NEW ENERGY ORDER AND MALAYSIA'S GROWING IMPORTANCE

The transformation of the global energy landscape and Malaysia's strategic emphasis on energy diversification and renewable energy are influencing the country's future role. Malaysia's energy transition could be seen as a successful model on a global scale. Furthermore, Malaysia has the potential to position itself as a key player in the transition from traditional fossil fuels to more sustainable and renewable energy sources, playing a significant role in the changing global energy landscape. In this context, Malaysia's potential in rare earth elements and other critical minerals positions the country as a strategic supply hub, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. The growing significance of Malaysia in this area will increase further in line with global megatrends such as energy transition and digital transformation. These developments not only contribute to Malaysia's economic growth but also pave the way for the country to assume a larger role on the global geopolitical stage. Considering all this, this study examines the factors contributing to Malaysia's rising global importance in the context of the shifting global energy landscape, highlighting the country's wealth of critical minerals, which are the most vital components of the renewable energy system, and its ability to process them, thus emphasizing Malaysia's growing importance.