Abstract
Thailand has developed agro-industries, including food processing, as well as textile and other light industries. This has been made possible by the historical background of ethnic and religious factors promoting social integration and proliferating agriculture as a basis for economic independence. Experiences in light industries will produce a climate favorable to the development of basic industries and assimilation of technology. On the other hand, an urgent problem is the supply of manpower particularly in R&D lagging behind the fast-growing demand from the rapidly growing industry.Singapore's policy emphasizes manufacturing industries. The government intends to turn the country into the center of excellence in Asia by attracting competent people worldwide. In fact, Singapore has a potential to grow into an R&D center of Asia with optimized shearing of research and production with neiboring countries.
