Officials from Singapore and China signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear technology, aiming to explore the feasibility of nuclear energy use in Singapore.
On Monday, 17 Aug 2026, officials from Singapore and China signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear technology, as Singapore builds capacity to assess the feasibility of nuclear energy use.
The agreement, signed by Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and China’s China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA), is part of Singapore’s latest cooperation efforts with international partners such as the United States, France, and South Korea.
MTI stated in a Monday announcement that this MOU will support Singapore’s efforts to independently develop capabilities to assess nuclear energy feasibility impartially and based on sound technical principles.
Collaborating with international partners also aids Singapore’s preparation for the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Phase 1 Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission scheduled for 2027.
The MOU was signed by Mr. Augustine Lee, Permanent Secretary for Energy and Trade at MTI, and Mr. Liu Jing, Vice Chairman of CAEA, witnessed by Dr. Tan See Leng, Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry), and Mr. Shan Zhongde, Chairman of CAEA.
Under this agreement, Singapore and China will cooperate in areas including nuclear reactor technology safety assessments, personnel training and scientific visits, public education and engagement, nuclear safety, safeguards, security measures, and the application of nuclear technology.
In April, Singapore signed a five-year framework agreement with the IAEA to enhance capabilities in assessing new energy technologies, strengthen environmental radiation monitoring, improve radiochemical food safety testing, and advance high-level nuclear medicine diagnostics and cancer treatment.
That same month, Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) signed a cooperation memorandum with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) to develop training curricula for the newly established nuclear safety division.
This program will provide NEA officials opportunities to participate in training and site visits covering reactor regulation, safety assessment, and inspection procedures to deepen Singapore’s nuclear regulatory expertise.
Singapore announced several years ago plans to study nuclear safety and the environmental impacts of nuclear power plants. In the 2025 budget announcement, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the government would explore the feasibility of nuclear energy use and systematically build capacity in this area.
. cna