Opening Remarks by Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) Dr Tan See Leng at the IAEA@SIEW Forum

IAEA Representative Mr. Huang Wei,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. A very good afternoon to all of you. It is my pleasure to welcome you to the inaugural IAEA@SIEW Forum. First, a big thank you to the IAEA for co-organising today’s Forum with Singapore.

Nuclear Energy in Southeast Asia

2. Today, countries across Asia and Southeast Asia face a major challenge to meet the increasing amounts of energy needed to power our economies, while strengthening energy security and advancing our net-zero ambitions.

3. Nuclear energy has emerged as a promising solution to this challenge, by offering a reliable and low-carbon source of electricity. Today’s theme, “Atoms for Asia: Unlocking a Secure & Low-Carbon Future”, aptly reflects the growing interest in nuclear energy across Southeast Asia. Advances in nuclear technologies, including Small Modular Reactors, or SMRs, are opening up new possibilities for countries that previously faced constraints in deploying nuclear energy. Even as countries across the region advance their nuclear energy plans, there remains significant scope for closer cooperation, to ensure that any deployment of nuclear energy is done safely and securely. To that end, I am pleased to announce that Singapore and the Philippines have agreed to explore collaborations in nuclear energy. As Singapore assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027, we will work to deepen regional collaboration and discourse, including through the ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy and Nuclear Energy Cooperation Sub-Sector Network.

The IAEA’s Role in the Region

4. But undertaking a nuclear power programme is a complex endeavour. This has become increasingly apparent to us in Singapore as we prepare for the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review, or INIR Phase 1 Mission, which we will undertake starting in 2027. Many studies need to be done before we can make an informed decision on deploying nuclear energy. Expertise has to be strengthened across a wide range of dimensions – from workforce development to financing; from legislation to industry development. This is where the IAEA has an important role to play. It can help countries proceed in a systematic and responsible manner, guided by internationally recognised standards and best practices. Singapore values the IAEA’s support as we build our own capabilities. Its Milestones Approach provides newcomer countries with a structured framework for considering and preparing for a nuclear power programme. Following internationally recognised approaches can also build confidence among regional partners and the wider international community.

5. Another important dimension which is very important is nuclear safety. The IAEA works closely with Singapore and our regional partners, including through the Singapore-IAEA Third Country Training Programme and regional initiatives, to strengthen coordination and preparedness for nuclear emergencies.

Why IAEA@SIEW?

6. To support growing regional interest in nuclear energy, the IAEA has strengthened its involvement across Asia. Several Asian countries have undertaken the IAEA’s INIR missions. The IAEA has also supported nuclear capability development across Asia through workshops, training courses and expert missions, through programmes such as the Regional Cooperative Agreement (RCA), the Asian Nuclear Safety Network (ANSN), and the Technical Cooperation Programme.

7. The IAEA has also grown its presence at SIEW over the years. In 2025, Ms. Karine Herviou, Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, highlighted the potential of small modular reactors and the importance of nuclear safety and security.

Yesterday, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi delivered a video address at the SIEW Summit, where he emphasised the importance of international collaboration and highlighted the support the IAEA can provide through its independent expertise, safety standards, and sustained cooperation. To continue to deepen regional conversations on nuclear energy, we have decided that it is timely to enhance our collaboration with the IAEA, and with the IAEA’s support, make IAEA’s involvement an established feature of SIEW going forward. The IAEA@SIEW Forum will provide an annual platform for countries in the region to gather, engage, and exchange ideas with the IAEA, policymakers, owner-operators, regulators, or industry players. The two panel discussions at today’s Forum give us an opportunity to do just that.

Creating an Enabling Environment for Nuclear Energy

8. Our first panel, “Creating an Enabling Environment: Policies, Financing and Partnerships for Nuclear Deployment”, will examine the conditions needed to support a nuclear power programme.

9. Nuclear energy is a long-term undertaking. Clear government policies are important to provide confidence to the public, industry and investors. At the same time, the scale and complexity of nuclear projects mean that strong international partnerships and viable financing models will be critical, especially for newcomer countries.

Building Readiness for Advanced Nuclear Technologies

10. Our second panel, “Building the Future: Innovation, Infrastructure and Readiness for Advanced Nuclear Technologies”, will look at the technologies that could shape the future of nuclear power, and consider how countries can prepare to deploy them successfully.

11. As new technologies develop, countries must build the capabilities to independently assess their safety and suitability in their own national context.

Above all, any nuclear power programme must be underpinned by the highest standards of safety, security and safeguards.

12. On Singapore’s part, we are building up our expertise and capabilities early to support assessment of advanced nuclear energy technologies. I shared yesterday about the Nuclear Manpower Development Programmes to strengthen nuclear capabilities across government and industry. Complementing these efforts, the National Environment Agency and the Energy Market Authority will be appointing international consultancy firms and experts to deepen our technical expertise in nuclear safety, regulation and technology assessment.

Conclusion: Looking ahead

13. Ladies and Gentlemen, as interest in nuclear energy grows across Asia, countries will be at different stages of their respective journeys. But we share a common interest in ensuring that nuclear energy, where pursued, is developed safely, securely, and responsibly.

14. Singapore looks forward to working closely with the IAEA and our partners in the region to deepen cooperation, exchange experiences, and support informed decision-making on nuclear energy. We hope that the IAEA@SIEW Forum will serve as a platform for these conversations and partnerships, and contribute to a more secure and low-carbon energy future for Asia.

15. I wish everyone a productive, insightful and engaging Forum. Thank you.