09 Nov 2016

The Vice President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi, on Tuesday (November 8) attended a public seminar on nanofibers and nanomaterials where Professor Seeram Ramakrishna from University of Singapore was the guest speaker.

Professor Ramakrishna said there was need to invest in scientific research and up skilling of human capital.
The professor stated that from 2015 to 2020, Singapore invested US$20 billion in science and research.

He highlighted that nanotechnology had many benefits and could be used in agriculture, food and nutrition.

He further stated that the technology could also be used in healthcare for treating wounds and heart disease among others.

Professor Ramakrishna said nanotechnology was an emerging pathway for material innovations.

He indicated that Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI) could take advantage of nanotechnology and become an engineering contractor of nanofibres.

He highlighted that despite Singapore being an Island they had grown over the years having an advantage of their location because of ships from the East going through Singapore to Asia.

He said in 50 years they expect smart technologies, health care innovation and upgraded infrastructure.

The professor stated that Botswana as a landlocked country and Singapore as an island both need economic diversification.

Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research science and Technology Dr Kekgonne Baipoledi thanked the visiting professor for developing an interest in working with Botswana adding that he hoped the seminar would assist attendants in understanding nanotechnology. ENDS