Vol.2 Number 4, October 1998

ASEAN Science & Technology forges ahead

What is the state of science and technology in the ASEAN region today? How has it benefited the peoples of ASEAN? And how will it benefit the peoples of ASEAN in the future?

These have become compelling questions at this critical time in the ASEAN region. Science and technology has been in the regional limelight in recent months, but not in a way that is relished by scientists and technologists. It has been said that science and technology are partly to blame for the eruption of the Asian financial crisis.

It was, after all, information and communication technology that made it possible for huge amounts of currency to move in and out of countries at a tremendous speed, precipitating, quickly spreading and amplifying panic.

But that is a very small part of the picture about science and technology in the ASEAN region. A more complete portrayal of the situation and the outlook for science and technology in the region should emerge during the observance of the Fifth ASEAN Science and Technology Week in Hanoi, Vietnam on 12-15 October 1998. The theme of the celebration is "Science and Technology: A Dynamic Force Towards Sustainable Development in ASEAN." Related activities will highlight the role played by science and technology in economic development.

Awards will be conferred on ASEAN citizens who have outstanding accomplishments in science and technology. A technical exhibition will be held to showcase the achievements and developments of science and technology in the region and elsewhere in the world. Participants from the industrial sector will meet to discuss business opportunities involving specific technologies.

Eight seminar-conferences on science and technology will be held at the same time by the eight Sub-Committees of the Committee on Science and Technology. In these conferences, researchers from ASEAN and dialogue partner countries will present their findings or policy papers of decision-makers in the field of science and technology. Each conference will focus on an agreed theme.

The conferences have been designed to provide a forum for information exchange, professional contacts and promotion of regional cooperation in science and technology. Two eminent scientists, Prof. Dr. Arthur J. Carty, President of the National Research Council of Canada, and Prof. Dang Vu Minh, President of the National Centre of Natural Sciences and Technology of Vietnam, will give keynote lectures at a special plenary session on opening day.

To outstanding scientists and technologists of the region, three types of awards will be given. The ASEAN Outstanding Scientist and Technologist Award will be conferred for outstanding achievements in science and technology that have been nationally and regionally recognized. The achievements should be the result of sustained and inspiring efforts. The awardee will receive a citation and a cash prize.

The ASEAN Young Scientist and Technologist Award will be presented to young scientists or technologists, i.e., below 35 years old, who have either shown considerable promise or made substantial contributions to research, development and innovation in science and technology. The awardee will receive a cash prize and a trophy.

The ASEAN Science and Technology Meritorious Service Awards acknowledges the efforts and significant contributions of ASEAN senior officials and administrators to the promotion and development of regional cooperation in science and technology, and the upgrading of regional scientific and technological capabilities. A medal is given to recipients, one per Member Country, of the Meritorious Service Awards.

The ASEAN Committee on Science and Technology organizes the ASEAN Science and Technology Week every three years. Previous host countries were Malaysia in 1986, the Philippines in 1989, Singapore in 1992, and Thailand in 1995.