KUALA LUMPUR, 20 August 2026 – The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) has been officially recognised by Asia Record for Malaysia’s significant advancement in the 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking.

MITI received the Asia Record title:

“Highest Jump in the 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking Among Asian Countries.”

The Asia Record plaque was presented during The 7th Asia KLEMS Conference on 20 August 2026 and was received by YB Sim Tze Tzin, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, on behalf of MITI.

Malaysia recorded a remarkable improvement in the 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, rising eight positions from 23rd globally in 2025 to 15th in 2026. The advancement marks an important milestone in Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen its economic competitiveness and position in the global economy.

Commenting on the achievement, YB Sim Tze Tzin described Malaysia’s rise in the ranking as a result of progress across multiple areas.

“This is remarkable for our country because we have made the right moves in terms of policies, productivity, labour, economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure. It is a whole-of-nation approach. Nobody should claim absolute credit — everyone has contributed to this achievement,” he said.

He also credited the government’s reform agenda and Malaysia’s ability to attract high-value foreign investment as important contributors to the improvement.

“Our Prime Minister has worked very hard to get the right policies. He has reformed institutions and the government, driven transformations across many sectors, and attracted foreign investors, particularly high-value investors. All this contributed to this jump in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking. I think we are on the right trajectory and heading in the right direction,” YB Sim added.

The Asia Record recognition highlights the significance of Malaysia’s progress within Asia’s competitive economic landscape and acknowledges the collective efforts of government, businesses, workers and Malaysians in strengthening the country’s international competitiveness.

The presentation at The 7th Asia KLEMS Conference provided a fitting platform for the recognition, bringing together discussions on productivity, economic development and competitiveness across Asia.

Through this recognition, Asia Record continues its mission to identify, verify and officially recognise outstanding achievements and milestones across Asia.

MITI’s recognition represents not only an institutional achievement but also a milestone reflecting Malaysia’s broader economic transformation and strengthening position within Asia. For more information about Asia Record and recognised achievements across Asia, visit www.asiarecord.com.

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