Bridging the divide: An empirical examination of digital factors influencing the readiness of the Bidayuh community for technological governance in Sarawak
Main Article Content
Abstract
Technological governance is vital as communities and governments embrace digitalization, highlighting the need to assess Indigenous communities' preparedness for these changes. The research focuses on the Bidayuh community in Sarawak, Malaysia, highlighting its unique socio-cultural context and the growing emphasis on digital governance in the region. Despite global digitization, the Bidayuh community struggles with inadequate technological infrastructure, as characterized by limited internet connectivity, unreliable power supply, and insufficient access to modern communication technologies. This present study examines the digital factors affecting the Bidayuh community's preparedness for technological governance, concentrating on two main aspects: technological infrastructure, digital literacy and attitudes. A structured survey utilizing a quantitative research methodology was conducted with a sample of 384 respondents from various Bidayuh districts, employing a cross-sectional design and stratified random sampling to ensure representativeness. The analysis employed multiple regression, correlation analysis, and MANOVA to examine the relationships between independent variables (i.e. technological infrastructure, digital literacy and attitudes) and the dependent variable (i.e. readiness for technological governance). Digital literacy has a significant impact on community competence, highlighting the significance for targeted educational programs. While acknowledging the significance of technological infrastructure, it is pivotal to emphasize the necessity of complementing it with digital skills and positive attitudes to improve readiness for technological governance. The findings indicate significant positive correlations between independent variables and technological governance readiness, being the most notable predictors. The present study offers insights into how digital factors can improve Indigenous communities' readiness for technological governance, and provides recommendations for policymakers in Sarawak and similar areas. Key elements include enhancing digital literacy, and fostering positive attitudes towards technology, which are vital for the Bidayuh community's preparedness for future governance in the digital age.
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