Top 10 Best HRDF-Claimable Team Building Activities in Malaysia

HRDF-claimable team building refers to structured programmes registered under HRD Corp’s Claimable Courses Scheme, where learning objectives are measurable, facilitators are certified, and documentation meets submission standards.

To qualify:

• Registered Provider: Training company must be on HRD Corp’s approved list (Source: HRD Corp FAQ).
• Structured Learning: Objectives such as leadership, communication, or problem-solving must be included.
• Certified Facilitator: Trainers must hold HRD Corp TTT certification or TTT exemption, and starting 1 January 2025 only HRD Corp Accredited Trainers are allowed to conduct training under HRD Corp schemes, subject to the limited exemptions listed by HRD Corp.
• Duration & Venue: At least 4 training hours per day, venues over 100 km may qualify for higher allowances.
• Documentation: Training outline, attendance records, photos, and invoices are required for claim submission.

So, without further ado, let the best accounting firm in Klang Valley list out the team building activities which are qualified as HRDF-claimable.

Top Team Building Activities that is HRDF-Claimable 

1. Outdoor Adventure Retreat

Combines physical challenge and leadership growth.

Adventure-based retreats in Perak, Janda Baik, or Langkawi develop trust through high-ropes, rafting, and team strategy tasks. A registered facilitator turns these into structured lessons on risk management, coordination, and problem-solving.

Highlights:

• Builds trust and accountability through shared physical challenges.
• Encourages teamwork outside the usual office environment.
• Enhances communication, adaptability, and decision-making skills.
• Often conducted as two-day retreats with morning briefings and evening reflection sessions.
• Suitable for both leadership and non-management teams.

Claim Tip: Document every module with learning outcomes, facilitator details, and attendance records for HRD Corp submission.

Ideal For: Teams seeking resilience, stronger collaboration, and improved morale.

2. Cultural Scavenger Hunt (City Edition)

Merges fun with cross-cultural learning.

Teams navigate city landmarks such as KLCC, Georgetown Heritage Trail, or Putrajaya Waterfront, solving clues linked to Malaysian heritage. Each task reinforces teamwork, communication, and problem-solving across diverse departments.

Highlights:

• Blends cultural appreciation with workplace learning outcomes.
• Encourages quick thinking, delegation, and role-sharing.
• Designed to promote inclusivity and multi-cultural understanding.
• Usually half-day duration, suitable for larger office groups.
• Can be customised to include company-specific clues or themes.
  
  

Claim Tip: Ensure the facilitator conducts both an opening brief (to set objectives) and a reflection session (to review learning outcomes) for HRD Corp approval.

Ideal For: Mixed departments, hybrid teams, or newly merged groups seeking interactive bonding.

3. Escape Room Challenge

Builds focus, logic, and pressure management.

Participants work together against time to decode puzzles, locate clues, and escape within set limits. The challenge demonstrates leadership under stress, creative problem-solving, and collaboration through logical reasoning.

Highlights:

• Strengthens time management and analytical skills under real pressure.
• Ideal for small groups where every member’s contribution matters.
• Offers measurable outcomes when paired with a post-session review.
• Helps participants identify strengths in leadership and communication styles.
• Easily arranged in city centres or mobile setups within corporate premises.

Claim Tip: HRD Corp accepts it if the provider includes a full training outline, certified facilitator, and documented post-session evaluation.

Ideal For: Small teams and departments that thrive in fast-paced, challenge-driven settings.

4. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Projects

Turns community service into leadership practice.

Activities such as beach clean-ups, school donations, and “Build-a-Bike” initiatives help employees bond through shared purpose. When structured as guided sessions, these projects foster leadership, empathy, and project coordination.

Highlights:

• Aligns team building with the organisation’s CSR or ESG objectives.
• Encourages planning, budgeting, and resource allocation as learning goals.
• Strengthens employee pride and long-term engagement with the company’s values.
• Can be combined with reflective workshops on social impact and teamwork.
• Promotes public goodwill while fulfilling HRD Corp training requirements.

Claim Tip: Link every CSR task to a soft-skill objective such as project management, empathy, or collaboration. Ensure facilitator and outline are HRD Corp-approved.

Ideal For: Organisations focusing on sustainability, corporate citizenship, and meaningful staff engagement.

5. Creative Workshops (Art, Culinary & Crafts)

Encourages creativity, communication, and shared problem-solving.

Cooking classes, batik painting, and DIY craft sessions develop idea-sharing and collaboration in a relaxed setting. Facilitated reflection turns these activities into recognised soft-skill training modules.

Highlights:

• Builds innovation and open communication across departments.
• Provides a low-stress environment for creative thinking and experimentation.
• Helps participants understand team dynamics and collaborative decision-making.
• Can be tailored to company themes or campaigns (e.g., branding or values).
• Suitable for mixed-ability groups or teams preferring non-physical sessions.

Claim Tip: Ensure trainer outlines learning objectives such as innovation, team communication, and planning before the session; attach post-workshop feedback to claim.

Ideal For: Creative, marketing, and cross-functional teams needing fresh collaboration energy.

Read more: We Offer FREE HRDF Claimable E-Invoice Training (If You Contribute)

6. Indoor Sports & Gamified Challenges

Promotes healthy competition and collective motivation.

Office Olympics, bowling tournaments, and indoor team relays can transform routine interactions into strategic collaboration opportunities when facilitated as structured learning.

Highlights:

• Strengthens cooperation and friendly competition through measurable goals.
• Improves focus, energy, and team discipline.
• Adaptable for indoor venues and limited space settings.
• Provides equal participation for staff of different fitness levels.
• Can include hybrid activities to engage remote staff virtually.

Claim Tip: Record scores, feedback, and reflection notes to show learning transfer to workplace performance metrics.

Ideal For: Companies seeking budget-friendly, city-based team bonding that meets training criteria.

7. Leadership & Strategic Retreats

Aligns teams with vision and organisational goals.

Retreats combine indoor workshops and outdoor challenges to build leadership competencies and strategic alignment across departments.

Highlights:

• Strengthens leadership mindset and forward planning skills.
• Includes modules on SWOT, SMART goals, and communication frameworks.
• Encourages open dialogue between management and teams.
• Best run as multi-day programmes with guided facilitation and reflection.
• Commonly conducted in resort settings with dedicated training rooms.

Claim Tip: List leadership topics covered in the training outline and attach assessment forms or feedback surveys for HRD Corp approval.

Ideal For: Executives, management teams, and emerging leaders under succession development plans.

8. Virtual or Hybrid Team Building

Bridges remote and onsite teams through digital interaction.

Online activities like virtual escape rooms or interactive quizzes encourage engagement for distributed staff across locations while meeting training standards.

Highlights:

• Strengthens collaboration in remote and hybrid work environments.
• Cost-effective and easy to organise within tight schedules.
• Integrates digital tools for real-time communication and feedback.
• Provides equal participation for employees nationwide.
• Offers data tracking on attendance and outcomes for claims.

Claim Tip: Ensure facilitator and programme are registered under HRD Corp’s online training category; retain attendance logs and screenshots as evidence for HRDF claimable expenses.

Ideal For: Organisations with remote branches or work-from-home teams needing inclusive training options.

9. Eco-Friendly Sustainability Challenge

Combines environmental awareness with team development.

Teams engage in activities such as waste-sorting races, eco-design projects, and tree-planting initiatives to build collaboration and sustainability mindsets.

Highlights:

• Reinforces corporate ESG values through practical application.
• Encourages creative problem-solving around resource efficiency.
• Develops leadership through environmental stewardship.
• Can be held outdoors in parks or eco-centres nationwide.
• Supports team reflection on sustainability and shared responsibility.

Claim Tip: Categorise under “Change Management and Sustainability Skills” when submitting to HRD Corp; include photos and learning notes.

Ideal For: Companies with active sustainability programmes or green office initiatives.

10. Office Olympics (Indoor Team Games)

Delivers energy and engagement without leaving the office.

Simple team games such as paper-tower builds, relay races, and logic puzzles create a lively environment while reinforcing collaboration and coordination.

Highlights:

• Easy to organise using existing office space and materials.
• Ideal for short sessions that refresh staff morale.
• Encourages quick thinking and cross-department cooperation.
• Adaptable for company anniversaries, town halls, or training days.
• Can be linked to corporate themes like innovation or customer focus.

Claim Tip: Ensure there is a structured debrief and a certified trainer highlighting key learning points for HRD Corp eligibility.

Ideal For: Budget-conscious firms looking to inject fun and team spirit into regular workweeks.

How to Maximise Your HRDF Claim for Team Building

A successful claim starts before the event.

1. Choose an HRD Corp-registered provider and request a training outline.
2. Ensure clear objectives and certified trainer details are stated.
3. Prepare attendance lists and photographic evidence.
4. Check venue distance and the latest daily allowance caps on the official HRD Corp Allowable Cost Matrix. As of September 2025, distance-based trainee allowance caps are RM250 per pax per day for <100 km and RM500 per pax per day for ≥100 km..
5. Submit claims through the eTRiS portal within the stipulated claim period set by HRD Corp, typically within six months of training completion.

Why HRDF-Claimable Programmes Are Worth It

HRDF-claimable programmes are more than a way to recover levy funds, they are an investment in your people. 

Rather than spending levy balances on generic seminars, claimable activities help teams perform better together and align with long-term business goals. 

The true return isn’t just in reimbursement, engagement, stronger culture, and happier employees.

At Accounting.my, we offer HRDF-claimable e-invoice courses and corporate training programmes designed specifically for Malaysian businesses. 

Our HRD Corp-registered modules make it simple to plan, document, and claim your team-building or soft-skill training confidently and compliantly.

Source:

• HRD Corp Claimable Courses overview. URL: hrdcorp.gov.my/hrdcorp-claimable-courses. Accessed 10 Nov 2025. 
• Programme Registration for HRD Corp Claimable Course. URL: hrdcorp.gov.my/program-registration-hrd-corp-claimable-course. Accessed 10 Nov 2025.
• HRD Corp Trainers’ Development Framework FAQ, Version 2, January 2025. “Starting 1 January 2025, only HRD Corp Accredited Trainers will be allowed to conduct training under HRD Corp schemes.” PDF.
• HRD Corp Trainers’ Development Framework, Knowledge Base article. Effective date and scope of Accredited Trainer requirement.
• eTRiS portal for grants and claims submissions. URL: etris.hrdcorp.gov.my.
• Employer Guidelines hub, links to ACM table, booklet, FAQs, and online training guideline.
• Allowable Cost Matrix Guidebook, September 2025. Latest caps and conditions, includes 1 January 2025 trainer accreditation note. PDF.
• HRD Corp Claimable Courses scheme article, application via eTRiS and required documents. Knowledge Base.