The Role Of Lifelong Learning In Human Capital Development: The Malaysian Blueprint

The introductory line “lifelong learning is the third pillar in human capital development” is the resounding and definitive statement from the Blueprint on Enculturation of Lifelong Learning for Malaysia (2011-2020). Unveiled in November 2011, the Blueprint represents the country’s first manifest address of this increasingly important component in the nation’s educational agenda. As the country braces herself for 2020 – a landmark year when we hope to achieve developed nation status, lifelong learning and the education of working adults and the labour force play a crucial role in any initiative leading to national development and economic progress. This is the fundamental reason behind the enhancement of human capital development – ensuring a knowledgeable and skilful workforce is a crucial factor for a robust and competitive economy. Now more than three years since the unveiling of the Blueprint, acculturating lifelong learning in Malaysia is still an ongoing process and there is much for all education stakeholders and other relevant agencies must accomplish in order to help Malaysia achieve her national aspirations. Such strategies to further the cause of lifelong learning include reviewing our current nationwide status; learning from global examples; and leveraging on various approaches to learning, including open and distance learning (ODL) and work-based professional development. This keynote address will describe lifelong learning and human capital development in the Malaysian context as well as introduce the Blueprint as an important document in this agenda. This paper will also introduce several global examples in lifelong learning that can help guide Malaysia to greater success in acculturating lifelong learning and ensure that this educational agenda can be translated into tangible outcomes. Finally, this paper will also briefly share some of the lifelong learning initiatives put forth by Open University Malaysia (OUM) with the hope of contributing to the overall development of the nation’s human capital