Training in Malaysia is an essential component of professional development and career advancement. With a rapidly changing economy and a highly competitive job market, training is more important than ever for employees looking to stay ahead in their careers.
The HRD Corp Industry Intelligence Report is a publication that provides information on the human capital and learning environment in Malaysia. It is based on HRD Corp’s internal data and market movements. The report’s focus on Training Supply in Malaysia includes information on the population, types of training, financial assistance, training performance outlook, and strategic initiatives that support the training supply in Malaysia.
“The only thing that is constant is change. Therefore, we must learn to be adaptable and continue learning throughout our lives.”
– Charles Darwin, British naturalist and scientist.
Training and development are crucial for building a skilled workforce and ensuring that employees have the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the modern economy. The HRD Corp Industry Intelligence Report provides valuable insights into the training landscape in Malaysia, based on HRD Corp’s internal data and market movements. In this article, we will delve into the key findings of the report and explore how employers and employees can make the most of training opportunities in Malaysia.
Overview of Training Supply in Malaysia
According to the HRD Corp Industry Intelligence Report, training and development are most effective when they are conducted strategically, with a focus on content development, delivery methods, and technological integration (Harward & Taylor, 2014). This is particularly important as we navigate the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0), which is characterized by the integration of advanced technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
In Malaysia, 94% of respondents consider upskilling to be important, with a particular focus on digital and remote working-related skills (Hays: Uncovering the DNA of the Future Workplace in Asia, 2020). Malaysia’s efforts to drive digital talent development and workforce upskilling have also been recognised globally in the Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2020 (GTCI 2020).
Training Supply for Malaysians by HRD Corp
HRD Corp has launched various initiatives to support the development of skills in the workplace, with 35 skill areas covered by HRD Corp-registered training providers in 76 subsectors as of May 2021. Employers can utilise their levy to access recognised and certified training providers and upskill their employees.
Training Providers in Malaysia
As of April 2021, there are 5,568 active training providers registered with HRD Corp in Malaysia. The majority of these providers are located in Selangor, which accounts for 45% (2,498) of all providers. The state with the fewest number of registered training providers is Labuan, with just four (4) providers (0.1%).
Distribution of Active Registered Training Providers by States:
- Perlis: 12 (0.2%)
- Kedah: 75 (1.3%)
- Penang: 329 (5.9%)
- Selangor: 2,498 (44.9%)
- Kuala Lumpur: 1,460 (26.2%)
- Putrajaya: 23 (0.4%)
- Kelantan: 30 (0.5%)
- Terengganu: 54 (1.0%)
- Pahang: 62 (1.1%)
- Johor: 328 (5.9%)
- Labuan: 4 (0.1%)
- Sarawak: 155 (2.8%)
- Negeri Sembilan: 171 (3.1%)
- Melaka: 90 (1.6%)
- Perak: 156 (2.8%)
- Sabah: 121 (2.2%)
50% of Malaysian employers now offer e-learning opportunities, making it the most effective way to ensure employee development during times of crisis.
Hays: Uncovering the DNA of the Future Workplace in Asia, 2020
Training Activities by Registered Training Providers
HRD Corp-registered training providers saw a 67% increase in activities in 2018 (92,876) and a 19% increase in 2019 (110,482). However, there was a 7% decrease in 2020 (104,356) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of April 2021, there has been a slight 5% increase (29,985) in training activities compared to the same period in 2020.
Number of Applications
There were 125,000 applications for training in 2017, which increased to 134,000 in 2018 and 143,000 in 2019. In 2020, there was a decrease to 138,000 due to the pandemic. As of April 2021, there have been 27,000 applications.
Financial Assistance
HRD Corp provides financial assistance to employers to enhance their employees’ skills and knowledge through various initiatives. As of April 2021, a total of MYR 595.2 million (approx. USD 142.7 million) has been disbursed to employers to support the training of their employees.
Training in Malaysia: Strategic Initiatives
HRD Corp has implemented various initiatives to support the training supply in Malaysia, including the following:
- SkillsMalaysia: This initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness of Malaysian industries by providing industry-driven skills training.
- e-SkillsMalaysia: This initiative aims to develop a skilled workforce in the digital economy through training and certification.
- Malaysia Skills Certification (SKM): This initiative aims to enhance the recognition and acceptance of skills and knowledge acquired through training and on-the-job experience.
- HRD Corp Computer Based Training (CBT) programme: This programme enables employers to purchase learning management systems, and develop courses to retrain and upskill their workforce.
- Human Capital Development Fund (HCDF): This initiative provides financial assistance to employers to enhance their employees’ skills and knowledge through training and development programs.
Conclusion
HRD Corp’s initiatives and financial assistance have played a significant role in supporting the training supply in Malaysia. The data shows an increase in the number of active training providers and training activities, as well as a slight increase in the number of training applications as of April 2021 compared to the same period in 2020.
If you’re interested in improving your elearning or online training, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for assistance.
