As a follow up to the first meeting held in January 2007, the ASEAN Sub-Committee on S&T Infrastructure and Resources Development (SCIRD) convened the second meeting in Kuala Lumpur on 15-16 February 2008 to discuss ways to realize the establishment of the Network of S&T centers of excellence (COEs) in the region. Hosted by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) of Malaysia, representatives of COEs and S&T Officials from ASEAN Member States put together some thoughts at the second meeting to draft the vision, mission and strategies of the network. Among the key strategies identified include close partnerships with private sector and similar networks within and outside ASEAN aiming to enhance capabilities of COEs to undertake research and technology development and commercialization of technologies. The Network will also facilitate sharing resources such as research facilities and experts among COEs.

The second meeting also identified few short-term activities which could be undertaken by the SCIRD. For example, existing COEs in the region whose thrusts are relevant to the ASEAN Plan of Action on S&T (APAST) will be invited to join and contribute to the Network. A database providing information on the existing COEs, their thrusts, activities etc. will also be established leveraging on the existing websites managed by ASEAN such as the ASEAN S&T Network (ASTNET) and also those managed by COEs.

The progress of the initiative on the establishment of the Network of the S&T COEs will be reported to the 55th Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Science and Technology (COST) scheduled for 3-5 July 2008 in Manila. The 5th Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on S&T (IAMMST) which will be held on 7-8 July 2008 in Manila is also expected to provide further directives on the initiative.

To further discuss the establishment of the Network, the third meeting is planned to be held in the second half of 2008.

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