Malaysia jumps to 27th in global digital, AI competitiveness rankings

Malaysia has advanced to 27th place out of 70 economies assessed in the IMD World Digital Competitiveness Index, representing a significant seven-position jump in the rankings. The improvement underscores Malaysia's growing capabilities in digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence technologies, according to officials monitoring the country's technological development.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim welcomed the result, pointing to the ranking as validation of Malaysia's strategic focus on digital innovation and modernisation. The advancement reflects efforts by the government and private sector to strengthen the nation's digital ecosystem and build expertise in emerging technologies.

The IMD World Digital Competitiveness Index measures how effectively nations harness information technology to drive economic growth and competitiveness. Malaysia's rise in the rankings comes as regional economies increasingly compete to establish themselves as technology hubs and attract digital investment.

The improvement indicates progress in key areas including digital infrastructure development, skilled workforce capabilities, and innovation initiatives. Officials have indicated that further advancement will require continued investment in technology education, research and development, and digital infrastructure expansion across the country.