innovation in nanotechnology an asia-pacific perspective - apctt

established in 2008, and this network is composed of a group of business advisors and
investors to help and promote Iranian companies to start their business in the field of
nanotechnology. The network also facilitates international cooperation.
5. Malaysia
In the past few years, Malaysia recognized that nanotechnology would impact every
aspect of the society, industry and economy and committed itself to place
nanotechnology as one of the national priorities. However, at present, Malaysia lacks
the critical mass of qualified scientists, engineers and related professors who are
much needed to drive the economy. However, there are research activities of worldclass
standing being conducted by Malaysian local scientists in universities and research
centres. The projects relate to important areas such as nanostructure mesoporous
materials, hybrid catalysts and others. In addition, there are many young Malaysian
scientists undergoing post-graduate studies in areas of nanotechnology locally and
overseas. The government aims to ensure that Malaysia benefits from advancement in
nanotechnology-related sciences by clustering and linking the resources and knowledge
of Malaysian researchers, industry and government.
The technologies developed by scientists and research activities in the area of
nanotechnology need to be commercialized to become one of the effective economic
growth engines of the countries. International networking in the region is important to
complement the capabilities and capacities as nanotechnology is very interdisciplinary.
The Malaysian government has taken seriously the development of nanotechnology in
the country. In the Third Industrial Master Plan (that will be span a 15-year period –
2005-2020) is reported to recognize nanotechnology as the new emergent field. The
2006 national budget allocated M$868 million to be provided under the Ministry of
Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) for R&D. The focus will be on
biotechnology, nanotechnology, advanced manufacturing, advanced materials, ICT and
alternative source of energy, to encourage innovation among local companies and
developing new products.
The Malaysian National Nanotechnology Initiative, established in 2006, has served as
a central coordinating platform for driving the government nanotech policy and
coordinating R&D programmes and infrastructure as well as liaison with industries to
address business and economic issues.
6. Nepal
Owing to several factors, Nepal remains one of the least developed countries in the
world. Political instability, lack of visionary leadership, geographical location (being
land-locked) as well as the difficult terrain have all contributed to the extreme poverty
of its people. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Nepal is ranked 167
out of 178 countries in 2007 in terms of per capita income. Only 11 countries had per
capita income lower than Nepal.
The concept of nanoscience and technology and its applications are relatively new to
the Nepalese scientific community. They are not reflected in any form in the national
plans for promoting socio-economic development and enhancing competitiveness. Nepal
has not established nanotechnology programmes or initiatives due to limited
infrastructure for R&D, lack of trained human resources and limited international
collaboration.
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