Prior studies on small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia have focused on performance with inconclusive results. This paper contributes to the literature by examining variation in performance resulting from the synergistic role of entrepreneurial orientation, government support and internalization. It primarily explores three main industries: manufacturing, service and agriculture, generating data from 218 self-administered questionnaires. Using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression in testing the proposed hypothesis, it was uncovered that the mediating effect of internationalization between entrepreneurship orientation and firm performance was insignificant. In contrast, Government support was seen as a stronger predictor of firm performance. Furthermore, internationalization was shown to only partially mediate government support and firm performance. This study emphasizes the importance of Government support and will aid stakeholders in developing a robust understanding of the role of key factors in shaping SME performance in the global market.

Artikel ini membandingkan klasifikasi dan pengurusan pinjaman tak–berbayar antara bank Islam di Malaysia dengan bank–bank konvensional di United Kingdom (UK) dan Jepun. Objektif kajian adalah untuk menyelidik sama ada terdapat perbezaan dalam klasifikasi dan pengurusan pinjaman tak–berbayar yang dipratikkan oleh bank Islam hasil dari kewujudan Akaun Deposit Pelaburan (IAD) di bank berkenaan. Peruntukan perkongsian untung rugi seperti mana yang terdapat dalam IAD di bank Islam adalah sesuatu yang unik. Keunikan ini, walau bagaimanapun mempunyai risiko di mana dalam kes bank mengalami kerugian, maka IAD akan turut sama menanggung kerugian tersebut. Ini menjadikan pelaburan dalam IAD sangat berisiko dan tertakluk kepada maklumat asimetri. Kertas ini mendapati bank Islam mendefinisikan dan mengurus pinjaman tak–berbayarnya secara berbeza berbanding dengan bank-bank konvensional di UK dan Jepun. Analisis menunjukkan walaupun bank Islam mempunyai ciri–ciri khas tapi klasifikasi dan pengurusan pinjaman tak–berbayarnya adalah lebih longgar. Ini dibuktikan melalui cara di mana pinjaman tak–berbayar dan cara peruntukan kerugiannya didefinisikan dan juga tahap pendedahan maklumat kewangan yang dilakukan oleh bank Islam. Kata kunci: Bank Islam; pinjaman tak–berbayar; peruntukan kerugian; tahap pendedahan maklumat kewangan This paper compares the classification and management of non-performing loans between Islamic banks in Malaysia and conventional banks in the UK and Japan. The objective of this paper is to investigate if there are differences in the classification and management of non–performing loans in Islamic banks as a result of the existence of the Investment Account Depositors (IADs). The nature of profit and sharing loss agreement has made the position of IADs in an Islamic bank unique. This uniqueness, however, has posed some degree of risk where in case the bank incurs a loss, the IADs are liable to share this loss. This has made the investment of IADs very risky and is subject to the potential problem of asymmetric information. This paper finds that the Islamic banks define and manage their non–performing loans differently from the conventional banks in the UK and Japan. The analysis shows that even though Islamic banks have special characteristics, the classification and management of its non–performing loans are quite lenient. This is evidenced in the way non–performing loans are defined, the way loss provision is made and the level of disclosure made by an Islamic bank. Key words: Islamic banks; non–performing loans; loss provision; level of disclosure

Recently, Blockchain technology has attracted great attention in both private organisations and the public sector around the world. However, not many are aware and understand this new technology. Thus, lack of understanding of the Blockchain technology could influence the intention in adopting the technology. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to identify the behaviour intention towards adopting Blockchain Technology in the Malaysian Public Sector. Data were gathered using a questionnaire to analyse the relationship between factors such as Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, Facilitating Conditions and Trust with Behavioural Intention to adopt Blockchain Technology. The data were gathered from 100 officers in various government department. The survey revealed that majority of the government officers are aware about the Blockchain technology. However, most of them have inadequate exposure and knowledge about the technology. Findings from the regression analysis found that Trust, Performance Expectancy and Social Influence positively and significantly influence the behaviour intention of government officers in adopting Blockchain technology. Meanwhile, Effort Expectancy and Facilitating Conditions were found not significant. The findings from this study suggest that it is essential to develop strategies to implement a suitable Blockchain application in the public sector. Prior to such implementation, it is imperative for government officers to be equipped with knowledge, skills and resources related to the Blockchain technology.

Abstract-One type of circuit breaker is price limit, which is used in future markets and other stock exchanges of emerging markets in order to prevent markets from excessive volatility, market controlling, crash occurrence and to enhance the market stability. The range of price limits in most of stock exchanges have changed with specific reasons. Researchers have different opinions about the effects of applying the price limit system, and the positive or negative effects that are caused by using this system are not yet confirmed in conducted researches definitely. This paper examines the effects of price limits on Bursa Malaysia (previously known as Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange, KLSE) before and after the 2007-2008 crisis by testing the volatility spillover and trading interference hypotheses. The statistical results of this study do not support the tested hypotheses since smaller volatility is experienced by stockshit category during postlimit days compared to other categories. In addition, the trading volume of stockshit does not increase after price-limit-hits that it leads to understanding the concept that this system does not prevent rational trading on price-limit-hit day.

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