KUALA LUMPUR: The critical role of Rare Earth Elements (REE) in modern technology has positioned Malaysia as an emerging leader in this high-value sector, according to the Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang.
He said that the ministry has been fostering the growth of the REE industry through research, development, commercialisation, innovation, and the application of cutting-edge technologies.
The ministry’s efforts included through the Technical Committee for Research, Development, Commercialisation, Innovation, and Technology (R&D&C&I&T) under a Special Task Force dedicated to REE, he said.
“The ministry’s main responsibility was to strengthen the research and innovation ecosystem, ensuring sustainable REE resource management and development of local talents.
“The ministry is also coordinating the development of new technologies to support the REE sector sustainably and more competitively on the global scale,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Feb 18).
He was responding to the question by Tan Hong Pin (PH-Bakri) who had asked the ministry to state its efforts in developing the REE sector in Malaysia.
Chang also said several strategic initiatives were undertaken to bolster the REE sector including the establishment of the National Advanced Materials Consortium (NAMC).
“NAMC acts as a collaborative platform among government agencies, research institutions, and the industry, aiming to enhance R&D capabilities and promote the commercialisation of advanced materials technologies.
“The ministry provides funding up to RM15mil per project through two types of strategic funds – the Strategic Research Fund–Applied Research Program (SRF-APP) and the Strategic Research Fund–Request for Proposal (SRF-RFP).
“These funds support various technology readiness levels and aim to accelerate technology innovations in the REE industry,” he added.
Chang also said that the ministry has been continuously collaborating in strategic partnerships with industry giants such as Petronas, Sime Darby, and Perodua, and academic institutions like Universiti Malaya and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
“This development is expected not only to contribute to the nation's economic growth but also to enhance Malaysia's global competitiveness in the field of advanced materials,” he added.
