Is it time for Malaysia to host the next rare earth and critical minerals forum? As global demand for rare earths and critical minerals surges, driven by the transition to clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and defense technologies, Malaysia finds itself at a pivotal juncture. It has been nearly seven years since the last major Malaysian forum on rare earth industries, and much has changed. A new federal government, evolving economic priorities, and intensified competition in regional supply chains all suggest that the time is ripe to redefine the national dialogue on this strategic sector.
Malaysia faces both opportunity and challenge. Policy leadership is essential. A new industry discussion would not just be an event; it would provide a platform for meaningful policy articulation. The government can outline a coherent strategy that balances investor certainty, environmental safeguards, and community interests. Malaysia has the chance to position itself as a reliable, middle-path partner, but only if policy is forward-looking and agile.
Which state will take the lead is a pressing question. The potential for mineral development varies across Malaysia’s states. Some eastern and northern regions possess untapped geological potential, while others have industrial infrastructure that could support refining and fabrication. The question is not just who leads, but how that leadership will unfold, whether driven by state-level economic ambitions or catalyzed through federal incentives and public-private collaboration.
How Malaysia will fit into global supply chains will also determine its strategic relevance. At present, global rare earth supply chains are still heavily concentrated in a few countries. For Malaysia to move beyond being a passive participant, it will need to attract investment in not only extraction but also separation and value-added processing. Partnerships with established multinational players may accelerate capacity building, but genuine value capture will require deliberate policy support.
The role of civil society and NGOs cannot be overlooked. The past saw vigorous NGO participation, often voicing valid concerns about environmental and social impacts. Malaysia’s pursuit of mineral development must integrate sustainability from the outset, ensuring that economic ambitions do not undermine ecological integrity or community wellbeing. That tension between building on existing strengths and the desire to innovate will define the learning curve ahead. Malaysia has capable research institutions and a history of resource-based industries to draw from, but scaling into rare earths and critical minerals requires new competencies, deeper technical expertise, and cross-sector cooperation. Simply because regulatory requirements of destination markets will want to ensure that all the way from the mine to the finished product is without a black mark.
Organising the next rare earth forum now would be more than symbolic. It would signal a renewed national commitment to strategic resource development, one aligned with global demand, economic resilience, and environmental stewardship. The world is watching, with the right leadership and vision, the country could very well take its place at the forefront of the next mineral revolution.
The Malaysia Global Business Forum organised the last large-scale event on rare earths back in 2019, which focused on “The Future of Rare Earth Industries in Malaysia.” Building on that foundation, it is timely for the forum to convene stakeholders once again.