IQ rankings often stir curiosity, but beyond the numbers lies a deeper story about access to education, social equity, and regional identity.
Based on the latest data from the International IQ Test (2024), several Southeast Asian countries made it into the global IQ ranking, revealing surprising insights about the region’s intellectual standing.
Regional Overview: How Did Southeast Asia Score?
Among Southeast Asian countries, Thailand stands out with an average IQ of 101.52, placing it among the top 20 globally. Malaysia follows closely with an average IQ of 100.48, and Viet Nam scores 100.12 all above the global average.
Meanwhile, Brunei Darussalam is also listed with a solid score of 98.14, despite limited participant data. The Philippines comes in at 96.66, Myanmar at 97.37, and Indonesia at 93.18. Lao PDR and Cambodia round out the list with scores of 92.05 and 93.97 respectively.
These figures suggest a strong presence of intellectual potential across the region, especially when viewed in the context of global development and education systems.
What Do These Numbers Really Say?
IQ scores are not destiny. Instead, they offer a glimpse into broader social structures. For instance, countries like Thailand and Malaysia have invested heavily in bilingual education and digital literacy, factors that can influence cognitive test performance.
On the other hand, countries with lower average IQ scores, like Indonesia or Lao PDR, may face challenges such as uneven access to education, rural-urban divides, and economic disparities. These are not signs of lesser ability, but rather indicators of systemic issues that deserve attention and investment.
Missing Data: What About Timor-Leste and Singapore?
Interestingly, Singapore a country often praised for its world-class education system does not appear in this specific dataset, though other studies have historically placed it very high in global IQ rankings. Similarly, Timor-Leste is absent from the list, likely due to limited participation or lack of available data.
These absences remind us that rankings are only as comprehensive as the data collected. Gaps in representation can skew perceptions and should be considered when interpreting regional comparisons.
More Than a Number: Intelligence Is Multidimensional
It’s important to note that IQ only measures a narrow band of cognitive abilities, mainly logic, reasoning, and problem-solving. It doesn’t reflect creativity, emotional intelligence, cultural knowledge, or practical skills, all of which are crucial to success in modern Southeast Asia.
From tech entrepreneurs in Malaysia to grassroots innovators in Viet Nam, intelligence in Southeast Asia is diverse, adaptive, and often shaped by cultural context.
Towards a Smarter Region
These IQ scores offer both a snapshot and a challenge. They highlight areas of progress but also reveal where educational systems and policies can grow.
As ASEAN continues to invest in youth development and cross-border collaboration, the region has the opportunity to raise not just IQ scores, but inclusive, real-world intelligence for all.
