Malaysia’s 2025 World Happiness Report Ranking: A Middle Position in ASEAN

Malaysia ranked 64th in the 2025 World Happiness Report, struggling compared to its ASEAN peers, such as Singapore and Vietnam. Key factors affecting happiness include GDP per capita and social support. The nation’s ranking has declined due to issues in economic confidence and social well-being, highlighting areas for improvement in trust and generosity.

In the recently published 2025 World Happiness Report, Malaysia secured a ranking of 64th, positioning it in the mid-range among Southeast Asian nations. It trails behind its regional counterparts, with Singapore ranking highest at 34th, followed by Vietnam at 46th, Thailand at 49th, and the Philippines at 57th, while Indonesia is positioned lower at 83rd.

The report highlights that key determinants of happiness include GDP per capita, social support, and personal freedoms, all of which influence a nation’s trajectory. Finland continues to hold the title as the happiest country in the world, succeeded by Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

Malaysia’s decline in rank compared to earlier years indicates prevailing issues concerning economic confidence and societal well-being. The report elaborates that a nation’s benevolence significantly impacts its political landscape, where underlying unhappiness can fuel populism, influenced by the population’s trust in each other. This trust reinforces a leftward or rightward political lean among citizens.

Moreover, Malaysia’s indicators for generosity and perceived fairness are lower than those in the highest-ranking countries. Despite positive trends in income and life expectancy, the nation faces challenges in enhancing social cohesion and building institutional trust, areas identified for potential improvement.

The 2025 World Happiness Report reveals that Malaysia, ranked 64th, faces challenges in achieving higher happiness levels compared to its Southeast Asian neighbors. Key factors such as economic confidence, social support, and trust are critical in shaping the nation’s happiness landscape. Despite improvements in income and life expectancy, Malaysia must focus on enhancing social cohesion and trust to elevate its standing in future reports.

Original Source: www.malaymail.com