This was a core message that AIT Vice President for
Academic Affairs, Prof. Joydeep Dutta, brought to the television
show Inside Asia hosted by noted Thai journalist Kavi
Chongkittavorn.
Appearing at the taping of a 30-minute episode at The Nation TV
studios in Bangkok, on 4 February 2011, Prof. Dutta, who is also the
director of the Center of
Excellence in Nanotechnology, AIT, emphasized the enormous
potential nanotechnology has for giving nations a scientific and
economic edge.
During the interview, Prof. Dutta praised Thailand’s
approach to promoting nanotechnology research and development (R&D)
through its eight centers of excellence located at top universities in
the country. He also reflected on the state of nanotechnology in
Thailand’s ASEAN neighbors and other countries in Asia.
The key challenge for most is to translate raw research
into real-life applications and everyday products. The financial stakes
are enormous, he said. Nanotechnology as an industry is expected to
dwarf most other emerging technologies, including IT, in next ten
years, he told Mr. Chongkittavorn at the show’s taping. Asia is one of
the fastest growing regions for nanotechnology investment spending, he
said. This bodes well for scientists and researchers in the region,
including those at AIT.
Inside Asia is broadcast in English across Southeast Asia
on the ASEAN TV satellite television network via Thai/Com Satellite 5
and www.aseantv.net
. It is shown in Thailand on weeknights on MCOT 2,
True Vision channel 99, from 8-9pm.
