Bangkok--Aug 2--thanaburin
Thailand’s National Innovation Agency, under the Ministry of Science & Technology, today held a press conference regarding its role as host for InnovAsia 2005, scheduled for 21-23 September 2005 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok.
HE Mr Korn Thapparansi, Minister of Science & Technology, disclosed that “InnovAsia 2005 will be the first event of its kind to be held in the Asia-Pacific region. Such a meeting is very important if Asian countries are to be competitive in a globalized marketplace.”
Around 800 participants from countries across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond are expected to participate at the conference, which is co-hosted by UNESCO, the Ministry of Education, IBM (Thailand) and the Siam Cement Group.
He added in his address “Organizing InnovAsia 2005 will not only help improve the efficiency of Thailand as a leader in building a regional innovation network within the Asia-Pacific, but will also enhance Thailand’s standing as a good corporate citizen internationally. The Ministry of Science and Technology will work closely with private organizations in the exchange of information and ideas, as well as explore beneficial links between knowledge management in science and technology and innovation in production processes. This will help all parties achieve their goals and serve the vision of the country under the auspices of the ‘National Innovation System.’
Mr Supachai Lorlowhakarn, Director of the National Innovation Agency (NIA), said “Thailand is fortunate to host the first InnovAsia conference in Bangkok this year. Knowledge management in science and technology is an important determinant of national competitiveness for industry, the economy and quality of life for all of us. So far we have received very positive feedback from the public on their participation in the conference, and we have received tremendous interest from top local and international organizations to exhibit their latest innovative technologies. This is the first Conference and Exhibition on Innovation Management in Asia, and people should not miss it, especially the conference programme on ‘Corporate Innovation Policies, Promotion of Science and Technology Lessons from Thailand, Future of Innovation in Asia-Pacific and many more.’”
According to Ms Suphajee Suthumpun, Country General Manager of IBM Thailand Co Ltd, “Conference attendees, as well as visitors to the exhibition, will have an opportunity to view IBM’s showcase exhibit of the ‘World Community Grid’, a global humanitarian effort that applies the unused computing power of individual and business computers to help address the world’s most difficult health and societal problems.
“Today IBM is pleased to announce the partnership to pledge 500 patents to open source in support of innovation and open standards. Partnering with National Innovation Agency of Ministry of Science and Technology, National Electronic and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC), Software Park, Software Industry Promotion Agency (SIPA), Embedded Systems Lab, KMITL, The Association of Thai Computer Industry (ATCI) and The Association of Thai Software Industry (ATSI), IBM pledges open access to key innovations covered by 500 U.S. software patents as well as all non-U.S. counterparts of these patents to individuals and groups working on open source software in support of innovation and open standards.”
Dr Ninlawan Petcharaburanin, Vice President of the Federation of Thai Industries and Chairman of the Biotechnology Institute added that “it is important that innovation in biotechnology and the life sciences in Thailand should align with the National Biotechnology Technology policy, and the overall needs of the public and the market. But these policies must also be designed to facilitate and fast-track innovation in the life sciences.”
But besides this ‘business perspective’ of innovation, the development perspective will also be covered at InnovAsia. Commenting on the conference programme, Dr Darryl Macer, UNESCO’s Regional Adviser and Chief of the Regional Unit for Social and Human Sciences in Asia and Pacific said: “UNESCO is committed to bringing the benefits of innovation to the poorest within Asia and to directly addressing the UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). We have a particular interest in the more marginalised and will bring this perspective into the conference, in the context of the new dynamics of contemporary science and flows of knowledge across national boundaries. The less connected countries have to think and innovate to find the best model for their own culture. Innovation extends at all levels including with grass roots villagers.
“In the conference, Professor Stephen Hill, Director and UNESCO Representative, UNESCO Office Jakarta, Regional Science Bureau for Science in Asia and the Pacific, will talk on ‘Empowering Innovation in the Third World: The Case for Promoting a 'New Global Localism.' UNESCO is dedicated to development of innovation and science for the benefit of humankind, ensuring appropriate ethical standards is applied,” he added.
For more information on InnovAsia 2005, interested parties can contact AsiaCongress Events at 02 960 0141 or the National Innovation Agency at 02 644 6000 or visit www.nia.or.th/innovasia.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Kasemsri Kaewthammachai (01 611 4696) Wyn Ellis (01 835 7380)
Yuwadi Chombun (09 669 5286) Tel: 02 644 6000 # 120
Tel: 02 231 6158-9 Email [email protected]
Email: [email protected] Web: www.nia.or.th/innovasia. End.