THE ACTIVITIES under the Committee on Science and Technology can be summarised as follows:
ASEAN Plan of Action on Science and Technology for Development
The Plan of Action on Science and Technology for Development was finalised at an Experts Meeting held in Jakarta, Indonesia on 16-18 February 1981 and endorsed by the Fifth Meeting of the Committee on Science and Technology (COST) held in Bangkok on 10-13 March 1981. The objectives of the Plan of Action comprise the following: (1) To provide guidelines for the identification and formulation of programmes and projects in science and technology for development; (2) to achieve better Coordination and cooperation in the field of science and technology in ASEAN; and (3) to strengthen the science and technology capabilities of ASEAN.
This Action Plan comprises five programme areas which are action-oriented, regional in character and relevant to ASEAN socioeconomic development goals and objectives: (1) Food and Agricultural Development; (2) Energy and Natural Resources Development; (3) Manufacturing Industries, Transportation and Communication Development; (4) Health and Social Development; (5) Science and Technology Infrastructure Development.
Under Food and Agricultural Development, four broad areas for joint undertakings are specified: a) specific research and technologies for increasing the quantity and quality of food level and cash crop production; b) research on diversification of agricultural production; c) research and development of agricultural machinery and food processing techniques and technologies; and d) research on optimum and efficient utilization of resources.
In the field of Energy and Natural Resources Development emphasis is stressed on Research and Development (R & D) in oil substitution technologies and the concomitant development of R & D capabilities. Priority attention in non-oil resources are given to solar refrigeration and airconditioning, solar electric power systems, solar drying and pumping, bio-energy conversion, advanced coal technologies (liquefaction, gasification, fluidizedbed combustion), wind energy, geothermal and micro-hydro energy. Apart from energy, water and soil resources are emphasized, such as the preparation of hydrogeological maps, the problems around ground water extraction and usage, the development of techniques for better water management and budgeting etc.; the physical characterization of soils of selected priority areas, erosion studies and studies on the water use efficiency of rice and upland crops.
In the area of mineral resources joint R & D efforts are proposed for the whole spectrum of the mineral industry, i.e. the exploration, exploitation and processing, and management of mineral resources and to solve fundamental geologic problems pertinent to the genesis of mineral deposits in the ASEAN region. In the area of marine resources the major activity wiII be directed towards a prudent management of marine resources. Other areas are forestry and wildlife research and environmental protection and conservation.
In the programme area of Manufacturing Industries, Transportation and Communications Development, activities consist of the development of industrial, transportation and telecommunication technologies suitable for the region and the concomitant development of skills to select and adapt those technologies as well as design improvement of products and plants. The key areas where the science and technology application should lead to maximum benefits are: engineering industries, chemical industries, small-scale industries, industrial services railway transportation, highway and air transportation and communication satellites.
In the field of Health and Social Development, emphasis is put on public health, specifically of the rural population, and nutrition; on developing common or complementary strategies and technologies in coping with prevailing diseases and health needs and problems; on developing integrated research programmes in health and nutrition, health information systems and mechanisms for exchange of information and developing collaborative programmes in research, production and use of traditional medicine and medicinal plants. The population programmes that also fall under this category comprise biomedical studies on both traditional and new methods of fertility control; studies of psychological variables affecting resistance to, or acceptance of, concepts and programmes on fertility control; studies of the effect of fertility control measures on human ecology, especially of the rural subsectors, etc.
Finally, in the area of Science and Technology Infrastructure Development, major activities shall include raising the S & T capability in ASEAN, strengthening of and building up S & T institutional capabilities, stimulate interaction between private sectors and S & T systems; development of research and development management with specific emphasis on the role, stature and support of the system with particular reference to participation in regional programmes and projects in relation to national goals and the establishment of suitable interlinked information networks and data banks.
The Fifth Meeting of the ASEAN Standing Committee held in Manila, Philippines, May 1981, accepted the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science and Technology for Development and approved COST's proposal for a Trust Fund to finance the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science and Technology.
ASEAN Trust Fund
The idea of the ASEAN Trust Fund to finance the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science and Technology was first considered at the Meeting of Ministers of Science and Technology in Pattaya, Thailand on 27-28 October 1980. The recommendations of the Ministers were later taken up by the Fifth Meeting of COST.
The Fifth Standing Committee Meeting held in Manila, May 1981, adopted the ASEAN Trust Fund document endorsed by COST.
ASEAN Protein Project
The ASEAN Protein Project has been administered and implemented by the ASEAN Sub-Committee on Protein, coordinated by Thailand, and supported financially by the Government of Australia through the ASEAN-Australian Economic Cooperation Programmes (AAECP). The project is divided into two phases: phase 1 (1974- 1978) with a budget allocation of A$ 2.5 million and phase 2 (1978-1981) with a budget of A$ 3 million. The project has been extended for another three years (1981-1984) with a budget of A$ 600,000.
The project's major objective is to solve the problem of malnutrition among the vulnerable groups, namely the infants, pre-school children, pregnant and lactating women in the ASEAN, region by the production of protein-rich food products from locally available resources.
The project's major activities can be summarized as follows:
During the first phase of the project, three major activities were conducted: 1) identification, development and utilization of low cost protein rich foods for children and other vulnerable groups; 2) processing and utilization of full fat soya flour; 3) improvement of fermentation technology.
In the second phase of the project, besides carrying on with the three main projects, four additional sub-projects were included. They are: the nutritional evaluation of protein foods, food packaging, a Masters Degree course in community nutrition and a survey of eating habits.
The ultimate goal of the project is to transfer those technologies that have been developed to the industry so that both the food manufacturing sector and the population at large will benefit from the R & D results.
During the past six years a number of acceptable protein-rich food formulations have been developed and standardized both in the laboratories and pilot plants. They include baby food, noodle products, textured vegetable protein, fermented products, soy beverages and snacks. Acceptability tests conducted on selective target groups have shown that the products developed have considerable market potential. However, lack of marketing research studies to determine the products' commercial liability is the main reason why - despite enthusiastic responses to these products during lectures/demonstrations, symposia and dialogues with industry - so far only few actual industrial takeovers have been recorded.
The Sub-Committee therefore plans to expand its present capabilities work programme to include pilot plant development and market studies on the products so far developed.
Management and Utilization of Food-Waste Materials
The project on the Management and Utilization of Food-Waste Materials was initiated by the Sub-Committee on Protein and implemented on January 1, 1980. The obectives of the project are. to adapt, develop and apply appropriate technologies to convert food-waste materials into useful products; and to utilize food-waste to eliminate sources of pollution, specifically water pollution.
The project focusses on the following research areas: (1) adaptation, development and application of reserve osmosis and ultrafiltration techniques for the treatment of water and food waste materials; (2) production of biogas from food- waste materials; (3) conversion of food-waste materials for human or animal consumption; and (4) development of chemical/mechanical fermentation techniques for the utilization and treatment of food-waste materials.
Two workshops were conducted under this project: the ASEAN Seminar/Workshop on Biogas Technology held in Manila on 16-20 March 1981; and the ASEAN Workshop on the Technology of Animal Feed Production Utilizing Food-Waste Materials held in Bandung, Indonesia in August 1981.
The Government of Australia has committed a total allocation of A$2.5 million for a period of three years for the project.
Food Technology Research and Development Project
This new project will be managed by the Working Group on Food Technology. Implementation of the project will start on 1 July 1982, for a period of three years.
The objectives of the project are: to increase utilization of local food raw materials through improved processing, packaging and distribution; to develop food processing activities that will help promote gainful employment; and to adapt, develop and apply appropriate technology for the development of food processing industries in the ASEAN-region.
The total budget allocation for the project, which includes equipment, chemicals, training and salaries, amounts to US$1.5 million and will be provided by the Australian Government.
The Sixth Meeting of COST has recommended to the Standing Committee the formation of a Working Group on Food Technology to report directly to COST.
Meanwhile, a training course Qn Food Processing and Technology for ASEAN countries was conducted in Japan from 15 October 1981 to 15 December 1981, and another course on Agricultural Machineries also conducted in Japan from 5 to 27 March 1981. These courses were organized as part of Japan's technical cooperation programme for ASEAN countries.
Non-Conventional Energy Research
The objectives of the ASEAN proposals on Non-Conventional Energy Research are: to enhance capabilities on non-conventional energy research and development in the ASEAN countries; to develop non-conventional energy technologies; and to apply these techniques in the most efficient and economic manner to reduce the over reliance on dwindling fossil fuels.
The scope of the proposals are the development, construction and testing of technically feasible and cost-effective prototype systems and plants for local application; identification of specific areas where further research and development are required, and to engage in such research and development in a collaborative manner; and dissemination of results of non-conventional energy researchers in individual ASEAN countries and pool available expertise.
The budget requirement, time table and focal point for the priority areas on non-conventional energy research is indicated in the table below:
The details of each project proposal were adopted by COST to serve as the ASEAN "master plan" on non-conventional energy research for regional as well as for third country cooperation.
Third Country Cooperation in the Field of Non-Conventional Energy
The Second Phase of the ASEAN-US cooperain the field of energy covers three-year projects in the areas of coal training, energy conservation in buildings and demonstration of water pumping technologies totalling US$1.0 million. Indonesia is the country coordinat 'or for the second phase of these projects. The budget's breakdown is as follows:
Coal Training US$336,200 Energy Conservation in buildings 158,500 Demonstration of Wate Pumping Technologies 353,100 Contingency 152,000
| Priority Areas | Budget (US$) | Duration | Focal Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Solar Refrigeration and Air Conditioning |
1,656,903 | 4 years | Singapore |
| 2. Solar Electric Systems | 4 years |
Thailand | |
| a. Solar Thermal Electric Power | 302,000 | ||
| b. Solar Photovoltaic Electric Power System |
1,150,000 |
||
| 3. Solar Drying |
412,900 | 3 years | Malaysia |
| 4. Solar Pumping | 387,500 | 5 years | Malaysia |
| 5. Bio-Energy Conversion | |||
| a. Biogas Production and Utilization b. Alcohol Production c. Energy Farming d. Pyrolysis |
560,000 1,727,033 371,000 1,915,000 |
3 years 5 years 5 years 5 years |
Malaysia Philippines Philippines Philippines |
| 6. Coal Technology | 1,594,000 | 4 years | Indonesia |
| 7. Wind Energy | 495,000 | 3 years | Thailand |
| 8. Geothermal Energy | 1,043,000 | 3 years | Philippines |
| 9. Energy Inventory and Assessment | 800,000 | 3 years | Indonesia |
| 10. Micro-hydro Energy | 400,000 | 3 years | Indonesia |
| Total | US$l2,724,436 |
At the Fifth ASEAN-Japan forum in Jakarta on 28-30 January 1982, Japan agreed to consider and explore possibilities for supporting the request assistance for training course and seminars on energy matters in more specific areas. The proposals are in the fields of coal exploration, exploitation and development of hydro-geothermal and other non-conventional power sources as well as in the field of energy conservation. The ASEAN proposals on non-conventional energy research had been tabled as a possible new area of cooperation at all dialogues with third countries during the year 1980-1982. As a result, Australia and New Zealand are now proposing to send their missions to visit the ASEAN countries and to work out details of cooperation scheme on the subjects. Among the ten areas included in the submitted proposals, Australia has indicated interested in the projects on Solar Electric Power Systems, Solar Drying, Bio-Energy Conversion, Coal Technology and Wind Energy. New Zealand has indicated interest in commercial cooperation on Enetgy Inventory Assessments, Geothermal Energy, Micro- Hydro Generation and Use of Energy from Wastes. The Australian and New Zealand missions will start touring ASEAN in May/June and July/August respectively.
The non-conventional energy research Proposals were also presented for the consideration of the Canadian delegation during the Third ASEAN- Canada Dialogue in Manila in May 1982. Canada informed ASEAN that among the 10 priority areas, the International Development and Research Centre (IDRC) which is sponsored by the Canadian Government, would be interested in three research areas namely: bio-energy conversion, energy inventory assessment and solar drying.
Under ASEAN-Japan cooperation, a training course on energy development for ASEAN countries was held in Tokyo from 19 November to 20 December 1980.
ASEAN Climatic Atlas and Compendium of Climatic Statistics
The ASEAN Climatic Atlas and Compendium of Cilmatic Statistics Project is an undertaking of the ASEAN countries to process and analyze climatic data of the five countries and compile the findings into a climatic atlas and compendium of climatic statistics. The technical implementation of the project is supervised by the ASEAN Sub- Committee on Climatology under the chairmanship of the Director General of the Malaysian Meteorological Service. The project was scheduled to be completed by June 1981 with a total budget of US$296,000.
Due to substantial alterations made from the guidelines provided by the Standing Committee in the publication of the Atlas, the project incurred delays in its completion. The project was therefore re-scheduled for completion in May 1982, and an additional budget of US$5,221 was approved for the payment of salaries of the project staff.
The input from UNDP/WMO includes the personnel services of a technical adviser and data processing expert (short-term service and fellowship programmes).
Map of ASEAN
The Sub-Committee on Climatology initiated to have a map of ASEAN, entitled "ASEAN".
The map has relief features and names of meteorological stations were data will appear in either the atlas of compendium or both. There will be no names of countries and no boundaries between ASEAN countries. However, boundaries separating ASEAN and non-ASEAN countries will be shown.
The Standing Committee held in Manila in November 1981 has considered the first proof map on ASEAN and recommended some revisions. The second proof copy has been circulated and is under consideration.
COST recommended that a message from the Standing Committee Chairman be included in the map of ASEAN and the atlas and compendium.
ASEAN Project on the Environment
The Project covers Environmental Protection, Environmental Management and Pollution Control among member countries. The programme areas encompass development of minimum environmental quaIity standards and the use of standard quality procedures and analytical methods for environmental quality parameters in air and water quality monitoring.
The ASEAN Ministers on Environment Meeting
in Manila on 1-2 May 1981 signed the Manila
Declaration on the ASEAN Environment and
adopted the ASEAN Environmental Programme
(ASEP). They also agreed on the following priority
areas:
Draft Action Plan on the East Asian Seas
The Standing Committee of June 1981 held in Manila, agreed that the Action Plan on the East Asian Seas is a UNEP project and that participation of ASEAN countries would be on an individual country basis. Such participation would, however, be coordinated by the Experts Group on Environ- ment reporting to the.Committee on Science and Technology.
ASEAN Cooperative Programme on Marine Sciences
The proposals on marine sciences were
integrated under two main components:
The proposed programmes will include: (1) the assessment of shared stocks of the migratory fish in the ASEAN region, such as round scad and mackerel; (2) Coastal Resources Management Studies, with emphasis on coral reef ecosystem and mangrove ecosystem; and (3) Pollution monitoring studies.
The programme is scheduled for five years and the budget estimate is still under consideration by member countries.
The final project document has served as the basis for ASEAN-Japan cooperation on marine sciences at the Fifth Meeting of the ASEAN-Japan Forum held in Jakarta on 28-30 January 1982. The project document will also serve the plan of action for ASEAN-U.S. cooperation on marine sciences, as weIl as for other third country cooperation.
ASEAN Cooperation in the Field of Corrosion
The ASEAN Cooperation on Corrosion programme was initiated during the Sixth Meeting of COST in August 1980, in Bangkok, Thailand. Indonesia is the country coordinator.
The objective of the project is to improve the capability of ASEAN countries in combating corrosion problems, which can be done among others through joint research and development programmes.
The scope of the project covers information exchange programmes; experts exchange programme and technical assistance, seminars, workshops; and joint research in specific subjects.
The areas of cooperation are marine corrosion, atmospheric corrosion, underground corrosion, coating materials and management of corrosion prevention and protection.
The project formulation is in the process of finalization. The Sixth COST Meeting held in Singapore in November 1981 recommended to the Standing Committee that the Project be adopted as an ASEAN project, and that it be submitted to third parties for funding.
ASEAN Cooperation in Materials Processing
Cooperation in the field of Materials Processing was initiated during the Fourth Meeting of COST in Thailand, in August 1981, and was agreed upon that the proposal be integrated by Indonesia.
The objective of the project is to strengthen the national capability of ASEAN member countries in the field of material science and technology to enable them to make the best and optimum use of their abundant natural resources.
The proposed areas for R & D cooperation are: minerals and metals; building materials; materials for chemicals and medicine; and standardization of materials.
The scope of the project includes: exchange of information on the availability of raw materials in each member country including the present stage of the processing industries; exchange of expertise in material processing among ASEAN member countries; in plant group training of personnel on special field of material processing within or outside ASEAN region; and research and develop- ment on various subjects.
Science and Technology Infrastructure Development
The ASEAN memorandum on the ASEAN Centres for Appropriate Technology (ACAT) was finalized at a Meeting convened at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta in October 1980. The project envisions each member country to establish an ACAT which will be linked up by networking arrangements.
The Centre has the following objectives: (1) strengthen and develop the complementary scientific and technological infrastructures of ASEAN, (2) strengthen and develop the complementary scientific and technical capabilities of ASEAN through collaborative training and research; (3) disseminating the adopted technology and technological knowhow to the strategic sectors in ASEAN countries, and (4) establish linkages among science and technology institution within ASEAN and with foreign sources of technological information and know-how.
To achieve these objectives, the Centre has planned the following complementary activities:
(1) Infrastructural Development. Development
and strengthening of necessary infrastructure that
will ensure effective undertaking of complementary
science and technology programme.
(2) Cooperative Training Programmes.
Cooperative training programmes in the assigned
specific fields of technology will be designed and
carried out at three levels, namely: basic, intermediate,
and advanced.
(3) Collaborative Research and Development
Programmes. Collaborative research and development
programmes will be designed, implemented
and will comprise (a) surveys assessment and field
studies of existing science and technology programmes
and their application to various sectors
and manpower capabilities; (b) adaptive application
involving selection, testing, adaptation/modification
and development of hardware technology;
(c) assessment of the feasibility of adapting new
technology; and (d) social impact studies.
(4) Dissemination. (a) The Centre will systematically
assemble and store data on ASEAN
needs and resources required for science and technology
development, (b) Knowledge of alternative
appropriate technologies from the developed and
developing countries shall be disseminated to the
ASEAN countries by the Centres; (c) An ASEAN
science and technology library wiII be established
in each ASEAN Centre, and (d) A strategy or
programme for the dissemination of information
up to the users must be formulated to achieve the
desired result.
(5) Linkages. The network of Centres will
establish complementary linkages among scientific
and technological institutions at three levels: within each
country; between ASEAN countries; and
with other countries.
ASEAN-EC Programme of Cooperation in the Field of Science and Technology
ASEAN and EC have agreed to a two-year
programme of scientific and technological cooperation
with a cost of 2.8 million ECU. The components of
the programme are: (1) provision of
fellowships to ASEAN scientists, engineers and
technical experts for Straining in the European
Community; (2) provision of experts from the
European Community; (3) organization of seminars;
and (4) assistance in the execution of studies.
For more information, please refer to the project details
