Most Malaysian companies don’t know they’re leaving money on the table.
You pay for employee training. The government reimburses you. Simple, right?
Except 68% of eligible companies never claim. They spend RM50,000 on training when they could’ve paid zero.
If you’ve been hesitant about AI training because of cost, this changes everything. Your company probably qualifies for full HRD Corp reimbursement.
Here’s exactly how to claim it and get the best of HRD Corp AI Training Malaysia.
What is HRD Corp and Why It Matters for AI Training
HRD Corp (formerly known as HRDF or PSMB) is Malaysia’s national training fund. Malaysian employers contribute 1% of their monthly payroll to this fund.
Think of it as forced savings for training. You’ve been paying in. Now it’s time to withdraw.
The numbers are significant. As of 2026, the HRD Corp fund holds billions in training allocations. Your company’s share is sitting there, waiting.
But here’s what most business owners miss: AI training qualifies. Fully.
That means you can train your entire team on AI tools and productivity, and get every ringgit back.
Zero net cost.
Who Qualifies for HRD Corp AI Training Claims
Not every company can claim. But if you’re reading this, you probably qualify.
You’re eligible if:
- Your company employs 10 or more people
- You’re registered with HRD Corp (most companies are)
- You’ve been contributing to the monthly levy
- The training is for Malaysian employees
- You use an HRD Corp-registered training provider
Companies in these sectors automatically qualify: manufacturing, mining, quarrying, services (hotels, restaurants, transport, storage), and more.
But even if you’re unsure, check. The list expands regularly. By 2026, over 52,000 Malaysian employers will be registered.
What about AI training specifically?
Yes. AI courses qualify under Skills Training and Upskilling programs. The government recognizes AI literacy as critical for Malaysia’s workforce.
This includes training on ChatGPT, automation tools, data analysis, content creation with AI, and AI video generation platforms.
Types of HRD Corp Grants for AI Training
HRD Corp offers several grant schemes. Understanding which one fits your needs saves time.
Skim Bantuan Latihan (SBL) – Training Assistance Scheme
This is the main one. It covers 100% of approved training costs up to your company’s available levy.
If you’ve contributed RM100,000 in levy and haven’t claimed anything, you have RM100,000 available for training.
AI training under SBL qualifies when it’s:
- Conducted by registered providers
- Structured with clear learning outcomes
- Documented with attendance and assessments
Most corporate AI programs fit perfectly here.
Skim Latihan Khas (SLK) – Special Training Scheme
For specific industries or situations. Less commonly used but available if your AI training addresses unique sector needs.
Skim Bantuan Latihan Semula (SBLS) – Retraining Scheme
If you’re retraining employees due to business changes, automation, or digital transformation, this scheme provides additional support.
Perfect for companies transitioning to AI-powered operations.
Step-by-Step: How to Claim HRD Corp for AI Training
The claiming process isn’t complicated. But many companies stumble because they miss small details.
Here’s the exact process:
Step 1: Verify Your HRD Corp Registration
Log in to the HRD Corp e-TRiS system. Check your company’s:
- Registration status (must be active)
- Available levy balance
- Outstanding contributions
If you haven’t logged in before, you’ll need your company’s registration number and admin access. HR usually handles this.
Step 2: Choose a Registered Training Provider
This is critical. Only training from HRD Corp-registered providers qualifies.
Check the provider’s credentials. They should have:
- Valid HRD Corp registration
- Accredited trainers
- Clear course outlines
- Track record with AI training
As an HRD Corp Accredited Trainer, I’m registered, and our programs qualify for full reimbursement. But always verify any provider’s status directly with HRD Corp.
Step 3: Submit Training Application (Before Training Starts)
This is where companies make the biggest mistake. You must apply BEFORE training begins.
Retroactive claims rarely work. If you’ve already conducted training without prior approval, you’ve likely lost that claim.
Application timeline:
- Submit at least 14 days before training
- Wait for approval (usually 3-7 working days)
- Only proceed once approved
Step 4: Conduct the Training
During training, documentation matters:
- Attendance sheets (signatures required daily)
- Training materials and handouts
- Assessment results
- Photos of training sessions
HRD Corp may audit. Poor documentation = rejected claim.
Step 5: Submit Claim Within 30 Days
After training ends, you have 30 days to submit your claim through e-TRiS.
Required documents:
- Training provider’s invoice
- Payment proof
- Attendance records
- Training report from the provider
- Pre and post-assessment results
- Participant feedback forms
Missing documents delay claims for months. Get everything right the first time.
Step 6: Receive Reimbursement
Processing takes 14-30 working days. The money goes directly to your company’s bank account.
Track claim status in e-TRiS. If there are issues, HRD Corp will request additional information.
Common Mistakes That Get Claims Rejected
I’ve seen companies lose thousands because of easily avoidable errors.
Applying after training starts – This alone kills most rejected claims. Plan ahead. If you’re considering AI training for March, apply in February.
Using unregistered providers – That cheap training from Facebook? Probably doesn’t qualify. Always verify HRD Corp registration status.
Poor attendance tracking – Missing signatures, unclear dates, incomplete records. HRD Corp requires proper documentation.
Training generic content – “General office skills” might not qualify. But “AI for Business Productivity” with clear outcomes does.
Late claim submission – The 30-day window is firm. Miss it, and you forfeit your claim.
Incomplete invoicing – Provider invoices must include specific details: training dates, participants, content breakdown, and trainer credentials.
Maximizing Your Benefits for HRD Corp AI Training Malaysia
Smart companies don’t just claim once. They build strategic training plans that maximize their levy balance.
Plan annual training calendars – If your available levy is RM80,000, plan RM80,000 worth of training across the year.
Quarterly AI workshops. Monthly skill-building sessions. Annual leadership programs. Use everything you’ve paid in.
Combine programs strategically – Don’t train everyone at once. Batch training by department or role.
Train managers first. Then team leaders. Then frontline staff. This creates internal champions who reinforce learning.
Track and report impact – HRD Corp wants to see training produce results. Document:
- Productivity improvements
- Cost savings from automation
- Revenue increases
- Employee retention
Companies that show strong ROI get prioritized for future claims.
Use in-house plus external training – Your levy can fund both. Send teams to workshops. Bring trainers in-house. Mix approaches for maximum learning.
Why AI Training Specifically Qualifies for HRD Corp
The Malaysian government identified AI as a strategic priority. Budget 2025 allocated RM600 million for AI development. Training is a key component.
According to SME Corp Malaysia, 73% of businesses struggle with digital transformation because employees lack skills.
AI training addresses this directly. It’s not just approved – it’s encouraged.
Programs that qualify include:
- ChatGPT and generative AI for business
- AI-powered automation and workflows
- Data analysis with AI tools
- Content creation using AI
- Customer service automation
- Sales and marketing with AI
Basically, if it helps Malaysian workers become more productive with AI, it qualifies.
Real Numbers: What Malaysian Companies Save
Let’s look at actual scenarios:
Small company (30 employees): Trains all staff on AI productivity tools. Cost: RM15,000. HRD Corp reimburses: RM15,000. Net cost: RM0.
Savings: RM15,000 plus productivity gains (typically 30-40% efficiency improvement).
Medium company (200 employees): Quarterly AI workshops for all departments. Annual cost: RM120,000. HRD Corp covers: RM120,000 (if levy balance sufficient). Net cost: RM0.
Savings: RM120,000 plus a competitive advantage from an AI-skilled workforce.
Large corporation (1000+ employees): Comprehensive AI transformation program. Cost: RM500,000. HRD Corp contribution: Up to levy balance (often RM300,000-500,000). Net cost: RM0-200,000.
Massive savings plus enterprise-wide transformation.
The money is there. You’ve been contributing. Claim it.
Beyond HRD Corp: Other Training Support in Malaysia
HRD Corp isn’t your only option. Malaysia offers multiple training incentives.
MyMahir Skills Training – Free programs for specific skills, including digital literacy and basic AI.
MDEC Digital Transformation Grants – Separate from HRD Corp, these grants support broader digital adoption, including AI tools and training.
Industry-specific programs – Manufacturing, retail, services, and other sectors have dedicated training initiatives.
Tax deductions – Training expenses qualify for tax deductions even beyond HRD Corp claims.
Smart companies stack these programs. Use HRD Corp for the main training. Leverage MDEC for technology. Claim tax deductions on remaining expenses.
What to Do Right Now
The difference between companies successfully claiming HRD Corp and those that don’t? Action.
Here’s your next move:
This week: Check your HRD Corp status and available balance. Log in to e-TRiS. See what you have available.
This month: Plan your AI training strategy. Which departments need it most? What skills will create the biggest impact?
This quarter: Execute. Select registered providers. Submit applications. Conduct training. Claim reimbursement.
Don’t let another year pass while your training money sits unused. Malaysian companies are already using AI to pull ahead. The ones training their teams properly are winning.
And they’re doing it at zero cost.
Ready to start your HRD Corp claimable AI training program?
I’m David Hooi, HRD Corp Accredited Trainer and CEO of D Action Consultancy. I’ve helped over 4,000 professionals from companies like TNB, Great Eastern, RHB, and UOB Kay Hian master AI tools.
All my programs are:
- ✓ HRD Corp registered and claimable
- ✓ Practical and results-focused
- ✓ Customized to your business needs
- ✓ Led by accredited trainers with 20+ years of corporate experience
Get a free consultation and HRD Corp claim assessment. I’ll show you:
- Your available training balance
- Which AI programs best fit your needs
- Exact claiming process for your company
- Expected ROI and timeline
Contact D Action Consultancy – Let’s put your training budget to work and build an AI-ready team.
Don’t pay for training when the government will cover it. Claim what’s yours.