Juniper
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) has released data identifying Malaysia as a significant powerhouse in the global wellness industry, with the national wellness market now valued at $31.8 billion.
The 2025 report, released in partnership with Green Wellness Malaysia, reveals that Malaysia now ranks 10th among 45 countries in the Asia-Pacific region and 29th globally out of 218 countries. The nation has secured a spot among the ten largest markets in Asia across several key categories, including wellness real estate, physical activity, mental wellness, and wellness tourism.
Property and public health drive double-digit growth
The Global Wellness Economy: Malaysia report highlights specific sectors that have seen extraordinary growth between 2019 and 2024. Wellness real estate leads the surge with a 13.5% annual growth rate, followed by public health, prevention, and personalized medicine at 12.6%. Other sectors showing robust momentum include:
- Mental Wellness: 7.6% growth
- Spas: 6.7% growth
- Physical Activity: 5.5% growth
- Traditional and Complementary Medicine: 5.2% growth
A strategic partnership to empower local stakeholders
The localized data is now available via GWI’s “Geography of Wellness” platform, a move made possible through a partnership with Green Wellness Malaysia. Since 2012, Green Wellness has focused on the distribution and advisory of wellness solutions and operates the International Wellness Expo (IWE).
“With unique strengths, opportunities and potential within the global wellness landscape, Malaysia is emerging as a dynamic contributor to the wellness economy,” said Susie Ellis, GWI’s chair and CEO. “We’re thrilled that Green Wellness Malaysia—whose mission since its founding in 2012 has been focused on inspiring healthier lifestyles—has partnered with us to make these numbers available for the first time, empowering wellness entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to drive sustainable growth in the country.”
“This appointment as the Global Wellness Institute Country Partner for Malaysia is a meaningful milestone for us at Green Wellness,” said Datin Dorph Peng, founder and managing director of Green Wellness Malaysia. “By contributing to the Geography of Wellness initiative, we help bring credible, data-driven insights to light. This reflects our commitment to elevating Malaysia’s presence within the global wellness economy and driving positive change through knowledge, collaboration, and innovation. Through our flagship exhibition, the International Wellness Expo (IWE), we aim to translate these insights into collaboration and action, thus connecting stakeholders, showcasing innovation, and supporting the sustainable growth of Malaysia’s wellness economy. Green Wellness aims to position Malaysia as the wellness gateway for ASEAN and beyond.”
Cultural heritage remains Malaysia’s competitive edge
A significant portion of the report explores how Malaysia’s multicultural identity—encompassing Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Indigenous traditions—creates a unique wellness “ecosystem.”
From ancient Malay urut massage and Traditional Chinese Medicine to Indian Ayurveda, Malaysia offers a holistic variety of healing modalities. The report also notes the country’s natural advantages, such as 130-million-year-old rainforests and thermal mineral springs, which provide a foundation for the growing eco-wellness and medical-wellness tourism sectors.
Summary of Malaysia’s regional wellness rankings
| Wellness Sector | Asia-Pacific Rank |
| Overall Wellness Economy | 10th |
| Wellness Real Estate | Top 10 |
| Wellness Tourism | Top 10 |
| Personal Care & Beauty | Top 10 |
| Physical Activity | Top 10 |
To learn more about Malaysia’s wellness economy, visit its dedicated Geography of Wellness page on the GWI website.
