HRDC Claimable AI Training: Everything Employers Need to Know

Many Malaysian employers pay into the HRD Corp levy each year but don't realise those funds can be used for artificial intelligence training. With AI adoption accelerating across industries, the ability to claim back training costs while building workforce capability is a practical advantage worth understanding.

This guide covers how HRDC claimable AI training works, what qualifies, the claim process, levy account requirements, and how to maximise your approved allocations for structured AI upskilling.

What Is HRDC Claimable AI Training?

HRD Corp (formerly HRDF) is Malaysia's human resource development agency. Employers registered under the Human Resources Development Act 2001 contribute a monthly levy based on their employee count. These funds can be used for approved training programmes — including AI and Generative AI courses — that are relevant to an employee's role and organisational needs.

HRDC claimable AI training simply means the programme has been structured to qualify under HRD Corp's training guidelines, allowing employers to submit a grant application and claim costs from their levy account.

AIHQ is a registered HRD Corp training provider. Programmes can be structured to be HRDC claimable, subject to client eligibility, grant approval and HRD Corp submission requirements.

Who Can Access HRDC Claimable Training?

Not every employer in Malaysia contributes to HRDC. The requirements depend on your company type:

• Companies registered under the Act — Must contribute 1% of monthly wages for companies with 10 or more employees in specified sectors
• Optional registration — Companies with fewer than 10 employees, or in non-specified sectors, may choose to register and contribute
• Foreign workers — An additional 0.5% levy applies for foreign employees

If your organisation already contributes, you have a levy account with available funds. The key question is whether your chosen AI training programme qualifies.

What Makes AI Training HRDC Claimable?

For an AI training programme to be claimable under HRD Corp guidelines, it generally needs to meet several criteria:

• Job relevance — The training must relate to the employee's current or planned role
• Structured curriculum — A clear syllabus with defined learning outcomes
• Qualified trainer — Delivered by an accredited or recognised training provider
• Attendance requirement — Employees must complete the programme
• Appropriate delivery mode — Classroom, virtual or blended formats as per HRD Corp approval

AIHQ designs its AI training programmes with these criteria in mind. Courses range from AI fundamentals and GenAI literacy for general workforces, to role-based training for specific departments, to advanced AI usage and leadership alignment sessions.

The HRDC Claim Process for AI Training

The claim process follows a standard HRD Corp workflow. Here is how it typically works:

1. Check levy account balance — Log in to the e-TRiS portal to confirm your organisation's levy balance and available grants.

2. Select an eligible programme — Choose an AI training programme from a registered HRD Corp training provider.

3. Submit a grant application — Apply through the e-TRiS system before the training date. Include course details, participant information and cost breakdown.

4. Receive approval — HRD Corp reviews and approves the grant. Approval timelines vary.

5. Conduct the training — Deliver the programme as approved.

6. Submit the claim — After training completion, submit the claim with attendance records and required documentation.

7. Reimbursement or direct deduction — Approved amounts are credited back to your levy account or deducted from your levy contribution.

AIHQ handles the programme side. Your HR or L&D team manages the HRD Corp submission. We can provide the documentation needed for your claim.

Types of AI Programmes That Can Be Claimed

Employers can claim various AI programme formats under HRDC guidelines.

Employers can structure various AI training formats under HRDC guidelines. Common options include:

AI Literacy and Fundamentals

Short courses introducing AI and Generative AI concepts for general workforce readiness. Suitable for organisations early in their AI adoption journey.

Role-Based AI Training

Department-specific sessions that help teams apply AI to actual workflows — whether in HR, finance, marketing, customer service, operations or compliance.

Advanced AI Usage

Workshops for teams already comfortable with basic AI tools who want to move into workflow design, advanced prompting, multimedia tools or AI-assisted data interpretation.

Leadership AI Briefings

Executive sessions for CEOs, boards and senior management covering AI implications, governance, strategy and responsible adoption.

AI Governance and Responsible Use

Training for risk, compliance, legal and leadership teams on AI policy, safe usage, data privacy and human oversight.

Maximising Your HRDC Levy for AI Upskilling

To make the most of your levy account for AI training, consider these practical steps:

Conduct a skills audit first — Identify which teams need AI capability most urgently. This helps allocate training budgets where they create the most impact.

Plan a progressive training roadmap — A single workshop rarely creates lasting adoption. A structured sequence — starting with fundamentals, moving to role-based usage, then advanced application — builds deeper capability.

Combine training types — Use your levy allocation for a mix of general AI literacy, department-specific sessions and leadership briefings. Different levels of the organisation need different content.

Work with a registered provider — AIHQ is a registered HRD Corp training provider with experience across corporate, public sector and regulated environments. Over 9,000 professionals have participated in AIHQ programmes.

Common Questions About HRDC Claimable AI Training

Can I claim AI training for all employees? — Yes, as long as the training is job-relevant and your levy balance has sufficient funds. Some grants may have per-employee caps.

How much can I claim? — HRD Corp determines claimable amounts based on training type, duration and cost. Check your e-TRiS account for your organisation's specific allocation.

Do I need pre-approval before training? — Yes, grant applications should be submitted and approved before the training date. Post-training claims are generally not accepted.

Is remote or virtual AI training claimable? — Yes, if the delivery mode is approved under your grant application. Many AIHQ programmes are available in virtual, in-person or blended formats.

Getting Started with HRDC Claimable AI Training

If your organisation is ready to use levy funds for structured AI upskilling, the next step is straightforward. Discuss your team's needs with a registered provider, confirm programme eligibility, and submit your grant application through e-TRiS.

AIHQ works with HR and L&D leaders to design training roadmaps that align with both business priorities and HRD Corp guidelines.