Observing that the subcontinent is leading the world in the knowledge society, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] on Saturday suggested creation of a 'South Asian University' that can serve as a forum for human advancement.

"The people of our subcontinent are at the cutting edge of scientific and technological research and in the front ranks of the knowledge society across the world. Wherever an enabling environment and world-class facilities are made available to our talented people, they excel," Singh said in his address at the 13th SAARC Summit in Dhaka.

He suggested member countries pool their resources for creation of a Centre of Excellence in the form of a South Asian University.

• First Look: SAARC turns 30

He said this could provide world-class facilities and professional faculty to students and researchers drawn from every country of the region.

"Let this become a forum where our academicians, scholars, researchers and gifted students can work together in the service of human advancement," Singh said.

"India is willing to make a major contribution to the realisation of this project over the next three to four years," the prime minister said, adding India could certainly host this institution, but was equally prepared to cooperate in creating a sustainable venue in any other member country.