Kuala Lampur, March 2 -- Malaysia has much to be proud of. In the 2024/2025 Open Data Inventory (ODIN) by Open Data Watch, Malaysia ranked first globally, outperforming 198 countries with an overall score of 90 and an openness score of 99, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia.

This dramatic rise from 67th place just two years ago reflects strong institutional leadership, sustained investment and a clear national commitment to open data. Yet rankings, while important, are only a starting point.

The more pressing question is not how open our data is, but how effectively it is shaping better policy, better decisions and better outcomes for people. Because data alone does not save societies. Better policy does.

This reality i...