Abstract:

The concept of life-long learning or 'continuous learning' is not new. From a historical perspective this concept is said to have been around for thousands of years including during Plato era and Kuan Tzu (China) in the 3rd Century. The paper will explore the concept of life-long learning from a historical perspective and its renewed focus attributed to demand of the business world and, more specifically, to knowledge as critical factor or competitive edge for business to survive and excel. A detail scrutiny of UNESCO'S notion of life-long learning which focuses not only on the provision of knowledge, skills and competencies but one which takes into account the formation of the whole being including social, emotional, mental and physical aspect will be considered. The role played by most Malaysian universities in inculcating or instilling life-long learning habits or traits amongst its students either knowingly or otherwise through formal and non formal means will be explained. In addition, strategies to enhance life-long learning and instilling the right 'mental habits' towards life-long learning will be highlighted.

Keywords:

Life-long learning, student development.