What Is HRD Corp Claimable Training? A 2026 Guide for Malaysian Employers
Many Malaysian companies pay HRD Corp levy every month but do not use it for training. This means valuable training funds remain unused. HRD Corp claimable training helps employers use these funds to train their employees. This guide explains how HRD Corp claimable training works and how training providers like ACE Language Centre support employers.
HRD Corp in Malaysia – The Basics
Before understanding HRD Corp claimable training, employers must understand HRD Corp itself.
HRD Corp is a statutory body under the Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia. Its main role is to support workforce development and employee training. HRD Corp manages the Human Resource Development Fund (HRDF). This fund helps companies train and improve the skills of their employees.
In 2021, HRDF was officially rebranded as HRD Corp. However, the system of levy contribution and training claims remains almost the same.
The main goal of HRD Corp is simple. It encourages companies to invest in employee learning and continuous workforce development.
Who Must Register with HRD Corp
Certain companies in Malaysia must register with HRD Corp. These rules depend on industry type and employee size.
Companies that qualify must:
- Register with HRD Corp
- Contribute a monthly training levy based on employee payroll
- Use the levy for employee training through approved programmes
These companies can later use their levy balance to apply for HRD Corp claimable training. The exact rules and industry coverage may change. Employers should always check the latest HRD Corp regulations.
What Is HRD Corp Claimable Training?
HRD Corp claimable training refers to training programmes that employers can claim using their HRD Corp levy contributions. In simple words, companies use the money they already contributed to train employees.
To qualify as HRD Corp claimable training, several conditions must be met.
- First, the training provider must be registered with HRD Corp.
- Second, the course must have an approved HRD Corp course code.
- Third, the training must fall under an approved HRD Corp claim scheme.
Common schemes include:
- SBL (Skim Bantuan Latihan)
- SBL-Khas
- Other HRD Corp training schemes
When these conditions are met, the training becomes HRD Corp claimable training. For many employers, this means training employees with little or no additional cost.
How the HRD Corp Levy System Works (In Simple Terms)
Many employers misunderstand how the HRD Corp levy works. The system is actually simple.
The Levy Concept
Every month, registered employers contribute a small percentage of employee payroll to HRD Corp. This contribution becomes a training fund balance for the company. You can think of this as a training wallet. The company can use this wallet only for employee training. Companies can use this balance to apply for HRD Corp claimable training.
Important Point: Levy Expiry
HRD Corp levy funds do not stay forever. If companies do not use their funds for HRD Corp claimable training, the levy may expire after a certain period. This means the company loses the training budget it already paid.
Claim Limits
The claim amount for HRD Corp claimable training depends on several factors. These include:
- The company’s available levy balance
- The approved HRD Corp scheme
- The training cost and allowed claim rate
There is no single national claim limit for every company.
What Types of Training Are HRD Corp Claimable?
HRD Corp supports many types of workforce training programmes. Many business skills programmes qualify as HRD Corp claimable training.
Common categories include:
- Leadership and management training
- Soft skills development
- Technical and industry skills
- Digital and IT training
- Compliance and safety programmes
- Customer service training
- Language and workplace communication training
However, not every course automatically qualifies as HRD Corp claimable training.
To be claimable, the programme must:
- Be conducted by an HRD Corp registered training provider
- Be registered in the HRD Corp training system
- Have an approved HRD Corp course code
- Follow HRD Corp training guidelines
Some providers promote 100% HRD Corp claimable training. This means the training fee may be fully covered by the company’s levy balance, subject to eligibility.
Step-by-Step – How Malaysian Employers Claim HRD Corp Training
Employers must follow a structured process to claim HRD Corp claimable training.
1. Confirm HRD Corp Registration and Levy Status
First, confirm that your company is registered with HRD Corp. The company must:
- Be registered with HRD Corp
- Have paid levy contributions
- Have available training funds
HR managers can check this through the HRD Corp e-TRiS portal. This is where companies manage their HRD Corp claimable training applications.
2. Choose an HRD Corp Claimable Course
Next, select a course that qualifies as HRD Corp claimable training. Make sure the programme:
- Is clearly marked as HRD Corp claimable
- Has an approved HRD Corp course code
- Is offered by a registered training provider
Employers should also confirm that the trainer meets HRD Corp requirements. This may include Train-the-Trainer (TTT) certification.
3. Submit Training Grant Application
Before the training starts, the employer must submit a grant application. This is done through the e-TRiS system. The application usually includes:
- Course details
- Training provider information
- Participant list
- Training schedule
- Training cost
Approval is normally required before the HRD Corp claimable training begins. Late applications may not be accepted.
4. Conduct the Training
After approval, the training programme can begin. The training must follow the approved schedule. Employers should also collect supporting documents. These documents are important for HRD Corp claimable training claims.
Common documents include:
- Participant attendance lists
- Training photos
- Course materials
- Trainer reports
5. Submit Claims After Training
Once the programme ends, the company can submit a claim. The claim is submitted through the HRD Corp portal.
Documents usually required include:
- Invoice from the training provider
- Attendance records
- Training reports
- Supporting documentation
HRD Corp reviews the claim for the HRD Corp claimable training. The amount is then reimbursed or deducted from the company’s levy account.
Common Questions HR Managers Ask About HRD Corp Training
Do we need to pay first and claim later?
It depends on the HRD Corp scheme.
Some schemes require employers to pay first and claim reimbursement later.
Other schemes allow direct deduction from the levy account for HRD Corp claimable training.
Can we claim training from non-HRD Corp providers?
Usually no.
For HRD Corp claimable training, the training provider must be registered with HRD Corp.
The course must also be registered and approved.
Is online training claimable?
Yes, many online training programmes are eligible.
Online courses can qualify as HRD Corp claimable training if they follow HRD Corp guidelines and approved schemes.
What happens if we don’t use our levy?
Unused levy funds may expire after a certain period.
Companies that do not use their HRD Corp claimable training funds risk losing the budget.
How HRD Corp Training Supports Employee Development
HRD Corp claimable training helps companies improve employee skills without increasing training costs. Businesses gain several benefits from using HRD Corp training funds. These include:
- Improved employee productivity
- Stronger leadership skills
- Better workplace communication
- Higher employee retention
- Better customer service
For many Malaysian companies, HRD Corp claimable training is one of the most cost-effective ways to train staff.
How ACE’s HRD Corp-Claimable Courses Help Employers
ACE Language Centre offers practical training programmes designed for workplace communication. Many programmes are structured to support HRD Corp claimable training where applicable.
HRD Corp-Compliant Training
ACE courses follow HRD Corp training guidelines and requirements. Training programmes may include:
- Business English for professionals
- Workplace communication skills
- Customer service communication
- Presentation and public speaking
- Industry-specific English training
These programmes help companies use HRD Corp claimable training to improve employee communication skills.
Support for HR Managers
ACE supports HR teams during the claim process to ensure HRD Corp claimable training runs smoothly. We provide:
- HRD Corp course codes
- Training documentation
- Guidance on grant applications
- Training schedules following HRD Corp requirements
- Attendance records and training reports
Example Use Case
A Malaysian SME may use its HRD Corp levy to train its sales team. For example, the company enrols employees in a Business English and Presentation Skills programme at ACE Language Centre.
The company can apply for HRD Corp claimable training and use its levy balance to cover the course fee. Simultaneously, employees improve communication with clients and business partners.
Conclusion: Make the Most of Your HRD Corp Training Funds
Many Malaysian companies contribute to HRD Corp every month but never use their training funds. By understanding HRD Corp claimable training, employers can use these funds effectively. This allows companies to train employees, improve productivity, and strengthen business performance without increasing costs. If your organisation wants to explore HRD Corp claimable training for communication or English programmes, ACE Language Centre can help.
Contact ACE Language Centre today to discuss training options and start using your HRD Corp levy for employee development.
