Dr Tan See Leng says Singapore must build public awareness as neighbours advance nuclear power plans.

As Southeast Asia accelerates its shift toward nuclear energy, Singapore is taking steps to educate its citizens and strengthen regional monitoring. Minister for Manpower and Energy Science & Technology Dr Tan See Leng told Parliament on Nov 6 that Singapore must enhance nuclear literacy—even if it ultimately decides against adopting the technology itself.

Building Nuclear Literacy for a Nuclear-Ready Region

Dr Tan said Singapore’s government is working to “socialise” the population to the idea of regional nuclear deployment, as several Asean countries move closer to building their first nuclear plants. “Even if we eventually decide not to deploy nuclear energy on our shores, it does not preclude our neighbours from doing so,” he explained.

The government plans to share updated information on nuclear safety and advanced technologies with the public to foster awareness and preparedness. Dr Tan emphasized that education will help Singaporeans understand potential cross-border safety considerations should neighbouring countries begin operations.

Asean’s Nuclear Momentum

Across the region, nuclear power has gained traction as nations seek low-carbon energy options.

• Vietnam has restarted its nuclear programme, targeting its first operational plants between 2031 and 2035.
• The Philippines aims for a 2032 launch, with plans to expand from 1,200 megawatts (MW) to 4,800 MW by 2050.
• Malaysia intends to integrate nuclear power into its energy mix by 2031.
• Indonesia is preparing to build a 500 MW plant by 2032, with ambitions to reach 10 gigawatts by 2040.

“So, as the regional interest in nuclear power continues to grow, we want to contemporaneously and progressively prepare our fellow Singaporeans,” Dr Tan said.

Unclear Regional Progress

In a separate parliamentary exchange, Dr Tan acknowledged that Singapore cannot fully verify the maturity of its neighbours’ nuclear plans, citing limited transparency. He said the government is collaborating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to “triangulate” available data on regional developments.

“We have heard anecdotal announcements that there could be potential sitings 500km south of us,” he noted, referencing possible small modular reactor (SMR) projects in Kalimantan and eastern Indonesia.

Regional Nuclear Research Footprint

Several Asean countries already host research reactors for scientific and industrial use.

• Malaysia operates the Triga Puspati Reactor in Selangor.
• Indonesia maintains three research sites in Serpong, Bandung, and Yogyakarta.
• Vietnam has the Da Lat reactor, with plans to develop a new research facility.
• The Philippines also maintains dormant infrastructure from the 1980s-era Bataan nuclear plant.

While these facilities do not generate electricity, they underscore the region’s growing technical base in nuclear science.

Singapore’s Careful Study of Advanced Reactors

Singapore itself remains undecided on nuclear deployment but continues to evaluate its feasibility as part of a low-carbon transition strategy. The Energy Market Authority (EMA) and National Environment Agency (NEA) are assessing small modular reactors and Generation IV technologies that use safer, more compact designs suitable for land-limited nations.

In September, EMA appointed Mott MacDonald, a UK-based engineering consultancy, to study the safety and technical feasibility of these advanced systems. The government also recently partnered with two U.S. organisations to deepen expertise and engage the public through educational materials and background papers.

Singapore’s measured approach highlights a pragmatic balance between preparedness and prudence. As neighbouring Asean countries advance their nuclear ambitions, Singapore’s focus on education, research, and collaboration with international agencies positions it to stay informed, ready, and safe within a rapidly evolving regional energy landscape.

Sources: The Business Times (2025) , CNA (2025)

Keywords: Nuclear Education Singapore, Advanced Nuclear Technologies, Asean Nuclear Plans, Energy Market Authority, IAEA Cooperation, Small Modular Reactors