00:00The presence of participants from government, industry, academia, and the research community
00:10reflects our shared recognition of the importance of thorium and rare earth development,
00:18a film that will shape our sustainable growth and technological future.
00:22With the theme, Securing the Future, Science, Strategy, and Sustainability in REE and Thorium,
00:31this seminar carries an important message that our nation's progress must be built upon responsible exploration,
00:41scientific excellence, and strategic foresight.
00:44Across the world, demand for REE is accelerating.
00:48According to recent market analysis, the global REE market, estimated at US$3.9 to US$13 billion in 2024,
01:02is projected to more than double by 2030, reaching between US$6 and US$28 billion in value.
01:11This growth is driven by electric vehicles, wind turbine technologies, and advanced electronics,
01:21underscoring how essential these materials have become for the global clean energy transition.
01:29Today, China controls nearly 70% of processing capacity, creating vulnerabilities in the global supply chain.
01:38For Malaysia, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity to move beyond being a resource holder
01:48and become a trusted and sustainable regional partner in the critical materials ecosystem.
01:55This gathering is therefore not just a scientific meeting.
01:59It is a strategic dialogue to chart Malaysia's pathway in balancing economic potential, environmental stewardship, and national interest.
02:10Ladies and gentlemen, Malaysia is not starting from scratch.
02:15Our nation possesses significant REE and authorial resources,
02:19particularly within IAC iron absorption clay deposits, known for their low radioactivity and environmentally manageable profile.
02:31Preliminary studies under the previous Malaysia plans have indicated an inferred REE resource of approximately 16 million metric tons,
02:44with an estimated in-situ value exceeding R$800 billion.
02:52Deposits have been identified in several states, including Perak, Kedah, Tringganu, and Sarawak,
03:00each with distinct geological characteristics that could support both light and heavy REE development.
03:09Our true advantage, however, lies not only beneath the ground, but in our scientific capacity and strong institutional governance.
03:20Through agencies such as Nuclear Malaysia, JMG, Department of Minerals and Geoscience, and Atom Malaysia,
03:30we have built the technical know-how and regulatory foundation required to ensure that development of REE and thorium
03:39proceeds safely, ethically, and sustainably.
03:45Malaysia is among the few developing countries that already possess a comprehensive nuclear safety and radiation regulation
03:53under the Atomic Energy Licensing Act, Act 304, fully aligned with the international standards set by the IAEA, International Atomic Energy Agency.
04:07To coordinate policy and implementation, the government has established a special task force on rare earth elements,
04:14bringing together the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability,
04:19the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, MOSTI,
04:23the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry, MITI,
04:27and the Ministry of Finance, MOF, and other state governments.
04:31This whole government approach ensures that every stage from exploration to processing and downstream applications
04:41is developed with transparency, responsibility, and shared benefit for the people and the nation.
04:49Ladies and gentlemen, within this national framework, MOSTI serves as the science and technology engine
04:56that drive this emerging sector forward.
04:59Under the National Advanced Materials Ecology Roadmap, MOSTI is working closely with academia,
05:06research institutions, and industry players to accelerate technology localization,
05:12promote value-added processing, and strengthen research through industry linkages.
05:17Aligned with the 13th Malaysia Plan, RMK13, and the new Industrial Master Plan,
05:27the roadmap acts as a strategic enabler to connect local innovation with global value chains
05:33in advanced material and clean technology.
05:37Through targeted instruments such as Strategic Research Fund,
05:41the National Advanced Materials Council, and the Moonshot R&E Program,
05:45MOSTI supports high-impact research in green extraction technologies,
05:50rare-earth and neck recycling, and advanced separation processes.
05:55These efforts ensure Malaysia's critical minerals industry advances on the foundation of innovation,
06:03safety, and sustainability.
06:05In parallel, MOSTI is mainstreaming emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence,
06:11blockchain traceability, and digital monitoring systems to enhance transparency,
06:19optimize operations, and uphold the highest environmental, social, and governance standards.
06:26Through these efforts, MOSTI is building the scientific backbone of the nation's critical minerals ecosystem,
06:33one that not only meets today's industry's need,
06:36but positions Malaysia for the future of energy, mobility, and advanced manufacturing.
06:43Ladies and gentlemen, the global race for critical minerals is not merely about economic gain.
06:50It is about strategic resilience and technological sovereignty.
06:54For Malaysia, the journey ahead demands not only investment in minerals,
06:59but also investment in knowledge, innovation, and people.
07:03Let this seminar mark the beginning of a new era of collaboration between government, academia, and industry,
07:12one where science informs strategy and sustainability guides every decision we make.
07:18I urge all stakeholders to approach the development of forum and RET with a deep sense of responsibility and foresight.
07:28Let us ensure that Malaysia's progress in this field brings not only economic growth,
07:34but also environmental care and societal well-being in line with the ideas of Malaysia Madani.
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