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Government Funding & Incentives

What is HRD Corp Malaysia?

HRD Corp (Human Resource Development Corporation) is the Malaysian government agency that manages the HRDF (Human Resource Development Fund) and oversees employer-funded training programs. Formerly known as PSMB (Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad), HRD Corp administers levy collection, training grants, and skills development initiatives to enhance Malaysian workforce capabilities in AI, digital transformation, and emerging technologies.

HRD Corp serves as the implementing agency for Malaysia's national workforce development strategy, managing billions of ringgit in training funds annually. The organization works closely with employers, training providers, and industry associations to ensure training programs align with market needs and national economic priorities.

Why It Matters for Business

Malaysian employers contributing to the HRDF levy can reclaim training investments worth RM5,000-50,000 per employee annually for approved AI upskilling programs. HRD Corp funding effectively subsidizes 50-100% of workforce digital transformation training costs for eligible SMEs. Companies systematically utilizing HRD Corp claims build AI-ready teams at a fraction of market training rates while meeting national human capital development objectives.

Key Considerations
  • HRD Corp regularly updates approved training categories and funding schemes to reflect evolving industry needs.
  • The organization provides advisory services to help employers design effective training programs that meet claim requirements.
  • HRD Corp maintains a registry of approved training providers — check provider approval status before committing to training.
  • Contact HRD Corp directly for clarifications on eligibility, claim procedures, or scheme-specific requirements.
  • Register as an HRD Corp claimable employer and verify your HRDF levy contribution status before planning any AI training program submissions.
  • Select HRD Corp certified training providers offering recognized AI and digital transformation courses to maximize claim approval probability.
  • Submit training claims within the stipulated 6-month filing window after course completion to avoid forfeiting reimbursement entitlements.
  • Register as an HRD Corp claimable employer and verify your HRDF levy contribution status before planning any AI training program submissions.
  • Select HRD Corp certified training providers offering recognized AI and digital transformation courses to maximize claim approval probability.
  • Submit training claims within the stipulated 6-month filing window after course completion to avoid forfeiting reimbursement entitlements.

Common Questions

What's the difference between HRD Corp and HRDF?

HRD Corp is the government agency, while HRDF is the training fund it manages. Think of HRD Corp as the administrator and HRDF as the funding mechanism. When you register for training funding, you register with HRD Corp to access HRDF.

How do I contact HRD Corp for assistance with training claims?

HRD Corp operates customer service centers across Malaysia and provides support through their e-TRiS portal, email (info@hrdcorp.gov.my), and phone hotline. They also conduct employer briefings and workshops to help companies navigate the funding process.

More Questions

Training providers must apply for HRDF registration and meet quality criteria including trainer qualifications, training methodologies, and delivery standards. HRD Corp conducts audits and reviews to ensure approved providers maintain standards. Not all training companies are HRDF-approved.

References

  1. NIST Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework (AI RMF 1.0). National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (2023). View source
  2. Stanford HAI AI Index Report 2025. Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI (2025). View source
Related Terms
HRDF Malaysia

HRDF (Human Resource Development Fund) Malaysia is a government-managed training fund that allows Malaysian employers to claim back training expenses through levy contributions. Employers registered with HRDF contribute 1% of monthly payroll and can claim up to 90% of approved training costs, making it one of Southeast Asia's most generous corporate training subsidy programs for upskilling employees in AI, digital skills, and professional development.

SBL-KHAS Malaysia

SBL-KHAS (Skim Bantuan Latihan Khas) is Malaysia's premium HRDF training scheme offering up to 90% reimbursement for approved training programs. Designed to support critical skills development in areas like AI, digital transformation, and Industry 4.0, SBL-KHAS provides higher claim rates than standard SBL schemes, making advanced technology training highly affordable for Malaysian employers.

HRDF Claimable Training

HRDF Claimable Training refers to employee development programs that meet HRD Corp's eligibility criteria for reimbursement through Malaysia's Human Resource Development Fund. For training to be claimable, it must be delivered by HRDF-registered providers, involve Malaysian employees, align with approved training categories, and meet documentation requirements, enabling employers to recover 70-90% of training costs.

HRDF Levy

HRDF Levy is the mandatory 1% monthly payroll contribution that Malaysian employers with 10 or more employees must pay into the Human Resource Development Fund. These levy payments accumulate in employer training accounts and can be claimed back for approved training programs, functioning as a government-managed training savings mechanism where contributions are returned when used for workforce development.

MDEC AI Skills Training

MDEC (Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation) AI Skills Training encompasses government-supported programs to develop AI and digital capabilities across Malaysian workforce. MDEC partners with training providers and employers to subsidize AI training, digital transformation education, and technology upskilling aligned with Malaysia's digital economy ambitions.

Need help implementing HRD Corp Malaysia?

Pertama Partners helps businesses across Southeast Asia adopt AI strategically. Let's discuss how hrd corp malaysia fits into your AI roadmap.