ASEAN countries discuss regional science progress in Singapore

Text of report in English by Malaysian official news agency Bernama website

[Bernama report from the "General" page: "ASEAN Discusses Region's Science Progress In Singapore"]

Singapore, Nov 3 (Bernama) - The 58th meeting of the ASEAN Committee of Science and Technology (Cost) organized by Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) began here Tuesday.

The three-day meeting was attended by more than 100 delegates made up of policy makers, scientists and academics, including 11 senior officials from the 10 ASEAN member countries.

A*STAR said the meeting would discuss issues relating to the progress of science and technology development in the region based on the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science and Technology (APAST) 2007-2011.

At Tuesday's meeting, the agency said eight out of the nine subcommittees of Cost which met two days ago presented their reports and updates on various areas.

They were biotechnology, food science and technology, marine science and technology, materials science and technology, microelectronics and information technology, non-conventional energy research; science and technology infrastructure and resource development, and space technology and applications.

During the meeting, the Cost members will also finalise their preparations for a report to be presented during the two-day 13th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology here on Friday.

Source: Bernama website, Kuala Lumpur, in English 0105 gmt 3 Nov 09