New module for NS

KUALA LUMPUR: A new module for National Service training which will also provide gradings for students making university applications will be tabled in Cabinet soon.
Announcing this, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said this will benefit students as it will focus on providing them soft-skills.
He said the NS stint could serve as the student's co-curriculum participation to fulfill the higher learning institutions' requirements.
He said the NS programme which was put on hold last year is expected to resume by January 2016 pending Cabinet's approval.
Calling the new module Transfomation 2.0, Hishammuddin said the programme will give students "a second netting security" for those unsure of the course they should pursue when furthering their studies.
He was responding to Senator Zali Mat Yasin, who asked about the government's plan for the halted NS programme to ensure it benefited the youths in the long term.
"The new module will be divided into two phases.
The first phase will focus on on soft skill modules such as Confidence; Volunteerism; Unity in Diversity; Patriotism; Be Safe an Alert; Act and Talk; and Fit for Life programmes while the second phase is to learn about their chosen course of study.
"Students will also be exposed to elements of the world and threats faced today like militancy, division of race and religion through social media that can be exploited," Hishammuddin said.
He pointed out that many countries faced challenges in making young people understand unity, volunteerism and patriotism.
"The programme will be one of the channels to expose students to these challenges and threats," he said.
All these, Hishamuddin said, would attract the attention of parents and he hoped that they would send their children voluntary by 2016.
"Once parents see the value...they would understand and support the programme. There would be no compulsion.
"This would be a major change and transformation from the 1.0 module," he said.
Hishammuddin said the ministry also plans to increase the intakes to three to four per year and a decision would be made on July 8.