By Aida Aziz
TANJUNG MALIM: Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) has made history after being selected as the first public university to implement the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 pilot phase.
The initiative will serve as a benchmark for implementation across 19 other public universities nationwide starting next year.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the implementation of PLKN 3.0 in public universities represents a major transformation in the country’s youth development policy, introducing a more systematic, long-term and integrated approach within the higher education framework.
“The implementation of PLKN 3.0 in public universities is not merely a continuation of training in camps, but a shift towards a higher education institution-based model that is more structured and aligned with current needs.
“The pilot programme at UPSI serves as an important platform to test the suitability of training modules, integration with existing academic structures, and to assess its effectiveness before it is expanded to all public universities next year,” he said when officiating the launch of the PLKN 3.0 pilot programme at the Experimental Theatre, Sultan Azlan Shah Campus.
He said the programme, which began at UPSI on June 9 with government funding support, is a strategic move to produce young Malaysians with a strong identity, high patriotism and outstanding leadership qualities.
Zambry added that the MADANI government remains committed to developing a generation that is not only physically resilient, but also mentally strong, emotionally intelligent and capable of withstanding increasingly complex global challenges.
“Participants must continue to uphold the spirit of volunteerism and social responsibility, utilise knowledge, technology and creativity to build a better future, and serve as agents of unity among Malaysians of diverse backgrounds,” he said.
Meanwhile, UPSI Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff described the selection of the university as a pilot institution as a significant honour and a reflection of the government’s confidence in UPSI’s capability to lead national human capital development initiatives.
He said UPSI is fully committed to ensuring the programme runs smoothly and effectively, adding that its success in Muallim would serve as a key benchmark before nationwide expansion to 19 other public universities beginning in 2027.
He added that 1,005 new diploma students from the June 2026 intake have been selected for the pilot programme, comprising 567 male and 438 female trainees.
To support full implementation, UPSI is also upgrading its UPSI Adventure Park and Glamping Park with new facilities, including an indoor multipurpose hall, seminar rooms, outdoor recreation infrastructure and camping sites.
