EDITORIAL FOREWORD
Knowledge Across Boundaries: Advancing Human Understanding in an Era of Global Transformation

Welcome to the first regular issue of Horizon Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Research (JHSSR) for 2026. JHSSR (eISSN 2682-9096) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal committed to delivering innovative research to both academia and practicing professionals. Independently owned and published by BP Services, we operate on a not-for-profit basis to benefit the global social science community. Find out more here.

The publication of Volume 8, Number 1 (July 2026) of the Horizon Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Research (Horizon JHSSR) marks another significant milestone in our continuing commitment to advancing rigorous, ethical and internationally engaged scholarship within the humanities and social sciences. It is with great pleasure that I welcome readers, contributors and members of the global academic community to this latest issue, comprising 20 hand-picked and carefully peer-reviewed scholarly contributions presented across approximately 268 pages of contemporary research and critical inquiry.

This issue reflects the diversity, vitality and evolving nature of humanities and social sciences research in a world characterised by unprecedented technological advancement, social transformation and increasingly interconnected global challenges. Rather than viewing these developments as isolated phenomena, the contributions assembled in this volume collectively demonstrate that meaningful scholarship flourishes at the intersections of disciplines, cultures and methodologies. They remind us that the most pressing questions facing contemporary societies seldom belong exclusively to a single field of study, but instead demand intellectual openness, interdisciplinary collaboration and sustained scholarly dialogue.

The present issue brings together four Review Articles, seven Original Research Articles, seven Conceptual Articles, one Short Communication and one Book Review, each contributing distinct perspectives to a broader conversation concerning human development, knowledge creation and societal resilience. Together, these contributions exemplify Horizon JHSSR’s editorial philosophy of embracing methodological plurality while maintaining uncompromising standards of scholarly excellence. The issue is not organised around a single disciplinary focus; rather, it presents a rich intellectual landscape where diverse traditions of inquiry converge to illuminate complex contemporary realities.

A particularly noteworthy feature of this volume is its exploration of Artificial Intelligence and Psychological Capital in STEM Education, a theme that captures one of the defining conversations of our time. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape educational practice, professional environments and knowledge production itself, scholars are increasingly called upon to examine not only technological innovation but also its human, ethical and psychological dimensions. The articles addressing this theme extend beyond questions of technological adoption to consider resilience, motivation, adaptability and the cultivation of human potential within digitally transformed learning environments. Such scholarship reinforces an important principle: technological progress must remain firmly grounded in human-centred values, educational integrity and social responsibility.

Beyond artificial intelligence, the issue traverses an impressive spectrum of contemporary scholarship. Readers will encounter insightful discussions on cultural studies, philosophy, philosophy of religion, theological historiography, historical-comparative research, migration studies and heritage governance, each offering nuanced interpretations of the ways societies remember, negotiate and reconstruct identity amidst changing political, cultural and historical contexts. These studies demonstrate that understanding the past remains indispensable to interpreting the present and imagining more inclusive futures.

Education continues to occupy a central position within this issue, reflecting its enduring importance as both an academic discipline and a transformative social institution. Contributions addressing teacher education, professional development, higher education management, digital transformation and Mobile-Assisted Language Learning illustrate how educational systems continue to evolve in response to technological innovation, changing learner expectations and global societal needs. Equally significant are studies exploring language acquisition and linguistic inquiry, including discourse studies and phonetics, which reaffirm the centrality of language as both a medium of communication and a powerful instrument through which cultures, identities and knowledge systems are constructed and transmitted.

The issue further broadens its intellectual reach through contributions examining health and social care, psychology, palliative care, existential psychology, political economy, human welfare, food insecurity and urban studies. Collectively, these articles illuminate the intricate relationships between policy, community, wellbeing and sustainable development. They underscore the importance of evidence-informed research in addressing inequalities, improving quality of life and supporting resilient societies facing demographic, environmental and economic transitions. Such scholarship reflects the humanities and social sciences at their most impactful, where rigorous research informs policy, strengthens institutions and ultimately contributes to human flourishing.

One of the defining strengths of this volume lies in its international character. The contributions originate from scholars representing Canada, China, Germany, India, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Viet Nam, illustrating Horizon JHSSR’s continuing evolution as a genuinely global platform for scholarly exchange. This geographical diversity extends beyond representation alone; it enriches the intellectual discourse by bringing together varied cultural experiences, theoretical perspectives and methodological traditions. In an increasingly interconnected academic landscape, such diversity strengthens comparative understanding, encourages cross-cultural dialogue and broadens the relevance of research findings for international audiences.

The humanities and social sciences occupy a unique position within contemporary scholarship. While scientific and technological advances continue to redefine human capabilities, it is the humanities and social sciences that provide the conceptual frameworks necessary to understand their ethical implications, cultural significance and societal consequences. The articles presented in this issue exemplify this essential role by demonstrating how interdisciplinary scholarship can bridge theory and practice, local contexts and global concerns, as well as empirical investigation and critical reflection. Together, they reinforce the conviction that enduring solutions to complex global challenges emerge most effectively when disciplinary boundaries become opportunities for collaboration rather than barriers to understanding.

Underlying every article published in Horizon JHSSR is a steadfast commitment to the principles of academic integrity, research ethics and scholarly excellence. Every manuscript undergoes a rigorous double-blind peer-review process designed to ensure originality, methodological rigour, analytical clarity and meaningful scholarly contribution. Our editorial processes continue to be guided by internationally recognised ethical publishing standards, transparency in editorial decision-making and an unwavering respect for intellectual independence. These principles remain fundamental to maintaining the trust placed in scholarly publishing by authors, reviewers, readers and the wider research community.

As Horizon JHSSR continues to strengthen its international standing, our commitment extends beyond publication itself. We remain dedicated to fostering an inclusive scholarly environment in which established academics and emerging researchers alike are encouraged to contribute innovative ideas and engage in constructive academic dialogue. Through our multidisciplinary scope, international editorial expertise, open access dissemination and growing global readership, we strive to maximise the visibility, accessibility and long-term scholarly impact of the research entrusted to our journal. Open access publishing ensures that knowledge generated through rigorous academic inquiry is shared without unnecessary barriers, enabling wider engagement among researchers, educators, policymakers and practitioners across diverse geographical and institutional settings.

The journal’s continuing progress reflects the collective efforts of a remarkable international community. Our expanding global network of contributors, reviewers, editorial board members and institutional collaborators continues to strengthen Horizon JHSSR’s reputation as a trusted venue for high-quality interdisciplinary scholarship. The journal’s growing citation impact, increasing international participation and commitment to publishing at standards expected of globally indexed journals reaffirm our long-term vision of contributing meaningfully to the international scholarly ecosystem. Strategic academic partnerships and collaborative initiatives further reinforce this mission by creating opportunities for research exchange, capacity building and international scholarly cooperation.

No scholarly publication is the achievement of a single individual or institution. Accordingly, I extend my deepest appreciation to every author who entrusted Horizon JHSSR with their research and whose intellectual curiosity continues to enrich our collective understanding. I also offer my sincere gratitude to our dedicated reviewers whose thoughtful evaluations, constructive recommendations and generous commitment of time uphold the quality and credibility of every published contribution. Their expertise represents one of the cornerstones of scholarly publishing and remains indispensable to the advancement of research excellence.

My heartfelt appreciation is equally extended to the members of our Editorial Board, Advisory Board and Editorial Office, whose professionalism, diligence and unwavering commitment continue to sustain the journal’s editorial standards and international aspirations. I also wish to acknowledge our partner institutions and academic collaborators whose continued confidence, support and shared vision contribute significantly to Horizon JHSSR’s ongoing development as an internationally respected platform for scholarly communication.

As we present this issue to our readers, we do so with confidence that the research contained within these pages will stimulate thoughtful discussion, inspire future investigations and encourage meaningful interdisciplinary collaboration across geographical and disciplinary boundaries. The humanities and social sciences continue to play an indispensable role in helping societies understand complexity, navigate uncertainty and envision more equitable and sustainable futures. It is our hope that this collection of scholarship will not only advance academic knowledge but also contribute, in its own way, to informed public discourse and responsible decision-making.

Looking ahead, Horizon JHSSR remains firmly committed to publishing research that is intellectually rigorous, ethically grounded and globally relevant. We warmly invite scholars from around the world to join us in this continuing endeavour by contributing original research, critical reviews, conceptual advances and interdisciplinary perspectives that address the evolving challenges and opportunities of our shared world. Through collective scholarship, mutual respect and international collaboration, we reaffirm our belief that knowledge transcends borders, disciplines and generations, serving ultimately as a catalyst for human progress, understanding and peace.

We hope you find these articles thought-provoking and valuable in your academic pursuits, and look forward to further enriching the scholarly discourse in future issues.

On behalf of the Editorial Team, I sincerely thank our readers for their continued trust and engagement with Horizon JHSSR. We are honoured to present Volume 8, Number 1 (July 2026) and look forward to continuing this shared journey of scholarly discovery with the international academic community.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37534/bp.jhssr.2026.v8.n1.id0019.p1