Singapore to develop local expertise in nuclear energy through three new schemes

From 2027, public officers involved in Singapore’s energy development will have the opportunity to work inside leading global nuclear organizations. This measure forms part of four new initiatives announced on October 26 to expand the nation’s nuclear talent pipeline. The announcements were made during the opening of the five-day Singapore International Energy Week conference. The government aims to strengthen local capabilities ahead of a scheduled review by the United Nations atomic watchdog in 2027. This assessment will help determine Singapore’s readiness to make an informed decision regarding the deployment of nuclear energy. Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) Tan See Leng stated that while preparing for the review mission, the government is intensifying efforts to build a pool of nuclear experts and professionals within the country. He emphasized that even if Singapore ultimately chooses not to deploy nuclear energy, the capabilities and expertise developed now will remain valuable. Interest in nuclear energy is growing across Southeast Asia and globally, making these skills relevant regardless of the final policy outcome. The ministry and the Energy Market Authority clarified that Singapore has not yet decided whether to adopt nuclear power. However, they stressed the importance of building domestic familiarity with all aspects of civilian nuclear power development. This includes gaining a deeper understanding of governance, management, licensing, and regulatory requirements to support informed decision-making. The first initiative, named the Singapore Nuclear Manpower Development Programme, targets public officers. It facilitates partnerships between Singaporean government agencies and top-tier global nuclear entities. Participants will gain practical insights through on-the-job exposure in fields such as technology assessment, project development, and regulatory frameworks. During the conference week, the Energy Market Authority signed agreements with its initial group of partners. These include AtkinsRealis, a Canadian engineering services and nuclear organization; China National Nuclear Corporation Overseas, which exports state nuclear power plant technology; and X-energy, an American nuclear reactor and fuel firm. The program is set to begin next year and will roll out progressively over the coming years. The list of partner organizations is expected to expand as more entities join. A second scheme, the Nuclear Manpower Development Programme (Industry), focuses on the private sector. It provides funding for workers from selected Singapore-based companies to join training programs and industry attachments with trusted international partners. An Energy Market Authority spokesman noted that the scheme is intended for firms with a significant local presence, potentially including foreign-owned companies operating in Singapore. The government will evaluate suitable firms based on criteria such as their strategies and plans to participate in the nuclear sector. The goal is to equip workers with competencies that allow their companies to advance in commercial opportunities overseas. Minister Tan observed that the nuclear industry could offer significant opportunities and new career pathways both domestically and internationally. The third initiative is the Singapore Future Energy Fellowship, which launches in 2026. This program draws international energy leaders to Singapore on a rolling basis without a fixed quota. Fellows will provide independent, strategic advice on the country’s long-term energy strategy. The first cohort will consist of nuclear energy experts to assist in preparations for the 2027 assessment. Beyond advising policymakers, fellows will be tasked with fostering the development of future energy leaders. They will share their perspectives through structured engagements involving the government, industry, academia, and media. Future cohorts may include specialists in grid infrastructure, planning, and other low-carbon energy sources. The fourth pillar of the strategy involves academic collaboration. Dr. Tan revealed that the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University are working toward launching a joint master’s degree program in nuclear engineering next year. This will mark Singapore’s first such postgraduate qualification, further solidifying the local talent base. In his address, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, and safeguards in full accordance with international obligations should Singapore decide to adopt nuclear power. On the same day, the Energy Market Authority and the International Atomic Energy Agency announced that the inaugural IAEA forum associated with the energy week would be held on Tuesday. The upcoming assessment by international experts is formally known as the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review Mission. The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment previously explained that this assessment supports the government in validating its progress. It ensures that Singapore’s capability development is moving in the correct direction. The combined effect of these measures is designed to create a robust framework for evaluating advanced nuclear technologies for power generation. By integrating practical experience, industry training, international advisory input, and higher education, the authorities aim to ensure that the workforce is prepared for any eventual policy choice. The immediate focus remains on executing these programs effectively before the external review takes place in 2027.