Two academic heavyweights expressed their views on the recent Kuokuang project controversy on Monday.

Nobel Prize winner Lee Yuan-tseh said while Taiwan has no room for yet another massive petrochemical plant, the facility should not be built in any other country on the planet either.

Besides, the president of Academia Sinica, Wong Chi-huey, pointed out that too little information has been given on this complicated issue, leading to debates that have been more driven by emotions than by facts.

The National Science Council invited technology leaders from 30 countries to participate in the first Global Science Leaders Forum.

Former Academia Sinica President, Lee Yuan-tseh, said sustainable development and global technology are major challenges.

He delivered his keynote speech and even talked about the controversial Kuo Kuang petrochemical plant.

Lee said that if Taiwan doesn't build it, it should not be sent to Southeast Asia.

A conflict between economic development and environmental protection has intensified because of the Kuo Kuang project.

Even the Academia Sinica's Biotechnology Park has drawn controversy.

Academia Sinica President, Wong Chi-huey said the debate over these important issues often involves emotion.

Regarding the Japanese earthquake and the nuclear power plant crisis, green energy is an important undertaking.

Wong admits that at this stage, alternative energy has yet to make a breakthrough and many challenges continue to await.