Nanotechnology statement officially launched

KUALA LUMPUR, (July 27, 2010): Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Maximus Johnity Ongkili launched the Nanotechnology Statement at the opening of the 2nd International Conference and Exhibition on Waste to Wealth.

The event was held simultaneously with the 6th International Conference on Combustion, Incineration/Pyrolysis and Emission Control (2nd W2W & 6th i-CIPEC), at the Putra World Trade Centre here this morning.

In unveiling the Nanotechnology Statement, Datuk Seri Dr. Maximus said it would serve as a guide for the research community, academia and Government . He added that a roadmap on Nanotechnology is being formulated which would also spell out the role of the researchers, and academia in the development of the nanotechnology field in the country.

“The National Nanotechnology Statement indicates the direction and platform towards improving the application of nano science, technology and innovation to development,” he said.

He pointed out that nanotechnology is a new field with immense potential and MOSTI envisage more focus on this field under the 10th Malaysia Plan (RMK10).
Speaking on the Waste to Wealth initiatives, Dr Ongkili said renewable energy and green technology applications are seen as sensible solutions towards addressing issues related to energy and environment simultaneously.

“Thus waste management practices needs W2W and green technology approach to allow for progress to take place with good economic returns and with minimum or without negative environmental impact,” he added.

He added there is a huge potential in terms of generating renewable electricity of up to 3,000MW, biogas, compost and even activated carbon from the above waste and MOSTI has granted various funds to enable the setting-up of research and infrastructure facilities.

The four day conference is being attended by 200 participants from the academia, researches, industries practices and government agencies from 27 countries.

The conference aims to provide an international forum for participants from the academia, research institutes, industry and government agencies to share and exchange information on research, development, commercialisation and industrial best practices to interact and to identify opportunities for co-operation in the fields of waste to wealth, combustion, incineration, pyrolysis, gasification, emission control, renewable energy and green technology.

The conference, from July 26 to July 29, is jointly organised by MOSTI, it’s agency, the Malaysian Nuclear Agency and the Malaysian Association Scientists (MARS).