The philosophy behind lifelong learning actually goes deeper than just economic and personal development – it can raise the happiness quotient of Malaysians. 

The unveiling by the Higher Education Ministry of a blueprint for lifelong learning and the launching by MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting of a “renewed focus” for the party’s lifelong learning campaign have come at a most appropriate time. 

When and if lifelong learning becomes an imbedded fibre within the Malaysian society, there is no doubt all participants will feel a greater sense of self worth. 

The philosophy behind lifelong learning actually goes deeper than just economic and personal development – it can raise the happiness quotient of Malaysians. 

Simply put, lifelong learning is continuous learning after formal schooling years, be it learning via formal or informal settings. I’ll put aside what is learnt and how the knowledge is imparted.  

The important question we want to discuss here is: why lifelong learning? 

Being the typical survival-minded Malaysian, the normal answer would be “career advancement” for the working adult and “to fill the time” for retirees and housewives.  

The reason for this is that Malaysians are trained to be very results oriented early on in the educational system. Score as many “As” as possible, earn a first class degree, etc, all with the ultimate objective of wealth, fame or admiration.  

But some studies have shown that financial status, external circumstances and life’s events account for no more than 15% of the happiness quotient. It is the internal factors such as a healthy self-esteem, a sense of optimism and hope, gratifying relationships and a purpose in life that make the difference. Some researchers call it “subjective well-being.” 

Having high self-esteem leads to feelings of confidence, self-worth, adequacy and capability. I think the simplest example to illustrate the point is to for us look at ourselves. If we accomplish a task or are skilful at something, don’t we feel happy?  

Fulfilling the need for self-actualisation promises contentment. It entails doing what the individual is meant to do, living for a purpose which means the most to the individual. For example, a girl who has dreamt of being a model since childhood would be happier working as a model than as an accountant.  

There is a saying that money cannot buy happiness. A rich society is not necessarily happy nor a poor one sad. The happiest society is a content and self-realised one.  

What about economic improvement then? We can look at the part of society that is deemed least productive – the retired and elderly. According to the census by the Statistics Department, citizens aged 60 and above make up nearly 10% of the country’s population.  

Studies done by the Gerontology Institute in Universiti Putra Malaysia found that many retirees still want to work and learn but have found no avenue to do so. We are actually losing out on the productivity of a big segment of the population. 

Lifelong learning can generally be categorised into three components – hobbies, skills training and academic courses.  

If greater awareness is created for the many types of lifelong learning programmes available, more working and non-working adults as well as retirees would know where to look for programmes that interest them or fit their needs.  

This in turn could help increase the household income and give those involved a better sense of confidence and satisfaction. 

Datuk Clement Hii is SEGi International Bhd chief executive officer.