Malaysians Strongly Optimistic Of Personal Prospects, Country's Direction - Survey

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 12 (Bernama) -- Malaysians have entered 2026 with strong optimism about their personal prospects and the country’s long-term direction, according to a new survey by market researcher Ipsos.

The study found that 82 per cent of Malaysians believe 2026 will be a better year compared to 2025, while 77 per cent expressed confidence in the country’s long-term future, significantly higher than the global average of 52 per cent.

Ipsos, in the report titled Malaysians’ Aspirations for 2026, said the positive sentiment reflects a combination of domestic policy measures and recent economic developments.

“Targeted support measures such as Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) and BUDI MADANI RON95, a firmer ringgit, and the successful ASEAN Summit have helped end the year on a stronger footing, reinforcing confidence in Malaysia’s medium-term growth outlook, even as global trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainties persist,” the findings of the survey stated. 

The survey also showed that Malaysians are more optimistic than their global counterparts about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on employment, with 67 per cent believing AI will create more job opportunities in 2026, compared with more mixed views worldwide.

Ipsos noted that AI adoption in Malaysia is reportedly growing by 35 per cent year-on-year, positioning the technology as a key driver in boosting productivity, supporting value-chain progression, and advancing the goals of the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030).

Alongside economic confidence, Malaysians’ priorities for 2026 reflect a growing focus on self-care and wellbeing, with more time planned for family and friends, exercise, and personal appearance.

The study revealed that 90 per cent of Malaysian respondents aim to spend more time with family and friends, compared with the global average of 82 per cent.

Meanwhile, 86 per cent plan to exercise more, while 76 per cent prioritise personal appearance.

“This points to a shift in priorities, as Malaysians place greater value on balance - investing not only in work and progress, but also in health, relationships, and self-improvement in the coming year. This shift signals a desire for better work-life balance and holistic wellbeing,” the report stated. 

The survey also found sustained interest in major sporting events, with 60 per cent of Malaysians planning to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico this summer, slightly higher than the global average of 59 per cent.

The survey was conducted among a representative sample of 500 Malaysian adults aged 18 to 74, as part of Ipsos’ global study involving 23,642 respondents worldwide.

-- BERNAMA