Singapore and IAEA Sign Fourth Cooperation Framework to Enhance Nuclear Capabilities Amid Regional Interest
Introduction
Singapore has formalized a five-year technical cooperation agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the period 2026–2031. The agreement aims to strengthen the country''s nuclear capabilities in several areas. Known as the Country Programme Framework, it is the fourth such agreement since Singapore joined the IAEA in 1967.
Main Body
The framework was signed on April 24, 2025, by Mr. Jaya Ratnam, Singapore''s resident representative to the IAEA, and Mr. Hua Liu, IAEA Deputy Director General and head of its Department of Technical Cooperation. It was developed by the National Environment Agency (NEA) in consultation with the IAEA and stakeholders from various government agencies and relevant sectors. The framework identifies six priority areas for nuclear technology transfer and resource allocation: nuclear and radiation safety and nuclear security; environment; food safety; human health; energy; and industrial applications. According to the NEA, the framework is designed to enhance Singapore''s ability to assess new energy technologies, strengthen environmental radiation monitoring, improve food radiochemistry and safety testing, and advance the quality and safety of nuclear imaging and cancer therapy. It builds upon achievements from previous technical cooperation programs, enabling Singapore to leverage nuclear science and technology for national development while contributing to regional capacity-building efforts. In addition, on April 17, 2025, the NEA signed an agreement with the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to develop a training program focused on nuclear regulatory skills. This program is intended for the NEA and its newly formed nuclear safety division, established in October 2025. Furthermore, in March 2025, the NEA announced that the National Radiochemistry Laboratory had been designated as an IAEA collaborating centre for 2026–2030, tasked with leading regional radiological monitoring and emergency response capability development. Moreover, the NEA will commission three studies examining international safety standards and the environmental impact of nuclear power facilities, including reactor design, safety systems, and accident prevention. Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong, in his Budget 2025 speech, indicated that the government would study the potential deployment of nuclear power in Singapore and systematically build capabilities in this area. He noted that nuclear safety would become more important given the region''s growing interest in nuclear energy. Singapore has not yet decided whether to adopt nuclear energy but is assessing its viability, as low-carbon alternatives like nuclear could help the nation achieve net-zero goals and strengthen energy security, given its limited domestic renewable energy potential.
Conclusion
The agreement represents a continuation of Singapore''s step-by-step approach to building nuclear expertise, with further steps including regulatory training and safety studies, while a final decision on nuclear energy deployment remains pending.