Globalization has been extensively debated in a range of contexts, from trade to borders, international relations, and conflict. It appears to be a positive force for women as many scholars contend that it has offered women new opportunities, thus enhancing greater gender equality in many countries where traditional patriarchal structures are firmly entrenched. However, some scholars are more skeptical of the benefits of globalization for women. They note that despite women gaining an increasing share of employment opportunities in a globalized world, the expected redistribution of domestic, household, and childcare responsibilities often did not materialize. They also argue that multinational corporations appear to uphold patriarchal systems, as these entities often view women’s labor as generally cheaper and more expendable than men’s labor. In this paper, the intricacies between globalization, migration, and gender are examined in order to investigate gender inequality and its consequences as well as the ways in which international migration is facilitated by globalization. Our review of relevant scholarship in these areas reveals that globalization has adversely affected women in both the Global North and the Global South, but the consequences to women in the latter are even more profound. The feminization of migration brought about by globalization has resulted in many challenges to women, including disruptions to family life and to the children left behind when mothers migrate to other countries in search of employment. It has also resulted in women’s position in society becoming more vulnerable as there is very little protection afforded to them as migrants, thus exposing them to many dangers such as sexual harassment. The findings above suggest that creating and implementing gender-responsive, equitable, and effective labor migration policies for migrant women should be prioritized and should be the shared responsibility of both countries of origin and countries of destination.

This paper examines the cultural homogenization process in Brunei Darussalam. While the success and outcomes of cultural homogenization, in general, have been thoroughly examined and highlighted, recent research trends have also been focusing more on the processes of cultural homogenization on the ground, i.e., the responses and reactions of ordinary people who are, supposedly, at the receiving end of the homogenization process. In the case of Brunei Darussalam (hereinafter Brunei), cultural homogenization strategies were introduced as early as the 1950s, primarily for state-building purposes. Similar to conventional writings, official narratives of Brunei’s homogenization also focus more on the outcomes of the process. Thus, focusing on the Dusun ethnic group as its case study, this article questions the ways the Dusuns view and respond to the homogenization process. This study utilizes the interview data gathered from thirty-four Dusun respondents to examine how they perceive, understand, and react toward the process and related policies. The findings of the study suggest that the Dusuns generally accept the homogenization with a sporadic indication of contestation mainly due to the observable decline of ethnic culture and language. Modernization has also been identified as a notable agent, integrating successfully with the homogenizing process, and driving the latter to the desired outcomes.

The contribution of the diaspora has always been measured in terms of remittances to the country of origin. This article examines academic diasporas that contribute to their countries of origin in times of crisis and beyond through scholarly and innovative work. I argue that in times of crisis, the links between the diaspora and the country of origin are strengthened. Altruism, humanitarianism, benevolence, spirit, nostalgia, and the desire to rediscover origins are the main motivators for connection. This article proposes an alternative framework for analyzing the academic and intellectual contribution of the diaspora to its origins in times of crisis. This article is based on a thorough examination of triangulations between established and emerging diaspora theories and contemporary practices. Destination countries benefit from expertise and knowledge, while source countries can use diaspora intellectual resources to mitigate the effects of crises.

This paper is focused on analysing the uniqueness of stereoscopic 3D visuality and its more and more matured narrative potency in the digital incarnation. Drawing on Kracauer’s classic remark (1961) that ‘the nature of film is the redemption of physical reality,’ first I argue for 3D’s enhanced ability to (re)construct and recreate a perceptual ‘hyper-reality’ based on 3D’s (actual or virtual) two-camera mechanism and its integration with digital technologies as well as High Frame Rate (HFR), 360 Degree Production, and 4 K/8 K. Furthermore, based on 3D’s cross-parallax ontologies, I argue that the alternation or layering of flatness and depth in 3D visuality enhances 3D narrative by highlighting the dramatic qualities of characters and volumetric spaces. I eventually compare the 3D and 2D versions of the opening scene in Gravity (2013) to exemplify the unique and transformative mode of ‘3D realism’ –the immersive 3D stereoscopic hyperrealism.

This paper offers insight into the mental health challenges encountered by migrant domestic workers (MDWs) during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brunei Darussalam. Data collected in one-to-one interviews evaluate their oral stories using various mental health linguistic codes. A preliminary study addresses initial signs of anxiety and other mental health issues that a segment of the migrant worker community has confronted due to employment conditions, structural restrictions, and a lack of access to mental health resources. A pilot study focuses on three narratives that pave the way for further studies into the causes, structures, and solutions around the lived experiences of crisis and control in a global pandemic.

The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic caused unforgiving circumstances, compromising the socioeconomic well-being of migrant workers. In this context, drawing upon qualitative interviews with South Asian male migrant workers in elementary occupations and sales and service roles in Brunei Darussalam, this paper investigates their lived experiences in the country during the pandemic. This paper employs the conceptual lens of diaspora and moral economy, specifically moral remittance, to reveal their connection to their homeland and the ways they demonstrate their responsibility and obligation to their families. Twentythree research participants were recruited via purposive and snowball sampling techniques, and the interview data were audio-recorded and transcribed before the data analysis. Adopting Clarke and Braun’s (2013) phases of thematic analysis, the interview data were rigorously analysed through the meaning-making process and to explore new themes that underscore the distinctive contribution of the local environment to the lived experiences of the participants. Three prominent themes that capture their experience during the pandemic were identified: employment security, concern for oneself and family, and the responsibility to provide care and protection, which were manifested through remittance and continuing engagement with their families. The subsequent data analysis also reveals that these themes are indeed conscious expressions of responsibility and moral obligation due to the deteriorating pandemic situation in their home country that exacerbated their families’ economic vulnerability and challenging livelihood.