International Conference Unveils New Potentials for Industrial Applications of Nanotechnology

To promote a wider application of nanotechnology by the local industry sectors, the "2006 International Conference on Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials" organized by the Federation of Hong Kong Machinery & Metal Industries (FMM), was officially opened today (1 November 2006) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Comprising a Nobel Laureate Lecture, keynote speeches, as well as technical seminars addressed by more than 40 industry experts, the three-day Conference is co-organized by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), and the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute Limited.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Mr Francis Ho, Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology (Communications and Technology) of the HKSAR Government; Mr Jimmy Kwok, Chairman of FMM, and Dr Kazunobu Tanaka of the Asia Nano Forum.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Kwok said, "To stay competitive in the changing international business landscape, industrialists must turn to new technologies and new materials for solutions. With applications across various fields, nanotechnology is recognised as one of the major drivers of industrial development."

"Providing an ideal information and experience sharing platform for industry, the Conference has presented state-of-the-art nanotechnology and advanced materials, with focus on technology commercialization and industrial applications. The technical sessions on opto-electronics, surface treatment, MEMS/NEMS and energy and information storage, textiles, as well as bio-medical best demonstrate the spectrum of potential of this new technology," he said.

A highlight of the Conference was today's Nobel Laureate Lecture on the 'New Development in Nanoscience' by Prof Klaus von Klitzing (1985 Nobel Prize in Physics), which was attended by more than 400 representatives from the local business communities, research and academic institutions. During the three-day Conference, more than 40 industry experts from the USA, Japan, the UK, Australia, the Mainland, Hong Kong and Asia Pacific region also share their insight and commercialization experience.

For the first time, the Asia Nano Forum 2006 Summit and the Nanotechnology Commercialization Forum will be held concurrently with the Conference. Scheduled for 3 November, these events will present the participants with opportunities for technology and business collaboration.

Other officiating guests at today's opening ceremony included Dr Stephen Lee, Acting Executive Director of HKPC; Prof Paul Chu, President of HKUST; Dr York Liao, Chairman of The Nano and Advanced Materials Center; Mr Anthony Wong, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, HKSAR Government; Mr Kenneth Ting, Chairman of Federation of Hong Kong Industries; Mr Steve Alexander, Deputy Executive Director of Hong Kong Trade Development Council; Prof Klaus von Klitzing; and the representatives of the member associations of FMM.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms Betty Lee
General Manager
Corporate Communications & Events
HKPC
Tel: (852) 2788-5895
Fax: (852) 2788-5056
E-mail: justina@hkpc.org

1 November 2006