Nanotechnology is among the most important scientific and technological developments affecting mankind and
enterprises in the 21st century. In May 2004, the Asia Nano Forum (ANF) was founded to promote excellence in
research, development and the economic uptake of nanotechnology within the Asian region. This collaborative
network seeks to benefit its member economies educationally, socially, environmentally and economically by
fostering collaboration and acting as a focus for regional and global nanotechnology issues. ANF Network is
supported by 13 economies in the Asia Pacific Region including Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia,
Korea, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
One of the major activities of ANF is the ANF Summit (ANFoS) Meeting. The 1st Asia Nano Forum Summit
(ANFoS2004) was held on 10 and 11 May, 2004, in Phuket, Thailand, kicking off the collaboration network. The
2nd Asia Nano Forum Summit (ANFoS2005) was successfully held from 8-10 December 2005 in Geelong,
Australia. Delegates from all 13 economies shared experience in the regional developments of nanotechnology
and agreed to set up the working groups on education, infrastructure, standardization and commercialization. In this
year the ANFoS2006 to be held in Hong Kong will keep this momentum and continue to:
? Foster nanotechnology in the region by creating mechanisms to share information, human and physical
resources and expertise.
? Coordinate joint investment in and mutual access to major infrastructure by member economies.
? Initiate, promote and manage co-operative scientific and technology research projects within the member
economies.
? Support regional economic and environmental development through joint projects addressing major regional
issues, with an emphasis on support of developing and emerging economies.
? Enhance public awareness and education of nanotechnology and associated social, environmental, health and
economic issues.
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