CURIOSITY and continuous learning are key to healthy ageing and longevity, according to National Council of Women’s Organisations (NCWO) Malaysia president Emerita Prof Tan Sri Dr Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hasan.
In a session titled “A Life of Curiosity, Purpose and Contribution”, she highlighted the importance of staying curious and continuing to learn throughout life, particularly in later years.
“It is not just about growing older in years, but growing richer in experience, deeper in purpose and wider in contribution,” she said.
Drawing on her own career, she demonstrated this philosophy in practice. After retiring from academia, she went on to serve as vice-chancellor of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), before becoming president of the NCWO.
Her own experience also underscored the need for a broader shift in how society approaches ageing. She noted that a major challenge in adapting to an ageing nation is that current policies are often designed around dependency rather than independence.
“With longevity, there is a substantial number of older people who still have the potential to be economically and socially relevant.”
She added that policies should be geared towards the potential opportunities for participation they have that can add life to years.
“Our systems need to enable people to remain healthy, knowledgeable, skilled, socially connected and economically active for longer. Therefore, those who need the support are still protected, and those with potential can continue learning and contributing with dignity, respect and independence,” she said.
Supporting longer, healthier and more independent lives also means strengthening the support available to caregivers. Care work remains an underappreciated and undercompensated role, with women often carrying much of the responsibility.
She said there is a need to build a stronger care ecosystem that can ease women’s caregiving responsibilities, help them remain in the workforce and give them more time to pursue their own interests.
“Greater support for women was needed because care should not be viewed solely as a personal burden, but as a public good. A stronger care economy could promote social justice and uphold one's dignity and wellbeing throughout life.”
Responding to these concerns, her work with NCWO has focused on training caregivers who look after older people at home, supporting the broader goal of enabling people to age in place.
“As healthy ageing is now a national priority, women’s healthy ageing must also be part of that conversation,” she said.
Gathering insights
Dr Sharifah’s talk was presented during the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) International Social Wellbeing Conference (ISWC) 2026 on Sept 29 at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur.
The 13th edition of the event was officiated by Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, on behalf of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Taking place over two days under the theme “The Long Horizon”, the conference highlights how an ageing society is reshaping the way people live, work and prepare for the future.
“The long horizon is not only about living longer. It is about building a society capable of keeping faith with its people across the course of life.
“We must raise the floor so that every Malaysian can age with dignity and security.
“We must also raise the ceiling by ensuring that longer lives are lived with agency, connection and purpose,” Amir Hamzah said.
The call comes as Malaysia moves towards becoming an aged nation, making it increasingly important to prepare for the needs of future generations, said EPF chairman Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali.
He noted that people aged 65 and above account for an estimated 8.4% of the nation's population in 2026, and by 2060, this share is projected to reach 18.3%.
“While the pace of demographic change differs across countries, the same shift is unfolding across much of the world. This makes international dialogue especially valuable for us to share experiences, learn from one another and explore how best to prepare for longer lives,” he said.
The conference, jointly organised with the Finance Ministry, brought together policymakers, industry practitioners, academics and international experts to explore practical solutions and policy responses to such realities.
The conference invites participants to consider a society built for increased longevity, where additional years bring greater security, continued opportunities and a strong sense of purpose, he noted.
“By recognising the experience, knowledge and contributions that people bring throughout their lives, alongside the support they may need as they grow older. Our institutions and systems must evolve to enable people to work, learn, contribute and remain connected across generations.”
The need for such systemic change was echoed by EPF chief executive officer Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn in his closing speech, as he highlighted longevity as a defining force for Malaysia’s future.
“The long horizon is asking us to recognise longevity as one of the biggest defining forces that is going to impact our society, our community and our economy and therefore our country,” he said.
He said ensuring people could live longer, healthier and more secure lives would require a more connected approach. He stressed that this responsibility could not rest on any one group, but would require action from individuals, families, employers, communities and the government.
“Income security, health, care, work and community all shape how people live longer lives. The task now is to connect all the pieces together.”
Complementing the speaker and panel sessions, an interactive exhibition showcasing innovative elderly care products from organisations including KL Wellness City, SmartPeep, Teman Malaysia, Naluri and Fourier Rehab.
There was also a flagship EPF exhibition booth showcasing the organisation’s services, including an EPF retirement goal calculator that provides visitors with an estimate of their savings upon reaching retirement age.
“As we look towards this longer horizon, let us embrace the opportunities that longevity presents, even as we work together to address the challenges it brings. As I often say: Longevity is not just about adding years to life; it is about adding life to years,” Mohd Zuki said.
For more information, visit www.kwsp.gov.my.
