What is the HRD Corp 'Pocket Talk' Roadshow
HRD Corp, under the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), has launched a new outreach programme called the 'Pocket Talk' Roadshow – From Policy to the People. The inaugural stop was held in Kempas, Johor Bahru on 20 June 2026, officiated by the Minister of Human Resources, YB Dato' Sri Ramanan Ramakrishnan.
The roadshow is designed as a direct engagement platform to bring information on HRD Corp's products, services and human capital development initiatives straight to communities, rather than leaving policies at the announcement stage. Sessions cover HRD Corp's offerings, leadership development, individual empowerment, and preparation for future work challenges through continuous learning and upskilling.
Why Johor was chosen first
Johor was picked as the launch location because of its role as a key economic growth driver, including ongoing investments tied to the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). HRD Corp says human capital development is critical to ensuring local talent can capture the jobs and opportunities emerging from this growth.
This builds on the Skills4Johor initiative, launched with the Johor Strategic Human Capital Unit in 2025 and backed by an RM20 million allocation to upskill and reskill the state's workforce.
Johor's HRD Corp numbers so far
According to the announcement, Johor currently has 13,425 registered employers under the HRD Corp ecosystem, benefiting 479,905 employees.
In 2025, HRD Corp recorded RM208.21 million in levy collections from Johor, with RM183.96 million disbursed to employers through training claims. An additional RM191.50 million in financial assistance was provided, enabling 232,072 individuals in the state to undergo training.
Who is behind the initiative and what happens next
Minister YB Dato' Sri Ramanan Ramakrishnan said a policy's success should be measured by how well people understand and benefit from it, not just by how many policies are announced. HRD Corp Chief Executive Dato' Shamir Aziz added that the roadshow aims to make information on training, skills development and government opportunities accessible to employees, youths, job seekers and small business owners alike.
HRD Corp has confirmed the 'Pocket Talk' Roadshow will continue in other locations nationwide as an ongoing platform to raise awareness of lifelong learning, skills enhancement and workforce development, in line with the Malaysia MADANI agenda.
Relevance for employers and training providers
While the roadshow itself is an awareness and engagement initiative rather than a new levy rule or scheme, it signals HRD Corp's continued push to ensure registered employers and employees are aware of existing training claims, financial assistance and levy-related benefits.
Employers registered under the HRD Corp levy system, as well as training providers, may find it useful to monitor upcoming roadshow locations and sessions for updates on claimable courses, financial assistance schemes, and other human capital development opportunities relevant to their region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HRD Corp 'Pocket Talk' Roadshow 2026?
It is an outreach programme by HRD Corp, under the Ministry of Human Resources, that brings information on HRD Corp policies, training claims and human capital development opportunities directly to communities, starting with Johor in June 2026.
Where did the HRD Corp roadshow launch and where is it going next?
The first edition launched in Kempas, Johor Bahru on 20 June 2026. HRD Corp has stated the roadshow will continue at several other locations across Malaysia, though specific future dates and venues were not detailed in the announcement.
Who can attend the HRD Corp Pocket Talk sessions?
The sessions are aimed at a broad audience including employees, youths, job seekers and small business owners, in addition to registered HRD Corp employers, who want information on training, skills development and related opportunities.
Does the Pocket Talk Roadshow change HRDF levy rules or claimable courses?
No new levy rules, rates or claimable course changes were announced as part of this roadshow. It is primarily an awareness and engagement initiative highlighting existing HRD Corp programmes, including the Skills4Johor initiative. Employers should verify any specific claim or levy details directly with HRD Corp.