Business sectors face the advent of digitalisation, bringing attention to e-waste, or waste generated from obsolete electrical and electronic appliances. In addressing this issue, the study intends to examine e-waste disclosure by Bursa Malaysia listed firms. Specifically, this study investigates the extent and quality of e-waste disclosure, observes whether the reporting differs between industries and the boards on which the firms are listed, and investigates if e-waste disclosure is associated with firm and board characteristics. A total of 92 firms in the telecommunication and technology industries, listed on the Main and Ace boards of Bursa Malaysia, were selected as samples. The results reveal that despite an indication that e-waste reporting applies to the two sectors, only 16% of the firms report their commitment to managing e-waste. The disclosure shows how e-waste reporting is low in quantity and is circulated with only very general, qualitative information. An independent sample t-test reveals that firms listed on the Main board report significantly more e-waste information than their counterparts. Another t-test indicates an insignificant difference in e-waste disclosure between the firms under study. Furthermore, firm size significantly impacts e-waste disclosure, while firm performance, board size, and board gender diversity show insignificant impact. The results of this preliminary study shed some light on business firms’ commitment towards their e-waste management and reporting, which is a substantial factor for Malaysia to achieve environmental sustainability.

The upheaval caused by the spread of COVID-19 made a devastating effect on businesses, especially small businesses. A huge number of small businesses cannot survive within 3 months of an economic shutdown (Ligouri & Pittz, 2020); however, some survive and maintain their business operation. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the success factors in sustaining the business operation. Specifically, the intention is to investigate what are the important factors leading small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia to be able to survive and drive their business operation during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative approach was employed, data was collected through interviews, and seven business owners were identified through the purposive sampling method (Tongco, 2007). The findings revealed that most SMEs are disrupted by the pandemic and struggling for funding to survive in the business. In addition, entrepreneurs adapted to the new business model and utilized the digital platform manage to survive. Moreover, continuous financial support from the government, although meant for the short term is beneficial. The findings are vital as they can be used in assisting the government to create more effective and relevant programs to assist homegrown SMEs.

Research aims: Drawing on resource dependence and human capital theory, this study aims to analyse the relationship between specific attributes of women directors on company performance, specifically on the market performance proxied by Tobin’s Q. Design/Methodology/Approach: Data for the analysis are extracted from the Top 100 Malaysian companies listed in the Minority Shareholders Watch Group’s Corporate Governance Scorecard from 2018-2021. This is supported by data from interviews with the board of directors and top management to understand the impact of gender diversity on the company’s performance. Research findings: The findings suggest that the diversity of ethnicity and competency among women directors positively and significantly affects Tobin’s Q. Additionally, the results demonstrate that the proportion of women directors and Blau’s gender diversity show no impact on the market valuation. Moreover, this study also explores whether the COVID-19 pandemic and types of directorships have effects on gender diversity and company performance nexus. Theoretical contribution/Originality: This current study’s findings enrich the literature by outlining the importance of having diverse attributes among women directors. Unlike many previous studies, this study incorporates both quantitative and qualitative approaches, derived from several interview sessions with key industry players, to enrich the limited quantitative findings. Practitioner/Policy implication: The findings led to policy recommendations for key stakeholders, suggesting that regulators should encourage companies to focus on the qualities rather than just the numbers when appointing women directors. Policy recommendations on extending training to the senior management level and reviewing the number of years and directorships may be used to provide a roadmap for regulators, policymakers and companies to better meet the national agenda on women directors’ appointments. This approach could also benefit male directors and enhance overall board dynamics, ultimately advancing the national agenda for gender diversity. Research limitation: Future studies may consider other attributes among women directors, such as age, experience, expertise and political ideologies. In addition, other theories, like the upper echelon and legitimacy theories, could be integrated into understanding the role of board diversity in affecting company performance.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the viability of relocating Universiti Utara Malaysia International School (UUMIS) from its current location in Sintok to a nearby town in Jitra, Kedah in its effort of increasing student’s enrolment. Theoretical Framework: The study uses the four p’s of marketing mix and Ansoff marketing matrix in evaluating the market demand for international school in Jitra if the school were to be relocated from its current location. Design/methodology/approach: The study conducted interview sessions with UUMIS staffs, existing parents, and potential parents. Following to the input derived, a survey was formulated and distributed to the communities in Kedah and Perlis. Findings: Most existing parents and teachers are willing to send their children to UUMIS should it is relocated to Jitra with a transportation and transit service assistant. This result is supported with the survey distributed, whereby the percentage of willingness are more than half of the existing parents (60.5%). However, despite the willingness, these parents (39.6%) also found this proposal to be burdensome. As such, they suggested UUMIS to provide transportation and transit service with reasonable fees charged instead. Implication: The study has direct implication of policy for UUM and UUMIS in steering the international school development. The study also evidenced that market research prior to investments are needed not only to ascertain the demand in the new location but serving as reflective medium for an organization to improvise existing governance especially when there is an expansion/relocation plan in the pipeline. Originality/value: The study has direct implication of policy for UUM and UUMIS in steering the international school development.