International students and learning experiences in higher education

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruptions to several industries including higher education. Malaysia has attempted to be a hub of educational excellence by transforming its higher education, thereby attracting international students as key drivers to its economy and internationalization. This study aims to identify the current challenges international students have faced due to the pandemic and proposes solutions to tackle those challenges. The data for this study was collected qualitatively through focus group interviews using a purposive sample of students, administrative, and academic staff of two universities in Malaysia. Data was collected between October 2020 and January 2021, covering the COVID situation for the whole of year 2020 to reflect the experiences of the international students. The results indicate that the students have some major concerns as a result of numerous academic, administrative, social, financial, and emotional challenges they have been facing. Addressing the challenges and concerns is of great importance in ensuring the sustainability of keeping universities in Malaysia appealing destinations to international students. The research proposes some solutions for improving the current situation in light of the findings of the study. © 2022 selection and editorial matter, Sheena Kaur, Prasana Rosaline Fernandez, and Ali Jalalian Daghigh.

Childhood obesity: Health communication perspectives of Malaysian parents during COVID-19

Childhood obesity and its associated risks in Malaysia remains a major health concern where at least one in five of children are affected. Media engagement with the public on the outbreak of Covid-19 had since overshadowed these health issues. Measures for social distancing and containment through the Movement Control Order (MCO) presented challenges for parents in making healthy food choices and dealing with unforeseen sedentary lifestyles. The study examined perceptions of parents towards health communication, how parents ensure their children abide by healthy eating habits, and how they seek information on childhood obesity intervention during this period. The positive deviance (PD) approach argues that champions of innovative ideas on maintaining good health are found within the communities rather than a change agency's prescription. The study obtained input from parents in the Klang Valley through semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis findings show that parents from M40 and B40 communities have insufficient information on nutrition for childhood development and prioritize convenience over long-term effects due to their hectic routines and household income. Positive deviant (PD) T20 groups are found to be more efficient in managing and applying knowledge due to their higher health literacy and communication within their social groups. This outlines the gap on effective communication strategies to improve health literacy of the public.