Training public officers at global firms part of new initiatives to grow S’pore nuclear talent

They are Canadian engineering services and nuclear organisation AtkinsRealis, China National Nuclear Corporation Overseas, which exports the state’s nuclear power plant technology, and American nuclear reactor and fuel firm X-energy.

Through these partnerships, participants are expected to gain experience in areas such as technology assessment, project development, licensing and regulatory frameworks, said EMA and the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry (METI) in a separate statement.

The second scheme for the private sector is known as the Nuclear Manpower Development Programme (Industry).

This will fund workers from invited Singapore-based companies to join training programmes and industry attachments with trusted international partners.

“With growing interest in nuclear energy globally, the nuclear industry could bring significant opportunities and new career pathways both domestically and internationally,” said Tan.

Responding to queries from The Straits Times, an EMA spokesman said the scheme is intended for firms with “significant local presence”, which could include foreign-owned companies operating in Singapore.

The Government will assess suitable firms based on several criteria, including their strategy and plans to participate in the nuclear sector.

The Government will also launch the Singapore Future Energy Fellowship from 2026 to draw international energy leaders to the Republic.

Appointed on a rolling basis without a fixed quota, fellows under the scheme will provide independent, strategic advice on Singapore’s long-term energy strategy.

The first batch of fellows will comprise experts in nuclear energy to support Singapore’s efforts to prepare for the 2027 assessment, EMA said.

Beyond advising policymakers, they will be tasked with spurring the development of future energy leaders and sharing their views through structured engagements with the Government, industry, academia and the media.

Future cohorts could include experts in grid infrastructure and planning, more low-carbon energy pathways and other key areas of energy planning.

Tan also said that the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University are working towards launching a joint master’s programme in nuclear engineering in 2027.

According to NUS’ website, a one- to two-week immersion in a “nuclear-mature” country is recommended for students. The programme is open to graduates of any quantitative discipline with no prior expertise in nuclear engineering.

The schemes announced by the Government on Oct 26 are the latest in a flurry of nuclear energy-related moves by the Republic.

This comes amid a heightened urgency to safeguard energy security in a more sustainable way. Nuclear energy is considered a low-carbon energy source as the reactions that generate electricity do not release planet-warming emissions.

Singapore will also host a forum with the International Atomic Energy Agency on Oct 27 during the energy conference to examine how ASEAN and the wider region can safely and responsibly harness the potential of nuclear energy.

METI and EMA said in the statement that the schemes will be important for Singapore to build up domestic capabilities and familiarity with all aspects of civilian nuclear power development.

This includes deepening Singapore’s understanding of the governance, management, licensing and regulatory requirements of nuclear energy to support informed decision-making.

METI and EMA noted that such training would equip these personnel to support their firms in advancing nuclear strategies and capability-building efforts.