Labuan Bulletin of International Business and Finance (LBIBF)

HOUSEHOLD DEBT AND FINANCIAL ACCESS: EVIDENCE FROM PANEL ANALYSIS

Hanif Qhuzairaa Mohd Asri — 2025-12-09

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of household debt in 46 countries throughout the period from 2015 to 2021. This study aims to understand the factors that affect household debt, focusing on the effects of economic indicators such as income levels, access to financial resources, and macroeconomic policies. This study using panel data analysis to examines the relationship between household debt and economic factors. The findings show a significant correlation between household debt and factors such as household income, financial access, interest rates and total reserves. This study will contribute to a better understanding of household debt in various forms of economy and offer valuable insights for policy makers and financial institutions. These findings are important to inform policies aimed at managing household debt levels, promoting financial access, and ensuring economic stability, especially in a rapidly changing global economic landscape.

DRIVING FACTORS AND PATHWAYS OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN CHINESE RETAIL ENTERPRISES：A LITERATURE REVIEW

Yang Xiaoling — 2025-12-09

In the context of the digital economy, enterprise digital transformation has become a key focus in both academic research and practical applications. However, existing studies remain fragmented, particularly lacking systematic research on the digital transformation of retail enterprises in China. Therefore, this study employs the "planning-review-analysis-integration-evaluation" framework and uses a systematic literature review to examine research on the drivers, practical effects, and empirical findings of digital transformation. The study aims to reveal the development trajectory, key research themes, and theoretical frontiers of digital transformation, construct an integrated framework, and provide clear guidance and valuable insights for future research.

THE KEY FACTORS OF CONSUMER PURCHASE INTENTION IN E-COMMERCE LIVE-STREAMING ENVIRONMENT: A SYSTEMATIC NARRATIVE REVIEW

JingJing Feng — 2025-12-09

The explosive growth of internet technology and social media has paved the way for e-commerce live-streaming. At the core of this trend are the live-streamers themselves: product experts who steer consumers toward the items that best fit their needs. This research investigates how streamer attributes influence consumer buying behavior. Leveraging the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, this study systematically reviewed 22 articles culled from the Scopus and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases to pinpoint the characteristics of streamers that sway consumer purchasing decisions. This research evaluated the theoretical frameworks, methodologies, determinants, and outcomes presented in the cited literature. The findings indicate that the streamer's attractive attributes (appearance, personality, voice), interactive attributes (entertainment, responsiveness, affinity, personalization, clarity), recommendation attributes (professionalism, credibility, innovation, consistency, responsibility), and additional attributes (popularity, empathy, cultural intelligence) all exert differing levels of favorable influence on customers' buying inclinations. These findings highlight the significance of streamer characteristics in consumer purchasing intentions. They provide e-commerce marketers and streamers with actionable suggestions for increasing consumer purchase intentions.

CHARTING THE EVOLUTION OF E-INVOICING RESEARCH: A GLOBAL BIBLIOMETRIC REVIEW OF PUBLICATIONS TRENDS

Farizan Abd Rahman — 2025-12-09

Electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) has emerged as a crucial component of digital transformation strategies across the public and private sectors. However, scholarly investigations into this domain remain fragmented. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to trace the global evolution of e-invoicing research, identify leading contributors, and uncover thematic patterns. Using a structured search of the Scopus database, 398 records were initially retrieved and subsequently refined to 375 documents through data cleaning and standardization. Analytical tools such as Scopus Analyzer and VOSviewer were employed to examine co-authorship networks, keyword co-occurrence, and citation dynamics. The findings reveal a notable rise in publication activity after 2015, with significant growth from 2021 to 2024. Moreover, China, Germany, Brazil, and the United States (US) lead in publication output, while Finland and the United Kingdom (UK) demonstrate high citation impact and collaborative strength. Prominent themes identified include digital invoicing systems, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), and blockchain technology, indicating a strong convergence between technological innovation and regulatory frameworks. The analysis also highlights key contributors to the field and the most influential studies, providing insights into the research community’s structure. Despite the increasing volume of publications, the results indicate limited international collaboration and a concentration of studies within specific thematic clusters. This bibliometric review contributes to understanding how e-invoicing research has developed over time and offers a foundation for future investigations into its adoption, implementation, and governance. In addition, the study underscores the need for broader interdisciplinary research to enhance the maturity and practical relevance of the field.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TQM PRACTICES AND OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN SEREMBAN’S MANUFACTURING COMPANIES

Hee Yong Kang — 2025-12-09

Malaysia’s manufacturing sector prioritizes advanced practices, including high-tech industries and foreign investment. Total Quality Management (TQM), which involves all employees’ commitment in continuous improvement, is essential for enhancing operational performance. However, many Seremban manufacturers struggle to achieve significant improvements. This study examines TQM practices impact on operational performance among Seremban’s manufacturing companies. A stratified sample of at least 269 firms was selected from 865, with 400 questionnaires distributed to managerial representatives. Data analysis using SPSS revealed a moderate to high adoption of TQM practices, with a strong positive correlation between TQM practices and operational performance. Leadership, training, and strategic quality planning emerged as key drivers of efficiency, improving productivity and streamlining operations. These findings highlight the importance of a structured TQM practices to enhance manufacturing performance. To remain competitive, companies should prioritize strong leadership, continuous employee development, and well-structured quality initiatives. Effective TQM practices can drive long-term operational improvements, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a leader in advanced manufacturing.

A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF ISLAMIC INHERITANCE INSTRUMENTS: WASIYYAH, HIBAH AND FARAID

Nor Suhaira Jamil — 2025-12-09

This bibliometric study examines the academic landscape related to Islamic inheritance instruments—wasiyyah, hibah, and faraid—which play a key role in estate distribution under Islamic law. Although these instruments are vital for ensuring justice and religious compliance, scholarly attention remains fragmented across disciplines and regions. The study aims to explore publication trends, research themes, key contributors, and collaboration patterns. The data was retrieved from the Scopus database using a comprehensive search query incorporating a range of synonyms and related terms. After refining the data using OpenRefine and analyzing it with VOSviewer, a total of 809 relevant documents were identified. The analysis shows a steady increase in publications over the past decade, particularly from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the United States. Common keywords such as “inheritance,” “Islamic law,” “gender,” and “human rights” highlight the interdisciplinary nature of the topic. Co-authorship networks reveal moderate international collaboration, especially within Southeast Asia and the Middle East. While faraid continues to dominate scholarly focus, wasiyyah and hibah are gaining interest, especially in contexts involving gender and estate planning. The study finds that although research on these instruments is growing, there are still gaps in integrating legal, financial, and gender-based perspectives. This research provides a foundational overview of the field and serves as a useful reference for academics and policymakers concerned with Islamic inheritance matters.

HOUSE MONEY EFFECT AND SNAKE BITE EFFECT ON CHOICE OF UNIT TRUST FUND: A MIXED-METHOD STUDY

Tan Boon Pin — 2025-12-11

This mixed-method study investigates the behavioural factors influencing retail investors' choice of unit trust funds in Malaysia, focusing on the Snake Bite Effect (past investment losses) and the House Money Effect (past investment successes). Using Prospect Theory as a framework, the study explores how past experiences with gains and losses shape investors' risk attitudes. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation, revealing that the House Money Effect significantly influences fund choice, while the Snake Bite Effect does not. Qualitative insights, gathered through thematic analysis, reinforced these findings, highlighting that past successes boost confidence and risk-taking, whereas losses lead to cautious decision-making. By employing a triangulation design, this study offers a comprehensive understanding of investors' behaviour, bridging quantitative trends with qualitative depth. The findings have practical implications for investment management and future research into behavioural finance.

BRIDGING GAPS IN HALAL CERTIFICATION: A PRISMA-BASED ANALYSIS OF SUPPLY CHAIN PRACTICES IN FOOD AND TOURISM INDUSTRY

Sharifah Azwani Syed Hamzah — 2025-12-11

This research highlights the substantial of the Halal Food Supply Chain (HFSC) in luring Muslim travelers, boosting traveler experiences, and building loyalty by examining how it affects the tourism and food industries. Due to standardized certification procedures and standards, the hospitality industry has difficulty maintaining an HFSC. This causes uncertainty and inconsistent purchasing practices. The aim of this article is to perform a systematic review of the HFSC within the hospitality industry, examining its various components, challenges, and opportunities. The study aims to examine gaps in the existing research and recommend upcoming research guidance to increase the efficiency as well as sustainability of the HFSC. The concern includes quality control, logistical challenges, and technological advancements. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method was employed in this paper to analyze the main data using a few keywords, including "halal food supply chain, halal assurance, and tourism industry”. The criteria for inclusion were English-language journal articles released from 2021 to 2023, focusing on research conducted within Malaysia. Articles that were non-journal types, not in English, or published before 2021 were excluded. From an initial set of 349 papers, 28 articles were selected after a thorough screening and eligibility check based on relevance to the research objectives. We discovered n = 28 based on in-depth searches in Scopus as well as the Web of Science (WoS). The review also draws attention to methodological flaws in the body of literature, such as the absence of longitudinal studies on destination competitiveness and sustainability and standardized frameworks for evaluating the effects of HFSCs. The findings reveal significant challenges, such as fragmented certification standards and logistical complexities, and highlight the need for standardized halal certification processes, technological advancements, and better risk management strategies to improve the HFSC. According to the review's findings, solving these problems is essential for maximizing the efficiency of the HFSC and encouraging long-term development.

PRODUCTIVITY OF ISLAMIC BANKING SYSTEMS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

RIBED VIANNECA W. JUBILEE — 2025-12-11

As a result of the dramatic changes brought about by the linked world's financial environment, Islamic banking systems in the Middle East have been greatly affected. This extensive research study examines the complex connection between globalization and the productivity of Islamic financial institutions in a number of Middle Eastern nations. Islamic banks in the Middle East have faced new problems and possibilities brought about by globalization, which is defined by increased cross-border exchanges and market integration. It presents opportunities for new technical developments and broader access to markets, but it also brings new regulatory hurdles and intensified rivalry. Keeping up with the ever-changing global financial landscape requires Islamic banking institutions to deftly maneuver through these dynamics. Islamic banks in the area are impacted by the forces of globalization, such as trade liberalization, financial integration, and technology improvements. This research draws on a combination of empirical evidence and theoretical frameworks to explain how these factors impact their operating environment. Islamic financial institutions are seeing increases in productivity as a result of technological developments like digital banking solutions and fintech technologies, which improve operational productivity and the client experience.

CORPORATE TAXPAYER IN THE FACE OF ECONOMIC SHIFT: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF EMERGING ISSUES AND THEORETICAL GAPS

Susan Sapidin — 2025-12-11

Corporate tax compliance has become increasingly crucial amid global economic shifts, particularly in light of growing scrutiny over tax avoidance, evolving policy reforms, and digital transformation. Despite its significance, the existing literature on corporate tax remains fragmented and undersynthesized. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 1,241 Scopus-indexed publications to map the intellectual structure, emerging themes, and theoretical development in the field. A three-stage search strategy was employed, including phase-based filtering (pre-2020 and post-2020) and targeted retrieval of theory-oriented articles. Tools such as VOSviewer and OpenRefine were utilized for network visualization and data cleaning, while manual content classification provided support for thematic and theoretical mapping. The findings reveal a surge in research after 2020, driven by regulatory reforms such as BEPS 2.0 and the increased importance of ESG and governance factors. Tax avoidance, corporate governance, and digital finance emerged as dominant themes, whereas compliance as a standalone concept remains comparatively underrepresented. Theoretical analysis reveals a heavy reliance on agency theory, with limited integration of behavioral, institutional, and stakeholder perspectives. This study contributes to the field by identifying gaps and offering direction for future research in a globally disrupted tax environment.

MAPPING THE RESEARCH LANDSCAPE OF ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOUR: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

Nurul Asyikin Deraman — 2025-12-15

This study explores the research trend of Organizational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB) through a bibliometric lens, offering a comprehensive overview of the field’s scholarly development. OCB, recognized as the voluntary and discretionary behaviours that support organizational functioning, has garnered increasing attention from academics and practitioners alike. Despite the vast growth in literature, a consolidated analysis mapping the intellectual structure and research evolution of OCB is lacking. To address this gap, we conducted a bibliometric analysis using data extracted from the Scopus database, employing three main keywords: "organizational," "citizenship," and "Behaviour." A total of 905 relevant documents were identified and refined using OpenRefine for data cleaning, while analytical visualization was carried out using Scopus Analyzer and VOSviewer software. The results reveal a steady increase in OCB publications, particularly from 2015 to 2024, with a notable surge in 2024. The United States emerged as the most influential contributor in terms of publications and citations, followed by China, Malaysia, and Australia. Key themes identified include leadership styles, employee engagement, job satisfaction, and sustainability, indicating interdisciplinary linkages and evolving research focuses. Influential authors such as Podsakoff and Organ continue to shape the discourse, as reflected in citation analysis. Keyword co-occurrence maps highlight emerging trends such as green OCB and workplace spirituality. The findings provide valuable insights into the developmental trajectory, influential contributors, thematic concentrations, and collaborative networks in OCB research. This study not only enhances understanding of the intellectual landscape of OCB but also guides future researchers in identifying gaps and new directions in this vibrant domain.

FROM SILVER SCREEN TO STRATEGY: A SWOT STUDY OF MALAYSIA’S CINEMA THEATRE INDUSTRY

Anath Rau Krishnan — 2025-12-17

The Malaysian cinema theatre industry plays a vital role in the nation’s cultural, social, and economic development. However, it faces significant challenges, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing dominance of digital streaming platforms. This study aims to evaluate the current strategic landscape of the industry using a structured SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis. Data were collected through a purposive sampling of 12 experienced cinema professionals, and insights were gathered via a structured online questionnaire. The analysis identified nine key strengths, five weaknesses, six opportunities, and eleven threats shaping the industry’s trajectory. The findings provide a foundation for strategic planning using the TOWS matrix, enabling cinema operators to transform SWOT insights into actionable strategies.