By: Noor Eszereen Juferi
Photo by: Noorazreen Awang
SERDANG, Dec 10 – The Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (IPPM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), held a lifelong learning program to empower senior citizens and the womenfolk.
Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said the implementation of the program by UPM IPPM was appropriate and timely to offer an opportunity for senior citizens and women to complete their potentials with knowledge and skills.
“This program also provides an opportunity for them to live productively to enhance their self-potentials and to be active for their family and the community,” she said when opening an Appreciation and Certificate Presentation of Universiti Era Ketiga (U3A) and Citi-UPM Financial Empowerment for Mature Women event here.
UPM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datin Paduka Dr. AIni Ideris said the programe conducted through strategic collaboration between UPM and international bodies - United Nations Population Fund and Citi Foundation - was in line with the university’s efforts to expand its scientific activities which were achievable by the community.
“This collaboration is in tandem with the country’s aspiration to embrace lifelong learning process for the development of a knowledgeable society,” she said.
UPM IPPM Director, Prof. Dr. Tengku Aizan Hamid, said the overwhelming response towards the program proved that it has a place for today’s senior citizens and women.
“Learning under this program will also lead to positive self-development for the participants and change the stereotyped images of women and the elderly, as well as provide the opportunity for them to live actively with their family and the community,” she said.
A total of 263 women and senior citizens received their U3A program and Citi-UPM program certificates, aimed at educating women to be financially independent, in line with national aspiration to embrace the lifelong learning process for the development of a knowledgeable society. - UPM.
