KUALA LUMPUR: When 21-year-old Jennifer Kumar volunteered for the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0, many questioned her decision.
Already in college and under no obligation to serve, the Selangor-born trainee said she joined for the sole reason of stepping out of her comfort zone.
Forty-five days later, she emerged with a newfound sense of discipline, confidence and resilience after undergoing military-style training that tested her both physically and mentally.
"I wanted to challenge myself and prove that I could do something outside my comfort zone," said Jennifer, who described the experience as life-changing.
"There were times when I told my friends I wanted to give up because I felt I couldn't continue. Then I collapsed for the first time in my life during training," she recalled.
Jennifer said one of the programme's biggest takeaways was the opportunity to build friendships across racial lines.
"Before joining PLKN, I didn't have many close friends from other ethnic backgrounds. Here, I made friends with Malays, Chinese and Indians from all over the country, and living and training together helped us understand one another better," she said.
Her father, Kumar Somasundaram, said he was initially concerned as Jennifer had never lived away from home before.
"At first she called us and complained about how tiring it was, but over time we could see the changes in her. She has become stronger mentally and physically, more disciplined and more willing to challenge herself," he said.
The transformation was among the stories shared at the PLKN 3.0 Series 2/2026 passing-out parade held at Kem Rejimen 515 Askar Wataniah on Monday (June 8).
A total of 1,369 trainees completed the 45-day programme conducted at three camps nationwide, including Kem Rejimen 505 Askar Wataniah in Pekan, Pahang, Kem Rejimen 515 Askar Wataniah in Kuala Lumpur and Kem Malbatt Village in Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan.
Among them was 18-year-old Eunice Chow Chui Hua, who was named Wira Muda Ulung at the Kuala Lumpur camp and said the programme reinforced her ambition to become an airforce pilot.
"PLKN prepared me mentally and physically for what I hope to pursue in the future," said the Selangor-born trainee, adding that the programme taught her discipline and time management.
Another Selangorian, Nur Aleeya Batrisya Mohamad Apis, 18, said the programme transformed her from a shy teenager into a confident youth leader.
"There were times when I felt discouraged, especially after being reprimanded, but I learned to strengthen my mental and emotional resilience," said the Wira Muda Kanan of Alpha Company.
Having completed the 45-day programme, she believes the biggest lesson from PLKN is not learning how to march or follow orders, but discovering one's own potential.
"Don't be afraid to join PLKN. Be brave enough to challenge yourself. Strengthen your mental and emotional resilience and use this opportunity to become a better person," she said.
