Singapore and China have signed a MoU to strengthen cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology. The partnership will support nuclear safety assessments, technical training and Singapore’s preparations to evaluate the potential deployment of nuclear energy.
Singapore and China have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology, marking another step in Singapore’s efforts to build expertise for evaluating nuclear energy as part of its future energy mix.
The agreement was signed in Beijing on August 17 by Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) Permanent Secretary for Energy and Trade Augustin Lee and China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) Vice-Chairman Liu Jing. Singapore Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) Tan See Leng and CAEA Chairman Shan Zhongde witnessed the signing.
Also read: Kim Jong Un Sees an Excellent Future for North Korea-Russia Ties
Under the agreement, the two countries will develop capacity-building partnerships covering several areas. These include technical and safety assessments of nuclear reactor technologies, manpower training, scientific exchanges, public education and communication, nuclear safeguards and security, and peaceful applications of nuclear technology.
The partnership forms part of Singapore’s broader efforts to develop the technical capabilities required to make an objective assessment of whether nuclear energy could be deployed in the country. Singapore has been engaging with several international partners, including France, South Korea and the United States, as it studies different nuclear technologies and their potential applications.
Singapore’s government has stressed that the current focus is on building readiness rather than making an immediate decision on nuclear power deployment. The country faces limited land availability and growing energy requirements, making the evaluation of low-carbon power sources an important part of its longer-term energy planning.
The cooperation with China is also expected to contribute to Singapore’s preparations for the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) Phase 1 mission, planned for 2027. The review will assess Singapore’s preparedness across areas relevant to developing a nuclear power programme.
The IAEA framework examines areas including nuclear safety, radioactive waste management, emergency planning, regulatory capabilities and infrastructure requirements. Its findings can help countries identify gaps and develop national action plans.
Also read: The Evolution Of Textile Manufacturing
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has previously said the purpose of the review is to determine whether Singapore is ready to make an informed decision on nuclear energy.
The latest agreement therefore represents a capability-building partnership rather than a commitment to construct a nuclear power plant. For Singapore, access to international expertise can strengthen its understanding of reactor technologies, safety systems and regulatory requirements.
The development also highlights Singapore’s broader strategy of working with multiple international partners as it assesses options for a secure, reliable and lower-carbon energy future.