The junior Black Sticks have not hosted an international series in more than a decade and coach Grant Edwards described the series as a huge step forward for the sport.
"It is highly significant," Grant said.
"The programme for the under-21s has been aimed at the junior world cups. But it is very important we develop a pathway for athletes. We must recognise that these players coming through are on the path to becoming Black Sticks and are the players that are, hopefully, going to be stepping up in time for the 2016 World Cup."
Edwards selected an 18-strong team from the best players from the recent under-21 national tournament in Dunedin. Two locals made the squad, defender Kane Russell (19) and midfielder Callum Bailey (20). Former Southern Men midfielder Nick Ross (20) was also selected.
The squad does not include anyone who competed at the recent Azlan Shah tournament but there should be plenty of firepower with Black Sticks midfielder James Coughlan expected to star and Dunedin's Russell considered another player with a bright future.
"Coughlan is an extremely dangerous midfielder and strike forward. We're also looking for good penalty corner execution from Kane Russell.
"Kane is a very fine athlete. He is strong, he's fast and technically very good. He probably needs to work on his concentration and application throughout the entire game. But he has a lot of potential."
As for the opposition, Edwards expects the Malaysians will be speedy, skilful and accurate and will present "a very strong level of competition for this group".
The New Zealand team will arrive in Dunedin tomorrow morning with the series getting under way at 6pm, with further games on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday.
"Ideally, you would want a longer preparation but the logistics and financing dictate that we have a short programme.
"The players are fresh from the national under-21 tournament and have had a lot of game time. So it is a matter of quickly developing them into a cohesive unit."
With four games in five days, it is also a demanding series, but Grant said it was fairly typical of what players could expect at international tournaments.
Junior Black Sticks
v Malaysian junior team
All games are at the McMillan Hockey Turf in Dunedin. -
Tomorrow, 6pm
Saturday, 3pm
Monday, 3pm
Tuesday, 11am
