As 2025 draws to a close, Google’s Year in Search offers a fascinating snapshot of the topics that captured the hearts and minds of Malaysians over the past 12 months.
The annual trends report reveals not only what people were searching for, but also what issues shaped daily life, culture, technology and public conversation in Malaysia this year.
Navigating Economic Pressures and Public Welfare
One of the most prominent themes in Malaysian search behaviour this year was the cost of living and government support initiatives. Searches related to national welfare programs were among the most popular, highlighting how many Malaysians turned to Google to understand and access support:
- Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) – the key government cash assistance program ranked very high in searches, particularly around payment announcements, as citizens looked for eligibility and schedule info.
- MyKasih and Budi95 – additional assistance programs people frequently searched to learn about benefits and how to apply.
- MySalam and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) also featured strongly in news-related search lists.
Technology Takes Centre Stage
Another defining trend of 2025 in Malaysia was interest in artificial intelligence (AI) and related tools.
The top overall search of the year was Google’s AI tool Gemini, indicating a broad curiosity and uptake of AI technologies for everyday tasks, learning, productivity and creative work.
Other AI tools like DeepSeek and Hailuo AI also appeared among the most searched tech queries.
This surge in searches reflects a broader digital transformation across Malaysia, where AI became part of conversations around work, study, and innovation throughout the year.
Entertainment, Culture, and Viral Personalities
Malaysia’s cultural interests also left a mark on search trends in 2025. Search behaviour wasn’t just about news and tools — it was also about stories, characters, and faces that defined pop culture this year.
Popular Figures
Amira Othman emerged as the most searched person locally, her prominence rising thanks to her entertainment career and widely-shared personal milestones.
Other notable figures included international names like Gretha Thunberg and Donald Trump, reflecting Malaysians’ attention to global discourse, as well as homegrown talents like Naim Daniel and political figures like Syed Saddiq.
Films and Drama
Blood Brothers, a local film, topped movie search interest, even outpacing big Hollywood titles like Superman and Thunderbolts.
On the small screen, Squid Game and other regional dramas captivated viewers looking for excitement and storytelling to enjoy during their downtime.
News That Mattered
Search trends also paint a picture of what events and issues Malaysians were most invested in keeping up with. Economic support programs like STR and MyKasih dominated news searches, underlining economic concerns.
Searches also spiked around important national topics such as civil servant salaries, national exam results, and local events like the Putra Heights pipeline explosion and Southern Selangor floods.
In essence, Malaysians used Google Search in 2025 as a tool for survival, curiosity, connection, and entertainment — a reflection of a nation navigating real-world challenges and opportunities while staying plugged into the global digital zeitgeist.
Check out Google’s Year In Search for Malaysia HERE.
