HULU LANGAT, Sept 20 — Lifelong learning is helping people of different ages turn practical skills into additional income, whether through home-based businesses or online work.
At the Hulu Langat Community College (KKHL), learners are using skills gained through courses offered at the institution to develop side businesses and explore new income opportunities alongside their existing work.
For mature learners like Rozman Muhamood, 56, picking up new skills later in life has opened up opportunities to earn additional income from home.
Rozman runs his own engineering company full time and a bag-selling business on the side after learning sewing skills through the college.
“I do it (business) myself online, and it is small-scale work. For me, it is very good as a source of income as it allows me to work from home,” he told Media Selangor at the 2026 Lifelong Learning Variety Carnival organised by KKHL here yesterday.
The carnival, an initiative by the Education Ministry’s Polytechnic and Community College Education Department, aimed at strengthening communities by encouraging people to develop new interests and skills.
It featured various activities for the local community, including high-impact courses, agency exhibitions, a Career Day, admission opportunities to community colleges and polytechnics, as well as affordable sales.
Husna Afiqah, 24, said continuous education has helped develop her baking business, which she runs as a side income while working full time at a law firm. She sells a variety of baked goods, including brownies, cakes, Congo bars and soft cookies.
She credits the short courses she has taken at the community college since 2020 with helping her hone her baking skills.
“I have a full-time job, but at the same time, I take on baking as a side income,” she said when met.
Beyond generating additional income, Husna said the hands-on experience provided through the courses has allowed her to learn techniques that may not be available through online platforms.
“For me, (the courses) are very useful because we get hands-on experience. There are many tips that we can learn which we may not find on YouTube or TikTok.
“We can also ask questions directly, so it is easier to understand, as we can get the correct answer immediately.”
Meanwhile, 18-year-old Muhammad Irfan Mohd Sharif said lifelong learning is something that people of all ages should pursue, as it gives both younger and older learners opportunities to develop new skills.
“It doesn’t matter whether you are old or young, anyone can learn through these courses,” said the full-time KKHL student who is pursuing a Certificate in Air-Conditioning Technology.
Lifelong learning is the continuous pursuit of knowledge and skills throughout a person’s life, whether through formal education, training or self-directed learning.
