Singapore Sees Need For Greater Interaction Between ASEAN Scientists & Students
The Opening of The 13th Asean Ministerial Meeting for Science and Technology (AMMST).
Speech by Mr Wong Kan Seng, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs, 6 November 2009
Excellencies, Ambassadors and representatives of ASEAN Member States,
Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning to everyone.
It is my great pleasure to address you at the 13th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology and to welcome our ASEAN guests and friends to Singapore.
The Importance of ASEAN Cooperation
In our inter-connected world today, we face common challenges such as infectious diseases, natural and environmental disasters and international terrorism where the impact and effects are felt across national boundaries. The solutions to these problems do not lie in any individual country. It is thus imperative for countries to work together, whether bilaterally or multi-laterally, to address the common challenges faced.
ASEAN provides one such platform where we can collaborate and cooperate at a regional level. Through ASEAN, we can jointly commit resources and share information to tackle the common problems we face and to contribute at an ASEAN level towards larger international efforts.
ASEAN countries share deep ties at various levels. Since the formation of ASEAN in 1967 and as more countries joined ASEAN over the years, we have been bounded by our desire to work together to address the common issues we face. The ASEAN Charter that came into force last year further cemented the model of cooperation within our ASEAN Community.
Our ten countries – with our different cultures, languages and beliefs – convene regularly to collaborate, cooperate and achieve synergies on many fronts. Cooperation in science and technology is one such area.
Improving Lives and Building Economies
Advancements in science and technology can improve the lives of our peoples and build our economies. For example, research into alternative and cleaner fuels such as biofuels, geothermal power, solar power and wind power, will reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and limit our carbon footprint. Advances in agricultural biotechnology will increase our crop yields and ensure our food security, without compromising soil fertility and environmental conservation. Water conservation and reclamation technologies will address the shortage of clean drinkable water – faced both in the urban and rural settings.
Applying science and engineering to our manufacturing sectors – whether in electronic components, construction equipment, specialty chemicals, or agricultural and medicinal products – will enhance the value of our exports and strengthen our economic resilience in the face of growing competition in Asia and beyond.
ASEAN Committee on Science and Technology (COST)
Cooperation in science and technology has played a significant role in integrating ASEAN. Science and technology cooperation is primarily through the ASEAN Committee on Science and Technology (COST) and the Committee has facilitated many joint projects between Member States over the last three decades.
The scale of initiatives has steadily grown and matured. For the past 13 years, the Ministers responsible for Science and Technology have met annually to give greater support to undertake these joint projects.
Today, science and technology cooperation is under the framework of nine sub-committees in scientific disciplines such as Biotechnology, Food Science, Geophysics, Microelectronics and Marine Sciences. These sub-committees are augmented by six new flagship programmes on cross-cutting issues such as Biofuels, Disaster Mitigation, Food Security, Water, Environment and Health. This dynamic and flexible structure allows ASEAN Member States to cooperate both broadly and deeply on a range of scientific and technological areas.
Our collective progress has also caught the attention of the international community. As an ASEAN forum we are seeking closer science and technology cooperation with our important dialogue partners such as the US, China, India, Japan, Australia and the EU.
With the broad framework in place, what remains for us going forward is to ride on the progress of the Sub-Committees and Flagship Programmes to further develop joint capabilities to positively impact on our lives, our economies and our environment. We have to stay focused, constantly identifying opportunities for deeper cooperation and leveraging on each other’s strengths and resources. To broaden and deepen our ties, we can encourage greater interaction among our ASEAN scientists and students. They are the primary bridges of our collaborative activities and projects.
Conclusion
As we come together to reaffirm our commitment to science and technology cooperation with ASEAN, let us remember that we do so with the strong bonds of friendship that we have built over the years. This friendship and commitment will empower us for greater ASEAN partnership and solidarity in the future.
I wish all of you a fruitful meeting and our ASEAN friends from overseas an enjoyable stay in Singapore.
Thank you very much.
Topics: ASEAN, Economy, Governance, scientists, Singapore, students, technological collaboration
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