By:
Aiman Sajidah, Staff Researcher for REE and Semiconductor in the Technology Development Sector, MIMOS Berhad,
Haziq Hassan, Senior Executive in the Technology Advisory Sector, MIMOS Berhad.
The recent parliamentary presentation on the 13th Malaysia Plan agenda has brought Rare Earth Elements (REE) into sharp focus. As the nation strives toward becoming a high-tech economy by 2030, the development of our domestic REE industry presents a transformative opportunity:
Malaysia’s REE Strategy
Malaysia is rich with REE resources, particularly in the northern and eastern regions. These deposits contain valuable elements such as Neodymium (Nd), Dysprosium (Dy), and Praseodymium (Pr), which are vital components for high-tech industries and products. The 13th Malaysia Plan states that the government, in close collaboration with state authorities, is committed to building a comprehensive REE ecosystem, spanning upstream mining, midstream processing, and downstream manufacturing. This initiative prioritises local utilisation to produce higher-value products, supported by international technology partnerships, infrastructure development, and enhanced resource data.
Malaysia’s New Gold Rush, The Case for Advanced Magnets
While the framework outlines a broad end-to-end approach, we believe a targeted focus on high-performance advanced magnets could yield significant dividends. According to a study by the Global Rare Earth Industry Association, demand for these magnets is projected to surge over the next decade, driven by strategic industries such as electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced electronics, sectors where Malaysia is already making strides.
Adding to this momentum, Lynas recently reported stronger-than-expected revenue growth and entered into a magnet manufacturing deal with South Korea’s JS Link. This development further validates the urgency of investing in domestic capabilities to meet both local and international market needs.
Rare-earth demand by application, volume and value for 2022 (estimated) and 2033 (projected) Reference: https://global-reia.org
As Malaysia intensifies its commitment to becoming a regional technology leader in the 13th Malaysia Plan, it requires the ability to develop a complete and resilient REE value chain from upstream extraction to downstream high-performance applications.
MIMOS’ Power of Expertise, How We Can Drive REE Innovation
MIMOS Berhad, the national applied research and development centre under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), is uniquely positioned to catalyse Malaysia’s downstream REE development in the 13th Malaysia Plan. With a solid foundation spanning research to commercialisation, MIMOS has built strong technical expertise in material synthesis, nanotechnology, applied chemistry, additive manufacturing, power electronics, and drive systems essential for transforming REE raw materials into high-value, high-performance industrial products.
Our multidisciplinary team, backed by a portfolio of over 30 patents and multiple certified products, has demonstrated a consistent track record of translating lab-scale innovations into impactful, commercially viable technologies. Among our notable advancements are silver- and graphene-based conductive inks, developed for use in printed electronics, sensors, and next-generation devices as key components in REE-enabled applications such as smart systems, energy-efficient technologies, and electric mobility.
To support these efforts, MIMOS is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to enable the entire innovation pipeline, from material development to functional product realisation.
Our facilities include:
- Advanced materials scale-up laboratories, specialising in graphene, nanometals, and 2D nanomaterials
- Advanced materials characterisation laboratories
- Pilot-scale printed electronics development facilities
These integrated capabilities uniquely position MIMOS as a strategic national enabler, bridging the gap between raw REE resources and the production of advanced industrial applications. Through deep R&D expertise, cutting-edge infrastructure, and cross-sector collaboration, MIMOS is committed to accelerating the development of a resilient, innovation-driven REE ecosystem, reinforcing Malaysia’s position in the global high-tech supply chain.
Let’s Build the Future of Tech Together
To realise the vision of a #MadeByMalaysia economy, collaboration across industries and institutions is essential. If your organisation is engaged in REE-related initiatives, we invite you to connect with us. Together, we can drive innovation and elevate Malaysia’s position in the global high-tech landscape.
