Publications

This article examines whether the COVID-19 pandemic led to lasting changes in men’s participation in unpaid care. While men’s involvement increased during the pandemic, the shift was largely temporary, with women continuing to bear the majority of care responsibilities. The findings highlight the need for gender-inclusive care policies that promote men’s continuous involvement in care.

Digital identity is increasingly common for people to access public services, financial systems and everyday digital interactions. It is often linked to quicker processes, greater convenience and more efficient service delivery. At the same time, everyday experiences with digital identity can differ. While many interactions go smoothly, some users encounter issues such as authentication problems or difficulty recovering access. These moments may not always show up in headline results, but they influence how people perceive digital systems over time. The Iceberg of Everyday Digital Identity looks at how both visible benefits and less apparent experiences shape trust and long-term usability. Some users can resolve problems quickly, while others may encounter repeated barriers that affect their engagement with digital services. Paying attention to these daily experiences can help support digital identity systems that stay practical, inclusive and reliable for everyone.

Launched in 2023, MyDigital ID enables Malaysians to access multiple government and selected private digital services using a single verified login. As a Single Sign On (SSO) platform, it simplifies access, reduces repeated verification and supports more efficient delivery of digital services. These practical benefits make authentication a sensible and appropriate starting point for a national digital identity initiative. International experience shows that many digital identity systems begin with authentication and develop gradually over time. In several countries, SSO has served as a foundation on which additional capabilities were introduced after governance arrangements, safeguards and public confidence were well established. In this respect, MyDigital ID’s current focus does not limit future options. Rather, it provides immediate value while preserving flexibility for future policy choices that align with national priorities. This research finds that MyDigital ID is progressing positively as a secure and reliable authentication platform within Malaysia’s broader digitalisation agenda. Its technical design aligns with recognised security standards, while its role as a verification layer that relies on authoritative government databases supports both system integrity and privacy protection. As adoption increases and integration expands, continued attention to governance clarity, accessibility and long-term planning can further strengthen public understanding and confidence in the system. Viewed in this way, MyDigital ID can be understood as a public digital asset that delivers immediate service improvements while remaining adaptable to future needs. A measured and phased approach allows benefits to be realised today, while ensuring that policy choices remain aligned with institutional readiness and public expectations.

Despite the declining fertility rate seen worldwide and in Malaysia, the issue of childcare still remains, particularly since family structures are becoming more independent units. With many parents chasing economic opportunities and lacking community support to raise children, childcare services are in demand. This article will briefly explore how countries such as Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam are moving to improving the quality and accessibility of childcare services to allow for comparison with Malaysia’s own initiatives and provide lessons on the way forward.

The burden of care is a rising issue faced not just by Malaysia but also across the globe. The increase in dependant populations in tandem with a shrinking working age group has led countries to rethink how the former population is taken care of while still balancing economic growth. This article will briefly explore how countries such as Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam are moving to tackling the needs of their ageing nation in order to provide lessons for the establishment of Malaysia’s own Care Framework.