It's Never Too Late to Learn

“It's never too late. I started this diploma at 34 while working full-time,” says Hon Nur Farhanah, who is currently studying for a Part-Time Diploma in Applied Science (Environmental Services and Management). “In fact, your work experience becomes an advantage, because it helps you understand the course content better.”

For Farhanah, upskilling wasn't about changing careers. She continued working full-time at the National Environment Agency (NEA), and saw it as a chance to deepen her expertise and prepare for new opportunities in the environmental sector.

She has been able to apply what she learnt directly to her role at NEA. The Integrated Pest Management module refreshed knowledge she gained as a former dengue officer, while Environmental Statistical Methods strengthened her data management skills. These have helped her improve daily data updates and use Python more effectively for data processing.

One of her most rewarding experiences was working on an environmental project. She applied classroom concepts to real-world challenges and saw, first-hand, how theory becomes practice.

Farhanah has this advice for those considering part-time studies: “If you're passionate about learning and self-improvement, don't let age stop you from taking that first step.”

Looking ahead, Farhanah hopes to explore opportunities across different NEA departments and contribute even more to environmental and public health initiatives.

Ready for your next step? Explore our October intake for Part-Time Diploma and Specialist Diploma programmes here.