A 77-year-old Malaysian man, Zulkifly Abdullah, has defied conventional retirement norms by earning a Bachelor of Law from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in Selangor, Malaysia. Zulkifly, a retired human resources officer, began his part-time law studies in 2018 and completed them in December 2023. His graduation on September 4, 2024, was celebrated with cheers and applause, and a video of the event posted on UiTM’s official TikTok account has since gone viral, amassing over 950,000 views by September 13.
Background
Zulkifly’s academic journey in retirement is not his first; he previously earned a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in History from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) between 2007 and 2011. His decision to pursue further education stemmed from a desire to continue learning after focusing on his career during his working years. His recent law degree was motivated by his interest in legal matters, having worked in a ministry with legal regulations.
Earned two degrees in retirement
In an interview with The New Straits Times, Zulkifly, a father of five, shared that he had always prioritised his job over education. However, retirement offered him the opportunity to return to school. At 60, he enrolled at UKM and later pursued law studies at UiTM in 2018. His academic achievements in retirement highlight his commitment to lifelong learning.
‘Education is a lifelong journey’
Zulkifly acknowledged the challenges of studying at an older age, noting that it required extra effort to retain information. He expressed gratitude to his lecturers, classmates, and family for their unwavering support. “My son is a lawyer, and we often discuss legal matters. I also consult him when I need clarification on certain topics,” he said. Zulkifly emphasised that age should not be a barrier to education, stating, “Education is a lifelong journey. Law requires consistent reading and effort. If you have the opportunity, continue learning regardless of your age.”
Inspiration for others
Zulkifly’s story serves as an inspiration for others, demonstrating that it is never too late to pursue one’s educational goals. His achievements challenge societal expectations of retirement and underscore the importance of lifelong learning. As more individuals like Zulkifly choose to continue their education later in life, they pave the way for a broader understanding of what it means to age actively and meaningfully.
