Challenges Faced By Malaysian Workers in Using English-Based Digital Technologies
TL;DR
The findings revealed that both English proficiency and digital skills are significantly and positively correlated with the use of EBDTs, and underscore the vital importance of upskilling initiatives in both language and technology to support successful organizational digital transformation and enhance workforce productivity in Malaysia.
Abstract
This study explores the factors influencing the usage of English-Based Digital Technologies (EBDT) among Malaysian workers. Specifically, it examines the effects of English proficiency, digital skills, and technology anxiety on technology adoption in modern workplace environments. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional research design, an online survey was administered to a convenience sample of 160 employees representing various industries in Malaysia. Descriptive, reliability, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analyses were performed using SPSS. The findings revealed that both English proficiency (r = 0.275, p < 0.001) and digital skills (r = 0.622, p < 0.001) are significantly and positively correlated with the use of EBDTs. Technology anxiety had a weak positive correlation (r = 0.161, p = 0.043) but was not a significant predictor in the multiple regression analysis (β = -0.091, p = 0.215). Digital skills emerged as the most critical determinant of technology utilization (β = 0.604, p < 0.001), followed by English proficiency (β = 0.165, p = 0.024). Overall, the model explained 40.7% of the variance (R² = 0.407, F = 35.618, p < 0.001). These results underscore the vital importance of upskilling initiatives in both language and technology to support successful organizational digital transformation and enhance workforce productivity in Malaysia.