| Thailand hosted the 9th Asia Nano Forum Summit 2012 (AnFoS2012) on August 23 at Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel in Bangkok. H.E. Dr. Plodprasop Suraswadi, Minister of Science and Technology was the guest of honor to present the Opening Remarks on the “Status of Nanotechnology Development in Thailand”.
Dr. Plodprasop informed that his ministry is responsibility to ensure that the government gives importance to promoting the development of science and technology especially new and advanced technologies such as nanotechnology. This is vital for the well-being of the Thai people, and for national competitiveness in global market. “We realize nanotechnology has the potential to change every part of our lives. Nanotechnology affects all materials: ceramics, metals, polymers, and biomaterials” said Dr. Plodprasop. “New materials are the foundation of major technological advances. In the coming decade nanotechnology will have enormous impacts. Future advances could change our approaches to manufacturing, electronics, IT and medical technologies. This will soon make previous technologies redundant and lead to applications which could not have been developed or even thought about, without this new approach”. |
| Dr. Plodprasop focused his talk on the area of policy, infrastructure development, human resources, and R&D spending which he stressed need to be increase to 2% of GDP in this decade. He informed the ANF members that his ministry has been allocated the budget of USD 10 billion. Given the country’s urgency on water management, priority will be given to R&D of water management related topics. He urges the ANF members to collaboration on research projects that is of vital importance for the region.
Asia Nano Forum Summit is an annual meeting of the representatives of 15 economic members of Asia Nano Forum (ANF). The meeting provides an opportunity for member countries to update on status of nanotechnology development in their respective countries. It also serves as a venue to hold the ANF Annual General Meeting (AGM). This year in addition to holding the summit, NANOTEC and Asia Nano Forum (ANF) jointly organized the 1st Asia Nano Forum Summit Technical Seminar on August 22 at Thailand Science Park on the topic of “Nano Labeling and Safety Issues” and “Green Nanotechnology”. Invited speakers from 15 of ANF member economics participated in the technical presentation and discussion.
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