Malaysia ranks first in Asia in the EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) 2025, based on assessments from 2.2 million test-takers of the EF Standard English Test (EF SET) across 123 countries and regions. Globally, Malaysia has climbed two spots and now stands at 24th place.
The EF EPI is the world’s largest international survey measuring English proficiency among non-native adult speakers. The index is based on EF SET results, which evaluate four core language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
In the 2025 edition, the EF EPI for the first time includes productive skills results (writing and speaking), complementing previous assessments that focused solely on receptive skills.
Kuantan and Penang Record Malaysia’s Highest Scores
At the city and regional level, Kuantan achieved the highest score nationally with 601 points. Penang ranked as the top-performing region, recording 589 points.
Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur is listed in the high-proficiency category with a score of 588, up from 584 in the previous year.
EF EPI notes that only cities and regions with at least 100 test-takers are included in the rankings, while countries must have a minimum of 400 participants to qualify.
Language Skill Breakdown: Reading Leads, Speaking Lowest
Malaysia obtained different scores across the four English-language skill categories:
- Reading: 596
- Writing: 584
- Listening: 576
- Speaking: 534
Overall, Malaysia achieved an EF EPI score of 581 in 2025, an improvement of 15 points compared with the previous year.
Southeast Asian Rankings in the EF EPI 2025
Below are the EF EPI 2025 scores for Southeast Asian countries as listed in the official data:
| Country | Score | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | 581 | 24 |
| Philippines | 569 | 28 |
| Vietnam | 500 | 64 |
| Indonesia | 471 | 80 |
| Laos | 461 | 88 |
| Myanmar | 444 | 99 |
| Thailand | 402 | 116 |
| Cambodia | 390 | 123 |
Summary of the EF EPI 2025 Methodology
The 2025 edition marks the first year in which the EF SET includes large-scale speaking and writing assessments. These new productive-skill tests were introduced in the first half of 2024, complementing the earlier assessments that covered only reading and listening.
This online, adaptive test classifies participants into six CEFR proficiency levels.
The report notes that the addition of productive skill assessments may influence score changes, particularly among test-takers aged over 40, who tend to show a larger gap between receptive and productive language abilities.
EF also emphasizes that EF SET participants are individuals who choose to measure or improve their English proficiency, meaning the index does not represent the entire population of a country.
