Cities and Culture:

Public Perception on the Cultural Significance of Heritage Buildings in Kuala Lumpur

Public Perception: Heritage Building Conservation in Kuala Lumpur

Historic buildings maintain the local characteristics and preserve the culture and history of a country. This historical and cultural significances as a legacy can be passed to next generation by conserving the historical buildings. Nowadays in the process of conservation, Adaptive Reuse Practice has been necessary, especially when historical buildings are no longer functioning its original purpose. Moreover, adaptive reuse holds different dimensions of sustainability that of economic, environmental and social. In the pursuit of the sustainable development, social sustainability has been the new parameter to investigate the viability of adaptive reuse. In this regard an attempt has been made as a main objective to investigate the viability of adaptive reuse and its social sustainability. Asia Heritage Row located in Doraisami Street and Jalan Yap Ah Shak, Kuala Lumpur is used for the hypothesis testing. The variables that are measured as parameters in achieving social sustainability are categorized into cultural, aesthetical, social and human comfort. The data is mainly collected from literature review, case study and questionnaires distributed to the users of the case study area. The data is analyzed by determining the statically reliable relationship between adaptive reuse and social sustainability parameters. The associations between variables are examined by correlation. The result show’s that adaptive reuse of Asia Heritage Row Building not only have a social value but preserves the heritage significances as a place of social interaction and also ensures its sustainability. Hope this study would be worthwhile for those who are intending to know or carry out research about the socio-sustainability of readapted heritage buildings in future.

Typography functions as both a visual communication system and a cultural expression that shapes how identities are perceived within urban environments. In Kuala Lumpur’s café culture, particularly within the Golden Triangle, a dense urban district shaped by tourism, commerce, and cultural convergence where signage contributes to atmosphere and place identity. Yet, limited research has examined how typographic choices construct these associations. This study investigates 82 local cafés and 111 typefaces to identify typographic trends and interpret their cultural significance. Using qualitative visual observation and systematic typographic classification, five type categories were analysed: serif, sans serif, monospaced, script, and display. To further understand how viewers perceive signage, the analysis applies six Gestalt principles which include Figure Ground, Similarity, Proximity, Continuation, Closure, and Symmetry examining how contrast, stroke consistency, spacing, visual flow, implied form, and structural balance contribute to legibility and recognition. The findings reveal a strong preference for sans serif typefaces associated with clarity, neutrality, and global minimalist aesthetics. In contrast, serif and script typefaces are employed selectively to evoke heritage, intimacy, and handcrafted identity, particularly in historically layered areas such as Chinatown. These patterns indicate that café signage visually negotiates between modernity and cultural continuity, reflecting broader urban tensions between global branding influences and local identity expression. Overall, typography operates not only as stylistic decoration, but as a medium shaping visual branding, emotional atmosphere, and streetscape identity within Kuala Lumpur’s evolving city culture.

Aceh is a region that has a rich historical and cultural heritage, which reflects its civilization and identity from time to time. However, the threat to the preservation of these historical relics is increasing over time, especially due to natural factors, urbanization, and social changes. Digitalization has emerged as a potential solution to address these challenges. The digitization of historical and cultural heritage offers a new way to preserve, access, and promote Aceh's cultural heritage more broadly. This research aims to explore the role of digital technology in the preservation of Aceh's cultural heritage, as well as its impact on local and global communities. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study on the Aceh Historical Trail Map (acehhistorytrailmap.id). Data were collected through in-depth interviews with stakeholders, document analysis, and observation of platform usage. The analysis was conducted thematically to identify the benefits of digitalization, the technology used, and challenges in preserving cultural heritage. The study focuses on historical sites in East Aceh, such as Perlak and Idi, as the research locus. Through the analysis of case studies from the historical heritage digitization project in Aceh, this study examines the effectiveness of digital devices such as digital imaging, virtual tours, and online platforms in documenting and disseminating important elements of Acehnese culture, such as: artifacts and historical sites. The results of this research are expected to provide insight into effective strategies for cultural heritage preservation through technology, as well as the potential for collaboration between stakeholders in realizing sustainable digital transformation for the preservation of Aceh's historical heritage.

Purpose To manage heritage cities for locals' needs, a contextualized indicator to measure the sustainability of urban heritage is needed because it is often neglected. This study aims to identify the stakeholders’ perceptions on sustainability indicators of urban heritage sites in Kuala Lumpur and George Town, Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach This study applied a qualitative method by interviewing stakeholders (governmental, experts and communities) who are involved in urban heritage sites. A thematic analysis is used to group the data patterns into themes. Findings The existing site management and attention to heritage conservation are varied for both sites. The discussions of the stakeholders on the practicality of indicators, challenges in using indicators and suggestions to improve indicators monitoring provided a richness of concerns for monitoring the sustainability of urban heritage sites in the future. Thus, it is concluded that indicators cannot be generalized and require adaptation to diverse cultural contexts. Research limitations/implications Perceptions from local stakeholders can raise concerns when developing indicators in the future. However, this study is only related to two locations with a limited sample size. Deeper conversations or surveys are necessary to identify the criteria for sustaining heritage sites. Originality/value This paper reveals the importance of communities’ inclusiveness and their voices for a good urban heritage management policy. Subsequently, it supports the fulfillment towards Sustainable Development Goal 11.4 that highlights the protection of cultural and natural heritage.

This study examines the quality of life (QoL) satisfaction through place attachment theory upon neighbourhood area among youth in Kuala Lumpur. The objectives are to test the impact of neighbourhood sense of place on QoL index. For place attachment, the environmental factors closest to the home of the residents exerted a greater influence than the more distal factor. These findings contribute to understanding the relationship between place attachment theory and quality of life among youth. The discussion also considers personal dimensions of place belonging and identifying associations amongst them as ways to explore youth quality of life in the PPH. Keywords: Quality of Life; Place Attachment Theory; Youth; Public HousingISSN: 2398-4287© 2017. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.

This study examined the structural relationships among the perception of preservation and utilization, place attachment, attitude, and the mediating effect of cognitive attitude in cultural heritage. A total of 331 respondents who visited the cultural heritage sites during Cultural Heritage Yahaeng completed a survey in Cheongju, South Korea. Structural Equation Modelling was then used to examine the relationships and effects among variables. The results showed that both preservation and utilization perception of cultural heritage positively influenced place attachment and place attachment positively influenced cognitive attitude. However, behavioral attitude was influenced by only place dependence. On the other hand, cognitive attitude was found to fully mediate the relationship between place identity and behavioral attitude, while partially mediate the relationship between place dependence and behavioral attitude. These findings indicate that both cultural heritage preservation and utilization perception are significant predictors of place attachment and place attachment also could be an antecedent of attitude formation. Furthermore, the results imply that those of tested variables are important factors in considering comprehensive cultural heritage policy and management. Based on these results, academic and practical implications and recommendations for the sustainable cultural heritage are provided.

Purpose The study aims to explore the effect of destination digital twin (DT) experience on place attachment, tourists' intention to visit, and tourists' environmentally responsible behavior (TERB) in historical-cultural heritage sites. Design/methodology/approach This study utilizes a quantitative research approach. Data were gathered through online and offline surveys from 212 tourists who visited Naqsh-e Jahan, one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites, through online and offline surveys. Furthermore, structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed for data analysis. Findings The findings show that DT experience dimensions (interactivity, informativeness, joyfulness and authenticity) are associated with place attachment, intention to visit and TERB. Additionally, place attachment positively and partially mediates the relationship between DT experience, visit intention and TERB. Practical implications The results indicate that heritage destination managers and digital tourism developers should design DT experiences that combine informative content, authentic representations, emotional engagement and interactive features in order to strengthen tourists' place attachment and encourage environmentally responsible behavior before on-site visitation. Originality/value This study contributes to enhancing digital experiences in historical-cultural heritage tourism by conceptualizing the multidimensional DT experience. The SEM findings support a model in which DT strengthens tourists' place attachment, both virtually and physically and confirm that place attachment partially mediates the relationship between DT experience (interactivity, informativeness, joyfulness and authenticity) and tourists' environmentally responsible behavior in sustainable historical-cultural tourism.

Purpose: This research delves into the multifaceted landscape of preserving and revitalizing Nanai cultural narratives amidst contemporary influences, focusing on the interplay between community involvement, technological innovation, and the delicate balance between authenticity and adaptation. The purpose is to unravel the lived experiences and perspectives of the Nanai community in Indonesia, shedding light on the strategies, challenges, and aspirations that define their cultural preservation efforts. Method: The study employs a qualitative approach, conducting 13 semi-structured interviews with Nanai community experts. Thematic analysis is applied to the collected data, unraveling key themes such as community involvement, technological integration, user experience, and the intricate balance between authenticity and adaptation. The interviews, conducted until saturation was achieved, provide a nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics shaping the Nanai cultural preservation landscape. Findings: The findings illuminate the central role of community involvement in cultural preservation, emphasizing its significance in fostering ownership, inclusivity, and sustainability. The study reveals how technological innovation, specifically mixed reality, enhances traditional storytelling practices, creating immersive experiences that resonate with both community members and external audiences. The delicate balance between authenticity and adaptation emerges as a key theme, showcasing the strategic choices made by the Nanai community to preserve their cultural values while embracing technological advancements. Originality/Significance: This research contributes to the existing literature by offering a comprehensive exploration of the intersectionality between community involvement, technological innovation, and cultural preservation, with a focus on the Nanai community. The originality lies in the nuanced understanding derived from the lived experiences of the Nanai people, providing valuable insights for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers engaged in cultural heritage preservation. The study's significance extends globally, informing strategies for responsible technology integration, fostering community-driven initiatives, and navigating the complexities of cultural preservation in the digital age.

This study explored the cultural and linguistic mapping in Laguna Province in preserving indigenous heritage and communication. The study employed the narrative inquiry method. The study participants were ten residents across various towns and cities in Laguna. They were interviewed and asked to tell their stories and experiences. The data collected underwent coding and thematic analyses. The research uncovers four key themes: Cultural Heritage Preservation and Evolution, Linguistic Diversity and Proficiency, Challenges in Preserving Cultural Heritage in a Changing Society, and Community Engagement and Participation in Cultural Preservation. These themes underscore the urgent need to protect cultural traditions against globalization, urbanization, and technological advancements. Likewise, it revealed themes from residents’ testimonials, offering deep insights into their experiences. The first theme highlights the importance of preserving cultural traditions while allowing them to evolve, emphasizing culture’s dynamic nature and the need for ongoing efforts to safeguard it. The second theme focuses on the linguistic diversity in the province, stressing the value of proficiency in multiple languages for shaping cultural identity and promoting communication. The third theme explores the challenges of preserving cultural heritage in a rapidly changing society where globalization, urbanization, and environmental factors threaten traditional practices. Lastly, the study underscores the significance of community involvement, emphasizing that collective efforts are crucial to preserving cultural heritage for future generations. Thus, the Tradition, Roots, Evolution, Engagement (TREE) Model is introduced to encapsulate these themes and provide a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in cultural preservation. The findings offer significant insights into the challenges and motivations driving cultural and linguistic preservation, aiming to inspire respect and recognition for Laguna’s diverse cultural practices. Acknowledging limitations such as a small sample size, the study calls for further research with a broader and more diverse participant base to deepen the understanding of cultural and linguistic dynamics in the province. Ultimately, the study aspires to contribute to policy-making and educational initiatives that support the revitalization of indigenous languages and the sustainable preservation of cultural heritage.

This paper explores contemporary approaches to preserving and promoting cultural heritage by integrating game elements and advanced technologies, such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). In an era increasingly shaped by digital innovation, preserving cultural heritage demands new strategies to sustain engagement with historical narratives and artifacts. Emerging technologies like VR and AR offer immersive, interactive experiences that appeal to modern audiences, especially younger generations accustomed to digital environments (Bekele and Champion). Gamification—the use of game design principles in non-game contexts—has gained significant traction in education and cultural heritage, providing new methods for increasing user engagement and retention (Werbach and Hunter). By incorporating gamified features, heritage can be made more accessible, fostering emotional connections and deeper understanding (Huotari and Hamari; Zichermann and Cunningham). This aligns with the shift toward interactive digital storytelling as a tool to transform static heritage presentations into dynamic, participatory experiences (Champion and Rahaman). Central to this research is the conceptualization and development of a mobile application leveraging VR and AR to enhance user engagement and education around cultural heritage. Drawing on the principles of self-determination theory (Deci and Ryan) and empirical findings on gamified learning (Landers and Landers), the application combines educational content with interactive elements, creating an immersive learning environment. By addressing both content accessibility and interactive immersion, this application bridges the gap between traditional heritage preservation and the expectations of a digitally native audience. The recent literature underscores the potential of VR and AR in cultural preservation, emphasizing their ability to transcend physical boundaries, simulate historical environments, and promote active participation (Milgram and Kishino, Addison; Azuma). As virtual environments evolve, platforms like the metaverse expand possibilities for experiencing cultural heritage in spaces free of geographical limitations (Cipresso et al.; Radianti et al.). Such advancements have already demonstrated significant educational and experiential benefits (Wu et al.; Akçayır and Akçayır). This study employs both quantitative and qualitative methods to examine the target group’s attitudes toward gamified technologies for cultural heritage preservation. The initial results indicate substantial interest and willingness among users to engage with applications employing VR and AR. This aligns with findings in the literature that suggest immersive experiences can enhance learning outcomes and foster long-term engagement (Merchant et al.; Speicher et al.). The project has garnered significant recognition, receiving the Rector’s Award for the best scientific paper in the technical field at the University of Zagreb and earning bronze medals at the ARCA Innovation Fair and the INOVA Fair. These accolades underscore the project’s innovative approach and its potential for real-world application. By presenting a robust framework for integrating gamification and immersive technologies into cultural heritage preservation, this paper contributes to the growing discourse on utilizing advanced digital tools to ensure the sustainability and relevance of cultural heritage for future generations.

Muar Town, also known as Bandar Maharani, is a royal city in Johor, Malaysia, strategically located between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Known for its historical, cultural, and geographical significance, with the Muar River flowing into the Strait of Malacca, it remains an underutilized tourism destination compared to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site of Malacca City. In Muar Town, there is a famous mural called "The Loving Sisters," painted by Russian artist Julia Volchkova. Additionally, there is a pedestrian street in Muar called Muar Street Art, which has become a local cultural hub and a therapeutic space for autistic children. The murals are deeply beloved by the public and have become the recommended check-in points for Muar tourism on various travel websites. These factors suggest that murals have a growing potential to boost Muar's tourism industry. Therefore, this study aims to examine the potential of murals in fostering tourism in Muar Town. The objective is to assess public satisfaction with the current murals and interest in future mural developments. This research, using a 5-point Likert Scale with 392 participants, reveals moderate satisfaction with current murals in Muar Town’s tourism, compared to a more positive outlook on future murals. The research emphasizes murals' potential to enhance urban identity, tourism, and community pride, highlighting their role in broader tourism strategies. Murals enhance place-making and cultural expression, offering policymakers and urban developers strategies for urban growth and tourism. Limitations include a sample mainly of non-tourists and a lack of analysis on the economic and social impacts of murals. Future studies should include diverse respondents, such as tourists, and examine murals' direct effects on tourism revenue and community engagement. A broader approach could guide mural initiatives, boosting Muar’s cultural and economic appeal and reinforcing its identity as a vibrant destination.

The present research aimed to investigate the perceptions of the Malaysian Child Social Workers on emotions in their professional practice i.e. decision-making processes. Traditionally, decision making is viewed as a rational process where reason indicates the best way to achieve a goal. However, many philosophers, neuroscientists and psychologists emphasise that the role of emotions in decision making is not exempted. The overall research strategy was ethnographic. The researchers used a mixture of methods including individual interviews, participant observation, and a questionnaire. The research was conducted in three locations in Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur, Petaling and Kota Kinabalu. Participants consisted of child protectors and rehabilitation officers from the Malaysia Welfare Department and medical social workers in hospitals. This paper presents an analysis of individual interviews in the three locations. A total of twenty-five interviews were conducted (twelve male, thirteen female; age range 29-51). Data were analysed using thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006). The research findings revealed that the Malaysian child social workers tended to avoid emotions in their professional practice (i.e. decision-making processes), which might be due to the procedural practice. Based on the participants' perceptions with regard to the use of emotions in decision-making proceses, the Malaysian child social workers' understanding, knowledge and terms pertaining to emotions and their contributions in decision making were seemingly confined to the negative effects of emotions. Emotions, however, were not only characterised as disruptive but also viewed as having their 'rationality'.

The present research aimed to investigate the experienced emotions and emotional regulation in the workplace particularly in child and family social work practice in a Malaysian context. The interrelationship between emotion and emotional regulation and cultural context were explored. The overall research strategy was ethnographic. The researchers used a mixture of methods including individual interviews, participant observation, and a questionnaire. The research was conducted in three locations in Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur, Petaling and Kota Kinabalu. Participants consisted of child protectors and rehabilitation officers from the Malaysia Welfare Department and medical social workers in hospitals. This paper presents an analysis of individual interviews in the three locations. A total of twenty-five interviews were conducted (12 male, 13 female; age range 29-51). Data were analysed using thematic analysis . The research findings show that societal and professional cultures have influenced how child social workers regulate their experienced emotion when dealing with clients.