Vantage Point -- Globally, there is a growing demand for rare earth metal. They are found in products like smart phone, laptop, hybrid cars and solar panels. In recent years, there has been a lot of debate about Malaysia' foray into rare earth processing, mainly due to concerns over the danger of rare earth materials and its impact towards the people and environment. On this episode of Vantage Point, we discuss the pros and cons of the joining the rare earth mining race with Dato Dr Ir Ahmad Zaidee Laidin, Supreme Council Member of the Academy Sciences of Malaysia. He is also the Organising Chairman of the International Conference on Rare Earth Materials.