Here’s Why Malaysia Tops Asia in English Proficiency

If there’s one thing travellers often notice when exploring Malaysia, it’s how easy it is to get around thanks to the country’s widespread use of English. Now, there are numbers to back that up: according to the 2025 EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), Malaysia has officially claimed the top spot in Asia for adult English proficiency.

For those unfamiliar with the EF EPI, it’s the largest international survey of English skills among non-native speakers. This year’s edition analysed data from 2.2 million people across 123 countries and regions, making it one of the most comprehensive language studies in the world.

Malaysia’s impressive rankings

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In the 2025 edition, Malaysia didn’t just perform well; it stood out.

• No. 1 in Asia, ahead of the Philippines and Hong Kong

• 24th globally, climbing two spots from last year

For travellers, this simply means that communication across the country, from city hotels to rural tour guides, tends to be smoother than in many other destinations.

Cities and regions that excelled

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Digging deeper into the data, the EF EPI also highlights which locations within Malaysia performed best:

• Penang claimed the title of top region, scoring 589

• Kuantan emerged as the top city, with an impressive 601

• Kuala Lumpur earned a High Proficiency rating with a score of 588, up slightly from last year’s 584

Whether you’re wandering through George Town’s heritage lanes or catching the sunrise at Teluk Cempedak, these cities offer both charm and a higher likelihood of bumping into locals who speak English confidently.

Who speaks the best English?

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The study also revealed that Malaysians aged 26 to 30 demonstrated the strongest English skills, scoring an average of 595. Not too surprising, this age group often juggles international work environments, travel, and digital communication.

Malaysia’s skill breakdown

The national score is made up of four key skill areas:

• Reading: 596

• Writing: 584

• Speaking: 534

• Listening: 576

Overall, Malaysia achieved a score of 581, which is 15 points higher than last year. The steady improvement reflects ongoing interest among Malaysians to refine their English, whether for career growth, education, or simply for navigating an increasingly globalised world.

What this means for travellers

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For visitors, Malaysia’s strong English proficiency means easier communication, clearer navigation, and more meaningful conversations with locals, whether you’re ordering halal street food in Penang, chatting with a Grab driver in KL, or exploring the beaches of Kuantan.

As Malaysia continues to improve its English skills, it strengthens its position not just as a tourism hub, but as a welcoming, globally connected destination for travellers from all over the world.