SHAH ALAM - Kuala Lumpur secured its place among the world’s top 10 city capitals for English proficiency, according to the 2024 EF English Proficiency Index (EPI).
This annual survey, conducted by EF Education First, assessed the English skills of adults in 116 countries and regions, with data sourced from 2.1 million non-native English speakers aged 18 and over.
In the latest rankings, Malaysia maintained a strong position in Asia, ranking third after Singapore and the Philippines.
EF EPI author Kate Bell, as quoted on the EF Education First official website, highlighted the ongoing decline in English proficiency.
She stated that while regions such as the Middle East and Africa had made progress, many other areas were experiencing stagnation or a drop in language skills.
"The global landscape of English proficiency is constantly evolving.
"This trend supports the impression that in 2024, the expectation in many countries is that everyone speaks English, regardless of the reality, leading to a loss of focus on improving English proficiency in both the education system and the private sector,” she said.
Malaysia currently ranked 26th globally in the 2024 EF English Proficiency Index (EPI), with a score of 566, showing a slight decline from its 25th-place ranking and score of 568 last year.
In contrast, Kuala Lumpur demonstrated significant improvement, scoring 584 this year compared to 564 previously, solidifying its position as a city with exceptional English proficiency.
This year, Shah Alam and Perak continued to excel, earning recognition in the "high proficiency” category for cities and regions, respectively.
The EF EPI, first published in 2011, is the largest international survey of adult English skills.
Over the years, it has tracked global trends in English proficiency.
In the 2023 edition, Malaysia was ranked 25th globally with a score of 568, showcasing its consistent performance in English language skills.
That year, Perak was cited as the top region for English proficiency in Malaysia with a score of 587, while Kuantan emerged as the leading city at 603.
The 2024 report indicated a broader trend of declining English proficiency worldwide, particularly among young adults and women.
This year's findings also revealed that men generally outperformed women in English proficiency across most regions, though there were exceptions.
The index highlighted a concerning drop in youth proficiency over the past five years, raising alarms about future language skill levels.
Founded in Sweden in 1965, EF Education First aims to open the world through education by providing culturally immersive experiences through language learning, travel, cultural exchange, and academic programmes across more than 100 countries.
The EF EPI remains a vital tool for understanding global trends in English language proficiency and its implications for education systems worldwide.