Nanotechnology Revolution in the Textile Industry

TUARAN, April 28 (Bernama) -- The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry places great emphasis on learning science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in schools to develop the nation's economy.

Its minister Datuk Seri Panglima Madius Tangau who said this, urged more students to take up and master STEM subjects as part of the ministry's agenda to cultivate a science, technology and innovation culture in the country.

"It is the government's vision to produce citizens capable of developing our own technology and not just become users of technology," he said in his speech at the presentation of nanotechnology socks, 'nanosocks', at SMK Tenghilan, here, today.

A total of 1,150 pairs of the locally produced socks contributed by NanoTextile Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of the ministry's agency, NanoMalaysia Berhad, were given to students and staff of the school.

Madius presented the socks in a symbolic hand-over to school principal Justin Rumpod at the ceremony.

With the nanosocks given to the school today, the minister hoped the students would be able to gain better understanding and appreciation of uses of nanotechnology in daily products to improve the quality of life.

Madius later told reporters that his ministry would be promoting Malaysian products and technologies throughout this year, in line with the Malaysia Commercialisation Year 2016 initiative.

"We will be exhibiting in November at least 150 products that will be commercialised this year," he said.

The nanosocks have anti-microbial and odour-fighting properties and are manufactured using environmentally-friendly methods.

A talk titled 'Nanotechnology Revolution in the Textile Industry' was given by NanoTextile Sdn Bhd chief executive officer, Dr Thomas Ong, after the ceremony.