Abstract

This study explores the factors influencing digital competence among Malaysian university students, focusing on attitudes, personality traits, and digital awareness. Given the growing demand for digital skills in the workforce, understanding these factors is essential for enhancing students’ digital proficiency. A quantitative, correlational approach was used, gathering data from undergraduates through a structured questionnaire. A positive attitude toward digital technology emerged as the strongest predictor of digital competence. Personality traits, however, showed no significant correlation, implying that factors like access to technology and exposure to digital learning may be more impactful. Digital awareness was also positively linked to digital competence, highlighting its role in skill development. This study enriches the literature on digital competence by demonstrating the pivotal influence of attitudes and digital awareness. It challenges the notion that personality traits significantly impact digital skills, suggesting that context and environment play a more crucial role. The research offers a refined understanding of how cognitive and external factors interact to shape digital proficiency among students. The findings suggest that educational institutions should prioritize strategies to enhance students’ attitudes and digital awareness in curriculum design. These insights can guide future initiatives to better prepare students for a digitally driven workforce.