Malaysia tops open data rankings in historic first

 The country leaps from 67th to 1st in the latest ODIN index, overtaking Singapore, Finland, and Denmark.

Chief statistician Uzir Mahidin said the achievement reflects Malaysia’s progress in digitalising and democratising data access.

PETALING JAYA:

 Malaysia has ranked first globally in the 2024/ Open Data Inventory (ODIN), with an overall score of 90, according to the latest biennial report by Open Data Watch (ODW).

The ODIN index evaluates the coverage and openness of official statistical data, assessing how well countries align with international standards for data availability and accessibility.

Malaysia’s score comprises a data coverage subscore of 79 and a near-perfect data openness subscore of 99.

The statistics department said the achievement marks a significant improvement from the country’s previous 67th position, outperforming countries such as Singapore (2nd), Finland (3rd) and Denmark (4th).

“This achievement proves Malaysia’s ability to compete globally in terms of data openness and coverage.

“This accomplishment is also the result of the collective efforts of the statistics department and other government agencies that have worked closely to provide timely and reliable data,” chief statistician Uzir Mahidin said in a statement.

He added that open data not only supports data-driven decision-making but also fosters innovation in academic research and development planning.

Uzir also highlighted Malaysia’s recent re-election to the Governing Council of the Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific (SIAP) for the 2025–2027 term, calling it further recognition of the country’s growing global standing in statistical excellence. - FMT