Research papers by two academics from Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF), namely Loh Xiu Ming and Hew Jun Jie were recently awarded the “Most Downloaded Paper (ranked 11/25)” and “Top Downloaded Article 2020” awards by Elsevier (USA)’s Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services (SSCI; JCR-2019 IF = 4.219; ABDC Ranked A) and Technology in Society (SSCI; JCR-2019 IF = 2.414).

Co-authored by Loh and Hew, with UTAR Master of Business Administration (Corporate Management) alumna Susan Lew, the paper titled “The disruptive mobile wallet in the hospital industry: An extended mobile technology acceptance model” was awarded “Top Downloaded Article 2020” by Technology in Society.

Meanwhile, the other paper, titled “QR code and mobile payment: The disruptive forces in retail” which was co-authored by Loh and Hew, with UTAR Master of Business Administration (Corporate Management) alumna Yan, Liya, was awarded “Most Downloaded Paper (ranked 11/25)” by Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services.

The research papers were selected based on the numbers of downloads worldwide in the last 90 days.

Loh enthused, “As an early career researcher, it is indeed delightful that both papers were recognised as one of the most downloaded in their respective journals. Technology in Society and Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services are both international peer-reviewed journals that only accept original high-quality research papers. Hence, to get the papers published in these journals are already considered as achievements on their own. With these awards, I am further elated as our papers were recognised by other scholars and researchers. Furthermore, as both journals publish papers in a variety of settings, the awards serve as testaments that the subject matter of our research (i.e., mobile payment) is highly relevant. Overall, these awards have greatly encouraged me to continue producing high-quality research in the future.”

When asked of how these researches will benefit society or industry, Loh and Hew explained, “With the ability of the Covid-19 virus to be transmitted via surfaces and objects, the use of cash can be a source of viral transmission. As such, mobile payment helps to eliminate this possibility as it enables the transaction to be performed remotely. In addition, the utilisation of mobile payment is also aligned with the efforts of the Malaysian Government to shift the country into a cashless society. As such, both these studies will effectively help to kill two birds with one stone.”

They added, “Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, the world was gradually shifting towards digitalisation. However, Covid-19 pandemic served as fuel to the fire that was already burning. As the Malaysian Government took many efforts to curb the spread of the virus, many were forced to shift to the digital world to carry on with their lives. Therefore, we saw that it was vital that the focus of research is in tandem with the current situation.”

When asked of any advice they could offer to inspire young researchers, the senior lecturer from UTAR FBF, Hew said, “Publication is a learning process, in which we learn to become better. Most of the times, an accepted manuscript would need to go through round(s) of revision, depending on the reviewers’ comments. It is hard to accept criticisms, but we would not advance further without constructive comments. In this pandemic, learning to adapt seems to be a new normal now, so stay strong in heart and mind while learning to become better.”

The FBF academics also mentioned that the awards received are a testament to their researches and careers because the recognition reflects the contribution of their work in the academic world.

The research papers were also co-authored by academics from UCSI.