Talent & Tech Asia Summit 2024
human resources online

All of HRDF's new and revised Human Capital Strategic Initiative Schemes

Malaysia's Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) launched its new and revised Human Capital Strategic Initiative Schemes on Tuesday (2 April), it announced in a press release.

These schemes aim to support the national agenda towards the creation of a 35% skilled Malaysian workforce, which will drive the country toward a high-income economy. The launch was officiated by Deputy Minister of Human Resources Yang Berhormat Dato' Mahfuz Bin Omar.

They will be implemented on a cost-sharing basis by utilising employers' levy supported with financial assistance/incentive from HRDF. Previously, these schemes were funded via the 30% HRDF Pool Fund which concluded in November last year for a review and improvement process.

These schemes, detailed below, are targeted at in-service workers, unemployed graduates, secondary school leavers, as well as owners and CEOs of SMEs.

1. Industry Certification (INDCERT)

Under this scheme, HRDF will provide financial assistance to registered employers, in enabling them to enhance the skills of participating employees through relevant professional certification courses.

At the launch event held at HRDF's headquarters, the organisation extended letters of award to the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers and Malaysian Employers Federation Academy, for participating in the pilot programme which benefitted 50 employees of their members.

2. SME GRADUATES scheme

For this scheme, HRDF gave out letters of acknowledgment to six universities, qualifying them to train 200 SME owners and CEOs.

Based on the Tokyo SME University Programme framework, this scheme consists of a three to four-month mini semester curriculum with the following participating universities: HELP University; Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia; Universiti Malaysia Kelantan; Universiti Putra Malaysia; Universiti Sains Malaysia; and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

3. Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning 

The Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme is expected to benefit a total of 2,000 employees under HRDF-registered employers as well as non HRDF-registered employers.

According to the release, HRDF has handed over a letter of appointment to Perbadanan Hal Ehwal Bekas Angkatan Tentera (PERHEBAT) and a letter of acknowledgement to Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Sdn Bhd (PROTON) to officially formalise the participation of both entities in the scheme.

4. SLDN-Apprenticeship scheme

As for this, HRDF has appointed Composite Technology Research Malaysia and Toyo Tyre Malaysia to participate in the SLDN-Apprenticeship scheme, which will benefit 225 secondary school leavers through training and guaranteed employment with both companies upon completion of their training.

5. Graduates Enhancement Programme for Employability 2.0

As mentioned last December by Human Resources Minister M Kulasegaran, through the Graduates Enhancement Programme for Employability 2.0 (GENERATE 2.0), MOHR and HRDF aim to continue establishing effective partnerships with public universities and colleges, to provide the industry with job-ready graduates.

Speaking at the launch, HRDF Chief Executive Elanjelian Venugopal shared: "HRDF will carry on establishing successful collaborations with the industry as well as the private and public sectors as we endeavour to stimulate the growth of training and development of the Malaysian workforce."

He also encouraged HRDF-registered employers to efficiently utilise the RM1.4 billion human resources development levy available to up-skill and re-skill their local employees.


Developed in consultation with the industry, HRDF-registered employers, employer associations, and selected institutions of higher learning, these schemes are expected to serve several objectives, namely:

  • To reduce Malaysia's dependency on foreign workers in semi-skilled and skilled areas of work;
  • To reduce the nation's unemployment rate and related social ills;
  • To increase the local household income as well as the national income per capita;
  • To produce skilled Malaysian workers for employers with businesses in the country for increased company productivity and wages earned by Malaysians.

On the idea behind the schemes, Dato' Mahfuz Omar said: "In line with the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP), we need to take effective measures to increase the percentage of skilled local workforce. Efforts towards this will require the cooperation and partnership of the Industry, and the private and public sectors.

"In this instance, joint investments in both education, and re-skilling and up-skilling of our local talent are pivotal towards accelerating improved social mobility and the wellbeing of the Rakyat."

Further, he said this is where strategic agency partners such as HRDF, which is under the purview of the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR), come into action.

Photo / 123RF

Follow us on Telegram and on Instagram @humanresourcesonline for all the latest HR and manpower news from around the region!

Free newsletter

Get the daily lowdown on Asia's top Human Resources stories.

We break down the big and messy topics of the day so you're updated on the most important developments in Asia's Human Resources development – for free.

subscribe now open in new window