Community and Social Development Journal

Education for Sustainable Development in Higher Education in Southeast Asian Countries: A Systematic Literature Review

2026-08-26T10:21:02+07:00

This study is a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) that examines the state of Sustainability in Higher Education (SHE) research across Southeast Asia. Guided by the PRISMA framework, the review systematically analyzed peer-reviewed articles published between 2022 and 2026 retrieved from the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) database. From an initial pool of 6,120 articles, 69 studies met the inclusion criteria, drawn from five countries: Indonesia (n=21), Thailand (n=17), Malaysia (n=12), Vietnam (n=10), and the Philippines (n=9). The study was guided by three research questions addressing the characteristics, dominant themes, and educational development contributions of SHE in the region. Thematic analysis identified five dominant themes: Digital Transformation, Pedagogical Innovation, Sustainability Values and Character Development, SDGs Integration, and Educational Development Research Trends. Digital Transformation emerged as the most pervasive theme, present across all five countries and encompassing AI adoption, blended learning, Learning Management Systems (LMS), and MOOCs. The reviewed studies report potential contributions of SHE at three interconnected levels: individually, through practices associated with critical thinking, ethical awareness, and resilience among students and educators; institutionally, through curriculum reform, governance improvement, and green campus initiatives; and systemically, through their relevance to national educational policies and Southeast Asia's emerging role as a contributor to global sustainability discourse. A recurring pattern across the reviewed literature is that implementation responsive to local cultural, social, and historical contexts is more frequently associated with positive outcomes, suggesting a distinctive characteristic of the Southeast Asian approach. These findings carry potential implications for communities and societies across the region, as the reviewed studies suggest that universities embedding sustainability principles may better prepare graduates to address social, environmental, and economic challenges.

Consumer Behavior, Marketing, and Supply Chains of Fermented Foods and Health Supplements in Southeast Asia and India

2026-08-26T12:08:53+07:00

Fermented foods and health supplements are deeply embedded in the dietary traditions of Southeast Asia and India and are increasingly positioned within expanding functional food and preventive health markets. This narrative review aimed to synthesize evidence on four interrelated domains: consumer behavior, marketing dynamics, supply-chain systems, and regulatory and certification issues associated with fermented foods and health supplements in these regions. Peer-reviewed literature was searched primarily through Scopus and Web of Science, with supplementary searches in ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Emerald Insight, and Taylor & Francis Online, with no year restriction. Studies were screened for relevance to fermented foods and/or health supplements in Southeast Asia and India and were synthesized using thematic and interpretative analysis. The review found that health consciousness, perceived efficacy and safety, cultural familiarity, affordability, physician recommendations, and product credibility are major determinants of consumer acceptance and purchase intention. Digital marketing, e-commerce, social media engagement, influencer communication, and branding increasingly shape market access and consumer trust, particularly among younger and urban populations. Supply-chain development is constrained by limited cold-chain infrastructure, inconsistent standardization, dispersed sourcing, and variable quality control, whereas transparency, traceability, digital logistics, and omnichannel coordination can enhance efficiency and market responsiveness. Regulatory inconsistencies and differences in certification and labeling requirements remain important barriers to consumer confidence and cross-border market expansion. Conceptually, the review proposes a reciprocal ecosystem model in which consumer trust functions as a cross-cutting mechanism linking perceived health value, marketing credibility, certification, product quality, and supply-chain transparency, while regulatory, cultural, and technological factors condition these relationships. Greater regulatory harmonization, scientific validation of health claims, improved supply-chain infrastructure, and comparative cross-country research are recommended to support sustainable market growth and strengthen benefits for consumers, local producers, and communities.

Accessibility of Entitled Discount Privileges of Persons with Disabilities in Panabo City, Philippines: An Explanatory Sequential Analysis

2026-08-26T12:26:17+07:00

The Magna Carta for Persons with Disability, or Republic Act No. 7277, aims to uphold the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities, ensuring protection, social fairness, and equal treatment against discrimination. This study examined the utilization of persons with disabilities' discount privilege in Panabo City, Philippines, to determine the extent of accessibility and the challenges encountered in implementing the law. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed to integrate quantitative and qualitative findings. A total of 150 respondents were recruited for the quantitative phase via a self-administered questionnaire, and five were selected for the qualitative phase via a semi-structured interview guide. Findings revealed low to moderate utilization of discount privileges across the following categories: establishments, medical services, drugstores and pharmacies, transportation, and basic and prime commodities. It was also found that environmental constraints, procedural, and compliance challenges exist. Hence, there is a gap between the law and implementation mechanisms. Additionally, it is recommended to focus on adopting policies grounded in the practical application and the timely need.

Attitude and Utilization of Generative AI as a Learning Tool among Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers

2026-08-27T11:17:51+07:00

This study examined the attitudes and utilization of generative artificial intelligence (AI) as a learning tool among pre-service mathematics teachers. Employing a descriptive-correlational research design, data were collected from 71 respondents through a structured survey instrument to determine their perceptions of generative AI and the frequency of its use in learning mathematics. Findings revealed that respondents demonstrated a moderately positive attitude toward generative AI across cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions. In terms of utilization, participants commonly used generative AI tools for step-by-step explanations, clarification of mathematical concepts, and assistance in solving mathematical problems. However, integration of these tools into regular study routines remained limited. Correlation analysis showed a significant moderate positive relationship between attitudes and frequency of use, indicating that more favorable perceptions are associated with higher levels of engagement with generative AI in academic tasks. Respondents also perceived the curriculum as moderately supportive in developing competencies for effective AI utilization, particularly in enhancing problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and conceptual understanding. Nevertheless, some hesitation was noted in encouraging peer use, reflecting concerns about appropriate and responsible application. In general, the study highlights the need for structured integration of generative AI in mathematics education. It is recommended that teacher education institutions provide targeted training, clear guidelines, and pedagogical strategies to strengthen technological competence, critical thinking, and ethical use of AI. Future research may further examine its long-term effects on learning outcomes and professional readiness.