Google’s Year in Search has shared a range of infographic to remind Malaysians of the topics they explored over the past twelve months. This includes from electrifying sports moments to viral trends that sparked nationwide fascination, painting a vibrant picture of the stories that resonated across the country.
A Year of Sporting Glory That United Malaysians
2024 was a year that had Malaysians glued to their screens, with 6 of the top 10 trending searches showcasing a deep-seated love for sports. Friends at mamak stalls enjoyed the UEFA Euro 2024 (#1 Search, #1 Sports) over teh tarik, while families at home caught every moment of the AFC Asian Cup (#4 Searches, #2 Sports). The Copa América (#6 Searches, #4 Sports) also fueled the football fever, highlighting Malaysians’ dedication to the game.
The Paris Olympics 2024 (#3 Sports) saw Malaysian athletes shine, with badminton stars Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik earning a bronze in men’s doubles and Lee Zii Jia also claiming bronze in singles. The “Malaysia Boleh” spirit continued at the Paralympics 2024 (#9 Sports), where athletes secured five medals. Local broadcaster RTM (#7 Sports) provided seamless live coverage, keeping Malaysians connected to the action.
Stars, Athletes, and Politicians
Malaysians’ affinity for sports was evident in the Trending People list, with athletes occupying half of the spots. National heroes like cyclist Azizulhasni Awang (#2 People), known as the “Pocket Rocketman,” and badminton star Pearly Tan (#8 People) inspired the nation at the Olympics 2024. Footballer Faisal Halim (#5 People) also made headlines with his national team comeback. Internationally, badminton fans followed Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn (#4 People) and Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen (#10 People), who won silver and gold medals, respectively. Beyond sports, Malaysians were also attentive to the US election campaigns by Donald Trump (#6 People) and Kamala Harris (#9 People).
News That Mattered to Malaysians
With rising living costs, Malaysians searched for financial assistance programs. Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (#1 News), the government’s cash aid for low and middle-income groups, topped the trending list. Also notable were Program Bantuan Subsidi Madani (#9 News) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (#10 News), providing essential relief.
The digital shift in education saw platforms like DELIMa (#8 searches, #3 News) and AINS (#7 News) gaining traction. Social welfare initiatives like MyKasih (#6 News) supported vulnerable communities, while KWSP Akaun (#8 News) remained vital for financial planning.
Taking AI Enthusiasm to the next level
AI has seamlessly integrated into Malaysians’ daily lives, driven by initiatives like the National Artificial Intelligence Framework. Tools such as Gemini (#3 AI) are changing how people find information, while Viggle AI (#7 AI) and Vidu Studio (#8 AI) enable quick transformation of text into stunning visuals, fostering creativity and innovation.
From Bingeworthy Dramas to Blockbuster Hits
Malaysians flocked to theaters for Inside Out 2 (#1 Movies) and Kung Fu Panda 4 (#6 Movies), rekindling nostalgia for beloved characters. Superhero enthusiasts enjoyed Deadpool (#2 Movies), Madame Web (#5 Movies), and Venom (#7 Movies), each offering fresh takes on the genre.
On the home front, TV dramas provided comfort and connection. Global hits like Queen of Tears (#1 TV Shows) and Marry My Husband (#2 TV Shows) offered emotive narratives, while Aku Bukan Ustazah (#4 TV Shows) and Lovely Runner (#5 TV Shows) became fan favorites, fusing cultural elements with heartfelt storytelling.
Remembering Those Who Left Their Mark
While celebrating the presence of loved ones, Malaysians turned to Google to honor notable figures who passed away. The sudden loss of Liam Payne (#1 Passing), a beloved former member of One Direction, shocked many worldwide. The passing of Taib Mahmud (#2 Passing), former Governor and Chief Minister of Sarawak, marked a significant moment in Malaysian politics.
The nation also mourned beloved figures like Nidza Afham (#4 Passing), Hamdan Senario (#6 Passing), Jaafar Onn (#7 Passing), and Nabil Zamanhuri (#10 Passing), who made impactful contributions to the entertainment industry. Additionally, the world felt the loss of legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama (#5 Passing), creator of the iconic Dragon Ball series that influenced many childhoods.
For a look at the full list, visit the website HERE.
In addition to showcasing what people were curious about in Malaysia, Google Search tools also offer insights into which topics captured the entire world’s attention in 2024. Visit the global trends site to explore the rest of this year’s Year in Search stories and top trending charts from Malaysia and around the world.