ISRUPIC 2022 Programme Book

PROGRAMME BOOK

International Seminar on the Roles of University in Responding to
Psychosocial Issues in the Community 2022

ISRUPIC 2022

SYNERGISING ACADEMICS AND LOCAL COMMUNITY IN
EMPOWERING SOCIETAL CHANGE

15 DECEMBER 2022
HS SEMINAR ROOM, HUMAN SCIENCES BUILDING,
INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA

Background of ISRUPIC

The fourth International Seminar on the Roles of University in Responding to
Psychosocial Issues in the Community 2022 (ISRUPIC 2022) will be hosted by the
IIUM on 15 December 2022. Since its first inception in 2019, this international
seminar is conducted as part of the MOU between the International Islamic
University Malaysia and the Universitas Islam Riau. ISRUPIC 2022 has now
returned to physical mode after two years of being conducted virtually due to
COVID-19 restrictions.
The objectives of ISRUPIC are threefold; (i) to highlight the roles of universities
in empowering the youth in Gombak and Riau, (ii) to exchange ideas and provide
solutions and various approaches taken by the university in empowering the
youth in both localities, and (iii) to extend academic collaboration with
academics of various countries in Asia.
ISRUPIC 2022 addresses different categories of the roles of universities related
to empowering youth in Gombak and Riau;
• Mental health and well-being
• Politics and society
• Citizenship and social movements
• Sustainability and environment
• Gender and race
• Culture, media and arts
• Ethnicity and religion
• Education and learning
• Organisations, groups and community
Academics from both universities are expected to publish their articles together
in several prestigious indexed and non-indexed journals based on the
presentations. These are the joint initiatives that the Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) between IIUM and UIR outlines.

2

COMMITTEE MEMBERS FOR ISRUPIC 2022

No. Position Name

1. Patron Prof. Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Dzulkifli Abdul Razak

2. Advisor Prof. Dr. Shukran Abd. Rahman

3. Chair Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Noh Abdul Jalil

4. Deputy Chair Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haslina Ibrahim

5. Secretary and Br. Nor Iskandar Mazlan

Treasurer Sr. Zarina Jaapar

Sr. T Syarifah Adibah T Syed Ab Muid

Sr. Norazila Hussin

6. Publication Dr. Ainul Azmin Md Zamin

7. Programme Dr. Zahid Zamri

8. Technical Dr. Mohd Helmi Yusoh

Br. Mohamad Ridzwan Al Hafiz Abdul Aziz

9. Academic Dr. Muntaha Artalim Zaim

Dr. Sohela Mustari

3

INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON THE ROLES OF UNIVERSITY
IN RESPONDING TO PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES
IN THE COMMUNITY 2022 (ISRUPIC 2022)

Theme:
“SYNERGISING ACADEMICS AND LOCAL COMMUNITY IN

EMPOWERING SOCIETAL CHANGE”

PROGRAMME ITINERARY

8.45 a.m. Thursday | 15 December 2022 |
9.00 a.m. Group Photography Session
9.10 a.m. Asma al-Husna and Negaraku
9.15 a.m. Quranic Recitation
9.25 a.m. Opening Speech by the Dean of AHAS KIRKHS (IIUM)
9.35 a.m Speech by the Dean of Psychology (UIR)
9.38 a.m. Montage Presentation
9.50 a.m. Keynote Address by the Chair of ISRUPIC 2022
10.10 a.m. - 12.10 p.m. Tea Break
Parallel Session

Session 1: Children’s Psychoeducation

Session 2: Overcoming Anxieties

Session 3: Biopsychosocial Issues

Session 4: The Psychospirituality of Community
Engagement

12.20 p.m. Resolution
12.25 p.m. Closing Remarks by the Dean of AHAS KIRKHS (IIUM)
12.35 p.m. Presentation of Souvenir
12.37 p.m. Du’a Recitation
12.40 p.m. IIUM Anthem
12.45 p.m. Lunch and Zuhr Prayer
2.00 p.m. Depart to Kampung Changkat
2.30 p.m. Activity with the Community
4.00 p.m. Tea Break and Disperse

4

INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON THE ROLES OF UNIVERSITY
IN RESPONDING TO PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES
IN THE COMMUNITY 2022 (ISRUPIC 2022)

Theme:
“SYNERGISING ACADEMICS AND LOCAL COMMUNITY IN

EMPOWERING SOCIETAL CHANGE”

SEMINAR SESSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

Session 1: Children’s Venue List of Presenters
Psychoeducation
ODDSDCE 1) Dr. Leni Armayati, S.Psi., M. Psi.,
Master of Ceremony: Br. Psikolog - Parenting Training to
Mus’ab Umayr Hermee (Ex- Prevent Juvenile Delinquency
VP IRKHSSS - Psychology)
Medium of 2) Dr. Sigit Nugroho, S.Psi., M.Psi.,
Moderator: Nur Farhana Communication: Psikolog et al. - Psychoeducation of
Mohamad Zainol Bahasa Melayu LGBT Prevention: The Participative
(REHGSOC) and English Parenting of Father in Muslim
(bilingual) Family
Rapporteur:
Dr Khairul Fahmi 3) Nindy Amita, M. Psi., Psikolog &
Jamaludin Juliarni Siregar, M.Psi., Psikolog -
Dept of Fiqh and Usul Fiqh Effective Communication Training
and Establishment of Peer
Counselors at Boarding Schools

4) Dr. Pamilia Lourdunathan - The
Development and Evaluation of a
Psycho-social Spiritual Intervention
for Rohingya Adolescents Living in
Malaysia: A Community Psychology
Perspective

5) Dr. Zahid Zamri - Cleanliness and
School Truancy in Kampung
Tengah, Gombak

5

Session 2: Biopsychosocial Venue List of Presenters
Issues
HS Seminar 1) Yanwar Arief, M.Psi., Psikolog &
Master of Ceremony: Sr. Room Rosyida - Brain Gym To Improve
Faten Iman (UG Comm) The Cognitive Ability Of
Medium of Schizophrenia Patients
Moderator: Sr. Nur Fatihah Communication:
Ahmad Fairus (REHGSOC) Bahasa Melayu 2) Didik Widiantoro, M. Psi.,
and English Psikolog - TRAPSEN Program:
Rapporteur: (bilingual) Terapeutik Seni for Psychological
Dr Abu Hafiz Salleh Uddin Well-Being of Elderly
Dept of Quran and Sunnah
Studies 3) Rachmayati Eka Safitri, M. Psi.,
Psikolog - Psychoeducation for
Community: How to Recognize the
Signs of Stress in the Work
Environment

4) Dr. Jusmawati Fauzaman-
Identifying the Malay Adjectival
Personality Factor Structure: A
Psycho-lexical Approach

5) Dr. Helmi Yusoh & Mdm. Mazni
Buyong - Social Issue and Problems
in a Community: A Study in Kg.
Kerdas, Gombak, Selangor

6) Dr. Ainul Azmin Md Zamin-
Innovative Pedagogy in Applied
Linguistics: Connecting Campus
with Community

6

Session 3: Overcoming Venue List of Presenters
Anxieties

Master of Ceremony: Br. 1) Dr. Fikri. S.Psi., M. Psi., Psikolog-
Faris Jafri (Ex-President Community Service Programme:
IRKHSSS - Psychology) The Effectiveness of Stress
Management Training on Reducing
Moderator: Siti Hajar ODDPGRRI Stress, Depression and Anxiety
Sharifuddin (VP REHGSOC) Levels Among Senior High School
Students

2) Juliarni Siregar, M.Psi., Psikolog
et al. - Building Community
Awareness About Schizophrenia

Rapporteur: Medium of 3) Dr. Haslina Ibrahim -
Dr Nurul Miza Mohd Rashid Communication: Empowering Community Leaders
Dept of Psychology English with Mediation Skills: A Model of
University-Community Capacity
Building Project

4) Dr. Amilah Awang - The
Importance of Islamic Worldview in
Handling Mental Health Problems:
Reflection of Abu Zayd al-Balkhi’s
Sustenance of the Soul and its
Relevance during the Time of
Pandemic

5) Dr. Mohamad Sabri Zakaria - A
Survey on the Awareness of
Illegitimate Children Issues Among
the Public in Gombak Selangor

6) Dr. Sohela - Plastic Disposal
Practise in Everyday Life:
Understanding of Climate Change
Concept by the Community
Members

7

Session 4: The Venue List of Presenters
Psychospirituality of Al-Tabari
1) Wina Diana Sari, S.Psi., M.B.A -
Community The Effort of Increasing Passion in
Engagement Social Entrepreneurship for Young
Teachers in Pekanbaru Through
Master of Ceremony: Sr. the Psychoeducation
Aaliyah Danial (UG
POSSA) 2) Prof. Shukran Abdul Rahman -
Development of Islamic-Based
Moderator: Sr. Nur Personality Measure: Test
Fatihah Ahmad Fairus Conceptualisation, Item
(REHGSOC) Construction and Initial Validation

Rapporteur: Medium of 3) Dr. Rohana Abd Hamid - Student
Communication: Societies and Social Media:
Dr Anis Nadiah Che Abd Engaging University Students in
Rahman English Politics

Dept of English 4) Dr. Zeti Azreen Ahmad -
Language and Literature Community Engagement
Perception, Experience and
Motivation of Academics

5) Dr. Rohaiza Rokis - Empowering
Research Enthusiasm through
Community Engagement
Programme among Final Year
Project (FYP) Undergraduate
Students

6) Prof. Asem Shehadeh & Umar
Qurashi - Epistemological
Approach to Exploit Allah’s
Pronunciation for Religious
Purposes in Malaysia

8

INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON THE ROLES OF UNIVERSITY IN
RESPONDING TO PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES IN THE COMMUNITY 2022

(ISRUPIC 2022)

Theme:
SYNERGISING ACADEMICS AND LOCAL COMMUNITY IN EMPOWERING

SOCIETAL CHANGE

CONTACT DETAILS & ABSTRACTS

NO NAME& EMAIL KULLIYYAH/ TITLE
DEPARTMENT
1 Dr. Leni Armayati, S.Psi., M. Psi., Parenting Training to Prevent
Psikolog Universitas Islam Riau Juvenile Delinquency

Email: [email protected] Universitas Islam Riau Psychoeducation of LGBT
Prevention: The Participative
2 Dr. Sigit Nugroho, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psikolog Parenting of Father in
Alucyana, M. Psi., Psikolog Moslem Family
Ersaliya Arezah, M. Psi., Psikolog
Erika Desvianti, M. Psi., Psikolog
Rachmayati Eka Safitri, M. Psi., Psikolog

Email: [email protected]

3 Nindy Amitya. M.Psi., Psikolog Universitas Islam Riau Self-Compassion and Self

Juliarni Siregar. M.Psi., Psikolog Esteem on Prisoners in
Pekanbaru Detention Center

Email: [email protected]

4 Dr. Pamilia Lourdunathan Department of Psychology, The Development and

AHAS KIRKHS Evaluation of a Psychosocial-

Email: [email protected] spiritual Intervention for

Rohingya Adolescents Living

in Malaysia: A Community

Psychology Perspective

5 Dr. Zahid Zamri Department of Political Cleanliness and School

Science, Truancy in Kampung Tengah,

Email: [email protected] AHAS KIRKHS Gombak

6 Yanwar Arief, M. Psi., Psikolog Universitas Islam Riau Brain Gym To Improve the

Rosyida Cognitive Ability of

Schizophrenia Patients

Email: [email protected]

7 Didik Widiantoro, M. Psi., Psikolog Secretary of Undergraduate TRAPSEN Program:

Program Terapeutik Seni for

Email: [email protected] Faculty of Psychology, Psychological Well-Being of

Universitas Islam Riau Elderly

8 Rachmayati Eka Safitri, M. Psi., Psikolog Universitas Islam Riau Psycoeducation For

Community: How Recognize

Email: [email protected] the Signs of Stress In The

Work Environment

9 Dr. Jusmawati Fauzaman Department of Psychology, Identifying the Malay

AHAS KIRKHS Adjectival Personality Factor

Email: [email protected] Structure: A Psycho-lexical

Approach

10 Dr. Mohd Helmi Jusoh Department of Social Issue and Problems in

Mdm. Mazni Buyong Communication, A Community: A Case Study

AHAS KIRKHS

9

Email: [email protected] in Kg. Kerdas, Gombak,
[email protected] Selangor
11 Dr Ainul Azmin Md Zamin
Email: [email protected] Department of English Innovative Pedagogy in
12 Dr. Fikri. S.Psi., M. Psi., Psikolog Language & Literature,
Email: [email protected] Applied Linguistics:
AHAS KIRKHS
13 Juliarni Siregar, M.Psi, Psikolog Universitas Islam Riau Connecting Campus with
Noor Rochman Hadjam
Amalia Rahmandani Universitas Islam Riau Community
Email: [email protected]
Community Service Program:

The Effectiveness of Stress

Management Training on

Reducing Stress, Depression

and Anxiety Levels Among

Senior Hight School Students

Building Community

Awareness About

Schizophrenia

14 Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haslina Ibrahim Deputy Dean & Department of Empowering Community

Usul al-Din and Comparative Leaders with Mediation

Religion, Skill: A Model of

AHAS KIRKHS University-Community

Email: [email protected] Capacity Building Project

15 Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amilah Awang Abd Department of Usul al-Din and The Importance of Islamic

Rahman Comparative Religion, Worldview in Handling

AHAS KIRKHS Mental Health Problems:

Email: [email protected] Reflection of Abu Zayd

al-Balkhi’s Sustenance of

the Soul and its Relevance

during the Time of

Pandemic

16 Dr. Mohamad Sabri Zakaria Department of Fiqh and Usul A Survey on the
Email: [email protected] al-Fiqh,
Awareness of Illegitimate
17 Dr Sohela Mustari AHAS KIRKHS
Children Issues Among
Email: [email protected] Department of Sociology and
18 Wina Diana Sari, S.Psi., M.B.A Anthropology, the Public in Gombak
AHAS KIRKHS
Email: [email protected] Selangor
Universitas Islam Riau
Plastic Disposal Practice

in Everyday Life:

Understanding of Climate

Change Concept by the

Community Members

The Effort of Increasing

Passion In Social

Entrpreneurship For

Young Teachers In

Pekanbaru Through The

Psychoeducation

19 Prof. Dr. Shukran Abd Rahman Dean, Engaging the Community
Email: [email protected] AHAS KIRKHS
in the Development of
20 Dr. Rohana Abd Hamid Department of Political
Science, Islamic-Based Personality

10 Measure: Test

Conceptualisation, Item

Construction, and Initial

Validations

Student societies and

social media: Engaging

Email: [email protected] AHAS KIRKHS university students in
21 Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeti Azreen Ahmad politics
Department of
Email: [email protected] Communication, Community Engagement:
AHAS KIRKHS Perception, experience
22 Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rohaiza Rokis and motivation of
academics
Email: [email protected]
Department of Sociology & Empowering Research
23 Prof. Dr. Asem Shehadeh Ali Anthropology,
Umar Qurashi AHAS KIRKHS Enthusiasm through
Email: [email protected]
Department of Arabic Community Engagement
Language & Literature, AHAS
Programme among Final
KIRKHS
Year Project (FYP)

Undergraduate Students

Epistemological

Approach to exploit

Allah’s Pronunciation for

religious purposes in

Malaysia

11

Parenting Training to Prevent Juvenile Delinquency
Dr. Leni Armayati, S.Psi., M. Psi., Psikolog
Islamic University of Riau

Part of the identity-seeking process is satisfying the need for approval and self-esteem. This
can be achieved through the participation of youth in social groups. In stressful or unidentified
situations, many adolescents are encouraged to overcome the psychological difficulties they
experience in identifying themselves with social groups that share the same values, orientations
or views. This is because one of the factors is the creation of a sense of security when teenagers
join a group. This is because one of the factors that arise a sense of security in adolescents
when joining a group, adolescents who join a negative group have a tendency to violate an
existing rule, one of the factors is due to the role of parents in nurturing and educating their
children. Parental bonding / attachment becomes one of the significant factors in shaping
delinquency behavior in adolescents. Juvenile delinquency participation is also influenced by
several things, one of which is the family.

12

Psychoeducation of LGBT Prevention: The Participative Parenting of Father in Moslem
Family

Dr. Sigit Nugroho, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psikolog
Alucyana, M. Psi., Psikolog

Ersaliya Arezah, M. Psi., Psikolog
Erika Desvianti, M. Psi., Psikolog
Rachmayati Eka Safitri, M. Psi., Psikolog

Islamic University of Riau
As same-sex marriage was legalized by Barack Obama in 2017, followed by declaration of
pride month in June by Joe Biden, the LGBT campaign was robust. These movements occur in
mass media, with massive implied messages in movies, music, articles, and social media as
well. The current issues of LGBT campaign occur in World Cup 2022, in which held by Islamic
Country: Qatar. Hence, it was not solely about the sport, but about the stake of Islamic values.
The purpose of this action is to raise awareness of susceptibility of Moslem to LGBT
phenomenon, hence educating Moslem through the Imam in the family−in which the
father−about the prevention of LGBT evoking in their children is necessary. It urged the
participation of father to raise their children, embedding Islamic values. This action held in
Dusun III Bencah Limbat Desa Pandau Jaya, Siak Hulu, Kampar District, Riau Province
targeted to 30 men in Dusun, 60 men in Masjid Istiqamah, and 100 men in An-Nawawi School,
in which half of the participants were identified as a father. The result of this action was
participant’s awareness about Moslem’s susceptibility to LGBT occurrence is increased.
Participant implied that this psychoeducation is important to tackle the fading of Islamic values
within Moslem. Participants ’enthusiasm is noticeable by its dialogue with the speaker and
more session was requested. The enthusiasm rippled to another school that requesting another
session.

13

Self-Compassion and Self Esteem on Prisoners in Pekanbaru Detention Center
Nindy Amita, M. Psi., Psikolog
Juliarni Siregar, M.Psi., Psikolog
Universitas Islam Riau

Purpose: Crime is a social problem that is rife in social life. Crime occurs because of low self-
control and other factors related to the welfare of life. The consequence of the criminal behavior
committed is imprisonment. The period of punishment is in accordance with the legislation in
force in a country. Minimal interaction with the outside world makes a change in the individual
in thought, emotion or behavior. Thus, the researcher aims to find out and get an overview of
self-compassion behavior and self-esteem behavior in prisoners after getting a court decision.
Design: The research was conducted using quantitative techniques using The Self-Compassion
Scale and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES).
Method: The research sample was 145 male inmates at the Pekanbaru Detention Center. The
sampling technique used purposive sampling method.
Findings: The results of this study indicate that 18.7% of the sample is in low self-compassion
and 30.35% of the sample is in the low category of self-esteem. Correlation analysis was also
conducted to determine, the correlation between the two research variables and the results
showed a negative correlation between self-compassion and self-esteem.
Significances: In practical terms, the implications of this research can be used as the initial
process of increasing self-compassion and self-esteem in prisoners through the psychotherapy
process.
Keywords: Self-Compassion, Self-Esteem, Prisoners

14

The Development and Evaluation of a Psychosocial-spiritual Intervention for Rohingya
Adolescents Living in Malaysia: A Community Psychology Perspective

Pamilia Lourdunathan

International Islamic University Malaysia

Purpose: The Rohingya community comprises one of the largest stateless population in the
world in which without recognition as citizens or permanent residents, the Rohingya
community have restricted access to education, employment, and health services, resulting in
chronic poverty and marginalization. Despite the provision of essential services for these
individuals as refugees in countries such as in Malaysia, these children continue to confront
other challenges at present in which they still have a poverty mindset whereby they perceive
they will always have limited educational opportunities, and hazards associated with neglect,
exploitation, and violence, including risks of gender-based violence, child marriage, and child
labour in their mindset thus causing them to have a negative outlook for their future in which
they are told by some of their parents to stop studying at an early age and to work as they would
never be given equal opportunities to further their studies or to have a decent job regardless of
their academic qualifications. This mindset and possibly some trauma that they may have
experienced from their past may still be haunting them thus necessitating some psychosocio-
spiritual intervention with modules aimed at addressing the issues faced by them. As such, the
main objectives of this study are twofold; (1) to identify the issues faced by a marginalized
community (Rohingya adolescents) and (2) to develop a psychosocio-spiritual intervention
from a Community Psychology perspective aimed at addressing the issues faced by the
Rohingya students.

Design: The project will employ a mixed method approach based on the Participatory Action
Research (PAR) framework in which qualitative data would first be obtained from a need
analysis after which various steps leading to the development and evaluation of modules in the
psychosocial-spiritual intervention would be established based on the PAR framework.

Method: The participants of the study comprise 16 Rohingya Students, 8 IIUM Postgraduate
Students of the PSYC 7451 Community Psychology Course, Master of Human Sciences
(Clinical and Counselling Psychology) Programme, 1 Course Instructor of PSYC 7451
Community Psychology, 5 Teachers of Rays of Hope Learning Centre ((UMission for Peace
Malaysia (UM4P)).

Findings: Rays of Hope Learning Centre of UMission for Peace Malaysia (UM4P) is a non-
governmental organization registered under Registrar of Society Malaysia, PPM-002-10-
06012021, in January 2021. The organization aims to help provide various forms of physical
and psychological as well as academic help and relief to the Rohingya community. Initial
Analysis of Themes of Needs Assessment conducted revealed the following issues that are
currently being experienced by these Rohingya students: (1) Academic Performance
(Concentration Issues, Lack of Motivation, Learning Difficulties), (2) Emotion Regulation
(Self-image, Self-esteem), Social Behavioural Issues (Attention-seeking behaviour,
Communication issues, Hyperactivity issues). Further steps of the research is in progress.

15

Significances: The above project enables the postgraduate students to apply the principles
learnt in the theory and philosophy of Community Psychology to a real community setting
while imparting the clinical psychology skills learnt through a community psychology
approach especially in promoting the local knowledge via synergized academic activities in
this community-based project. Also, the Rohingya students of the Rays of Hope Learning
Centre will be able to receive a psychosocio-intervention programme from a Community
Psychology perspective aimed at addressing the issues faced by these adolescents, help
establish rapport and networking between the Rays of Hope Learning Centre, UMission for
Peace Malaysia (UM4P) and IIUM as well as help improve the symptoms faced by them with
regards to various issues experienced.
Keywords: Community psychology, Synergised academic activities, Local knowledge and
Psychosocial-spiritual Intervention

16

Cleanliness and School Truancy in Kampung Tengah, Gombak

Zahid Zamri

International Islamic University Malaysia

Purpose: Based from the discussion between the AbdulHamid AbuSulayman Kulliyyah of
Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences with the Head of Villagers of the seven
villages in the Setapak's district, there are a number of essential issues that need to be catered
in order to improve the living environment of the people within the villages. Amongst the issues
are the problems of cleanliness and school truancy. As the instructor of the Ethics and Politics
course together with its students, we had chosen these two issues as the problems that we want
to address in helping the society. First we gathered the data by conducting interviews with the
villagers. Then we came out with videos and reports to highlight the factors and challenges that
lead to the issues; and suggestions to solve the problems. Based on the findings, as the first
intervention, an educational-based programme called the Ruhul Muhsin (Good Soul)
programme was conducted to educate the children of the villages about cleanliness and school
truancy.

Design: The reseach is based on the case study design with Kampung Tengah, Gombak, as the
chosen case study and its villagers as the participants.

Method: 29 students from the Ethics and Politics class involved in collecting the data and
producing the reports in this first cycle of action research. Six families participated as
respondents; three families were interviewed on the issue of cleanliness and the other three
families were asked to address the problem of school truancy.

Findings: The study found that school truancy is not really a significant problem that worried
the participants. They were more concerned about the problem of uncleanliness that has been
burdening the villagers for years. The dumping of “illegal” rubbish, improper garbage bins,
narrow roads, were among the factors that led to the problem of uncleanliness in the village.
While the demands for a more frequent garbage collection, road renovation, a more effective
involvement of relevant authorities, were some of the suggested solutions. Nonetheless, for
school truancy, the respondents highlighted the present of a cyber cafe in their village and
“inattractive” schools as the determinants of the issue. In response to these “distractions”,
regular weekend classes and motivational programmes were proposed as the effective
measures.

Significances: The project became the platform wherein the students translated the subject
matter of Ethics and Politics into real-life scenario, especially in relation to the concepts of
leadership, citizenry, and amanah (responsibility). At the same time, the village will continue
to benefit from this action research project as it will be improved from time to time. When we
have found the effective interventions to overcome the issues, these models afterwards can be
replicated to other villages within the Setapak district, and thus will gain more coverage in
terms of implementation.

Keywords: Community engagement, Synergised academic activities, cleanliness, school
truancy, and Kampung Tengah.

17

BRAIN GYM TO IMPROVE THE COGNITIVE ABILITY OF SCHIZOPHRENIA
PATIENTS

Yanwar Arief, M. Psi., Psikolog
Rosyida

Universitas Islam Riau
In people with schizophrenia, there can be a decline in cognitive function and it is possible that
not only the decline but the cognitive function of the sufferer can be severely impaired. The
decline experienced is a major factor of significant employment, social, or economic
constraints or failures for people with schizophrenia, it is also an important treatment target.
The purpose of devotion is to provide brain gym to improve the cognitive abilities of
skziofrenia patients. The methods was given by giving brain gym with 16 schizophrenic
patients for 3 days by introducing finger synchronization movements. The results of the
service found that there was a change in cognitive ability improvement in schizophrenic
patients after being given brain gym. It is concluded that the application of brain gym to
improve the cognitive abilities of schizophrenic patients
Keywords: Brain gym, cognitive ability, schizophrenia

18

TRAPSEN Program: Terapeutik Seni For Psychological Well-Being of Elderly
Didik Widiantoro, M. Psi., Psikolog
Universitas Islam Riau

Purpose: UPT PSTW Khusnul Khotimah is one well-being.
Design: The project is accomplished based on experiment (one group); and quanlitative
data contributed by the subject.
Method: 9 participated in the projects. Researchers used observation and interview
methods to obtain information about the impact of the Art Therapeutic Program.
Findings: From the results of interview data with several participants, it was found that
the participants as a whole were very happy and helped in channeling their emotions and
feelings in the form of paintings. The observation results also showed that all participants
participated with high enthusiasm.
Significances: The above program is very possible to help the elderly in expressing
feelings, because almost all participants feel lonely away from family and relatives.
Keywords: Psychological Well-Being, Elderly

19

PSYCOEDUCATION FOR COMMUNITY: HOW RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF
STRESS IN THE WORK ENVIRONMENT
Rachmayati Eka Safitri, M. Psi., Psikolog
Universitas Islam Riau

Purpose: In daily life, every individual is never free from problems. Work problems are the
second source of stress after marriage. Stress is an unavoidable aspect of our lives. Daily events
caused by pressures such as household affairs, school children’s affairs, too many work
demands and deadlines for completing assignments at the office, organizational changes, career
problems and even air pollution are sources of stress. This talk show activity aims to provide
literacy and increase knowledge of both the State Civil Apparatus and Civil Servants so that
they can recognize the signs of stress in the work environment so that one can work on oneself
in an effort toprevent stress.
Design: This research design uses qualitative methods by providing psychoeducation to the
community about work stress.
Method: This talk show activity uses the lecture method and questions and answers guided by
the host from Jelita Riau Care Talks. The lecture was delivered based on the results of the
literature.
Findings: Based on feedback obtained from the talkshow participants, the participants had
insight and increased knowledge about the signs of stress and how to manage stress with simple
coping strategies.
Significances: There is an increase in knowledge and understanding of the State Civil
Apparatus (ASN) and Civil Servants (PNS) regarding the signs of stress in work environment
so that they are aware and khow that they are under stress and are able to use the right coping
skills.
Keywords: Work Stress

20

Identifying the Malay Adjectival Personality Factor Structure: A Psycho-lexical
Approach

Jusmawati Fauzaman
Noraini M. Noor
Maisarah M. Taib

*This research is partially funded by Malaysia Ministry of Higher Education’s Fundamental
Research Grant Scheme (FRGS15-214-0455)

This lexical-based study explores the Malay adjectival personality factor structure in two
studies. In Study 1, the structure of the Malay personality lexicon was investigated using self-
ratings (n=589) on a total set of 261 personality-descriptors. Personality-related descriptors
were extracted from a Malay dictionary via comprehensive sampling and subjected to
frequency of use ratings. The hierarchical emergence of factors from 1 to 8 was explored.
Substantive mode of factor content comparison was adopted. A Big-6 factor structure was
retrieved at the six-factor solution in the non-ipsatised, but not in ipsatised data. In Study 2
(n=802), the replicability and comparability of emic Malay personality structure in Study 1
were examined. The emic Malay adjective-based personality taxonomy, was then,
quantitatively compared with the etic Big-5 and Big-6 personality taxonomies through a joint
factor structure analysis. Results showed that a Big-6 factor structure emerged only in non-
ipsatised data, with similarity on emotionality factor of both Big-5 and Big-6 personality
models and slightly different extraversion factor. The other four factors, however, are not
reflective of openness, conscientiousness and agreeableness factors, nor does it reflect the Big-
6’s honesty-humility factor.
Keywords: Malay personality, adjectival personality descriptor, adjective lexicon, psycho-
lexical approach, personality taxonomy, indigenous personality and combined emic-etic

21

SOCIAL ISSUE AND PROBLEMS IN A COMMUNITY:
A CASE STUDY IN KG. KERDAS, GOMBAK, SELANGOR

Mohd Helmi Jusoh
Mazni Buyong

International Islamic University Malaysia

Purpose: Social issues and problems within a community especially among youth are
alarming and it is becoming more serious year by year. Some of these issues are brought about
by a number of contemporary influencing factors that can be found within the community,
while other issues have always been there yet have failed to be properly addressed until now.
This study will identify some of the key issues and problems faced by the community in Kg.
Kerdas, a small village just outskirt of Kuala Lumpur. The main aim of the study is to find out
what are the issues and problems that exist among the community in Kg. Kerdas. It is hope
that the study will be able to identify some of the root cause of the problems and will be able
to strategies the best way in handling and solving the issues and problems.

Design: A Public opinion survey were conducted among the residents of Kg. Kerdas. A total
of 380 respondents were obtained as samples from the estimated population of 3520 residents.
The samples were based on gender, education and social economic status (SES). Only
Malaysian citizen and permanent residents were selected as respondents.

Method: This survey was conducted by 52 students from two sections of Public Opinion class.
A face to face interview was conducted by the students from Public Opinion Class as
enumerators for three days. (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). The students were grouped into
five participants for each group. Each group were spread out within the village according to
the road number. Each group need to interview a minimum of 40 respondents.

Findings: The findings showed high cost of living is the most significant issues and due to
that the number of poverty is increasing in the village. Other problems are lack of facilities,
water disruption more often and drugs addiction among youth are increasing too. The
socioeconomic statuses of village communities showed a notable social trends . The findings
also indicated that the young people were less sociable due to internet used. They spend more
time with social media rather than to socialise.

22

Innovative Pedagogy in Applied Linguistics: Connecting Campus with Community

Ainul Azmin Md Zamin

International Islamic University Malaysia

Purpose: Higher education students engage with the community in a wide variety of ways,
ranging from providing community education to offering direct service. The interaction of
academic knowledge and disciplinary skills with practical experience is essential for learning.
Community settings provide more complicated and challenging environments than traditional
classrooms for students to apply and test their learning. These are the main premises that unite
the diverse pedagogical practises of instructors of English for Occupational Purposes. This
course provided students with the opportunity to learn how to effectively engage with the local
community, develop advocacy skills, and understand the dynamics of social change. The
overarching goal of this presentation is to share the experience of teaching an Applied
Linguistics course that successfully integrated the element of community engagement as part
of the assessment. As the students are given autonomy to choose their own themes for the
project, the instructor guides them in terms of the community they wish to help. From the
projects they carried out, a certain pattern of choices can be discerned from the titles. It reflected
the students’ preferences towards a particular type of community engagement, so instructors
can be better prepared to fine-tune the learning activities for the students in their course. This
is an important factor to consider for improvement in terms of the pedagogical aspect of the
course. The research is still ongoing.

Design: The projects are the final assignments tasked upon students in their course. As they
apply the theories into the projects, the students are given the hands-on opportunity to identify,
propose and execute their projects as a team.

Method: Document analysis was conducted on 60 project reports submitted by the English
for Occupational Purposes students over a period of three academic years. The step-by-step
qualitative analysis helped the researcher address the research question: what are the human
sciences students' preferred types of projects?

Findings: The findings indicated that the Human Science students preferred the direct service
community engagement projects, followed by community education and health related
campaigns. Other types were promoting environmental awareness, refugee related issues, and
animal compassion.

Significances: The students’ preferences indicated a sense of responsibility among the
students in responding to the needs of society, from caring for the elderly to feeding the
homeless. They were able to apply the knowledge and concepts from the course into practise
as they planned their initiatives by communicating with the appropriate authorities.

Keywords: Community engagement, Synergised academic activities, and students’
communication skills.

23

Community Service Program: The Effectiveness of Stress Management Training On
Reducing Stress, Depression And Anxiety Levels Among Senior Hight School Students.

Dr. Fikri. S.Psi., M. Psi., Psikolog

Universitas Islam Riau

Purpose: In this era of disruption, almost everyone in their life has experienced stress. If the
individual is unable to adapt himself to the demands or problems that arise, then the individual
will tend to experience stress. In general, Stress is a bodily reaction caused by the human mind
that arises when individuals experience pressure, sudden changes and threats that make a
person feel depressed. Adolescence is referred to as a period filled with conflict and storms that
cause many problems. Therefore, adolescents must be able to control themselves so that stress
and anxiety do not escalate and drag on. Even if mild anxiety is not handled, it will escalate
into panic and even depression. To overcome this, adolescents individually must be able to
apply therapy to themselves. These individual therapies include SELF and stress management.
The objective of this paper is to determine the effect of providing stress management training
to reduce stress levels in high school students in Taluk Kuantan.

Design: The research design used in this study was an experiment. The community service
project was carried out using an experimental method. The research design used was The One-
Group Pre test – Post test Design

Method: The subject of this project are 30 high school students who experience stress, anxiety
and do not understand how to manage stress. Data collection in this community service uses
the DASS (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale), before being given training the participants are
given a pre-test on the DASS Scale, after that students are given psychoeducation about stress
management and given SEFT therapy (Spiritual Emotional Freedom Technic) then finally the
post test is given to student.

Findings: The results of this study, it was found that by providing psychoeducation and SEFT
therapy to students, it can reduce the level of stress, depression and anxiety on students.

Significances: The above project The project above helps in recognizing stress and how to
manage students' emotions, decisions making and solving problems well and understanding
how therapy techniques manage their stress

Keywords: Community service, depression, stress, anxiety and SEFT

24

Building Community Awareness About Schizophrenia

Juliarni Siregar, M.Psi., Psikolog

Noor Rochman Hadjam

Amalia Rahmandani

Universitas Islam Riau

Purpose: The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia released primary health research
data in 2013 showing the prevalence of severe mental disorders in the Indonesian population
is 1.7 per mile, with the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) having a high prevalence at 2.7
per mile. Since 2004, the Sleman DIY Regency Government, in collaboration with the Faculty
of Psychology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has employed a clinical psychologist to
integrate mental health care into public health centers to minimize the high prevalence rate.
One public health center that provides mental health services is the Gamping 1 Health Center,
with a professional psychologist and psychiatric nurse. The Gamping 1 Public Health Center
and UGM clinical psychology master students have a program to increase public awareness of
mental disorders by mapping the data of patients with schizophrenia in the center's work area.
The collected data is used to establish programs to increase Gamping 1 Health Center public
awareness about severe mental disorders, including schizophrenia.

Design: This project was completed in three phases: 1) assessing the hamlet head in Balecatur
Village, clinical psychologists, physicians, psychiatric nurses, psychiatric cadres, and families
who care for people with schizophrenia-related mental disorders in Balecatur Village, 2)
conducting an analysis of the assessment results and preparing the intervention program, and
3) implementation of the intervention.

Method: The assessment methods used were: 1) interviewing hamlet heads in Balecatur
village, clinical psychologists, doctors, psychiatric nurses, psychiatric cadres, and families who
care for people with schizophrenia, 2) observing the Balecatur village environment, 3) giving
questionnaires to families who care for people with schizophrenia, and 4) document analysis.

Findings: The results of the assessment show that: 1) the number of people with severe mental
disorders in practically all hamlets in Balecatur Village is 45 out of 19,000 residents (2.37 per
mill), including 6 people whose whereabouts are unknown, 3 individuals who live alone and
care for themselves, and 1 individual who resides in a Christian Foundation, 2) due to financial
concerns and the idea that schizophrenia is caused by witchcraft, most families do not or
discontinue providing medical care; hence it is not deemed necessary to provide treatments, 3)
it is necessary to increase the contribution of hamlet heads, psychiatric cadres, psychiatric
nurses, and psychologists in the therapy provision. The outcome of the intervention
demonstrates: 1) there was an increased understanding of schizophrenia, where 10% of families
still believed mental disorders were caused by witchcraft, 0% believed mental disorders could
not be cured, 30% still felt confused about the steps to be taken for their family members'
recovery, 100% believe schizophrenic patients should be invited to socialize after medical
treatment, and 100% of participants agreed that all schizophrenia patients required medical
treatment, regardless of whether they posed a threat to themselves or others, 2) there has been
no change in knowledge regarding a number of issues, 20% remain convinced that
schizophrenic patients who have gotten treatment do not need to work, 10% believe that
schizophrenic patients do not require emotional support from their families, and 10% are
ashamed to have family members with schizophrenia.

25

Significances: This project has successfully mapped problems related to severe mental
disorders in Balecatur Village and increased family knowledge about schizophrenia. All phases
of assessment procedures and interventions can be implemented and developed following the
needs of the community and health facilities.
Keywords: Schizophrenia, psychological assessment in community, psychological
intervention in primary health care

26

EMPOWERING COMMUNITY LEADERS WITH MEDIATION SKILL:
A MODEL OF UNIVERSITY-COMMUNITY CAPACITY BUILDING PROJECT

Haslina Ibrahim

International Islamic University Malaysia

Purpose: This paper hopes to explore and analyse the meaning, importance and prospects of
mediation skill in the Malaysian pluralistic society. Mediation is an alternative dispute
resolution skill introduced to all community leaders in Malaysia. Until 2020 it is reported that
there are four hundred community mediators who helped to mediate community disputes. To
enable the imparting of the skill, a memorandum of agreement between IIUM and the
Department of Unity and Integration (currently a Ministry) was signed in 2018. IIUM has been
given the mandate to design modules and training on mediation skills for the community
mediators.
Design: The training is divided into theory and practice involving seventy-two contact hours.
Forty hours were allocated for hands on mediation training and simulation. At the end of the
training, assessment will be conducted on the community mediators. There will be simulation
of community disputes for the community mediators to practice their mediation skill. Those
who successfully mediate the disputes using the right protocols and techniques, will obtain a
mediation certificate IIUM. While those unsuccessful will have to redo the assessment.
Method: A total of 150 mediators have been trained by certified trainers consisting of IIUM
lecturers
Findings: Community mediators are in need of structured trainings on mediation skills,
ranging from basic, intermediate and advance. The basic training has managed to increase their
confidence level and negotiation skills in mitigating community disputes.
Significance: The collaboration between IIUM and the Department is an example of a
successful engagement between the university and the government agency in capacity building.
It increases the credibility of the Department in preparing competent community leaders and
signifies another milestone in the Malaysian peaceful co-existence initiative.
Keywords: mediation, co-existence, alternative dispute resolution, community mediator.

27

The Importance of Islamic Worldview in Handling Mental Health Problems: Reflection
of Abu Zayd al-Balkhi’s Sustenance of the Soul and its Relevance during the Time of
Pandemic
Amilah Awang Abd Rahman
International Islamic University Malaysia

Al-Balkhi is believed to have been the first to discuss about mental illness with its
classifications, symptom descriptions, predisposing factors, and the treatment modalities.
Interestingly, he also covers suggestions both the prevention and treatment after having the
problem. A number of researches have been dealt with from the psychological perspectives.
However, very limited number is done from religious perspective. This paper deals with his
view on the sound worldview which is vital in preventing problem of mental health as well as
in the therapy of regaining the healthy mental health. Suggestions by al-Balkhi include to
expect difficulty and turbulence in life, to reflect about the reality of man’s life and to think
positively at God’s plan. These suggestions are not only in line with the worldview of Islam
but its most central element. Islam teachings highlight that the role of man is vicegerent with
all responsibilities. Belief in qada’ and qadr really highlights that man to live in uncertainties.
Reliance to Allah is another basis which gives positive thinking its root and strengthens human
agency rather than being a scared person as what is normally perceived by certain school of
thought such as New atheism and secular approaches.

28

A SURVEY ON THE AWARENESS OF ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN ISSUES
AMONG THE PUBLIC IN GOMBAK SELANGOR
Mohamad Sabri Zakaria
International Islamic University Malaysia

The issue of illegitimate children is increasing year after year. The children born outside
wedlock have several implications in Islam in term of rights and responsibilities. In Malaysia,
each states including Selangor have their own Religious Department to regulate matters
pertaining to Muslims including the issue of illegitimate children. The Selangor Islamic Family
Enactment 2003 does not make specific provisions regarding illegitimate children. However
various fatwa on this issue have been issued by Selangor Mufti Office which had been gazetted
by the state authority. This paper will discuss the position of illegitimate children in terms of
rights and responsibilities according to various fiqhi mazhab and legal provisions in Selangor.
Next the paper will also conduct a survey among the public in Gombak, one of the districts in
Selangor to analyze their understanding on this issue particularly regarding right of nasab, right
of maintenance (nafaqah), right to inheritance and wali of nikah for illegitimate daughters. The
result of this survey is very important for the state authority in coming out with their plan to
upgrade public understanding and in the long run to overcome this issue.

29

Plastic Disposal Practice in Everyday Life: Understanding of Climate Change Concept
by the Community Members

Sohela Mustari

International Islamic University Malaysia

Purpose: Plastic pollution has a huge detrimental influence on the ecosystem by causing
pollution, water logging, flash floods, an increase in silt and draught, a decrease in water level,
and many other problems. Community’s Complex societal changes are needed to reverse this
pollution trend. Changes in people’s behaviour, more research into innovative strategies for
reducing plastic manufacturing and increasing plastic recycling, the adoption of ecologically
suitable substitutes, enhanced awareness-raising initiatives, and widespread information
dissemination are a few of these. As part of Action Research this research aims to observe the
community members’ behaviour in using and disposing plastic in their everyday life and to
relate their practice with their understanding of climate change.

Design: This is qualitative research. Two villages from Gombak areas named Kampumg Sg.
Chin Chin and Kampung Sg. Pusu were chosen purposively to fulfil the research objectives.

Method: 25 students from Research Methodology II course participated in the Fieldwork. By
using observation techniques, they have collected the required information.

Findings: It has been observed that in both villages there are some common practices by the
members. In both villages, villagers are found in using plastics in their day-to-day life, such as
in carrying their groceries, in drinking juice, in eating snacks, in dumping household garbage
etc. However, garbage disposal practice in general and plastic disposal practice in specific,
Kampung Sungai Pusu is better than the Kampung Sg. Chin Chin. There is a place to dispose
all the garbage, but field data shows that this is not enough for a big kampung like Sungai Chin
Chin. All the plastics and other garbage are found scattered outside the bin. Even though this
village is located beside a river, but the residents were found very unaware as plastics and other
garbage were dumbed beside the bank of the river, inside the bushes, and here and there
haphazardly. The drains were found full of plastics in both villages. In Kampung Sg. Pusu it
was found that nearby the school areas like the pathway, the drain, waiting areas were filthy
with plastic waste such as plastic cups, straws, and plastic wrappers. Unlike Kampung Sg. Chin
Chin, in Sungai Pusu we observed better garbage management. However, the number of
garbage bin outside SKSP was insufficient. In both villages water logging was found due to
plastic disposal haphazardly which may cause man made disasters and health hazards for them.

Significances: The above project enables students to apply the principles learnt in classroom
to its real use; and as part of action research, we have plan to arrange knowledge sharing
sessions with the community people by the students.

Keywords: Community engagement, Observation, Plastic Disposal, Water logging,
Awareness.

30

THE EFFORT OF INCREASING PASSION IN SOCIAL ENTRPRENEURSHIP FOR
YOUNG TEACHERS IN PEKANBARU THROUGH THE PSYCHOEDUCATION

Wina Diana Sari, S.Psi., M.B.A

Islamic University of Riau

Purpose: Education has become an expensive investment and part of the main needs for each
individual. The Basic education in Indonesia is started by the Elementary School (SD) to
Senior Highschool (SMA/SMK). However, in big cities, one of which is Pekanbaru, there are
a numerous number of children who do not get the proper basic education. It is deeply regretted
and we as a human being must be followed this up immediately. The government has provide
a various programs that not only to support the education in general, but also to prevent and
reduce the number of children dropping out of school. This is absolutely entirety not the
responsibility of the government, but it is part of the community, especially teachers. Teachers
are unsung heroes, but this sentence is not just a slogan, but something that must be grown in
the soul of all teachers, especially the young teachers. Therefore, it is necessary to have an
interest in building this country through education, namely by doing social entrepreneurship in
the field of education. Opening a business is considered not a convenient thing for everyone.
The school teachers should have sociopreneurship skills so that they can assist the government
in improving the quality of education in Indonesia, especially for underprivileged children or
students. The lack of social mobilizers in education among teachers has led to carry out this
service with the aim of: 1) digging deeper into the interest or passion of young teachers to
become sociopreneurs through interviews 2) providing psychological interventions in the form
of psychoeducation and follow-up consultations for young teachers so as to increase their
interest sociopreneurship within.

Design: The psychological assessment was carried out in August - September 2022 using
interview techniques with 30 respondents who have a teacher background, aged around 28 - 35
years from 4 high schools in Pekanbaru - Riau.

Method: The intervention provided was in the form of psychoeducation in an effort to increase
interest or passion in becoming a sociopreneur for young teachers in Pekanbaru. This
psychoeducation was carried out face-to-face in Bimbingan Terpadu 8 Pekanbaru which was
attended by around 30 people, including high school teachers from 4 high schools located in
Pekanbaru. The next session was followed by consultation with 12 respondents who were
considered to still need special guidance. This event took place on Saturday 8 October 2022
from noon 13.00 WIB to 18.00 WIB.

Findings: The interviews result of 30 respondents showed that all respondents did not
understand the meaning of sociopreneurship, all respondents had no interest in doing business
in terms of education, all respondents had insufficient motivation to become a sociopreneur.
The follow-up results of the interviews indicated that there were difficulties for teachers in
accessing technology and having difficulties in communicating with students. Pretest and
Posttest were conducted to see the respondents' interest in becoming a socipreneur. This

31

psychoeducation and consultation was considered quite effective, as can be seen from the
results of the pretest and posttest which showed an increase in knowledge and desire to become
an educational sociopreneur. In addition, this can be seen from the enthusiasm of the
respondents who were very open in discussions and games designed to get to know themselves
better so that the initial goal of this service was achieved.
Significances: This dedication project allows young teachers to think more creatively, actively
and definitely productively in their work in educating the nation's children with full
responsibility and sincerity so that they can help children who drop out of school to achieve
proper education, or even help students who are unable to support their education.
Keywords: Education, Social Entrepreneurship, and Teacher.

32

Engaging the Community in the Development of Islamic-Based Personality Measure:
Test Conceptualisation, Item Construction and Initial Validations
Shukran Abd Rahman

International Islamic University Malaysia

Purpose: The well-being of individuals and society could be nurtured through specific
activities and intervention programmes which could be informed by ideas on individuals’
characteristics, including their traits which are based on the community culture or belief system
in which the individuals live. In Islam, there are many fundamental principles which should be
nurtured for they could predict the manifestation of positive behaviours among people in the
community. Given there are many fundamental human characteristics which have not been
unleased, let alone measured, a set of psychological construct have been identified to be
conceptualised; and ultimately subjected to scale development process. The objective of this
paper is to describe a synergised academic activity that involves test development projects
undertaken by a group of students which involve the participation of the community of subject
matter experts in related areas.

Design: The project is accomplished based on qualitative information gathered from the
students who participated in the projects; and quantitative data contributed by the subject matter
experts.

Method: 23 students participated in the projects. They have engaged five groups of subject
matter experts when conducting content validation exercises for the tests they developed.

Findings: It has been found that the involvement of community of subject matter experts
required certain steps that entail proper processes to convince them in participating as panel of
experts to contribute to the development of psychological tests. It also required the involvement
of supervising academic to facilitate the completion of the project.

Significances: The above project enables students to apply the principles learnt in classroom
to its real use; and community members to be informed of certain domain of knowledge that
they could benefit from, especially in promoting the local knowledge.

Keywords: Community engagement, Synergised academic activities, and local knowledge,

33

Students’ societies and social media: Engaging university students in politics
Rohana Abdul Hamid

International Islamic University Malaysia

Purpose: Students’ societies are part of university structure. Higher learning institutions
education is an agent of political socialisation as it has the ability to expose students to political
issues and events outside classroom. Students’ societies in university function as spaces for
young people to cultivate interest in politics. They function as a space for students to interact
with one another, facilitating and mobilising students to take part in politics. Social media
gives wider opportunities to students to engage in political activities as it intersects with
students’ societies and university environment. As a democratic platform, social media also
will help young people to make themselves heard. This paper will highlight the role of
university as a site for politics that exist through students’ societies and social media.
Design: This is a qualitative study.
Method: The research is based on content analysis of students’ societies social media sites
and interviews of students’ societies leaders.
Findings: The findings highlight the potential of the social to engage students in political
activities from the normalisation and equalisation perspective.
Significances: The research will highlight the potential and challenges of social media as a
democratic platform. It will also identify the political themes and type of political activities
that are employed by students’ societies.
Keywords: Social media, students’ societies, equalisation, normalisation, democracy

34

Community Engagement: Perception, experience and motivation of academics

Zeti Azreen Ahmad

International Islamic University Malaysia

Purpose: Community engagement (CE) has been closed to heart since the early establishment
of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). At the outset the community
engagement was mainly in a form of community service or one of volunteerism activity. The
community engagement initiative has evolved over the years. In 2019, the university has
adopted a strategic goal of humanising education in its attempt to produce insan sejahtera or
holistic persons through transformative educational experience. Students assumed an active
role to generate and propagate knowledge through their involvement in managing real and
timely issues affecting communities within or outside university. This experience enables them
to co-create knowledge subsequently making a positive change to the affected stakeholders.
The synergised students’ class or activities with research and innovation has been put forth as
part of transformative learning endeavour. Unlike community service, community engagement
initiatives are expected to create a mutual and sustainable impact to both community and
learners. Likewise, academics who integrate community engagement element in their courses
would have the opportunity to bring real issue in their teaching and learning exercise, impart
their knowledge and skills to a wider stakeholder, acquire new knowledge from the engagement
and later extend it into their research and publication. Nevertheless, the synergised initiative is
yet to be embraced by many. This study aims to address the perception of academic towards a
synergised students’ class or activities linking to research and innovation. Besides, academics’
motivation to embed community engagement element in their courses and challenges in
pursuing community engagement projects are also sought.

Design: Semi structured interview has been used to gather data from academics who have
experienced in integrating community engagement element in their courses.

Method: Four academics participated in interviews that were conducted face to face. A
convenient sampling was used.

Findings: the preliminary findings revealed that academics incorporated community
engagement in their courses because they find it personally gratifying and they are able to make
an impact to the stakeholders (e.g. students and community). Among the challenges were to
sustain trust from community and resistance from colleagues and community in general.

Significances: The study provide insight on academic experience in incorporating community
engagement in their courses addressing on their motivation and challenges. It hopes to inspire
others to adopt similar initiative and provide insight to university management to understand
specific constraints experienced by academics in their attempt to embrace CE.

Keywords: Community engagement, academics, challenges, motivation, insan sejahtera.

35

Empowering Research Enthusiasm through Community Engagement Programme
among Final Year Project (FYP) Undergraduate Students

Rohaiza Rokis

International Islamic University Malaysia

Purpose: Research experiences in a classroom are distinguished from those involving
individualised participation in a research assignments/programmes. In many classroom
situations, undergraduate research experiences often engender enthusiasm in students. Yet,
research skills are one of the most important universities’ educational outcomes to be achieved.
This project emphasises a research mentoring guide between students and instructors in
completing academic courses requirements.

Design: This project sets in three programmes initiated by AHAS KIRKHS: Synergised
Academic and Student Activities; Community Engagement Programme and Gombak-Riau
Project. Embedding the much-needed activities involving academic, research and community
engagements, this project accepted the challenge by including the Final Year Project (FYP)
academic courses. The courses are SOCA 4994 (Final Year Project I) and SOCA 4995 (Final
Year Project II). FYP is a form of capstone learning experience where students are expected to
be able to synthesise the knowledge acquired in various subjects of their respective discipline,
together with the technical skills acquired from research methodology (quantitative and
qualitative) and/or statistics courses to independently run a research project in its entirety to
produce a new or novel piece of work. The choice of research work or project applicable for
this course is thus, decided to be of empirical or analytical and not merely conceptual in nature.
The project takes at least two semesters to complete. It has started since Semester II Session
2021-2022 and continues in Semester I Session 2022-2023 (*in progress). It consolidates nine
(9) individual research projects fixed into specific locality focus - Gombak and Riau.

Method: There are nine (9) students participated in the project. Each has different topic
coverages, thus applied distinct research techniques and methodologies. It required for
community engagements of their research localities – Gombak and Riau.

Findings: Research is challenging indeed. Added to efforts of carefully utilising social sciences
research principles, designs and methodologies learnt from the classroom, as well as
community engagement contents, are proven to be taxing, physically and mentally, for both
students and instructors. While FYP may not meant for all students, constricting three AHAS
KIRKHS programmes in the FYP complicates further. However, due to compelling
determination from both parties, the project is able to gather new empirical data about family
structure, community values and education from the Gombak and Riau communities. A
research student-instructor mentoring guide is very much needed. It emerges as an important
component of a successful research experience and a target for improvement in a life of
students. This project plans to publish within the scope of profiling the consequences of
urbanisation on family structure, community values, education and social problems for
wellbeing of the Gombak and Riau communities.

Significances: The project enables students and instructor to apply the research principles
learnt in classroom to its real use; and receive benefits from research and knowledge domain,
especially in promoting the local knowledge and community engagement. This project extends

36

further with deliverable outputs the forms of publishable materials, forum/seminar, poster and
slide presentation, and even a module on research student-instructor mentoring guide.
Keywords: Community engagement; Final Year Project (FYP); Synergised academic-research
activities, Research Enthusiasm

37

Epistemological Approach to exploit Allah’s Pronunciation for religious purposes in
Malaysia

Asem Shehadeh Ali
International Islamic University Malaysia

Umar Qurashi
Islamic University of Brussels - West Africa

Purpose: The word Allah has a sanctifying peculiarity in the three monotheistic religions. It is
the word that denotes the great creator, who is truly worshiped, and that all other gods are false.
From an epistemological approach, it is noted that the historical and linguistic study of the
word “God” in ancient religions and civilizations leads to a difference in the ancient use of the
word “Allah”, which was widely used and released in both heavenly and pagan religions, and
between the word “Allah”, which was not used in all religions and civilizations except for the
right of Allah Almighty. Some believe that the specificity of the word “Allah” is related to the
Arabic language and the Islamic religion because its uses are limited to Muslims only. This
view needs to be reviewed and clarified through the linguistic, historical, and religious
epistemological approach. The problem of this topic was: Clarifying the issue of translating the
word (Allah) in different religions among speakers of the same language, such as the Malaysian
language, which has ethnic and religious diversity.

Design: There is a possibility of solving this problem in the light of the epistemological
approach through several questions. This topic aims to clarify the importance of the role of
epistemology in the diversity of the connotations of the word “God”. Know how the word
“God” was mentioned in the languages of the three monotheistic religions. Realize how the
word “God” came before Islam in ancient and pre-Islamic civilizations. Illustrate the issue of
translation of the word “God” by other religions in the Malay language. Show the possibility
of solving the problem of translating the word “God” in other religions in the light of the
epistemological approach.

Findings: Ancient civilizations agreed to use the words (ʼilāh/God) and (‘a ‘aalihah/Gods) for
each of their deities. They singled out God Almighty with a specific word (Ēl) in Semitic
civilizations, such as: Canaanite, Akkadian, Hebrew, and Assyrian, which they distorted to
(An). As well as Arabic, this is specialized in the word “Allah” to denote the Great Creator.
The previous decision that prohibited Christians in Malaysia from using the word “Allah” on
the grounds that it is specific to Muslims was not based on the epistemology of the languages
and history of the three religions and its uses in them. Other than that, it violates the
constitution, which guarantees everyone to practice their religious rites. It is also against
Malaysian law, which respects the freedoms of all religious communities. The freedom for
Christians to use the word “Allah” to denote the Great Creator is a correct religious, linguistic,
and historical usage without any flaws. Moreover, the use of the word “Allah” in pagan
religions to denote false gods is religiously, linguistically, and historically forbidden. It is
specific to refer to “Allah” the Creator, the Mighty and Sublime, and the One who is truly
worshiped.

Significances: The importance of the issue is due to the specificity of the word Allah, which
has persisted since ancient civilizations until the present day. Considering this term is proper

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to Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, it is not applied to anyone else. This contrasts with the word
(God), which is used to refer to all other Gods and deities, whether the true God or other false
deities. The Holy Qur'an launched it on those deities. It is also mentioned in ancient and modern
civilizations and religions. Some believe that the specificity of the word (Allah) is related to
the Arabic language and the Islamic religion. Also, its uses are limited to Muslims only. This
view needs to be reviewed and clarified through the linguistic, historical, and religious
epistemological approach.
Keywords: Connotations of “God, monotheistic religions, Semitic languages, God before
Islam, God” into the Malay language.

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INTERNATIONAL WEBINAR ON THE ROLES OF UNIVERSITY IN RESPONDING TO
PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES IN THE COMMUNITY 2022 (ISRUPIC 2022)
15 DECEMBER 2022

“Synergising Academics and Local Community in Empowering Societal Change”

The Kulliyyah of AHAS IRKHS, IIUM, and Fakultas Psikologi, UIR have agreed to construct a
strategic plan to move forward out in carrying out the following projects in support of the shared
philosophy, mission, and objectives of IIUM and UIR, including the commitment to address
community issues:
1. On teaching and learning, there should be a sharing of experiences in managing the learning
instructions during and after the COVID-19 epidemic. Students need to realise and understand that the
human touch and interaction with their teachers are crucial to their success as they return to normalcy
in face-to-face teaching and learning. Identifying the best pedagogical tools is no longer an option;
rather, it is a powerful strategy in managing psychosocial issues among students at both the secondary
and tertiary levels.

2. Collaborations between IIUM and UIR students in academic activities should be carried out to
support the development of students' competencies. This includes planning academic events with a
high social impact. Empowering students in both universities should be the next stage of academic
activity, and this must permeate through the whole education system.

3. In terms of research, it is crucial to conceptualise and carry out collaborative studies on how to
manage psychosocial problems and mental health during and after a crisis. The right path should be
guided by the Islamic worldview in handling mental health problems. Some of the deliverables from
the collaborative research may take the form of a high-impact publication or a special issue in the
journals of both universities.

4. Special emphasis should be placed on projects that demonstrate the ability to build resilience
among community members. Children need to be better equipped psychologically to confront current
challenges, hence the need for better parenting and counselling skills. Students and faculty members
from IIUM and UIR will reciprocally participate in various collaborative community engagement
programmes being held in Riau, Indonesia and vice versa.

5. Academic leaders will formulate systems to exchange ideas about institutional management and
academic leadership, including how to manage psychological COVID-19 obstacles among various
communities in both IIUM and University of Riau.

6. On the sustainability of IIUM-UIR collaboration in University-Community Engagement activities,
the establishment of Centre of Excellence on the Role of University in Responding to Psychosocial
Issues in Community should be in place to expedite and facilitate programs of ISRUPIC.

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