Corporate AI Training Malaysia — HRDF Claimable Programmes 2026
Corporate training in Malaysia is increasingly focused on AI and digital transformation. With HRDF claimable programmes, companies can upskill their entire team in AI at zero net cost. This guide covers the best corporate AI training options, HRDF claim process, and how to choose the right programme for your business.
- HRDF-registered employer in Malaysia
- Active levy account with sufficient balance
- Training delivered by PSMB-registered provider with certified trainers
- Grant application submitted before training date
- Available for all industries and company sizes
- Assess your team's AI training needs
- Select a PSMB-registered corporate training provider
- Agree on programme scope, dates, and deliverables
- Submit HRDF grant application on e-TRIS (30 days advance for SBL)
- Receive approval and conduct the programme
- Collect attendance records, evaluations, and invoices
- Submit claim on e-TRIS within 60 days
- Receive reimbursement from your levy balance
The State of Corporate Training in Malaysia
Malaysia's corporate training landscape is shifting decisively toward AI and digital skills. The Malaysia Digital initiative, combined with HRDF support, has created a fertile environment for companies to invest in workforce AI capabilities.
Yet many Malaysian companies are still in the early stages of AI adoption. A recent survey found that while 80% of Malaysian businesses consider AI important for their future, fewer than 30% have invested in formal AI training for their employees. This gap represents a significant competitive opportunity.
Why HRDF Claimable Corporate Training Makes Sense
For Malaysian companies, HRDF claimable corporate training is effectively free. Your company already contributes the levy — claiming it back for AI training simply converts a mandatory cost into a strategic investment.
The Business Case
| Without HRDF | With HRDF |
|---|---|
| AI training budget: RM50,000 | AI training budget: RM50,000 |
| Source: Departmental budget | Source: HRDF levy balance |
| Impact on P&L: -RM50,000 | Impact on P&L: RM0 |
| Result: Budget pressure | Result: Free investment |
Types of Corporate AI Training in Malaysia
1. AI Awareness and Strategy (For Leadership)
Who: C-suite, senior management, board members Duration: 1-2 days What: Understanding AI capabilities, risks, and strategic opportunities. Developing an AI roadmap for the organisation. HRDF cost: RM3,000-RM5,000 per cohort (fully claimable)
2. AI for Business Professionals (For All Staff)
Who: All employees, no technical background required Duration: 2-3 days What: Practical AI tool usage — ChatGPT, Copilot, automation tools. Focus on immediate productivity gains. HRDF cost: RM5,000-RM8,000 per cohort (fully claimable)
3. AI Implementation Workshop (For Teams)
Who: Project teams, department heads, IT staff Duration: 3-5 days What: Identifying AI use cases, building proof-of-concepts, planning implementation. Hands-on with real company data. HRDF cost: RM8,000-RM15,000 per cohort (fully claimable)
4. Technical AI Training (For Developers)
Who: IT teams, data analysts, developers Duration: 5-10 days What: Python, machine learning, data engineering, model deployment. Advanced technical skills. HRDF cost: RM10,000-RM20,000 per cohort (fully claimable)
Choosing the Right Corporate AI Training Provider
What to Look For
- HRDF certified trainers — Essential for claims
- PSMB registration — Verify on the HRDF portal
- Industry experience — Provider should understand your sector
- Practical focus — Real-world application, not just theory
- Post-training support — Ongoing coaching or consultation
- Customisation — Programmes tailored to your business, not generic
Red Flags
- Provider cannot show PSMB registration
- Generic curriculum with no industry customisation
- No practical exercises or hands-on components
- No post-programme follow-up
- Trainers without verifiable HRDF certification
How to Maximise Corporate Training ROI
Before Training
- Conduct a skills gap assessment
- Define measurable outcomes (e.g., "automate 5 processes within 30 days")
- Select participants strategically (start with AI champions who can cascade learning)
During Training
- Use real company data and scenarios
- Set up AI tools on company devices during the programme
- Assign team projects with practical deliverables
After Training
- Schedule 30/60/90 day follow-up reviews
- Measure productivity improvements against baseline
- Create an internal AI community of practice
- Plan advanced training for high-performers
How Pertama Partners Delivers Corporate AI Training
Pertama Partners is Malaysia's specialist AI training provider. Our HRDF claimable programmes are:
- Delivered by HRDF certified trainers with real AI implementation experience
- Customised to your industry (financial services, manufacturing, healthcare, professional services)
- Focused on measurable business outcomes, not just awareness
- Supported by post-training coaching and implementation guidance
- Available in English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Mandarin
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. When delivered by PSMB-registered providers with HRDF certified trainers, corporate AI training programmes are fully claimable under SBL or SBL-Khas schemes. Apply through the e-TRIS portal before the training date.
Typical programmes range from RM3,000-RM20,000 per cohort depending on duration and depth. With HRDF claims, the net cost to the company is often zero.
Common topics include AI awareness for leadership, practical AI tools for all staff, AI implementation workshops for project teams, and technical AI training for developers. Programmes can be customised to your industry.
Submit a grant application through e-TRIS at least 30 days before training (14 days for SBL-Khas). After training, submit your claim with attendance records and invoices within 60 days.
Yes. In-house corporate training delivered at your premises by an HRDF certified trainer is claimable. This is often preferred for programmes using proprietary company data and scenarios.
- •AI Awareness for Business Leaders
- •Generative AI for Professionals
- •AI Implementation Workshop
- •Data Analytics for Business
- •Process Automation with AI
- •AI Governance and Policy
- •Python for Business Automation
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