HRDF Claimable Team Building Programmes in Malaysia 2026

Why HRDF Claimable Team Building Matters

Malaysian companies registered with HRDF (Human Resources Development Fund) contribute a mandatory levy — typically 1% of monthly payroll — to fund employee training and development. Many HR leaders do not realise that team building activities can qualify as HRDF claimable training when they incorporate structured learning outcomes.

This means your next team building programme does not have to come out of the departmental budget. By partnering with an HRDF-registered training provider and structuring the programme correctly, your organisation can claim back the full cost through HRDF.

What Makes a Team Building Programme HRDF Claimable?

Not every team building activity qualifies. HRDF requires programmes to meet specific criteria before they can be claimed under the SBL (Skim Bantuan Latihan) or SBL-Khas schemes.

Eligibility Criteria for HRDF Claimable Team Building

1. Registered Training Provider — The programme must be conducted by a training provider registered with PSMB (Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad), the body that administers HRDF.
2. Structured Learning Outcomes — The programme must have clearly defined learning objectives, not purely recreational activities. Team building that teaches communication, leadership, problem-solving, or collaboration skills qualifies.
3. Minimum Duration — Programmes typically need to be at least 7 hours (one full day) to qualify for SBL claims.
4. Formal Assessment — Participants should complete a post-programme evaluation or assessment.
5. Employer Registration — Your company must be an active HRDF-registered employer with sufficient levy balance.

Types of Team Building That Qualify

How to Structure Your HRDF Team Building Package

The difference between a claimable and non-claimable programme often comes down to documentation and structure. Here is how to ensure your team building package meets HRDF requirements:

Step 1: Define Learning Objectives

Before selecting a provider, identify the skills gap you want the programme to address. Common learning objectives for HRDF claimable team building include:

• Cross-functional communication and collaboration
• Leadership development for emerging managers
• Problem-solving under pressure
• AI literacy and digital transformation awareness
• Change management and organisational resilience

Step 2: Choose an HRDF-Registered Provider

Your training provider must hold a valid PSMB registration. Ask for their HRDF trainer ID and verify it on the HRDF portal. At Pertama Partners, all our team building and training programmes are delivered by HRDF-certified trainers.

Step 3: Submit the Grant Application

For SBL claims, submit your application through the HRDF e-TRIS portal at least 30 days before the programme date. For SBL-Khas, the timeline is more flexible — you can submit up to 14 days in advance.

Step 4: Run the Programme

Execute the programme as outlined in your approved application. Ensure all participants sign attendance sheets and complete the evaluation forms provided by the training provider.

Step 5: Submit Your Claim

After the programme, submit your claim through e-TRIS within 60 days. Attach all required documentation including attendance records, training materials, evaluation results, and the provider invoice.

HRDF Team Building for Different Company Sizes

SMEs (5-50 employees)

Small and medium enterprises benefit most from HRDF team building because the levy they pay can fund high-quality programmes that would otherwise be unaffordable. Under the SBL-Khas scheme, SMEs can claim up to 100% of allowable training costs.

Recommended format: One-day intensive workshop combining team challenges with structured skills training. Budget: RM3,000-RM8,000 (fully claimable).

Mid-Size Companies (50-200 employees)

For larger groups, consider splitting into cohorts of 20-30 participants to maximise engagement. Multi-day retreats with evening team activities and daytime structured learning are popular.

Recommended format: Two-day residential programme with modular sessions. Budget: RM15,000-RM40,000 per cohort (claimable under SBL).

Large Enterprises (200+ employees)

Large organisations often run quarterly team building programmes aligned with strategic objectives. Consider integrating AI and digital transformation themes to future-proof your workforce.

Recommended format: Quarterly half-day workshops plus one annual two-day retreat. Annual budget: RM80,000-RM200,000 (claimable with advance planning).

Popular HRDF Claimable Team Building Themes for 2026

1. AI-Powered Collaboration

Teams learn to use AI tools collaboratively while solving business challenges. This combines digital upskilling with team cohesion — making it a natural fit for HRDF claims under the digital transformation category.

2. Design Thinking Sprints

Facilitated design thinking workshops where teams prototype solutions to real company challenges. The structured methodology and measurable outcomes make these easy to get approved.

3. Leadership and Communication Intensives

Focused on developing soft skills through experiential learning. Activities might include simulation exercises, role-playing scenarios, and facilitated feedback sessions.

4. Cross-Cultural Team Building

Particularly valuable for Malaysian companies with diverse workforces. Programmes that build cultural intelligence and inclusive leadership skills qualify for HRDF claims.

Claim Amounts and Financial Planning

Important: Your claim amount cannot exceed your available levy balance. Check your balance through the e-TRIS portal before committing to a programme.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Booking before submitting the grant application — Always get HRDF approval before confirming dates with your provider.
2. Using an unregistered provider — Even an excellent programme cannot be claimed if the provider lacks PSMB registration.
3. Missing documentation — Keep attendance sheets, evaluation forms, and invoices. Missing documents are the number one reason claims are rejected.
4. Submitting claims late — You have 60 days after the programme to submit your claim. Set a calendar reminder.
5. Purely recreational activities — A team dinner or outing without structured learning will not be approved, regardless of what the provider calls it.

How Pertama Partners Can Help

Pertama Partners delivers HRDF claimable team building programmes that combine AI and digital skills training with collaborative team activities. Every programme is:

• Conducted by HRDF-certified trainers
• Structured to meet PSMB learning outcome requirements
• Accompanied by full documentation for hassle-free claims
• Customised to your industry and team objectives

Whether you are looking for a one-day AI collaboration workshop or a multi-day leadership retreat, we handle the HRDF paperwork so your team can focus on learning.