Malaysia climbs eight spots to 15th in the 2026 IMD competitiveness rankings, marking its best-ever achievement under Anwar Ibrahim.
KAZAN: Malaysia rising to the 15th spot in the 2026 World Competitiveness Rankings by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) is proof that efforts to strengthen efficiency and improve execution continue to pay off, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking to the Malaysian media at the press conference following his two-day working visit to the ASEAN–Russia Commemorative Summit here, Anwar said Malaysia continues to make progress in global competitiveness rankings.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to mention the report just released today, announced in Kuala Lumpur, that Malaysia’s competitiveness has climbed to 15th place.
“This is an increase of eight places from the previous year,” he said.
The prime minister said that the achievement shows the government’s focus on improving efficiency and commitment is on the right track.
Malaysia jumped eight places to 15th out of 70 economies in the International Institute for Management Development’s (IMD) World Competitiveness Ranking 2026.
Last year, Malaysia ranked 23rd out of 69 economies, up 11 places from 34th out of 67 in 2024.
The IMD ranking is based on four main pillars: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure.
According to the IMD, strengthening across all these pillars was the main factor driving Malaysia’s improved standing this year.
Malaysia ranks fourth globally for economic performance, while government efficiency rose 11 places to 14th. Business efficiency also jumped 16 places to 16th, and infrastructure improved two places to 33rd.
