The impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the rapid advances in science and technology have created the concept of cloud technology, which effectively supports the developments of Internet of Things (IoT), automation, and robotics. One of the greatest technological changes affecting the accountancy profession is cloud accounting, which helps to reduce infrastructure support costs, improve the accessibility of accounting, save time, and provide larger storage compared to traditional accounting. These changes warrant a new level of preparedness, investment, and adaptation for accounting firms. The aim of this research is to understand the cloud technology service offered by audit firms. In achieving the research objectives, this study conducted interviews to obtain insights into the issues affecting the adoption and use of cloud accounting technology. Consequently, the overview of cloud technology offered by audit firms will enable the study to support the change caused by technological developments and guide the accounting profession in implementing the cloud technology effectively.

Orang Kurang Upaya (OKU) merupakan individu yang mempunyai ketidakupayaan jangka masa panjang dari segi fizikal, mental, intelektual atau deria. Apabila OKU berinteraksi dengan pelbagai halangan, boleh menyekat penyertaan penuh dan berkesan mereka dalam masyarakat. Cabaran dan tekanan hidup sebagai OKU adalah sangat tinggi terutamanya bagi individu yang dilahirkan sempurna. Perkaitan OKU dengan kesusahan dan kemiskinan sangat rapat kerana ketidakupayaan mereka untuk mengurus diri, menjalankan perniagaan atau mencari pekerjaan bagi memperoleh pendapatan. Kecekalan dan kekuatan untuk bangkit semula oleh seseorang individu yang dilanda musibah atau bencana menunjukkan ciri-ciri seseorang yang mempunyai resiliensi yang tinggi. Kajian ini mengaplikasikan Model Resiliensi yang boleh digunakan sebagai garis panduan bagi membantu meningkatkan resiliensi dalam kalangan usahawan OKU. Dapatan kajian memfokuskan terdapat faktor pelindung luaran (sokongan sosial, intervensi psikologi, kemudahan awam dan sumber inspirasi) dan faktor pelindung dalaman (keagamaan, motivasi belajar, kesedaran sokongan komuniti dan identiti kendiri) yang mempengaruhi tahap resiliensi usahawan OKU. Oleh yang demikian, kajian ini dipercayai dapat membantu usahawan OKU sendiri terutamanya ke arah perniagaan yang lestari, manakala bagi pihak berwajib yang terlibat seperti Jabatan Kebajian Masyarakat (JKM) dan Pusat Zakat untuk meningkatkan peranan mereka dalam memantapkan lagi ekosistem mesra OKU. Kajian empirikal di masa depan mampu memantapkan lagi model resiliensi yang dicadangkan dalam kajian ini.

Purpose of the study: The first objective of this research is to evaluate the overall situation of business excellence (BE) in Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia. The second objective is to assess the factors influencing business excellence among halal industry organizations in those two countries. The significance of this study is to identify the challenges faced by SMEs in achieving continuous improvement and performance excellence. Methodology: The population of this study is organizations providing halal products and services in Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia. A total of 100 questionnaires inquiring the seven criteria of BE have been distributed to SME owners, regardless of their positions in the industry. Based on the responses received by the researchers, only 25 organizations in Brunei Darussalam and 41 in Malaysia offer a variety of products and services in the market. The collected data were analysed using situation analysis and multiple regressions to accomplish the research objectives. Main Findings: The research found that two companies were in the Intermediate Stage of Good Practice Achiever. However, both countries are still a long way from achieving BE, and even a longer way from reaching a mature stage. The research also found that BE practice was more prevalent in the halal industry of Malaysia than that in Brunei Darussalam. In Malaysia, ‘process’ had a positive and significant effect on competitive advantage, while Brunei Darussalam's strengths came from ‘information’ and ‘people’. Novelty of the study: This paper highlights the strengths of Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia in promoting BE in the halal industry. Through the measures, business excellence could potentially create greater added value and impact. The challenges are to increase the business capacity with significant collaboration between agencies, industries and universities in both countries.

Purpose of the study: The first objective of this research is to evaluate the overall situation of business excellence (BE) in Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia. The second objective is to assess the factors influencing business excellence among halal industry organizations in those two countries. The significance of this study is to identify the challenges faced by SMEs in achieving continuous improvement and performance excellence. Methodology: The population of this study is organizations providing halal products and services in Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia. A total of 100 questionnaires inquiring the seven criteria of BE have been distributed to SME owners, regardless of their positions in the industry. Based on the responses received by the researchers, only 25 organizations in Brunei Darussalam and 41 in Malaysia offer a variety of products and services in the market. The collected data were analysed using situation analysis and multiple regressions to accomplish the research objectives. Main Findings: The research found that two companies were in the Intermediate Stage of Good Practice Achiever. However, both countries are still a long way from achieving BE, and even a longer way from reaching a mature stage. The research also found that BE practice was more prevalent in the halal industry of Malaysia than that in Brunei Darussalam. In Malaysia, ‘process’ had a positive and significant effect on competitive advantage, while Brunei Darussalam's strengths came from ‘information’ and ‘people’. Novelty of the study: This paper highlights the strengths of Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia in promoting BE in the halal industry. Through the measures, business excellence could potentially create greater added value and impact. The in both countries.

This chapter examines the relationship between corporate governance practices and firm performance. The characteristics of the board of Shari'ah-compliant companies in consumer products counter of Bursa Malaysia were examined against the firm's performance using data from 77 companies from 2014 to 2016. Based on the result of multiple regression; board size, Muslim chairman, and Muslim director have a weak positive correlation with the performance of the firms. However, directors with Shari'ah background seem to have a negative correlation with the performance of the firms. The findings of the chapter would be very useful to the regulators to improve the Malaysian Code of Corporate Governance (MCCG). The findings also help to fill the gap on scarce literature that study the relationship between the corporate governance practices involving Muslim characteristics and performance.

This paper discusses the factors that motivate Muslims to become entrepreneurs in various states throughout Malaysia. In 2009, a semi-structured interview of 150 Muslim entrepreneurs who are involved in a wide range of business activities was done throughout the various states in Malaysia. Grounded theory methodology was applied to identified the possible reasons behind their decision to become an entrepreneur. The findings suggested that passion and interest in managing own business greatly explain the motivation for people to be involved in entrepreneurship. The passion guided them to overcome obstacles and challenges arising from competitions and ensuring sustainability of the business. The second reason wasJinancia1 consideration or income generation from the business as this will be eventually used to support their families and improve their condition of life. The third reason was the independence and freedom that self-employment provides as compared to being employed in the private or public sector. Other notable reason was their family background since many of the entrepreneurs came from families that own businesses. The results of this study calls for the academia to develop teaching methods and conduct students ' activities that helps to fosters students' interest and passion in the field of entrepreneurship. Future research in this area might be an exploration on the differing attributes such work ethics, work culture, decision making behaviour of Muslim and non-Muslim entrepreneurs.

The transfer of information from one single device to another has been more secure in recent years through to the development of quantum communication technology (QCT) in a variety of technological uses. Preparing for this new, emerging sector is important since information communication technology (ICT) in the future will certainly depend on QCT, which is built on quantum physics laws to secure the transfer of information. Future quantum technology will not only optimize computers and the internet but also change the way we communicate. This study discusses the importance and impact of QCT in the context of national security, framework, and policy. Furthermore, this paper also discusses the latest research trends of QCT in several countries including the United States, Canada, and China that Malaysia can learn from. In addition to that, this paper traces the development of QCT policy in other countries along with the existing development of security policy and framework in Malaysia. Finally, this paper discusses the importance of QCT with recommendations.

The study aimed to identify the impact of Corporate Sustainability Performance on Corporate Performance. and presenting the reviews of the literature on the Corporate Sustainability Performance and analyses the three factors that will influence the Corporate Performance. As Corporate Sustainability Performance becomes increasingly more important to Corporates, the present paper seeks to better understand the role of �Corporate Sustainability Performance� and its elements (-Corporate Social Performance (CSP) Corporate Environmental Performance (CENP) Corporate Economic Performance (CECP)) on corporate performance. The conclusion that was drawn is that, Corporate Sustainability Performance has a positive effect on the Corporate Performance.

This paper aims to evaluate the extent and quality of disclosure of annual report and to investigate in-depth explanation on the obtained evaluation. Specifically, semi-structured interviews are conducted to address the reasons/constraints of such disclosure/non-disclosure and for not preparing an annual report. This study found that there are external and internal problems in preparing annual reports; where it was inferred that the internal problems are more serious. The former consists of lack of enforcement and reporting guidelines, whereas the latter includes attitudes of top management, lack of staff, difficulties in preparing annual reports and transformation of SIRC organisations. However, such a lack of enforcement is the main reason for the inconsistency of the annual report disclosure of some SIRC and its total absence from others. This was highlighted by majority of the interviewees. Despite of those problems, most of the SIRC’s accountants claim that they are becoming more active in issuing annual reports. It seems advantageous to address those issues and challenges and SIRC should consider producing a comprehensive annual report for the discharge of their accountability and thus, encourage more funding. They should be more transparent to enhance accessibility, concerning the extent and quality of the disclosure.Consequently, this study was able to make empirical contributions to the literature, and particularly to the practice and knowledge of this type of institutional accounting.

A good report should satisfy the expectations of the users based on their need of information. The present study views the users as a wide range of stakeholder groups as the concerned under the banner of public accountability, in which it explicates the right of the public to information about public sector organisations in discharging their accountability. Due to this, public managers are accountable to provide satisfactory information to the public for their actions and inactions to prevent any sanctions. SIRCs are not exempt. This study aims to identify the stakeholders’ expectations of information disclosure from the SIRCs annual reports by conducting an online questionnaire survey. Such annual reports consist of financial and non-financial information, the fact that the annual report is the only single document that can provide information comprehensively about the reporting entity as that commonly practiced among the companies. The findings reveal that both financial and non-financial information disclosure are important. External stakeholders expected more information from the SIRCs’ annual reports than SIRCs themselves. However, on average there is no significant difference in the responses of the disclosure items between internal and external stakeholders. But, there is significant difference across the six sub-stakeholder groups. Strategic information is the only information category significantly different. Nevertheless, comparing means for each of the disclosure item in every category of information, it infers several significant differences in their information expectations. As such, this study can be an avenue for future development of reporting framework to fairly satisfy the expectations of multiple stakeholders specifically for SIRCs in Malaysia yet it might be useful also for other not-for-profit (NPO), charities, religious bodies and public sectors in other countries.

This paper aims to identify factors that influence the expectations of a wide range of stakeholders on the information disclosure in the Malaysian State Islamic Religious Councils (SIRC) annual reports, employing semi-structured interviews. The majority of interviewees perceived accounting standards as the main factor contributing to their expectations and further influenced the reporting practices among accountants in SIRC. Others are state fatwa (Islamic rulings), audit expectations, and individual perceptions.The result of the interviews revealed that on the top of accounting standards and government guidelines on the reporting for all government agencies, SIRC should take into account their greater accountability, which should be reflected in their reporting practices. Therefore, Islamic accountability through fatwa, audit expectations, and public demands could be considered. Such awareness is important in SIRC, to differentiate them from other government agencies. The existence of governance is similar to the board of members in a company, in SIRC through the fatwa committee. Therefore, this study suggests that the extent and quality of disclosure depends on the demand from the regulators, auditors, and funders. The findings suggest that SIRC should have an incentive to provide more information to satisfy various stakeholders’ needs. Future studies can be carried out to suggest a set of disclosure items that should be disclosed in the SIRC annual reports in order to increase the level of disclosure, discharging their accountability. KEYWORDS disclosure, Islamic finance, accountability, State Islamic Religious Councils

It is undeniable fact that waqf becomes as one of tools used in order to alleviate inequality among people especially Muslim community. Basically, waqf fund is raised from the public and managed by mutawalli under waqf institution. As the intermediate party between waqif and beneficiaries, waqf institution is accountable for the management of waqf funds and need to disclose sufficient information pertaining to waqf fund itself. Good disclosure practices by waqf institution should cover both financial and non-financial information for all related waqf activities, programs and projects conducted. This includes such as corporate information, strategic information, financial performance information, financial statement information and non-financial performance information. To examine such disclosure practices, intensive content analysis was employed on waqf reporting information which is waqf annual report from three selected awqaf institutions namely, Perbadanan Wakaf Selangor (PWS), Pusat Wakaf MAIWP Sdn Bhd (PWM) and Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS). The results revealed that financial statement information was the highest disclosure practice by selected awqaf institutions when it scores 100% (385 out of 385 items), followed closely by strategic information 68.9% (62 out of 90 items), financial performance information 66.7% (80 out of 120 items), corporate information 61.7% (74 out of 120 items) and finally by non-financial performance information 37.5% (45 out of 120 items). Besides, several interesting and advanced disclosure practice by MUIS also highlighted and discussed as a benchmark for other awqaf institutions to disclose their waqf activities, programs and projects in the future.

This paper aims to identify whether Malaysian State Islamic Religious Councils (SIRC) financial characteristics have a significant impact on the accountability of Malaysian State Islamic Religious Councils (SIRC). A content analysis approach was used to examine the extent and quality of disclosure in the annual reports of SIRC, indicating accountability of SIRCs. This paper used the self-developed disclosure index that applies specifically for SIRC. Multiple regression was used to examine the financial determinants of the extent and quality of disclosure. The result of the regression models revealed that the extent and quality of SIRC disclosure is influenced by organisational characteristic, namely size. This study suggests that disclosure in the annual report, in particular the non-financial performance, increases with the amount of zakat collection, thereby demonstrating SIRC's responsibility. Next, the control variable of accessibility is found to be significantly related to financial statements. Obliged to produce financial statements, SIRC are more likely to disclose more information in the financial statements. This research finding has important implications for regulators, policymakers and top officials in SIRC, by monitoring the quality of disclosure, supporting the notion of public accountability, which appreciates the public's right to get inform about SIRC. Despite the voluntary disclosure of a non-financial report, SIRC should consider producing a comprehensive annual report for the discharge of their accountability and thus, encourage more funding. They should be more transparent to enhance accessibility, concerning the extent and quality of the disclosure.

This paper analyses and measures the performance of two Islamic Banks (Bank Islam and Bank Muamalat) as they deemed to be the pioneer and spearhead of the Islamic banking system in Malaysia. Both banks are then benchmarked against the conventional banks' performance over 5 years (2004-2008).When comparing Islamic banks profitability and liquidity against conventional banks, we found that Islamic banks are less profitable but have better liquidity than conventional banks. The higher profitability of conventional banks is due to the higher net financing and better asset quality that they have. In term of credit risk, we found that the conventional banks encountered high credit risk since their LDR much higher than Islamic banks. Future studies should expand this line of study to examine the best strategy that Islamic Banks can implement in order to attract more non-Muslims borrowers to apply financing from Islamic Banks even though Islamic Banks charging higher profit mark-up.

This study aimed to examine the critical success factors of government accountants’ readiness for adoption of accrual accounting in Jordan. Based on 331 usable questionnaire survey received, data were analysed using the SPSS version 24. Results of multiple regression analysis demonstrated that human resource and information technology contribute significant and positively influences government accountants’ readiness for adoption of accrual accounting. Independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA were performed in this study to assess the mean difference of government accountants’ readiness according to demographic attributes. The results demonstrated significant changes in the mean of the endogenous variable between groups of the demographic attributes including; gender, experience, education and specialization or background. This study not only contributes to expanding the literature concerning adoption of accrual accounting in the Jordanian context, but also provides meaningful guideline to the government of Jordan for adopting accrual accounting, as well as providing insights on the critical success factors in the adoption process.

The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between the board size and firm performance of Shariah-Compliant companies in Malaysia. The characteristics of the board of Shariah-compliant companies in Consumer Products counter of Bursa Malaysia are being examined against the firm’s performance using data from 77 companies from year 2014 to 2016. Based on the result of regression, board size has a strong positive correlation with the performance of the firms. This study suggests that Shariah-Compliant Companies need to strengthen the Shariah governance to produce products that Muslim consumer use in their daily lives. The appointment of director with Shariah background must be highly encouraged if not mandatory to companies involved in producing food, drinks, pharmaceutical and cosmetics in order for the companies to tap their expertise in enhancing halal governance. The findings of the study would be very useful to the regulators to improve the Malaysian Code of Corporate Governance. Furthermore, the findings of the study also help to fill the gap on scarce of literatures that study the relationship between the corporate governance practices and performance. Mohd Marzuki Ismail more long-term values. Proper governance entails the distribution of rights and responsibilities to company participants and outlining of rules and measures for risk management, internal control and decision making. Corporate governance does not constrain itself to serving the interests of shareholders but as well other stakeholders of the company, which include among others its employees, clients, suppliers, society and communities in which the company carry out its business. Keywords: Islamic finance, Board Size, Financial Performance, Shariah-Compliant Companies.

The government of Jordan has recently followed the global trend in the application of IPSAS. In 2016, the decision was taken to start the implementation, which would enable the implementation of IPSASs, which in turn will activate transparency, accountability and improve the decision-making process. However, the adoption of a new accounting system may not be easily implementable; a huge gap exists due to the difficulty of the commitment to change. As such, this study intends to conduct a pilot study in order to examine the impact of leadership style on commitment to change among government accountant in Jordanian public sector For IPSAS implementation. Data was collected from questionnaires with a total of 30 respondents within the ministry of finance in Jordan and analysed by using Reliability test. Findings of study reliability show highly reliable. The future work focuses on the hypotheses testing to evaluate the proposed model among Jordan’s public sector financial employees.

This study reviews recent articles discussing the benefits of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) implementation in reforming public sector accounting, specifically in developing countries. These benefits are among others better transparency, accountability, and decision making in public sector financial transactions. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of IPSAS in addressing some critical financial issues, including financial aids, budget deficit, taxes, and corruption, which may hinder the progress of Jordanian public sector and the country’s economic growth. This study concludes that IPSAS has an effective role in addressing these thorny issues and its implementation would therefore allow the Jordanian public sector to reach its development goals. The unique contribution of this study is that it enriches the body of knowledge regarding the benefits of IPSAS implementation in a more holistic manner and in a new context, Jordan. Keywords: budget deficit, corruption, financial aids, IPSAS, Jordan, taxes

Purpose: The study aims to examine the use of accrual accounting information from four aspects: budget development, liability management, asset management, and accountability discharge, and to examine its impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) based on Maqasid Shariah. Design: The study has involved ministries and local authorities (Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan, “PBT”), employing quantitative methodology. Questionnaires have been distributed online using Google Form. Data has been analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings: The pilot study has found that all variables used had acceptable Cronbach’s Alpha values of 0.617-0.886. Based on the mean values, the results have shown a high level of utilisation of accrual accounting information in liability management (4.18), asset management (4.13), accountability discharge (4.12) and budgeting (3.73). Moreover, the respondents have shown higher agreement with the elements of Maqasid Shariah (4.25), i.e., the preservation of life (al-nafs), intellect (al-aql), wealth (al-mal), religion (ad-din) and lineage (al-nasab), compared to the Sustainable Development Goals (4.13). Further analysis by groups shows that the ministries and PBT were largely in agreement, as there were no significant differences. Practical Implication: Therefore, the benchmarking of PBT to ministries is believed to be relevant, but must account for other aspects, such as governance, legislation and the establishment of their respective organisations. The study reveals that a comprehensive reporting, embodying framework towards SDG based on Maqasid Shariah is essential. Indeed, the study intends to boost the transition to accrual accounting within the public sector accounting landscape of Malaysia, in addition to observing the impact of such practice on the SDG in line with the principles of Maqasid Shariah.

This paper aims at exploring the impact of Islamic human resource (HR) practices on organizational performance though organizational commitment. Data were collected from randomly selected 170 branch managers of six Islamic Banks listed on Dhaka Stock Exchange of Bangladesh. After collecting data, descriptive analysis and structural equation model were done to examine reliability and validity of the model. By analysis, the study finds that Islamic HR practices have more significant impact on organizational performance though organizational commitment rather than the direct effect of Islamic HR practices to organizational performance. The findings of the study advocate that Islamic banks should emphasize more on Islamic HR practices and organizational commitment to uphold their organizational performance.