The government will soon set up a research laboratory to identify new model for the transformation of the National Service Training Programme (NS).

Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the laboratory would be supervised by the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) with members comprised former NS trainees, coaches and camp operators, as well as representatives from the Defence Ministry.

"The lab will give some recommendations on what NS will end up looking like after the transformation," he told reporters after officiating the closing of the 3rd National Aspiration and Leadership Symposium attended by 1,200 student leaders nationwide, here Saturday.

In his speech, Khairy said the roles of today's young leaders were more on uplifting the status and image of the country in the eyes of the world.

"This is what we have to do, fight to be competitive, showcase our talent, fight against extremism and racism," he said.