The 3rd METALEX NANO Forum under the theme “Challenges of Nanotechnology Application in Metalworking” opened this morning with Mr. Nirut Kunnawat, Advisor to the Minister of Science and Technology giving the keynote speech on “Thailand National Policy and Challenges of Nanotechnology for the Industries”.
“The government realizes the importance of increasing the capability of the industries to be able to consistently grow at least 4-5 percent each year in the long term. To achieve this goal, we need to move up each of the value chain to enhance productivity while creating new competitive advantage which requires new approaches in the industry” said Nirut. “It is the responsibility of the Minister of Science and Technology to ensure that the government pays close attention to promote the development of science and technology for the benefit of the country”.
Nirut went on to say that nanomaterials are commercially available which can improve or create new functions and properties; in physical, chemical, and biological properties. Nanocomposite materials become lighter, yet stronger; less resource materials are used, yet more efficient. As a result, the benefits of nanotechnology have been proved to the industries and utilized in the number of applications.
He added that the government for its part has approved both the National Nanotechnology Policy (2012-2021) and the Nanosafety and Ethics Strategic Plan to support research and development and at the same time promote public awareness to the safety of nanotechnology related to health and environment. It is also expected that nano labeling of consumer products will come on stream within five years.
METALEX NAN Forum is a joint collaboration between Reed Tradex the organizer of METALEX and Nanotechnology Association of Thailand, MOST, NSTDA, and NANOTEC.
