Asia Pacific open to digital and reform transformation, but concerned about pace of change: can business and government leaders guide the change revolution?
Malaysians have shown a significant growth in optimism on the country’s direction. Now, 7 out of 10 Malaysians believe that the country is heading in the right direction, a remarkable 19% increase compared to a year ago. While the optimism levels in other Southeast Asian countries and the world have remained constant or declined over the past year, Malaysia’s sustained growth of optimism indicates a positive outlook among its citizens.
Ipsos 32-country survey reveals that 2 out of 3 people across the world claims that they have a good understanding of AI. In Malaysia, the number is slightly lower compared to our SEA neighboring countries like Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore.
Malaysians display great excitement about AI. However, this is also tempered with a degree of nervousness. The impact of AI on the job market seems to be apparent to Malaysians, as they anticipate potential redundancies of their current jobs. Despite this, many are optimistic that AI will make things better and contribute to the economy.
Ipsos Malaysian Crime Monitor reveals a growing sense of security among Malaysians, with a declining perception of the rising crime rate. This positive sentiment is shared by Singapore within Southeast Asia. However, concerns persist in Thailand and Indonesia, where more than a third of the population believes crime is rising. Malaysians are more likely to point out ineffective low enforcement and corrupt political environment as other reasons.
A new study reveals pregnant mothers in Malaysia accept the benefits of a national Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) vaccination campaign pregnancy programme from the Ministry of Health.
The impact of climate change is becoming an everyday concern for Malaysians, with the increasing frequency of heat waves, thunderstorms, and floods. On Earth Day 2024, nearly half of Malaysians expressed confidence in the government’s clear planning to address climate change. However, Malaysia is not immune to climate change denial or misperceptions.
Malaysians who believe that the country is heading on the wrong track are on the rise. Soon more Malaysians are likely to be pessimistic than optimistic about the country's direction.
Malaysia has shown a steady increase in happiness level from 2020 to 2023, and surpassed the global level in 2024, indicating a significant improvement in overall happiness among Malaysians. However, countries like Japan and South Korea showed a lower level of happiness, an indication of a diverse range of happiness around the world.
