2025 had its fair share of trending topics, whether it’s politics, pop culture or economy – but what and who was the most talked about in Malaysia? Google recently dropped its annual “Year In Search” list, highlighting the highest searched topics globally, including in Malaysia.
There are six categories: overall search, Malaysian news, individuals, film, drama and AI (artificial intelligence). As we enter the new year, here’s a look at what we Malaysians discussed the most in 2025:
Overall Search
In 2025, Google’s AI assistant Gemini topped the list, highlighting the locals’ growing curiosity about artificial intelligence. Other terms that made it into this category include the Rahmah Cash Aid (STR), MyKasih cash assistance and the Chinese AI model DeepSeek.
Malaysian News
However, in local news, STR took the cake as the most searched topic. The search for government aid programs continued with MyKasih, Budi95, MySalam and the Rahmah Basic Contribution (SARA). Malaysians also Googled the Putra Heights Explosion, which happened in April.
Individual
As for individuals, actress Amira Othman was the most searched person in 2025, thanks to her romance with actor Fattah Amin. Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, singer Naim Daniel and politicians Donald Trump and Syed Saddiq closed the Top 5 spots in this category.
Film
The film industry also made a lot of splash in 2025, with Malaysia’s very own “Blood Brother” becoming the most searched movie in Malaysia. The list also includes blockbusters like “Superman” and “Thunderbolts”, as well as viral titles like “K-pop Demon Hunters”.
Drama
Netflix’s “Squid Game” was the most searched drama of 2025, beating titles like “Love’s Ambition”, “Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story” and “When Life Gives You Tangerine”. Malay dramas “Keluarga Itu” and “Dia Bukan Syurga” also made it into the Top 10.
AI
In the tech world, more specifically AI, Gemini topped the search list, followed by DeepSeek and Hailuo AI. More commonly known models like ChatGPT 4.0, Grok and Sora also sparked a significant number of searches in 2025.
Did you look up any of these terms in 2025?
