Thailand aims for nanotech excellence

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BANGKOK, AUG 29 – Thailand’s Ministry of Science and Technology has allocated an initial budget of Bt300 million to push the country to achieve excellence in nanotechnology with cooperation from eight leading institutions of higher education in the country.

Science and Technology Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi on Wednesday presided over the signing of a memorandum of understanding which called for the formation of the “Research Centre for Nanotech Excellence.”

The National Nanotechnology Centre will cooperate with eight institutes—Chulalongkorn University, Mahidol University (including Siriraj Hospital), Kasetsart University, Khon Kaen University, Prince of Songkhla University, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi and Suranaree University of Technology.

Mr Plodprasop said the centre will support research for nanotech excellence as stepping stones for commercial advantage with an ambition to become a world leader in producing nanotech products in the next decade.

Cooperation under the MOU will last five years with emphases on nine categories including cancer treatment, food and agricultural development and the ievelopment of hybrid nano materials for alternative energy.