Malaysia ranks 64th in the 2025 World Happiness Report, trailing behind several ASEAN countries. Key factors affecting the ranking include GDP per capita, social support, and freedom. Finland leads globally, while Malaysia faces challenges regarding economic confidence and social cohesion.
In the 2025 World Happiness Report, Malaysia secured the 64th position, indicating a middling performance relative to its Southeast Asian neighbors. Within ASEAN, Malaysia fell behind Singapore, ranked 34th, Vietnam at 46th, Thailand at 49th, and the Philippines at 57th, but surpassed Indonesia, which ranked 83rd.
The report attributes rankings to factors such as GDP per capita, social support, and freedom, which significantly influence national happiness levels and their future trajectory. Finland maintained its top global ranking, followed by Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and the Netherlands.
Malaysia’s decrease in rank points to ongoing difficulties in economic confidence and social well-being. The report highlights that a country’s benevolence significantly shapes its political landscape, with unhappiness being a catalyst for populism. Trust plays a crucial role: individuals who trust others typically lean left politically, while those lacking trust lean to the right.
While Malaysia has made strides in income and life expectancy, indicators of generosity and perceived fairness lag behind those in higher-ranking nations. The country must focus on enhancing social cohesion and strengthening institutional trust to improve its happiness ranking further.
The 2025 World Happiness Report reveals Malaysia’s 64th ranking, positioning it in the middle tier among ASEAN countries. Notable challenges in economic confidence and social cohesion are highlighted. The findings suggest that improving trust and social support can significantly enhance Malaysia’s overall happiness and political stability.
Original Source: www.malaymail.com
