VietNamNet Bridge - More than 100 academic leaders and scholars from 14 institutions of higher education in seven countries across Asia gathered in the capital on Saturday for a three-day workshop.

Kim Jae Youl, President of the Korean Foundation for Advanced Studies which sponsored the workshop, said Asian research centres have grown in number, resulting in notable research findings and publications.

Scientific exchange and communication have been strengthened through various conferences and symposia. A growing sense of community among the centres has also become more pronounced as each has increased its participation in and contributions to annual workshops, Kim said.

Fabio Cannavaro became the first defender to be named FIFA World Player of the Year before collecting the award at the annual gala ceremony in Zurich on Monday.

World Player of the Year 2006 Fabio Cannavaro of Italy shows his trophy during the FIFA World Player Gala in Zurich Dec. 18, 2006. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

The accolade caps an outstanding year for the Italy and Real Madrid center-half, who captained his country to World Cup glory this summer.

Cannavaro, 33, received 498 votes from the panel of 165 international coaches and 165 international captains.

Retired France international Zinedine Zidane finished second with 454 while Brazil and Barcelona forward Ronaldinho was third with 380.

"It is unusual for a defender to be sitting alongside Ronaldinho and Zinedine Zidane, who do marvellous things all season, so I saw it as a victory just to be here," Cannavaro said.

"I think I have been very lucky this year because we won the World Cup and perhaps this has been very helpful for me to make it here tonight.