20 Fun Team Building Activities Utilizing HRDF/HRD Corp
Thinzar Su
March 11, 2025
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6
min read
Are you tired of organizing the same old team building activities that make your employees want to "nail their own hands to the table"? In Malaysia, there's a golden opportunity to create engaging team experiences without burdening your company's budget – the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), now known as HRD Corp.
Understanding HRDF/HRD Corp Funding
Before diving into the exciting activities, let's understand how you can leverage HRDF to fund your team building initiatives:
What is HRDF?
The Human Resources Development Fund is a government initiative that promotes workforce development through financial assistance to employers. For team building activities, HRDF provides substantial funding that can cover:
Training and activity costs
Accommodation (for activities more than 100km from office)
Transportation
Meals and refreshments
Trainer fees
Eligibility Requirements
Mandatory registration for companies with 10 or more Malaysian employees
Optional registration for companies with 5-9 employees
Monthly levy contribution of 1% (for 10+ employees) or 0.5% (for 5-9 employees)
Claiming Process
To ensure successful claims for team building activities:
Activities must include both indoor (50%) and outdoor (50%) components
Minimum 5 participants, maximum 50 per trainer
Venue should be at least 100km from registered premises for maximum claims
Proper documentation of attendance and activity outcomes
1. Malaysian Heritage Scavenger Hunt
Let's kick off with our first and most exciting activity - a localized scavenger hunt that celebrates Malaysian culture and heritage using the PlayTours app.
Location Ideas:
KLCC Area Hunt
Teams solve riddles leading to iconic spots like Petronas Twin Towers
Photo challenges at Lake Symphony Fountain
Local food identification tasks at Suria KLCC
Melaka Heritage Zone
Historical landmark challenges around A'Famosa
Traditional craft spotting in Jonker Street
Local delicacy tasting missions
Sample Challenges:
"Find and photograph 5 different types of local kuih"
"Record a team video explaining the history of Baba Nyonya culture"
"Collect rubbings from 3 different historical plaques"
"Create a team 'mannequin challenge' at a famous landmark"
Benefits:
Promotes cultural awareness
Encourages team problem-solving
Builds communication skills
Creates memorable shared experiences
HRDF Compliance Tips:
Include indoor briefing and debriefing sessions
Document all activities with photos and videos
Maintain attendance records
Provide structured learning outcomes
To help you organize this exciting activity, we've created a printable scavenger hunt card that you can use with your team. This card includes various challenges that celebrate Malaysian culture and heritage:
Print out this card for each team and let them check off items as they complete them. The diverse range of tasks ensures that team members with different strengths can contribute, from photography enthusiasts to history buffs.
2. Culinary Team Challenge
Transform your team into master chefs with this engaging cooking competition that combines creativity, teamwork, and local flavors.
Activity Structure:
Morning: Cooking workshop (Indoor component)
Afternoon: Team cooking competition (Indoor/Outdoor)
Evening: Communal dining and awards
Popular Options:
Sushi/Kimbap Making
Learn basic techniques
Create unique fusion flavors
Competition for most creative roll
Local Cuisine Challenge
Master traditional recipes
Modern interpretation of classic dishes
Presentation skills workshop
To make your culinary team challenge more organized and engaging, use our printable challenge card:
This card provides a comprehensive list of culinary challenges that teams can tackle throughout the day. It helps structure the competition while allowing for creativity and team collaboration.
3. Adventure Course at Gopeng
Located in Perak, this activity combines outdoor adventures with team building exercises.
Features:
White water rafting
Cave exploration
High ropes course
Team challenge stations
HRDF-Compliant Structure:
Morning: Safety briefing and team planning (Indoor)
Day: Adventure activities (Outdoor)
Evening: Reflection and learning session (Indoor)
To ensure your team makes the most of their Gopeng adventure, we've created a printable activity checklist:
This card helps teams track their progress through various activities while maintaining the HRDF-compliant structure. It also encourages documentation and reflection, which are essential for both team building and HRDF claims.
4. Creative Workshop Series
A. Batik Painting Workshop
Learn traditional techniques
Create team masterpiece
Cultural appreciation session
B. Soy Wax Candle Making
Sustainable crafting workshop
Team fragrance creation
Marketing challenge
5. Urban Amazing Race
A modernized take on the traditional amazing race, incorporating technology and city exploration.
Features:
GPS-based challenges
QR code hunting
Local transport navigation
Cultural task completion
Popular Locations:
Georgetown, Penang
Kuching Old Town
Ipoh Heritage Area
6. Eco-Adventure Retreat
Location Options:
Cameron Highlands Tea Plantations
Taman Negara
Belum Rainforest
Activities:
Sustainable farming workshops
Team survival challenges
Conservation projects
Night jungle walks
To enhance your eco-adventure experience, use our printable activity tracker:
7. Tech-Based Team Building
Virtual Reality Experience
Team VR challenges
Virtual escape rooms
Digital puzzle solving
Mixed reality team games
8. Cultural Immersion Program
Perfect for diverse teams to understand Malaysian heritage better.
Activities:
Traditional craft workshops
Cultural dance lessons
Local instrument playing
Heritage site visits
9. Corporate Olympics
A day of friendly competition and physical activities.
Events:
Mini sports tournaments
Team relay races
Strategy games
Mental challenges
10. Social Impact Project
Combine team building with community service.
Options:
School renovation projects
Community garden building
Food bank organization
Beach cleanup drives
11. Escape Room Challenge
Features:
Custom-designed rooms
Multiple difficulty levels
Theme-based scenarios
Real-time monitoring
12. Innovation Workshop
Components:
Design thinking sessions
Prototype building
Problem-solving challenges
Presentation skills
13. Wellness Retreat
Activities:
Team yoga sessions
Meditation workshops
Healthy cooking classes
Stress management training
14. Music & Arts Festival
Elements:
Band formation
Music workshops
Art collaboration
Performance showcase
15. Photography Challenge
Structure:
Photography workshops
Theme-based shoots
Photo story creation
Exhibition setup
16. SuperPark Malaysia Challenge
An indoor activity paradise perfect for energetic teams.
Activities:
Obstacle courses
Team sports
Adventure challenges
Group competitions
17. Historical Quest
Features:
Historical site visits
Role-playing activities
Cultural workshops
Heritage preservation
18. Farm Experience
Components:
Agricultural workshops
Team farming projects
Sustainable practices
Farm-to-table activities
19. Marine Adventure
Activities:
Snorkeling expeditions
Marine conservation
Team water sports
Beach Olympics
20. DIY Festival
Elements:
Craft workshops
Upcycling challenges
Market setup
Product showcase
Making the Most of HRDF Claims
Best Practices for Maximum Benefits:
Proper Documentation
Maintain detailed attendance records
Photograph all activities
Collect participant feedback
Document learning outcomes
Strategic Planning
Balance indoor and outdoor activities
Include structured learning components
Align with company objectives
Consider seasonal weather
Budget Optimization
Compare vendor quotes
Bundle activities when possible
Plan for maximum claim eligibility
Include all allowable expenses
Tips for Success:
Pre-Event
Survey team preferences
Consider physical limitations
Plan for weather contingencies
Prepare backup activities
During Event
Maintain energy levels
Mix up team compositions
Document everything
Keep time for reflection
Post-Event
Collect feedback
Process claims promptly
Share highlights
Plan follow-up activities
Conclusion
Team building doesn't have to be a dreaded experience that makes employees want to "nail their hands to the table." With HRDF funding and creative planning, you can organize engaging activities that genuinely foster team spirit and create lasting memories.
Remember to:
Balance fun with learning objectives
Consider team preferences and limitations
Maintain proper documentation for claims
Focus on creating meaningful experiences
By leveraging HRDF funding and choosing the right activities, you can transform team building from a dreaded obligation into an anticipated event that truly strengthens your team's bonds and capabilities.
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