-By Shomesh Rahgaveindra

The National Service Training Programme (PLKN) in Malaysia, introduced in 2004, was a compulsory three-month program for 18-year-olds. It was halted in 2015 due to budget cuts and reintroduced as PLKN 2.0 in 2016. However, in 2018, the program was abolished due to allegations of racial indoctrination. PLKN 3.0, originally planned for 2024 but delayed to 2025 due to budget constraints, aims to boost patriotism and equip life skills among young Malaysians. Training will likely take place at military camps.
Despite the debate, PLKN 3.0 offers an opportunity to leverage advancements in technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the program's impact. AI-powered simulations can provide trainees with realistic and immersive training experiences for various scenarios, such as battlefield tactics, first aid procedures, or disaster response, while adaptive learning platforms personalize the educational journey for each trainee because even the Smart Nation in Singapore use AI to train soldiers in a simulated environment without having to actually deploy tanks. AI can analyze trainee performance in simulations or drills, providing feedback and identifying areas for improvement. Wearable health trackers and AI-powered mental health chatbots could address trainee well-being. These can monitor trainees' vitals, sleep patterns, and activity levels, allowing staff to intervene in case of potential health issues or fatigue and can offer anonymous support and resources to trainees who might be struggling with anxiety, homesickness, or other challenges. While chatbots and virtual assistants can provide support and information, these can be used to answer trainee questions, provide information, and handle administrative tasks, improving accessibility and reducing strain on human resources.
These are just a few ideas, and the implementation of AI would likely need careful consideration. AI integration may require significant investment in new technologies and training for staff because not everyone is capable of controlling the AI tools. But using AI for this program can reduce the work pressure of the staff who have control so many trainees because even in the armforces there is lack of staffs so to overcome that issue this might be a effective way. In my opinion, the government should negotiate with many AI company or sponsors to sponsor in this program or because we cannot fully dependant on the government to settle all the expenses of this program. The government also can seek for help to the companies that using AI tools to send some volunteers to join this program so they can handle the AI equipments and simulators. The use of AI in training and evaluation should be fair, unbiased, and transparent. While AI can enhance PLKN, it shouldn't replace the importance of human interaction and mentorship between staff and trainees. So that, PLKN 3.0 should strive for a balance between leveraging technology and maintaining the importance of human interaction and mentorship during this transformative national service experience.
Ultimately, the decision to join PLKN 3.0 rests with us. If we value national unity, discipline, and practical skills development, and are comfortable with a structured environment, PLKN 3.0 could be a rewarding experience. Because the emphasis on military-style training might not appeal to everyone, so they can explore alternative ways to contribute to our community and develop our skills.