encourage and promote research and development in science and technology;
(b)
co-ordinate the establishment and development of research institutes and other facilities connected with science and technology;
(c)
undertake programmes and provide funds to promote and facilitate scientific and technological research and development in both the private and public sectors;
(d)
assess scientific and technological manpower needs and engage in programmes for developing such manpower;
(e)
undertake exchanges and joint programmes with other national and international organisations connected with science and technology; and
(f)
promote activities to increase public awareness on the importance of science and technology.