A study of the impact of lifelong learning programmes amongst Malaysian students: A comparative study between public and private higher educational institution

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate experiences amongst Malaysian students, whom enrolled in a lifelong learning program at higher educational institution. The aim of the programme is supporting the development of educational and industrial quality of lifelong learning, particularly, on the impact of the programme in catering the industrial revolution 4.0. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were used to collect data from 15 selected students amongst the Malaysian public and private higher educational institutions. The findings indicate that undertaking a lifelong learning programme does bring impact towards education and industrial revolution 4.0 upon how real and virtual work implement and perceive the programme. The definition and conceptualization of a lifelong learning described by the respondents illustrate the understanding and perception of the programme offered. The results also revealed on how the students’ perceptions of a lifelong learning education and industrial concept can impact their action to support or not to support the aim of the programme development and revolution in the local institution. In addition, the results also shared the comparative study between the organisation or institution strategies in implementing the aim of the lifelong learning programme in different setting environment and sectors. Thus, the context of the Malaysian cultural settings and organization culture were also discussed as to highlight the significant of the study’s findings.