Malaysia vs Philippines
A data-driven side-by-side: investment score, economy, business climate, political stability, and tax — to help you decide where to invest, incorporate, or relocate.
Overall: Malaysia ranks higher
Malaysia scores 67/100 on our composite investment index, ahead of Philippines at 55/100. This blends economic strength, political stability, business climate, financial maturity, and growth outlook. Read the breakdown below to see where each country actually leads.
Category breakdown
70
Economic strength
Malaysia leads
58
60
Political stability
Malaysia leads
45
72
Business climate
Malaysia leads
52
68
Financial maturity
Malaysia leads
55
70
Growth outlook
Philippines leads
72
Macro snapshot
407
GDP (USD bn)
-28.0 bn
435
4.7%
GDP growth (%)
-0.9 pp
5.6%
$12,300
GDP per capita (USD)
+8400.0
$3,900
2.5%
Inflation (%)
-2.8 pp
5.3%
3.5%
FDI (% of GDP)
+1.0 pp
2.5%
66%
Public debt (% of GDP)
+5.0 pp
61%
34
Population (M)
-81.0M
115
Malaysia — strong sectors
- Electronics22.0% of GDP85
- Palm Oil4.0% of GDP72
- Financial Services7.0% of GDP70
- Tourism6.0% of GDP68
Philippines — strong sectors
- BPO & Services8.0% of GDP88
- Remittances9.0% of GDP82
- Manufacturing18.0% of GDP65
- Real Estate5.0% of GDP62
Frequently asked
Which is better for investment: Malaysia or Philippines?
Our composite investment index gives Malaysia a score of 67/100 and Philippines a score of 55/100. Malaysia ranks higher overall, but the right answer depends on your sector and risk tolerance — see the category breakdown above.
Is Malaysia a safer market than Philippines?
Risk classification puts Malaysia as moderate (Growing economy with manageable risks - suitable for diversified portfolios) and Philippines as moderate (Growing economy with manageable risks - suitable for diversified portfolios).
Which has higher GDP growth: Malaysia or Philippines?
Malaysia is currently growing at 4.7% per year, vs 5.6% for Philippines. Philippines has the faster headline growth rate today.