What is HRD Corp and the SBL-Khas Scheme?
HRD Corp (Human Resource Development Corporation), formerly known as HRDF, is a Malaysian government agency that manages a mandatory levy paid by employers with 10 or more employees. This levy — typically 1% of monthly wages — is collected into an account that employers can claim back to fund employee training.
The SBL-Khas (Skim Bantuan Latihan Khas) scheme is the most commonly used claim method. It allows employers to fund training through registered providers and claim reimbursement from their levy balance.
In short: your company is already paying into HRD Corp. Use it to fund your team's AI training.
Is AI Training Claimable Under HRD Corp?
Yes. AI training — including Microsoft Copilot training, ChatGPT training, Generative AI for Business, AI automation training, and AI for managers — is claimable under HRD Corp SBL-Khas, provided:
- Your company is a registered HRD Corp levy contributor
- The training provider is registered with HRD Corp
- The programme has a valid HRDC programme ID
- A pre-training application is approved before training begins
Freemind Works is a registered HRD Corp training provider. All our AI programmes carry valid HRDC programme IDs and we prepare all required documentation.
Step-by-Step: How to Claim HRD Corp for AI Training
Confirm Your Company Is Registered with HRD Corp
Log in to the HRD Corp Employer Portal at portal.hrdcorp.gov.my. Your company must be a levy-registered employer. If you're unsure, contact your payroll or finance team — they will know if your company pays the HRD Corp levy.
Select Your Training Programme & Provider
Choose a programme from a registered HRD Corp provider. Freemind Works is registered, so you can select any of our AI training programmes. We will provide you with the exact programme name, HRDC programme ID, trainer credentials, and course outline needed for your application.
Submit a Pre-Training SBL-Khas Application
Log in to the HRD Corp Employer Portal and submit a pre-training application under the SBL-Khas scheme. You will need: programme name, provider details, trainer name, training dates, number of participants, and estimated cost. Important: This must be submitted and approved BEFORE training begins.
Wait for HRD Corp Approval
Approval typically takes 5–10 working days. We recommend submitting at least 2–3 weeks before your intended training date. You will receive an approval letter via the portal and/or email.
Conduct the Training
Proceed with the training on the approved dates. Freemind Works will manage attendance registers, training materials, and all logistics. Participants must attend a minimum of 80% of training hours to qualify for the claim.
Submit the Post-Training Claim
After training, submit the reimbursement claim through the HRD Corp portal within the stipulated timeframe (usually within 3 months of training completion). Required documents: attendance list with signatures, invoice from training provider, and certificates of completion. Freemind Works provides all of these.
Receive Reimbursement
HRD Corp will process the claim and reimburse the approved amount to your company account (credited against your levy balance, or paid out depending on your balance). Processing typically takes 14–30 working days after submission.
What Costs Are Claimable?
Under SBL-Khas, the following are claimable:
- Training fees (course fees per participant)
- Training materials and workbooks
- Trainer fees
- Venue rental (for in-house events held at external venues)
The following are generally not claimable: accommodation, transport, meals, and equipment purchases.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting after training has started — pre-training approval is mandatory; retroactive claims are not accepted
- Using an unregistered provider — always verify the provider's HRD Corp registration status
- Insufficient attendance — participants must attend at least 80% of hours
- Missing documents — ensure all signatures on attendance sheets are complete on the day
- Late post-training claim — submit within the deadline (typically 3 months)
How Much Can You Claim?
The claimable amount depends on your available levy balance and the approved training cost. For reference, market rates for 2-day HRD Corp AI training in Malaysia typically range from RM 2,500 to RM 3,500 per participant. With SBL-Khas, the full course fee can be claimed, subject to your levy balance.
For a team of 20 participants at RM 2,500 per pax, that's RM 50,000 in training value fundable through HRD Corp — at no direct cost to your operating budget.