The Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) which was formerly known as the National Productivity Corporation was established in 1962 as a joint project between the United Nations Special Fund and the Federal Government, with the International Labour Organisation acting as its executing agency.

In 1966, the National Productivity Council (Incorporation) Act No. 19 was passed making the Centre an autonomous body. It was later amended as the National Productivity Council (Incorporation) (Amendment) Act A305 1975, to cater for expansion of the Centre`s role. This act was subsequently amended as the National Productivity Centre (Incorporation) (Amendment) Act A801 1991. With the Act coming into effect on 1 December 1991, the National Productivity Council became the National Productivity Corporation.

Until recently, with effect from 21st February 2008 National Productivity Corporation (NPC) is now officially known as Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC). YB Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) had signed the document enforcing National Productivity Corporation Act (Incorporated) (Amended) 2008 and set February 21, 2008 as the effective date of the said act. In keeping with the expanded role of the corporation, the act is now known as Malaysia Productivity Corporation Act (Incorporated) 1966.