KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 15): Malaysia has been ranked 51 out of 168 countries in the Deloitte’s Social Progress Index 2021.

In a statement Wednesday (Dec 15) in conjunction with the release of the survey, Deloitte said that in comparison, Malaysia was ranked 48 out of 163 countries in 2020.

The 2021 Social Progress Index, which is compiled by the Social Progress Imperative — a United States-based non-profit — with the support of Deloitte, ranks 168 countries’ social performance since 2011 based on 53 social and environmental outcome indicators.

Deloitte said that for the first time, the Social Progress Index specifically examines the relationship between sustainability and social progress.

This year, Malaysia is the second highest ranking Southeast Asia country, behind Singapore (30).

The country is ahead of its regional counterparts Thailand (71), Indonesia (94), Vietnam (78), the Philippines (97), Cambodia (128), Myanmar (117), and Laos (145).

In the 2021 findings, Malaysia scored 90 points and above for Nutrition and Basic Medical Care (91.33), Water and Sanitation (90.29), and Shelter (91.84).

Health and Wellness (67.64) showed the most improvement, with a rise in score from last year’s 66.69.

Another area that Malaysia has improved on is Nutrition and Basic Medical Care (91.33), with a rise of 0.22.

Commenting on the global results, Social Progress Imperative CEO Michael Green said too many countries are choosing a model of development that is not sustainable, but they don’t have to.

“Other models exist that would allow us to balance the needs of people and the planet.

“The solutions are already out there. Inclusive and sustainable growth need to go hand in hand,” he said.

Meanwhile, Deloitte Global board chair Sharon Thorne said the Covid-19 pandemic is exacerbating inequalities.

She said from the growing education gap to health disparities, they have seen how the world’s most vulnerable populations are bearing the brunt of many of the world’s crises, including the climate crisis.

“The 2021 Social Progress Index demonstrates that sustainability and social progress are interrelated.

“Although different countries are at different places on their sustainability journeys, we all must work together — both governments and business — so that we can face this global issue head-on while also focusing on social, health, and economic outcomes over time,” she said.

The index also showed that despite positive but uneven steps being taken towards sustainable social progress, the world is declining in personal rights and inclusiveness, and that this trend is apparent across all regions and levels of social and economic development.

Among the key findings: