This study uses panel ARDL analysis to investigate the connections between GDP growth, environmental degradation, and public debt in the ASEAN-5 countries (Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, and Indonesia) from 1996 to 2021. It appears that economic development can increase public debt, but investment can reduce public debt in the long run. Moreover, there is a positive correlation between savings and public debt, but only in the short run. These findings raise important considerations for policymakers in striking a balance between economic development, environmental sustainability, and public debt. This study also suggests that savings may positively affect public debt in Indonesia. In contrast, investment may raise debt in the short term in Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore. The possible effects of corruption on public debt in the Philippines and environmental damage in both that country and Thailand are also highlighted. Keeping public debt at a manageable level requires policies that balance economic development and environmental protection, as emphasized by this research.

In an era of dynamic global challenges, understanding the socioeconomic determinants of public health is crucial. Life expectancy, a key indicator of societal well-being, is shaped by healthcare advancements and broader economic, environmental, and demographic factors. While financial determinants are widely recognized, the impact of savings on life expectancy remains largely unexplored. Past studies show that CO2 emissions reduce life expectancy, while recent findings suggest that savings help lower CO2 emissions and may improve life expectancy. However, no study has explicitly analyzed the direct relationship between savings and life expectancy. This study bridges this gap by investigating, for the first time, the role of savings in life expectancy, incorporating CO2 emissions, renewable energy, and urbanization as additional determinants. Using annual data from Malaysia (1980–2020) and employing the ARDL technique, this study provides novel insights into the interplay between financial and environmental factors in shaping public health outcomes. Surprisingly, the findings indicate that savings would have an adverse effect, leading to a decrease in life expectancy. Conversely, urbanization was found to influence life expectancy positively. Additionally, CO₂ emissions are identified as detrimental to life expectancy, while the consumption of renewable energy emerges as an enhancing factor within the Malaysian context. These results imply that the potential harm from savings on longevity can be offset by simultaneous improvements in the standard of living, mainly through factors like urbanization. Furthermore, the negative impact of CO₂ emissions on life expectancy can be mitigated by incorporating renewable energy consumption, thereby enhancing overall life expectancy. Accordingly, we recommend that policymakers prioritize the adoption of clean energy to improve the well-being of citizens and, thereby, increase life expectancy. Additionally, efforts should be directed toward urbanization initiatives, providing citizens with enhanced amenities and further contributing to improved life expectancy. However, caution is advised in promoting savings among citizens unless accompanied by a parallel increase in the standard of living, measured through various parameters, including urbanization.

This study examines how financial strain moderates the association between family support and perceived stress among undergraduate students in Malaysia. Drawing on stress and coping theory, the conservation of resources theory, and the buffering hypothesis of social support, the research framework integrates three variables: family support as the independent variable, perceived stress as the dependent variable, and financial strain as the moderating factor. The framework posits that family support may serve as a protective resource associated with lower stress, though its effectiveness may vary across levels of financial demand. Data were collected from 387 students across 20 public universities through a web-based questionnaire, and moderated regression analysis was employed. Results indicate that family support is significantly associated with lower perceived stress, yet this negative association is attenuated under high financial strain. The interaction effect was significant, with simple slope analysis showing that the stress-buffering role of family support is stronger when financial strain is low and weaker when financial strain is high. This finding highlights the mechanism through which financial hardship reduces the psychological benefits of family support. The study makes a unique contribution by extending prior research that largely examined family support or financial strain in isolation, offering new evidence of their interactive effects in a multicultural Malaysian context. Practically, the findings suggest that interventions combining financial literacy, debt management, and family-focused support programs are essential for reducing stress and improving student well-being.

This research examines how financial burdens affect the connection between stress and family support among undergraduate students in Malaysia. This investigation involved students from 20 public universities, and data was gathered from 387 students through a web-based questionnaire. The findings show that family support plays an important role in reducing stress. It helps students feel more resilient and improves their well-being. However, when students face high financial stress, this positive effect weakens. Financial strain not only increases overall stress but also reduces the helpful impact of family support. The study highlights how closely financial and family factors are connected. Financial struggles can take away the mental health benefits of having strong family support. It also shows how issues with money and family make it harder for students to deal with stress. To solve these problems, targeted solutions are needed. These could include creating family-focused support programs, reducing credit card debt, or teaching financial skills. Such efforts can help lower stress and improve students’ mental health and academic performance.