SKILLS4JOHOR Initiative

SKILLS4JOHOR Initiative

What is SKILLS4JOHOR?

SKILLS4JOHOR is a Johor state government initiative, jointly led by HRD Corp and Unit SMI Johor, under the strategic umbrella of the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC). The program aims to upskill and reskill Johor’s workforce to meet the demands of key sectors in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).

Key Objectives

  • Develop a skilled and future-ready workforce aligned with JS-SEZ needs.
  • Attract new investments and generate premium-paying job opportunities.
  • Reorganize Johor's education, training, and workforce ecosystem.

11 Focus Economic Sectors

  1. Manufacturing
  2. Logistics
  3. Digital Economy
  4. Education
  1. Healthcare
  2. Tourism
  3. Business Services
  4. Financial Services
  1. Food Security
  2. Green Economy
  3. Energy

 

Target Groups

  • Employers in Johor (current and prospective)
  • Trainees: Fresh graduates & existing workforce
  • Training Providers (TPs): Must be HRD Corp-registered with at least 6 months validity

Training Programme Details

  • Duration: Min. 3 days (24 hours), Max. 3 months
  • Fee: Based on HRD Corp’s Allowable Cost Matrix
  • Training Period: Must start & end within 6 months from LOA date (no extensions)

Expected Outcome

  • Graduates: Employed with premium salaries
  • Existing workforce: Experience salary uplift post-training

Implementation Methods

Employer-Centric Approach:

1.Identify

Employers identify training needs based on vacancies

2.Suggest

Suggest TPs of choice.

3.Premium Salary

Commit to hiring with premium salary post-training.

 

TP-Centric Approach:

1.TP Selection

Unit SMI selects TP aligned with industry needs.

2.Registered TP

TP gathers Letters of Intent from employers.

3.Letter Of Intent

TP identifies and trains suitable candidates.

4.Identify Trainees

Ensure trainees receive offers with premium salary.

5.TP’s Responsibility

TP gathers Letters of Intent from employers.

 

Implementation Flow

1. Before Training

  • TP submits hardcopy proposal to Unit SMI.
  • Shortlisted proposals uploaded to Upskill Malaysia.
  • Reviewed and approved in SCM.
  • LOA issued → TP submits grant in portal.
  • 30% upfront payment released after grant approval.

2. Training Grant Submission

  • Must be submitted at least 3 days before training.
  • Required documents: invoice, session plan, trainer profile, venue details.
  • TPs must register trainees accurately in Upskill Malaysia.

3. Training Verification

  • Conducted by HRD Corp (physical/virtual).
  • Check attendance, NRICs, and session compliance.
  • Absentees during visits are marked absent.

4. Training Evaluation

  • Mandatory via HRD-TEE
  • Output Evaluation: On final training day.
  • Outcome Evaluation: 6 months post-training.
  • TPs must ensure valid trainee emails for follow-up.

5. Claim Submission

  • Done via Upskill Malaysia within 90 days of training end.
  • 70% payment reimbursed after approval.
  • Requirements:
    • Invoice
    • Attendance records
    • Certificates (if any)
    • Exam/cert fee proof
    • Offer letter with salary
  • Late or incomplete claims will not be entertained.

Important Reminders and summary

  • No agents/middlemen are authorized.
  • TPs are fully accountable for:
    • Proposal submission
    • Evaluation completion
    • Employer Letters of Intent
    • Claim documentation
  • False or incomplete claims may lead to rejection, penalties, or refund demands.
Items
Claimable Amount
Course Fee (RM)
i.Covers course and certification/exam fee.

ii.Course fee will be based on HRD Corp’s Allowable Cost Matrix.

Course Duration
i.Minimum of three(3) days (24 hours)
ii. Maximum of three(3) months

Note: One-day training shall be conducted for a minimum of 4 hours (half day). Full day training will be 7 hours.
Timeline
All approved training courses MUST commence and be completed within six (6) months from the Letter of Appointment (LOA) date. Extensions will not be permitted.
Exclusion Clause
Unit SMI Johor or HRD Corp does not appoint any agent to submit or receive proposals for this Skills4Johor initiative.
Online Proposal Submissions
Proposals or grant submissions will be submitted through Upskill Malaysia platform once activated. Submissions must be using e-TRiS credentials to log in and submit.
Status of the Providers
All providers must be registered with HRD Corp and have a valid registration at the time of submissions for a period of at least six (6) months.


Contact Information
For any enquiries, please email to unitsmi@johor.gov.my or skills4johor@hrdcorp.gov.my


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