Lifelong learning (LLL) can be generally defined as the process of acquiring knowledge and skills throughout an individual's life, extending beyond formal education. LLL encompasses personal and professional development, adapting to changes in society, technology, and the workplace, as well as meeting evolving industry demands. Integrating LLL into TVET ensures that individuals remain relevant, capable of adapting to technological advancements, and contributing effectively to the workforce throughout their careers. In the digital era, LLL can be implemented in various modalities that enhance accessibility for people with different socio-economic statuses. In this keynote speech, the modes of LLL will be presented to provide insights into the implementation of LLL. In addition, the challenges of LLL will be discussed. Examples of these challenges include a lack of awareness towards LLL, the sluggish update of training curricula aligned with industrial needs, issues of equality and social inclusion, and so on. LLL has the potential to contribute to rapid economic development. However, the challenges of LLL must be resolved. In the final section, strategies to address these challenges will be discussed. Some of these strategies include outreach and promotion programs, the development of industry-oriented training curricula, and the provision of funding and financial assistance to vulnerable groups. In conclusion, the success of LLL in TVET is largely dependent on the involvement, commitment, and contribution of all stakeholders, such as the government, training providers, and industry. Therefore, efforts from all involved parties must be made to ensure the issues related to LLL are addressed.

Dr LAI CHEE SERN is the member of the Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) since 2004. He is also on a joint-appointment with the Malaysia Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training (MyRIVET) as the Deputy Director. He earned his B.Eng in Mechanical Engineering and M.Ed in Technical and Vocational Education from UTHM in 2002 and 2004 respectively. In 2010, he obtained his PhD in Engineering Education at the University of Bremen, Germany. He is actively involved in research and consultation projects related to TVET, TVET-Teachers’ Training as well as teaching and learning.  He was invited as keynote speaker at several national and international conferences and published more than 150 journal articles, proceedings papers, book chapters, and books. He is the chief editor of Online Journal for TVET Practitioners, Advisory Board Member for the Journal of Social Sciences and Technical Education, International Scientific Council for Practicum Journal, and guest editor for the journal of TVET@Asia. In terms of teaching, he has experiences in teaching undergraduate program courses, such as Welding Technology, Non-Destruction Test, and Solids Mechanics, as well as postgraduate program courses, such as Statistics and Research Methodology. On top of that, he has been supervising students’ research projects at bachelor, master, and PhD levels.