KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 — The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has called on the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) to prioritise skills development, training quality and measurable workplace outcomes following the conclusion of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) governance monitoring of the agency.

MEF Senior Advisor for Government, Media and International Engagement Datuk Syed Hussain Syed Husman said the conclusion of the monitoring marked an important step towards restoring employers’ confidence in HRD Corp following the implementation of governance improvement measures.

He commended Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan and HRD Corp chief executive officer Datuk Shamir Abdul Aziz for their efforts to address governance concerns raised by the authorities, but stressed that the reform process must continue.

“The conclusion of MACC’s governance monitoring is a positive development. However, this should not be seen as the end of the reform process. It must mark the beginning of a stronger phase of performance, accountability and results,” he said in a statement today.

Syed Hussain said HRD Corp, which manages levy collections of approximately RM2 billion, should move beyond measuring success based on the amount of levy collected or the number of training programmes conducted.

Instead, he said, the agency should focus on equipping businesses with the skills they need, improving workers’ competencies and productivity, and ensuring that training investments generate measurable returns.

He added that training programmes must also keep pace with current and emerging industry requirements, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation, automation, green technology and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

MEF also called for stricter accreditation standards and regular performance assessments of training providers, with evaluations based on employer feedback, improvements in participants’ competencies and actual workplace outcomes.

To improve accessibility, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), Syed Hussain said HRD Corp should streamline course registration, training approvals and claims processing through digitalisation, while maintaining transparency and effective financial controls.

He also urged the agency to strengthen internal governance, publish meaningful key performance indicators (KPIs), improve fund management transparency, and enhance its research and risk assessment capabilities.

“Malaysia cannot afford a training system that is focused on processes but falls short on outcomes. Every ringgit invested in workforce development must deliver value,” he said.

Syed Hussain said MEF was ready to work with HRD Corp and the Human Resources Ministry to ensure workforce development investments delivered meaningful and measurable benefits to businesses, workers and the nation. — Bernama