2011-03-09 16:31

MACAO - Science and Technology Development Fund (FDCT) of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) paid out some 69 million patacas ($8.62 million) to local science research projects and the promotion of science last year, the Macao Post Daily reported on Wednesday.

The newspaper quoted FDCT president Tong Chi Kin as saying that the fund approved 62 research projects and granted some 35 million patacas ($4.37 million) for them last year. Among the projects, 29 were being embarked upon in local universities or institutes.

"Nowadays many universities and organizations place emphasis on science and technology research," Tong said. "And we can see a lot of progress (in the development of science and technology)."

Tong, who presented the fund's annual report in a press conference on Tuesday, said the fund would focus on cooperation with other departments to promote the use of LED lamps and electric cars this year.

Meanwhile, Tong said he expected the government's first Science and Technology award to be given out in November.

The Executive Council of Macao SAR announced last month that it will establish awards for locals contributing to Macao in the field of science and technology, with the highest prize hitting one million patacas ($125,000).