KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Resources Development Corporation (HRD Corp) has signed memoranda of understanding with 13 local and international partners to provide over 160,000 world-class courses through the e-learning platform e-Latih.
The MoUs will also help enhance the implementation capabilities of the training facilities and renovation (Alat) programme, which will support more employers in upgrading their training facilities.
"Currently, the platform offers close to 2,000 free courses and premium courses covering a wide range of skills areas that include leadership and management, critical thinking, digital marketing, manufacturing and automation, engineering, financial services and technologies, among others.
"This collaboration will enable HRD Corp to offer in-demand courses in critical areas such as leadership and management courses developed by the and certification courses.
"e-Latih will also offer highly niche and specialised technical certification courses in oil and gas covering pipeline integrity, operations, inspection and risks, and this MoU will pave the way for broader collaborative efforts between HRD Corp and the 13 partners," the statement said.
The MOU was inked by HRD Corp chief executive officer Datuk Shahul Dawood.
The 13 participating partners are Microsoft, LinkedIn, Skillsoft, Harvard Business School Publishing, Go1, Asia e University, Udacity, FutureLearn, Alibaba Cloud, Google Cloud Partner, Accenture, Rosen, and the AirAsia Academy.
The ceremony was witnessed by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, together with the ministry's secretary-general, Datuk Seri Khairul Dzaimee Daud, and HRD Corp chairman Datuk Abu Huraira Abu Yazid.
Sim, at the same event, also announced an enhancement to HRD Corp's Alat scheme, which will increase the allowable financial assistance to a maximum of 50 per cent of the levy balance as of Jan 1 in the year the application is submitted.
"Alat is a scheme that allows employers to utilise their levy to fund the purchase of training aids or setting up, renovating and enhancing training rooms which aimed at encouraging employers to carry out their own in-house training and skills development programmes.
"Previously, the allowable financial assistance was only up to 30 per cent. With the change, employers will also be able to place equipment or renovate training rooms in industry training locations."