04/11/2025

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TUESDAY | NOV 4, 2025 SCAN ME M’sia has rare earth tech sovereignty

any particular nation. “So in Malaysia, when we say we explore collaboration with foreign partners, we are also looking at developing our technology capacity. That is why our collaboration needs to have a technology transfer and also talent development,” he said. Chang said the recently signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Malaysia and the United States on rare earth elements also promotes openness and transparency, with no re strictions placed on any company or country. He said the clause in the agree ment aims to encourage fair access and cooperation, rather than imposing limitations on specific nations or firms. “So with that clause in the agreement, well, I don’t see any restriction on Lynas or any other companies because that clause is

actually to promote openness,” he said. Asked whether the MoU affects Malaysia’s sovereignty, Chang said the agreement does not compromise the country’s position, as its imple mentation depends on local pro duction capacity. “If they say they want more, but we can’t produce more, then we can’t help,” he said. At the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits last Sunday, Malaysia and the US signed a com prehensive agreement to strengthen bilateral economic ties, expand market access and enhance supply chain resilience. Through the agreement, Malaysia agreed to provide greater preferential market access for US industrial goods. Malaysia also agreed not to impose any bans or export quotas on essential minerals and rare earth elements to the US. – Bernama

o Head start, pool of local talent, abundant natural resources ensure country retains control amid trade agreements with big powers: Minister

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s head start in rare earth processing technology ensures that the nation’s mineral sovereignty remains protected, even amid trade agreements with major powers, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang. He said Malaysia’s advantage in the sector stems from its pool of local talent and abundant natural resources, including rich deposits of ion adsorption clay. “I think everyone knows this industry and ecosystem is very important, especially in the current geopolitical situation. That is why we’re convening this programme to let all the stakeholders connect and

talk about the ecosystem and technology behind this. “And of course we have the advantage of talent and also a great deposit of ion adsorption clay in Malaysia,” he told the media after officiating the Seminar on Ex ploration, Thorium and Rare Earth 2025 here yesterday. Chang said the government’s moratorium on raw material exports reflects Malaysia’s commitment to developing its midstream and downstream industries, instead of focusing solely on raw material extraction. “So I think this is a good start, especially since we cannot have one country controlling all the resources

in this world. That will create vulnerabilities in the global supply chain. So this is what we are starting to do in Malaysia,” the minister said. He noted that China currently controls about 70% of global rare earth processing capacity, adding that Malaysia is working with various partners, including those from China and other countries, to strengthen its own processing capabilities. “So we think it is a strategy for us to develop our processing capacity as well,” he said. On technological sovereignty, Chang said it refers to Malaysia’s ability to build its own technological capacity without over-reliance on

Boost IP ecosystem to support MSMEs, Asean told GEORGE TOWN: Asean member states must strengthen the region’s intellectual property (IP) ecosystem by fostering awareness and developing procedures that support micro, small and medium enterprises, said Malaysian Intellectual Property Corporation (MyIPO) chairman Riduan Rubin.

Ministry examining key portions of blockchain technology development policy KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Digital is examining the main components to formulate policies and directions for the development of the country’s blockchain technology. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the components include the adoption of blockchain technology to improve the efficiency, security and transparency of the government administration sector, industry and the people. He said that the application of blockchain technology through tokenisation will also be studied, especially in the areas of asset management and capital market development, to ensure transaction security and the stability of the digital ecosystem. “The government is developing a regulatory framework for asset tokenisation in an integrated manner through the Securities Commission Malaysia and Bank Negara Malaysia,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. He was replying to a question from Syerleena Abdul Rashid (PH-Bukit Bendera) regarding the initiatives outlined in the National Blockchain Roadmap 2021-2025 and plans to introduce a regulatory framework or specific legal framework relating to asset tokenisation and blockchain. The ministry has established a National Blockchain Policy Task Force, comprising experts and individuals with experience in blockchain technology from both the public and private sectors, to foster synergy in developing a comprehensive and inclusive national block chain policy and direction. Meanwhile, replying to Syerleena’s additional question regarding the ministry’s steps to ensure that local workers are prepared in the blockchain field, Gobind said the matter is being studied as part of the development of the National Blockchain Policy led by his ministry. He said that among the main aspects emphasised are inclusive education, training based on industry needs, and attracting global talent through a “whole-of-nation” approach, combining close collaboration between the government, industry, and academic institutions.” – Bernama

He said a more coherent and transparent regional framework would help local innovators and small businesses galvanise strategic tools and IP resources, enabling them to apply IP protection seamlessly across Asean. He said Asean must also strengthen the aspects of commercialisation, valuation and integration of intellectual property within the regional sustainability agenda. “This approach will ensure that intellectual property not only serves as a source of economic value and investment but also contributes to green innovation and a balance between economic, social and environmental progress. “Asean is rich in creativity, but our monetisation mechanisms remain fragmented. We need stronger valuation standards, innovation financing tools and policies that connect IP creators to capital markets,” he said when officiating at the 77th Asean Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AWGIPC) and related meetings here yesterday. Also present were MyIPO director-general Yusnieza Syarmila Yusoff and AWGIPC chair Suon Vichea. Riduan emphasised that Asean is now at a critical turning point, where intellectual property is no longer viewed merely as a protection mechanism but as a strategic economic asset capable of generating investment, enhancing productivity and strengthening regional competitiveness. He pointed out that MyIPO has already embarked on this path by developing stronger

Riduan (second, left), Vichea (left) and Timor Leste Ministry of Trade and Industry director of industrial Development Immanuel de Araujo Mendonca cut a cake during the opening of the AWGIPC and related meetings here yesterday to mark Timor-Lesteâ’s accession as the 11th member of Asean on Oct 26, On the right is Yusnieza Syarmila. – BERNAMAPIC

IP valuation frameworks, collaborating with experts and financial institutions and supporting the integration of IP assets into business lending and investment assessments. He noted that from 2019 until September 2025, MyIPO recorded 342,093 trademark filings, reflecting growing entrepreneurial confidence, while patent applications have surpassed 50,629 and industrial design filings have reached 12,788, underscoring Malaysia’s strength in manufacturing, innovation and design. He said Malaysia’s copyright voluntary

notification system has also expanded, with 55,352 notifications, as more digital creators, musicians and content developers recognise the value of IP in the creative economy. “Penang, in particular, has emerged as a powerhouse of innovation. The state consistently records among the highest IP filings in Malaysia, with 1,354 applications from January to September this year.

“This includes 130 patents and 82 industrial design applications, driven largely by the semiconductor and electrical and electronics sectors,” he added. – Bernama Bilateral deals expected to spur investment, lower CCUS infra costs

KUALA LUMPUR: The signing of bilateral agreements with foreign countries is expected to spur investment inflows and help offset the cost of developing carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) industrial hub infra structure in Malaysia.

Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib said collaborations with countries such as Singapore, South Korea and Japan would position Malaysia as a CCUS hub in the Asia-Pacific. “This will in turn pave the way for new

business opportunities, including the provision of permanent carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and storage services,” she told the Dewan Rakyat in response to a question from Muhammad Islahuddin Abas (PN-Mersing) on measures to develop the CCUS industry. – Bernama