To ensure that the S&T cooperation in ASEAN remains relevant and supportive to the directives of the ASEAN Leaders and S&T Ministers, a series of Plans of Action in Science and Technology have been developed since the ASEAN Committee on Science and Technology (COST) was established in 1978. The most recent Plan: The Action Plan of Action on Science and Technology (APAST) 2007-2011 was endorsed by the ASEAN S&T Ministers in February 2007. The Plan was developed taking into account the various directives and initiative of the ASEAN Leaders (e.g. Vientiane Action Programme), and S&T Ministers, Committee on Science and Technology (COST) and the national S&T plans in the ASEAN Member Countries. The Plan, which identifies 6 thrusts and 24 supporting actions, essentially provides appropriate guidelines for identification and formulation of programmes and projects to achieve better coordination and cooperation to strengthen the capabilities of S&T in ASEAN.