1966 – Birth of the Productivity Movement

The Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) began its journey in 1966 as the National Productivity Centre (NPC) under the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Its mission was clear yet ambitious: to spearhead a national productivity movement that would support Malaysia’s transition from an agriculture-based economy into a competitive, industrialising nation.

1970s – Laying the Foundations

In its formative years, NPC concentrated on productivity awareness campaigns, training, and the introduction of quality circles in workplaces. These initiatives created the foundation for industries and public agencies in Malaysia to adopt continuous improvement as a way of working.

1980s – Quality and Standards

During the 1980s, NPC pioneered the spread of Quality Management Systems and standardisation in Malaysia. It championed the adoption of Kaizen, ISO standards, and Total Quality Management (TQM), embedding productivity and quality improvement into daily management practices.

1990s – Strengthening Competitiveness

As the economy expanded, NPC was rebranded as the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) in 1991. The focus shifted towards competitiveness, innovation, and benchmarking against international best practice. MPC deepened collaboration with industry associations and global organisations such as the Asian Productivity Organisation (APO).

2000s – Public Sector Excellence

The new millennium saw MPC take a stronger role in public sector transformation. It introduced Good Regulatory Practice (GRP) and Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) to improve the quality of policymaking and regulatory design. MPC also supported MS ISO 9000 certification across government agencies, setting new benchmarks for efficiency and service delivery.

2010s – Digital Transition and Business Productivity

With digital technologies reshaping industries, MPC launched programmes to support firms in embracing Industry 4.0, reducing compliance costs, and enhancing the ease of doing business. The creation of the Productivity Nexus provided collaborative platforms that brought together businesses, experts, and government to address sector-specific challenges.

2020s – Reform, Resilience, and Innovation

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for agility and resilience. MPC responded by advancing remote auditing, digital adoption, and regulatory flexibility. From 2021 onwards, MPC took on a pivotal role in implementing the National Policy on Good Regulatory Practice, contributing to the Ekonomi MADANI framework, and driving the Agenda Reformasi Perkhidmatan Awam (ARPA).

2025 – Leading National Productivity Transformation

By 2025, MPC stands as the nation’s navigator of productivity and competitiveness. With over five decades of impact, MPC now champions reforms that aim for a 3.6% annual labour productivity growth throughout the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030), while positioning Malaysia among the top 12 most competitive economies globally by 2030.

From a modest centre in 1966 to a leading national institution in 2025, MPC’s journey reflects Malaysia’s own transformation — bold, resilient, and forward-looking.