The study aims to explore the impact of examination-oriented education on Chinese English learners and the importance of cultural intelligence in second language acquisition. Through a questionnaire administered to postgraduate students majoring in English in China, the research discovered that the emphasis on test scores and strategies in China’s higher English education system has led to a neglect of cultural backgrounds and cross-cultural communication. The findings underscore the necessity for reforms in English teaching within Chinese higher education to cultivate students’ intercultural intelligence and enhance their readiness for international careers in the era of globalization.

The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic has precipitated a paradigm shift in education, marked by an increasing reliance on technology and virtual platforms. This study delves into the post-pandemic landscape of Islamic higher education at the State Islamic Institute of Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, focusing on students’ readiness, attitudes, and interests toward sustained engagement with e-learning. A cohort of 300 students across all semesters of Islamic Education partook in the investigation. Utilising Structural Equation Modelling, the study gauged students’ preparedness, perceptions, and inclinations toward online learning. Results indicate a general readiness among students for online learning, with a pivotal role attributed to technological devices and internet connectivity. Positive attitudes toward online learning were prevalent, with flexibility and accessibility emerging as significant advantages. Moreover, students showed keen interest in online learning, valuing its technological advancements, affordability, and intellectually challenging nature. These findings highlight the digital transformation of traditional teaching methods among Islamic higher education students, who are typically known for their emphasis on direct interaction in teaching and learning. Their receptivity to innovative learning modalities and adaptability to the digital era’s difficulties highlight the need for educational institutions to leverage this enthusiasm. Comprehensive online learning platforms, robust technological support, and a conducive learning environment are advocated to empower Islamic higher education students in navigating the digital landscape and perpetuating their pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment.

This study analyzes the perception of university students regarding the use of virtual reality (VR) in higher education, focusing on their level of knowledge, usage, perceived advantages and disadvantages, as well as their willingness to use this technology in the future. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected to provide a comprehensive view of the subject. The results indicate that while students have a basic understanding of VR, its use in the educational context is limited. A considerable number of students recognize VR’s potential to enhance the learning experience, particularly in terms of immersion and engagement. However, significant barriers to adoption were identified, such as technical issues, the high cost of equipment, and inadequate access to technological infrastructure. Additionally, there is a need for broader training for both students and faculty to ensure the effective use of this technology in academic environments. The semi-structured interviews confirmed that perceptions of VR vary depending on prior exposure to the technology and access to resources. Despite the challenges, most students appreciate VR’s potential to enrich learning, although its effective adoption will depend on overcoming the identified barriers. The study concludes that strategies must be implemented to facilitate the integration of VR into higher education, thus optimizing its impact on the teaching-learning process.

With its inherent characteristics of decentralization, immutability, and transparency, blockchain technology presents a promising opportunity to revolutionize the South African food supply chains. Blockchain technology, with its decentralized, immutable, and secure nature, offers solutions to these challenges by improving traceability and accountability across the supply chain. This study investigates the role of blockchain technology in enhancing transparency in the food supply chain among small and medium enterprises in South Africa. SMEs form a critical part of the country's agri-food sector but face challenges such as food fraud, inefficient inventory management, and lack of transparency, which impact food safety and trust. The research adopts a mixed-method approach, utilizing the Technology-Organization-Environment framework and Institutional Theory to explain blockchain adoption among SMEs. The results demonstrate that blockchain-enabled practices, such as smart contracts, records traceability, production tracking, and distribution monitoring, significantly enhance supply chain transparency. The findings highlight blockchain's potential to increase operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder trust. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners, emphasizing the need for regulatory support and strategic investment in blockchain solutions to promote sustainability and competitiveness in the agri-food sector.

The Malaysian government’s heightened focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) reflects a strategic move towards economic and social development, particularly in addressing youth unemployment. Recognizing the potential of TVET to contribute to these goals, there is a specific emphasis on enhancing the marketability of women in the workforce from the current 62 percent to an ambitious 95 percent. However, a notable gender gap persists in entrepreneurial pursuits within the TVET sector in Malaysia, with female representation lagging. To bridge this gap, this study aims to construct a comprehensive framework that nurtures future-ready female TVETpreneur talent. This initiative aligns with the Malaysian Higher Education Blueprint, 2021–2025, i.e., fostering a diverse and innovative workforce. An extensive literature survey was conducted to identify the factors influencing female TVET students’ entrepreneurial intention. The literature revealed that social psychological and organizational approaches are commonly used to explore and analyze the relationship between the influence of female TVET students’ talents and behavior, their exposure to entrepreneurship, mentorship and support programs, role models in TVET, curriculum design, and access to resources. A comprehensive theoretical framework was developed based on these findings, which offers significant insights related to enhancing TVET opportunities for women and advancing Malaysia’s economic and social development goals in a sustainable way.

This article explores the transformative journey of universities in Kazakhstan, focusing on the results of recent research on the quality of higher education. The study delves into the significant reforms and innovations implemented in the Kazakhstani higher education system, assessing their impact on academic standards, student performance, and institutional efficiency. Through comprehensive data analysis and expert interviews, the research highlights the strides made in improving educational quality, fostering international collaborations, and integrating modern technologies in teaching and learning. The findings underscore the critical role of government policies, industry partnerships, and community participation in driving these transformations. This article provides valuable information on the challenges and successes experienced by Kazakhstani universities, providing a blueprint for further advances in the sector of higher education. The key factors contributing to the success of these reforms include strong government support, international collaboration, robust quality assurance mechanisms, a focus on research and innovation, and professional development for educators. While challenges remain, the future of higher education in Kazakhstan looks promising, provided that these efforts continue and are further refined to address existing gaps.