AS the war between the United States and Iran fast approaches the drawn-out peace negotiations stage, the definition of a strategic material is rapidly expanding.

What we are witnessing is not merely a geopolitical conflict, but a live stress test of global supply chains, one that in some respects is beginning to rival the disruption experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The obvious starting point remains energy. Oil and gas are not just fuels; they are feedstocks for petrochemicals that shape everything from packaging to pharmaceuticals.

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https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/letters/2026/04/1421906/malaysias-edge-global-circular-economy