The 'Expo Science, Technology & Innovation 2004' that was just held a couple of weeks ago in Kuala Lumpur was raved amongst the public as an ideal platform to expand trade relations, pursue business opportunities and seek strategic partnerships. The Expo that was the fourth consecutive annual event was hosted by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and co-organized by the Malaysia Institute for Nuclear Technology Research (MINT) and other local partners.

The event has the aim to promote the significance of science and technology, including nuclear science and technology. The exhibition profiled not only agriculture, biotechnology, environment, health, aerospace and aviation, building and construction, robotics, but also education, manufacturing processes, marketing communication, advertising and creative design. A lot of venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, investors, manufacturers, students and persons from government agencies visited the Expo.

Malaysia has been placing great emphasis on the S&T-based development with an expectation that this will significantly contribute to the nation's economy. It is noted that the Eighth Malaysia Plan (2001-05) spells out a total of RM 1.6 billion that is being allocated for R&D and commercialization of technology. In the Seventh Malaysia Plan (1995-2000), the government investment was RM 1 billion.

For further information, please visit www.mint.gov.my