The National Service Training Programme (PLKN) Transformation Pilot Project Programme 2.0 will begin on Oct 17 involving a total of 410 trainees and 31 instructors.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said of the 410 trainees, 309 were volunteers while 101 received the offer from National Service Training Department (JKLN).

"The inclusion of volunteer trainees is a new milestone in the implementation of PLKN 2.0 next year which actually emphasises on certain aspects of volunteerism," he told reporters after a PLKN Transformation Coordination meeting here, today.

Also present was Youth and Sports Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar.

Hishammuddin said the pilot project would also be a test on the effectiveness of modules in both phases of the new NS training namely 'Integrated Learning Model' in phase 1 and 'Skills Training' in phase 2.

"Phase 1 involves five main modules namely Fit4life; Tech & Talk; Malaysia; Be Safe and Be Alert; iUpgrade and three sub-modules, on Spirituality, Volunteerism and MyFuture.

"Under phase 2, coaches who have completed training in phase 1 will be placed at skills training institutions run by the Youth and Sports Ministry, among them the National Youth Skills Institute, community and technical colleges," he said.

On the nationalism module, Hishammudin said it would be maintained or improved further, looking at the current new threats such as militancy.

"It is maintained so that the spirit of patriotism and love for the country among Malaysians lives on .. patriotisme volunteerism and unity are the core of nation building, more so in this challenging world.

"We also need to face a world without borders, new threats, safety issues in the context of universal peace and I believe this should not be compromised," he said.

Commenting further, Hishammudin said the military element formerly incorporated in the NS training programme modules would be maintained in instilling discipline among trainees.

Meanwhile, on technical and vocational skills training found in the NS modules, Khairy said it was to help trainees master certain skills so that they would be marketable upon graduation.