Information SharingSocial

Internship Placement Matching Grant for SMEs and Start-Ups (LiKES)

Posted LnCoadmin

Effective from 1 March, the Malaysian government has officially opened applications for the Internship Placement Matching Grant.

Under this programme, eligible SMEs and start-ups may receive up to RM2,000 in government financial support for each local intern hired, helping employers reduce internship allowance costs while encouraging the provision of quality internship opportunities for local students.

This incentive is introduced by TalentCorp Malaysia under the Internship Placement Matching Grant for SMEs and Start-Ups (LiKES),
and operates on a “pay first, claim later” reimbursement basis.

This page provides a detailed overview of the eligibility requirements, allowance mechanism, and the application and reimbursement process, to assist employers in fully utilizing the internship grant in compliance with programme guidelines.

1️. How Does the LiKES Allowance Mechanism Work?

The LiKES grant amount is determined based on the intern’s academic qualification tier.
Employers must first pay the minimum required internship allowance before applying for reimbursement.

 

  • Each company may apply for the grant for up to 10 interns
  • Each internship placement must be at least 2.5 months in duration to qualify
  • The grant applies only to interns hired within the approved quota and endorsement period by TalentCorp
  • Interns hired before the endorsement period, whose internship duration overlaps with the approved period, may still be eligible for the grant, subject to a maximum of 12 months

2.Who Can Apply for LiKES?

Eligible Employers
LiKES is open to the following employers:

  • SMEs and start-ups registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM)
  • Employers offering internship placements of at least 2.5 months (70 days)
  • Employers who pay interns the minimum internship allowance as stipulated under LiKES
  • Employers providing a structured internship programme approved by TalentCorp
  • Employers who submit reimbursement claims within 3 months after the internship ends

Eligible Interns
Interns must meet the following criteria:

  • Malaysian citizens
  • Full-time students (studying locally or overseas)
  • Have received an internship offer from a LiKES-approved employer
  • Registered with and have completed the MyNext Talent assessment
  • Internship must be undertaken prior to graduation

3.Application and Reimbursement Process Overview

  1. Employer completes LiKES registration and submits the application
  2. TalentCorp conducts eligibility assessment and approves the internship quota
  3. Employer hires the intern and pays at least the first month’s internship allowance
  4. Employer submits the required documents for reimbursement
  5. Upon successful verification, TalentCorp disburses the grant payment

Summary
LiKES provides SMEs and start-ups with an effective platform to reduce internship-related costs while nurturing local talent.
By meeting the eligibility requirements and following the prescribed process, employers can support student internships while maximizing the benefits of government-provided financial assistance.