MORE than 100 senior government officials, policy makers, scientists and academics are here for a three-day Asean meeting to discuss science and technology developments in the region.

The 58th meeting of the Asean Committee of Science and Technology (COST), organised Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star), kicked off on Tuesday morning.

The discussions will centre on the Asean Plan of Action on Science and Technology for 2007 to 2011.

Eight subcommittees will present their reports and updates on fields such as biotechnology, food science and technology, and marine science and technology.

During the meeting, COST members will also finalise their preparations for a report to be presented at the upcoming 13th Asean Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology (13th AMMST) on Friday and Saturday.

Said Professor Low Teck Seng, A*Star's managing director (Research) and Singapore National COST chairman: 'Our activities will help to reinforce the role of science and technology in the region to bring about activities that can sustain economic growth and bring about community well being in the region.'