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We thank Irwan Jamil for his letter “Nuclear readiness hinges on culture of safety, accountability” (May 22).
The writer is right that nuclear readiness should not be framed solely as a technological challenge. Stringent safety requirements underpin every aspect of any nuclear power programme.
Beyond technological measures, a strong safety culture must be embedded across all organisations involved.
The International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Milestones Approach similarly emphasises safety culture as essential to being ready to make an informed decision. This is especially so for Singapore, where the considerations are even more demanding because of our unique circumstances. As a small, densely populated city-state, safety will always be our overriding priority when evaluating the feasibility of deploying nuclear energy in Singapore.
This is why we are embarking on Phase 1 of the IAEA’s Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) in 2027. Through the INIR process, independent international experts will assess whether Singapore has the expertise, institutions and frameworks to make an informed decision on nuclear energy, based on global best practices. The assessment will also help us identify areas where further work is required.
We will approach the possibility of deploying nuclear energy in Singapore rigorously and systematically. This includes studying global developments, building domestic capabilities, and engaging a range of international nuclear institutions and regulators to learn best practices in safety assessment and regulation.
We will also keep the public informed throughout the INIR Phase 1 review process and share the IAEA’s findings, including any risks and challenges highlighted, as well as the overall assessment of Singapore’s readiness and progress. These efforts will be integral to Singapore’s study of potential decarbonisation pathways.
Eugene Toh
Assistant Chief Executive, Energy Technologies Division
Energy Market Authority
Ang Kok Kiat
Group Director, Radiation Protection and Nuclear Science Group
National Environment Agency
Forum: Nuclear readiness will depend on culture of safety and accountability
By: Irwan Jamil
I read with interest, “Singapore to undergo review by UN atomic watchdog in 2027” (May 19).
Over the years, Singaporeans have become used to hearing phrases such as “high standards”, “strict regulations” and “world-class systems”. In many areas, that confidence has been justified. But the nuclear sector is unforgiving in ways that few other industries are. Even countries with advanced technologies, experienced regulators and strong institutions have encountered serious problems before.
Japan is often cited for this reason. Few would have doubted its technical capabilities before Fukushima happened in 2011. Yet, the disaster exposed deeper issues involving institutional assumptions, regulatory culture and preparedness for worst-case scenarios.
This is why the upcoming review by the International Atomic Energy Agency matters. The value of such a review is not just in obtaining international approval or reassurance. Rather, its real value lies in identifying blind spots early, especially those that local agencies may overlook over time.
Singapore’s small size also means the stakes are very different here. In larger countries, nuclear facilities are often located far from major population centres. Singapore does not have that luxury. Questions involving evacuation, emergency response and long-term waste management become far more sensitive in a densely populated city state.
For this reason, Singapore should be careful not to frame nuclear readiness as a technological challenge. It is equally a test of regulatory independence, institutional discipline and the willingness to acknowledge vulnerabilities honestly rather than assume they can always be managed away.
Nuclear energy may eventually prove necessary for Singapore’s future energy needs. But if the country decides to proceed, public confidence will depend less on assurances and more on whether there is a safety culture that is willing to question itself constantly.