Lifelong Learning in the Era of IR4.0: A Concept Analysis

Abstract

—To remain competitive and to stay relevant in the era of IR4.0, lifelong learning is indispensable.
This paper is consonant with the various initiatives by the Malaysian government and the UNESCO to
constantly reskilling, upskilling and cross-skilling the workforce and enculturing a ‘Nation of Lifelong
Learners’. There is a need for a clear and constructive understanding of the concept of lifelong learning to
assist in the development of relevant lifelong learning models and assessment tools to create a culture of
lifelong learning in higher education institutions. The concept of lifelong learning is examined based on the
method developed by Walker and Avant (2011) that identifies the attributes, antecedents and effects of
lifelong learning constructed upon the findings of literature review. This study will be useful to Malaysia’s
education policy to raise the quality of employable workforce and to develop solutions for Malaysians to
keep abreast of the technological shift in the era of IR4.0