Opening Remarks by Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) Dr Tan See Leng at the SIEW Summit Day 2

IEA Executive Director Dr Fatih Birol

IRENA Director General Francesco La Camera

IAEA Director Huang Wei

Excellencies,

Good morning, and welcome to Day 2 of the SIEW Summit.

2. Today marks a special milestone for SIEW. For the first time, we are bringing together three important International Organisations – International Energy Agency (IEA), International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) – on the same day at the SIEW Summit.

3. Each organisation brings a different perspective and expertise to the table. But all three share a common purpose: helping countries navigate an increasingly complex energy landscape, while building a more secure, affordable and sustainable energy future.

4. I will mention three areas where Singapore’s partnerships with these organisations are making a difference.

5. First, strengthening energy security through greater regional grid connectivity. The ASEAN Power Grid (APG) is essential for building a greener and more resilient regional energy system. We are working to turn this vision into reality. The IEA has been a valuable partner in advancing the APG, through its policy analysis, technical expertise, and capacity building efforts. Its recent report on APG financing has provided useful recommendations on overcoming investment barriers and improving the bankability of interconnector projects. Singapore is pleased to have supported ASEAN-IEA cooperation as country coordinator since 2011. Through the Singapore-IEA Regional Training Programme and the IEA Regional Cooperation Centre in Singapore, we have worked together to strengthen regional capabilities in cross-border electricity trade, and grid connectivity. Today’s 10th Singapore-IEA Forum reaffirms our shared commitment to advancing the region’s energy priorities. Dr Birol, your leadership and personal advocacy for deeper IEA engagement with this region have been instrumental in these efforts. Singapore looks forward to strengthening our collaboration with the IEA in the coming years.

6. Second, unlocking Southeast Asia’s renewable energy potential. Building stronger electricity connections is only one part of the equation. We must also unlock the renewable energy resources that will flow through these connections. This requires investment, supportive policies, and access to financing. Singapore welcomes IRENA’s recently launched Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Southeast Asia, or APRESA, which seeks to mobilise investment and accelerate renewable energy deployment across the region. Today’s Singapore-IRENA High-Level Forum will explore how we can mobilise capital and turn our renewable energy ambitions into bankable projects. I would like to thank Director-General La Camera for your continued partnership and commitment to the region.

7. Third, developing and harnessing new technologies. Beyond strengthening grids and deploying renewables, we must also keep abreast of emerging technologies that could broaden our options. Nuclear energy is one such possibility. Advances in nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors, have sparked renewed interest in nuclear energy across the region. Singapore is studying these developments carefully, and next year we will undertake the first phase of the IAEA Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review. The inaugural IAEA@SIEW Forum provides a timely platform to deepen collaboration, exchange perspectives, and support informed decision-making on the safe and secure deployment of nuclear technologies in the region.

8. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, three organisations, three distinct areas of expertise, but one shared mission – building a more secure, affordable and sustainable energy future.

9. This is precisely what SIEW seeks to achieve – bringing together diverse perspectives, forging partnerships, and translating dialogue into practical cooperation.

10. I wish everyone a productive day of discussions.

11. Thank you.