Monday July 4, 2005

Government mulls master plan for nanotechnology development

News update by ZUHRIN AZAM AHMAD from The Star

JOHOR BARU: Nanotechnology, a new field of science and technology where component parts can be measured in a billionth of a metre, is set to be developed in Malaysia.

For a start, the Government is seriously considering setting up the Malaysian National Nanotechnology Initiative (MNNI).

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said MNNI’s immediate task would be to prepare a national masterplan on nanotechnology.

He said the masterplan would identify key organisations and strategic research areas, and include measures on building interdisciplinary research projects as well as preparing education and management programmes.

"The economic potential arising from nanotechnology is tremendous. It is about our future way of life."

"The worldwide annual industrial production in the nanotech sectors is estimated to exceed USD$1 trillion in 10 to 15 years from now, which would require about two million nanotechnology workers."

"If we are to develop ourselves, we must be part of this important revolution," he said when opening the Malaysian Nanotechnology Forum at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia on Monday.

More News