JUST as stagnant water becomes stale and unfit for drinking, so does progress when complacency sets in. This is one of the reasons the Lifelong Learning Campaign was launched. It is clear that the personal development of each individual would ultimately lead to the progress of Malaysia.  

The Commission of European Communities has defined lifelong learning as “all learning activity undertaken throughout life, with the aim of improving knowledge, skills and competences within a personal, civic, social and/or employment-related perspective”. We can use a similar definition in the Malaysian context.  

Simply put, personal development is the constant improvement of an individual in all areas.  

What does personal growth entail? Mental development involves critical thinking, creativity, gaining new knowledge and developing new skills. Physical development relates to health, building muscles and learning or perfecting a sport.  

Examples of emotional and spiritual growth are increased maturity, self-esteem, confidence and strength. These are categorised as personal attributes. 

Personal development also includes social growth. A person with well-developed interpersonal skills has good communication skills, is socially adaptable and able to work in a team, and has leadership skills. 

These two areas are referred to as soft skills by the employers. There is no denying how crucial it is for one to have these skills.  

The Human Resource Ministry has found that the main grouse among employers and recruitment agencies now is that most Malaysian graduates lack the soft skills necessary for work and career advancement.  

A study conducted by the Stanford Research Institute and Carnegie Mellon Foundation involving Fortune 500 chief executive officers confirms that 75% of long-term job success depended on people skills, and only 25% on technical knowledge. 

To succeed in career and business, one needs discipline, strong work ethics, high self-esteem, integrity, resilience, good time management, good personal presentation, good communication skills, leadership, emotional intelligence, teamwork and problem-solving skills, among others. 

This is why some educational institutions have begun including soft skills modules in their courses. 

For those who are already in the employment market or do not have the opportunity to enter university, it is still not too late.  

There is a myriad of programmes – not necessarily in the form of classroom instruction or paper qualification – for different areas of personal development offered by private organisations and Lifelong Learning Centres.  

Personal development is not only important for career, which inevitably leads to financial wealth, but also for social and emotional wealth. A happy person needs a balance of money, recreation, love from family and friends as well as a sense of achievement.  

Since society is made up of people, the more happy individuals we have, the happier is our society. Apart from that, a collective effort to improve would create a progressive society.  

The challenge is that many people think they are fine the way they are. However, if we do not improve, we stagnate and impede our own success.  

Malaysians should heed Thomas Edison’s wise words: “We shall have no better conditions in the future if we are satisfied with all those which we have at present.” 

Datuk Clement Hii is executive deputy chairman of LLL Lifelong Learning Network Sdn Bhd which promotes and coordinates lifelong learning among Malaysians.