context-specific elements within higher education institutions (HEIs) that contribute to the development of CSE. Design/methodology/approach: Using the Positive Youth Development (PYD) framework, this study explores the developmental assets within universities, understanding their nature, functionality and impact on enhancing students' growth. The qualitative research focused on three large public universities in Malaysia, involving 39 participants: 21 students, 8 student leaders, 7 faculty members and 3 academic deans. Data were gathered through six focus group discussions and eight interviews. Findings: The deductive analysis revealed that institutional policies and pedagogical support are key in promoting CSE. Elements such as scalability, connectivity, inclusivity and safe spaces are crucial for initiating and sustaining CSE among youth. Originality/value: These findings highlight the critical role of HEIs in fostering CSE as a path to PYD.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1507771
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
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  Data: Empowering Student Development: Civic and Social Engagement in Malaysian Public Universities
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Norhafezah+Yusof%22">Norhafezah Yusof</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Amrita+Kaur%22">Amrita Kaur</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6242-5483">0000-0001-6242-5483</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Rosna+Awang-Hashim%22">Rosna Awang-Hashim</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0932-678X">0000-0003-0932-678X</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Fauziah+Md+Jaafar%22">Fauziah Md Jaafar</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Abderrahim+Benlahcene%22">Abderrahim Benlahcene</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5440-7525">0000-0001-5440-7525</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Manvender+Kaur%22">Manvender Kaur</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Journal+of+Applied+Research+in+Higher+Education%22"><i>Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education</i></searchLink>. 2026 18(5):1517-1532.
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  Data: Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight
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  Data: 16
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  Data: 2026
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  Data: Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22Higher+Education%22">Higher Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22Postsecondary+Education%22">Postsecondary Education</searchLink>
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  Label: Descriptors
  Group: Su
  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Foreign+Countries%22">Foreign Countries</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Public+Colleges%22">Public Colleges</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22College+Students%22">College Students</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Citizen+Participation%22">Citizen Participation</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Student+Development%22">Student Development</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22School+Policy%22">School Policy</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Educational+Practices%22">Educational Practices</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22College+Faculty%22">College Faculty</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Deans%22">Deans</searchLink>
– Name: Subject
  Label: Geographic Terms
  Group: Su
  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Malaysia%22">Malaysia</searchLink>
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  Data: 10.1108/JARHE-10-2024-0575
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  Data: 2050-7003<br />1758-1184
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
  Group: Ab
  Data: Purpose: Education is pivotal in fostering civic and social engagement (CSE) among college students. This study aims to examine context-specific elements within higher education institutions (HEIs) that contribute to the development of CSE. Design/methodology/approach: Using the Positive Youth Development (PYD) framework, this study explores the developmental assets within universities, understanding their nature, functionality and impact on enhancing students' growth. The qualitative research focused on three large public universities in Malaysia, involving 39 participants: 21 students, 8 student leaders, 7 faculty members and 3 academic deans. Data were gathered through six focus group discussions and eight interviews. Findings: The deductive analysis revealed that institutional policies and pedagogical support are key in promoting CSE. Elements such as scalability, connectivity, inclusivity and safe spaces are crucial for initiating and sustaining CSE among youth. Originality/value: These findings highlight the critical role of HEIs in fostering CSE as a path to PYD.
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  Data: 2026
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  Group: ID
  Data: EJ1507771
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        Value: 10.1108/JARHE-10-2024-0575
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      – Text: English
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        PageCount: 16
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    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Foreign Countries
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Public Colleges
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: College Students
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Citizen Participation
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Student Development
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      – SubjectFull: School Policy
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      – SubjectFull: Educational Practices
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      – SubjectFull: College Faculty
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      – SubjectFull: Deans
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      – SubjectFull: Malaysia
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