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research institute named NUS Nanoscience
and Nanotechnology Initiative (or NUSNNI), was formed in
January 2002 to stimulate and to coordinate the related R&D
efforts across the university. Today, there are more than
20 NUSNNI laboratories distributed across the campus
conducting research & graduate education in selected domains
of Nanobioengineering, Nanoelectronics, Nanomagnetics,
Nanomaterials & Nanostructures, Nano/Micro fabrication, and
Molecular Functionalization, Assembly & Devices fields.
Some of these labs have collaborative research programs
with national research institutes such as Institute of
Materials Research & Engineering, Data Storage Institute,
Institute of Microelectronics, Singapore Institute of
Manufacturing Technologies, and Institute of Bioengineering
& Nanotechnology. A feat such as this in 2½ years could not
be attained without strong support from our colleagues, the
university, the Government and the industry. Since its
inception, NUSNNI attracted more than S$10 million from the
Ministry of Education. The economic importance of
nanotechnology is recognized by the Ministry of Trade and
Industry (MTI). This can be inferred from the fact that a
total of S$5.5 million has been allocated to research
projects and graduate scholarships in Nanoengineering,
through MTI’s two agencies, A*STAR and EDB. NUSNNI is a
successful partnership between the Faculties of Engineering
and Science. NUSNNI is well represented in regional and
international networks and forums. Through NUSNNI, the
National University of Singapore is contributing to the
global knowledge reservoir of nanotechnology.
Nanotechnology Companies in Singapore
Nanotechnology companies, often quoted as the sunrise
industry, are taking root in Singapore’s economic landscape
with global partners & markets.
NanoMaterials Technology, funded by EDB and Juniper Capital
Venture, is partnering Beijing University of Chemical
Technology to produce superior crystalline nanomaterials at
significantly lower costs.
Companies, NanoScience Innovation and AMR Technologies are
capable of industrial-scale production of high quality
nanopowders.
The company, NanoFilm, produces high quality and extremely
thin coatings, with a hardness comparable to a
diamond, at a low cost, and using a technology they have
patented.
pSiOncology, a joint venture formed by the Singapore General
Hospital, Biotech Research Ventures (Singapore) and
pSiMedica (UK), develops porous silicon for various medical
applications that include controlled cancer drug-delivery.
Conclusion
In this congress there are 11 keynote speakers from world
renowned institutions. And there are more than 140
participants from as many as 20 countries across the globe –
spanning the US, Europe, Japan and Korea to most of Asia and
to as diverse as the UAE, Russia and Poland attending this
Congress to exchange ideas and experiences. I have no doubt
that this international Congress will create awareness on
the potential of nanotechnology and, through a deeper level
of understanding, nanotechnology will be shifted into higher
gear! This Congress also serves as a forum for participants
to establish networks and collaborations.
I wish all participants an enjoyable conference, and our
foreign visitors an enjoyable stay. Please don’t forget to
catch a few relaxing tourist spots and indulge in our local
cuisine! Many of you come from countries other than Asia.
And you may have already found out that, in terms of local
food, small can nevertheless be very spicy, as in our chili
padi, which are very small but terribly hot peppers!
Indeed, small is powerful as we see in nanotechnology!
This Congress coincides with Commencement at NUS. Please
do share the joy of Commencement festivities on the campus.
In closing, I would like to recall an anecdote reportedly
Newton’s last words “I do not know what I may appear to the
world. But to myself, I seem to have been only like a boy
playing on the seashore, diverting myself in now & then
finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary,
whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before
me”. I am sure you all would agree with me that these words
of wisdom are very much true even with Nanotechnology.
I thank you for playing a special part in our inaugural
Congress.
Professor Seeram Ramakrishna
Co-Chair, 1st Nanocongress 2004
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