The Learning MatchMaker
Going strong since 2010

53,000 trainers in Malaysia. Which one deserves your people?

The Learning MatchMaker is the learning advisory agency behind HR, Training and L&D teams who refuse to guess. Tell us the outcome you need, and within 48 hours you receive 3 to 5 screened, credible experts in one comparison table, at no cost to your organisation.

A TLMM original · The MatchHow we give L&D, Training and HR teams their hours back
THE MATCH A TLMM ORIGINAL How L&D, Training and HR teams got their hours back. SCENE 1 · THE PROBLEM 53,000 trainers. One request. No spare hours. HR, Training or L&D team Colleague chasing proposals Proposals, brochures, cold emails 7h 58m staff time per programme Which one? SCENE 2 · THE CALL Your team TLMM consultant, since 2010 THE BRIEF Topic · Audience · Participants Business outcome · Dates · Budget SCENE 3 · THE SCOPE We review the scope together Your RFP, built for the outcome Business outcome the programme must move Audience, level and the real use case Success measures and follow-through A best-practice scope trainers can price fairly RFP READY SCENE 4 · THE SCREEN Spot-checked · Observed · Rated · References called · AI capability checked SCENE 5 · THE TABLE Comparison report TRAINER A TRAINER B TRAINER C Fit to outcome Credentials verified AI capability in delivery InvestmentQuotedQuotedQuoted 48h SCENE 6 · THE OUTCOME Your team and the matched expert Time-cost7h 58m back Productivityteam on real work Efficiencydecision in 48h Sourcing hours go back to the department.31.6% of a staff member's working time per programme, under TLMM's time-cost model. RM0 to you
TitleThe Match. How L&D, Training and HR teams got their hours back.
2010Founded in Kuala Lumpur
4Industry awards, HRD Asia and HR Online
48hResponse time with 3 to 5 trainers compared
RM0Matching fee to your organisation
The problem we remove
53,000HRD Corp registered trainers, before counting the unregistered

Which one is credible, ethical, and walks their talk in your classroom?

Sourcing one programme means searching, calling, reading five proposals, building a comparison and interviewing. Our time-cost model puts that at 7 hours 58 minutes of staff time per programme. We do that work, and we spot-check the trainer before you ever meet them.

Your sourcing time-cost
76staff hours spent sourcing
RM1,293staff time-cost, before a single trainer is hired

TLMM's model: 455 minutes per programme across searching, calls, reading and shortlisting five proposals, and two interview rounds. Hourly cost is salary over 22 days and 8 hours. Sourcing through TLMM costs your organisation RM0.

How it works

From request to classroom in five steps.

1

Request received

You send the in-house training request through our form or WhatsApp.

2

We qualify

Our consultants confirm objectives, budget, audience and requirements with you.

3

We research and screen

We find credible trainers, spot-check and observe them, and rate them before shortlisting.

4

We recommend 3 to 5

You receive the best fits with proposals, supporting documents and one comparison table.

5

You choose, we arrange

We schedule the trainer to meet you, and the programme is executed.

The signature deliverable

Every match arrives as one comparison table.

Ten pages per vendor is a daunting read. Every proposal we submit is compiled into one Excel comparison, so you interview with the facts in front of you.

Comparison pointTrainer ATrainer BTrainer C
Fit to your business outcomeModule by module mappingModule by module mappingModule by module mapping
Trainer credentialsVerified against competenciesVerified against competenciesVerified against competencies
MethodologyObserved and ratedObserved and ratedObserved and rated
AI capability in design and deliveryHow AI tools are used in content, practice and follow-upHow AI tools are used in content, practice and follow-upHow AI tools are used in content, practice and follow-up
Transfer to the jobPre-work, workplace tasks and Pulse Check-In after trainingPre-work, workplace tasks and Pulse Check-In after trainingPre-work, workplace tasks and Pulse Check-In after training
Client referencesChecked by TLMMChecked by TLMMChecked by TLMM
HRD Corp claimabilityConfirmed with providerConfirmed with providerConfirmed with provider
InvestmentQuotation attachedQuotation attachedQuotation attached
Screening outcomeRecommendedRecommendedRecommended
Your decision ladder 1. Review the table 2. Meet each vendor 3. Decide the outcome Programme confirmed

Illustration of the report format. Each client receives a comparison built for their specific request. AI capability is now a standing comparison point, because a trainer who can put AI to work in content, practice and follow-up shortens the path from classroom to business outcome. Trainers who fall short on performance, integrity or values are removed from our database.

What we do

One stop learning agency, not a training provider.

We audit and headhunt trainers against your training plan, then carry the work around each programme so your L&D team is not doing it alone.

Core service

Trainer screening and matching

Send the in-house request. We qualify objectives, budget and requirements, screen the market, and submit 3 to 5 credible trainers with proposals, quotations and credentials for fair comparison.

Report

Vendor comparison report

Every proposal's key points compiled into one Excel comparison of cost, objectives, trainer credentials and methodology.

Analysis

Training needs analysis

Interviews with HR and department heads, competency reviews, then a training calendar, department skills roadmaps and a leadership pipeline report. AI-assisted analysis delivered with KadoshAI.

Advisory

RFP scoping and best-practice advice

Before any trainer is sourced, we review your scope and advise the practices that work, so your request for proposal is written for the business outcome and the real use case, and trainers can price it fairly.

Advisory

Programme idea generation

Unsure what the initiative should look like? We sit in with the requestor, brainstorm, and return a concept paper for L&D review.

Talks

Short talks with global and local experts

Online talks of 60 to 90 minutes from trainers in Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Germany and South Africa, on topics from leadership to ESG, cyber and AI.

Engagement

Around every workshop

Pre-challenge videos seven days before a programme, weekly two-minute learning videos for your teams, and a 90-minute Pulse Check-In after each training.

Proof

Case reviews from our client work.

A sample of recent engagements, identified by sector and function so each client stays private.

Plantation group academy, leadership
Brief
Modular leadership workshops for financial controllers and heads of department, to support succession planning.
Issue
Participants could not carry messages from the top down to their managers.
Match
Listening comprehension modules and listening tests designed into the pre-assessment flow, then the right training company selected and executed.
Logistics company, sales
Brief
Educate sales managers and teams on internal product changes.
Issue
Not a sales skills programme, an advisory education programme.
Match
Personality sales assessment to profile future sales advisors, then a five-day design with the final day combining product training, the MD and the external trainer.
Agribusiness MNC, mental wellness
Brief
Ten individual one and two day mental wellness workshops across branches.
Issue
Finding workshops that fit the real awareness issues, not the buzzword.
Match
A varied programme from baking and boxing to financial education and mental awareness, so one holistic message reached every department.
Shipping and logistics group, soft skill talks
Brief
An ongoing webinar series for over 200 employees across Asia.
Issue
Talks had to speak to the company's own issues.
Match
Talks selected against those issues, with a 30-minute alignment call between HR and each trainer before delivery.
Stock exchange, yearly learning calendar
Brief
Ten programmes a year with full vendor sourcing.
Issue
Many trainers proposed, hard to review fairly.
Match
One comprehensive table of 3 to 5 experts per programme, giving L&D an easy overview to interview and hire.
Global sustainability body, leadership
Brief
Strategic thinking and EQ programmes for Malaysian and global leaders across time zones.
Issue
The trainer had to be adaptable on service, not only strong on content.
Match
Headhunted the right personality for the issues, the programme ran well, and the same experts were hired for further groups.
Clients' words

Clients' words. In their own hand, on our public reviews.

I have been partnering The Learning Matchmaker for over 5 years to support capability building initiatives. They help source credible training service providers and add value to my organization.

Finance Manager, direct selling MNC

Cheryl and her team members are very dedicated in helping our business to achieve the desired business outcomes via programs which suit not just our training needs but also the budget allocations.

HR Assistant Manager, information management MNC

Her close follow-up, attention to details, customer service skills really touch me personally, hence I have been using the services of The Learning Matchmaker for 4 years now.

HR Manager, logistics company

I have been working with TLMM more than 5 years and their service really helps us in getting the best training providers for our leadership development programs. I recommended TLMM services.

Talent Manager, public transport GLC

TLMM is a reliable partner that I can count on when I need to brainstorm with someone who has vast knowledge in employee learning and development.

HR Head, airport hospitality group

TLMM is the most efficient and excellent service provider for the training industry. Detailed and fast! Always aiming to provide the best and beyond.

Training Manager, automotive sales

Professional and reliable services provided which help much in realizing the success of targeted training programs in the organization. Customer services provided are genuine and consistent. Recommended!

Training Manager, automotive distributor

Thanks to TLMM, I'm able to look for the right trainer and training for my company with ease. Highly recommended.

Project Manager, direct selling MNC

Quick response time and follow up from the team. Always ready to entertain the client's requirements.

HR Manager, technology park developer

See the full record of 2,800 plus programmes matched for 379 organisations. Client video testimonials are on our YouTube playlist.

Recognition

Four industry awards for screening and innovation.

Cheryl Lourdes receiving the Asia HRD Awards 2017 trophyAsia HRD Awards 2017, Movers and Shakers
HR Vendors of the Year 2015 trophy, Best Background Screening Provider, The Learning MatchMaker Sdn BhdHR Vendors of the Year 2015
Asia HRD Awards 2017 plaque presented to Cheryl Lourdes, CEO, The Learning MatchMaker Sdn BhdMovers and Shakers plaque, 2017
HR Vendors of the Year 2017 stageHR Vendors of the Year 2017
Asia HRD Awards 2017 ceremony stageAsia HRD Awards ceremony, 2017
About

Started from a house in 2010 on one belief: every employee deserves to be trained and coached.

Our vision is to be a catalyst that revolutionises human capital development for employers, through learning platforms of our own design. Going strong since 2010, the company has matched trainers for GLCs, MNCs and SMEs across Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, and the story is not done yet.

The Learning MatchMaker Sdn Bhd (1115598-W) is the HQ. Our subsidiary Lourdes Training Sdn Bhd is our HRD Corp registered training provider, and KadoshAI is our AI capability-building brand.

Our core values

  • GratitudeHappiness comes when being grateful. Arrogance is the most destructive trait.
  • Now LearnEconomic and critical thinking. Look beyond the obvious.
  • Honesty and RespectThere is only one way, which we value.
  • HumilityChoosing right over wrong and owning one's conduct.
  • Deliver BeyondWOW our customers and trainers without expecting anything back.
  • AgainSink my mistake, 10X now to bounce forward.
Founder and CEO

Cheryl Lourdes

Cheryl built her career on the phone and in the room. She started in England, working telesales, door-to-door sales and factory shifts to pay her bills while earning her BA (Hons) from the University of Northumbria. Back in Malaysia she rose from junior executive at a printing factory to top sales within a year, served as ISO management representative and chief internal auditor, and then led and coached 25 sales and marketing staff as Senior Sales and Marketing Manager of a conference organiser.

In 2010 she left employment and founded The Learning MatchMaker, so HR, Training and L&D teams could decide faster on the best trainers for their people. She has since earned the company four industry awards, written five books and white papers on selling, hiring credible trainers and the human side of AI learning, and been interviewed on BFM. Today she is also Co-Founder of KadoshAI, and remains the trusted advisor that HR directors call when they want to build a learning culture that holds.

24 years in sales, marketing and L&D 4 industry awards 5 books Signature programme: Sell It Right Co-Founder, KadoshAI
Book cover: 7 Deadly Sins of Phone Selling by Cheryl Lourdes7 Deadly Sins of Phone Selling
Book cover: Secrets to Hiring High Potential Corporate Trainers by Cheryl Lourdes61 Secrets to Hiring High Potential Trainers
Book cover: The Creative Marketer by Cheryl LourdesThe Creative Marketer
Research and white papers

Written for HR, Training and L&D teams. Free to download.

Reports and guides from our own research with employers and trainers in Malaysia, written by Cheryl Lourdes and The Learning MatchMaker research team.

Report · 17 pages

Guiding Training Departments in Malaysia to THINK

Making thinking matter for HR, Training and L&D teams: learning maturity before a high-fly TNA, building a screening panel, thinking routines for the classroom, and creatively agile learning strategies. Based on ten years of research with employers and trainers.

Download PDF
White paper · 9 pages

Screening Tips to Hire Best Trainers

Developing panel SOPs for trainer selection, with polling questions so you can see where your own screening stands. The method behind every TLMM match.

Download PDF
Guide · 34 pages

100 L&D Hacks with RM0.00 Trainer Fees

One hundred ways to keep learning alive without a trainer invoice, each with a trigger activity, questions to ponder and an engagement tip.

Download PDF
Model · 2 pages

The IMPACT to Make Training Lean

Our cost reduction efficiency model: the 455 minutes a department spends sourcing one programme, what that costs in staff time, and the 31.6% TLMM gives back.

Download PDF
Kit · on request

Training Department Starter Office Kit 1.0

For anyone newly in charge of training operations and strategy: adult learning principles, the practitioner's roles, how to measure a trainer or training company, the five risks of vendor selection, and being learner centric.

Request a copy