Purpose: This research paper aims to assess the proficiency of tertiary education providers in engaging with online learning environments, especially in the context of the post-COVID-19 transition. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online learning platforms, it is essential to understand how educational institutions have adapted and evolved in their approach to virtual education. The central research question explores how Continuous Professional Development (CPD), Technological Infrastructure (TI), and Support Systems (SS) collectively influence educators’ proficiency in online teaching (POT). Study design/methodology/approach: A comparative study was performed, comparing data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic with post-pandemic data from higher education institutions in Uzbekistan. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 education facilitators representing both public and international educational institutions. This purposive sampling approach allows for a holistic exploration of the experiences, challenges, strategies, and preparedness of these facilitators during the transition to online learning. Manual qualitative data classification and content analysis were employed to understand themes in respondent experiences and identified actions. Findings: The study reveals the significant role of CPD, robust TI, and effective SS in enhancing the Proficiency of tertiary education providers in engaging with Online Teaching. These elements were found to be significant determinants of how well institutions and educators adapted to the shift to virtual education. The research offers valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and students, aiding in decision-making processes within academia and guiding the development and implementation of effective online teaching strategies. Originality/value: This study contributes to the existing literature by providing an in-depth understanding of the adjustments education facilitators make in response to the pandemic. It emphasizes the importance of ongoing preparation for online learning and highlights the role of digital workplace capabilities in ensuring successful interaction in virtual educational environments.

This study investigates the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on the construction sector in Southeast Asia, focusing on Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia. Qualitative research approach is used to analyze the implications of Chinese investments in these countries, exploring both the opportunities and challenges faced by Chinese investors. Key research questions address the resilience of the construction sector, the obstacles encountered by investors, and the influence of policy on the construction business. Through interviews with CEOs and senior managers of major construction companies and a review of relevant documents, the study uncovers the economic and geopolitical motivations behind China’s BRI strategy. The findings reveal significant insights into the benefits and drawbacks of BRI financing, providing recommendations for overcoming challenges and leveraging future opportunities in Southeast Asian construction sectors.

This research is based on the condition of the ever-rampant events of illegal logging perpetrated by companies in various areas in Indonesia and Malaysia. The issue of corporate illegal logging happened due to a concerning level of conflict of interest between companies, the government, and local societies due to economic motives. this paper aims to analyze the law enforcement on corporate illegal logging in Indonesia and Malaysia as well as the law enforcement on corporate illegal logging that is based on sustainable forestry. this research used the normative legal approach that was supported by secondary data in the forms of documents and cases of illegal logging that happened in Indonesia and Malaysia. this paper employed the qualitative analysis. Results showed that Indonesia had greater commitment and legal action than Malaysia because Indonesia processed more illegal logging cases compared to Malaysia. But mere commitment is not enough as the illegal logging ratio in Indonesia compared to timber production is 60%. meanwhile, in Malaysia, it is 35%. This shows that the ratio of law enforcement in Malaysia is more effective when comparing the rate of illegal logging and timber production. The phenomenon of forest destruction in Indonesia happened due to a disharmonic situation or an improper social relationship between society, the regional government, the forestry sector, business owners, and the law-enforcing apparatus. The sustainable forest-based law enforcement concept against corporate illegal logging is carried out through the integration approach that involves various parties in both countries.

The role of technology in stimulating economic growth needs to be reexamined considering current heightened economic conditions of Asian developing Economies. This study conducts a comparative analysis of technology proxied by R&D expenditures alongside macroeconomic variables crucial for economic growth. Monthly time-series data from 1990 to 2019 were analyzed using a vector error correction model (VECM), revealing a significant impact of technology on the economic growth of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. However, in the cases of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Bangladesh, macroeconomic indicators were found more crucial to their economic growth. Results of Granger causality underlined the relationship of R&D expenditures and macroeconomic variables with GDP growth rates. Sensitivity analyses endorsed robustness of the results which highlighted the significance and originality of this study in economic growth aligned with sustainable development goals (SDGs) for developing countries.

This paper critically reviews the prevailing generalizations in current research on Generation Z (Gen-Z) travel behavior. While various studies have characterized Gen-Z’s transportation preferences as leaning towards sustainable and technology-integrated modes of transport, this paper argues that the findings are largely based on observations from developed countries and may not accurately reflect behavior in developing countries. This paper is written using a narrative literature study approach. Through a comprehensive literature review, the paper highlights the differences in Gen-Z travel patterns across different geographical regions, emphasizing the need for context-specific analysis. The paper addresses often overlooked factors such as economic limitations, infrastructure challenges, and cultural nuances that shape mobility choices. The aim is to dissect the cohort effect and look at its validity across different socio-economic landscapes through existing literature. As such, the paper provides nuanced insights into the heterogeneity of Gen-Z travel behavior and suggests cautioning against over-generalization, as well as advocating for a more localized approach in transportation policy and planning. The paper also encourages similar research in developing countries to gain a more comprehensive understanding of Gen-Z travel behavior globally.