Kuching ranks 419th in Oxford Economics Global Cities Index 2024

KUCHING: This city has secured the 419th spot out of 1,000 global cities in the latest Oxford Economics Global Cities Index for 2024, outperforming several other Malaysian cities, including those in Kedah and Ipoh.

The index, which covered 163 countries, featured 12 Malaysian cities in its top 1,000 list.

Kuala Lumpur is ranked highest among Malaysian cities at 135, followed by George Town, Penang (351); Melaka (359); Johor Baru, Johor (376); Butterworth-Bukit Mertajam, Penang (385); Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (391); Kuantan, Pahang (412); Kuching, Sarawak (419); Kota Baru, Kelantan (433); Seremban, Negri Sembilan (447); Kuala Muda, Kedah (459); and Ipoh, Perak (465).

In their comprehensive 112-page report, the Oxford Economics City Services director Mark Britton said the cities are evaluated based on five key categories namely Economics, Human Capital, Quality of Life, Environment and Governance.

On Kuching’s performance across these categories, the city is ranked 532nd for the Economics category, while Human Capital category (492nd), Quality of Life (466th), Environment (419th), and Governance (334).

For the Economics category, it contains indicators that measure the economic size, structure, and growth of each city, examining both historical performance and future potential.

As for the Human Capital category, it contains indicators that measure the educational and business climates of each city, in conjunction with demographic trends.

The Quality of Life category contains indicators that measure the benefits of living in each city and residents’ wellbeing, covering financial and health outcomes, as well as access to amenities.

The Environment category contains indicators that measure the natural environment of each city on climate change-related issues.

Meanwhile, the Governance category contains indicators that measure the political stability of a city and the degree to which residents’ rights are protected.