Singapore builds nuclear skills ahead of 2027 IAEA review

Singapore is building nuclear expertise to assess whether advanced technologies could suit its power system and prepare for a 2027 International Atomic Energy Agency infrastructure review. Its Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry and Energy Market Authority announced three capability schemes on 26 October: public-officer training starting in 2027, an as-invited industry route for selected companies, and a fellowship whose first nuclear specialists are due in 2026. No decision to deploy nuclear power has been made.

Three routes with different audiences and dates

The full joint METI and EMA release names the three schemes and distinguishes their audiences. The planned 2027 Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review mission will assess Singapore’s capabilities; it is neither a completed review nor a decision to build a nuclear plant.

The Singapore Nuclear Manpower Development Programme will link government agencies with global nuclear organisations for structured training. Public officers working on energy development are expected to gain on-the-job exposure to technology assessment, project development, licensing and regulation. The full release says this programme will commence in 2027 and roll out progressively, so the 26 October launch is not evidence that officer placements have begun.

The Nuclear Manpower Development Programme (Industry) will provide funding support on an as-invited basis for personnel at selected Singapore-based companies to join training and industry attachments with international partners. It is a targeted company route, not an open application offer to every employer or professional. The joint METI–EMA release says building local company capabilities could put those firms in a position to participate in commercial opportunities overseas as regional and global interest in nuclear energy grows. Energy firms interested in capability-building should seek confirmed invitation and placement terms from the agencies before planning staff participation.

Fellowship and university plan serve different purposes

The third launched scheme, the Singapore Future Energy Fellowship, is intended to bring international energy leaders into strategic discussions about Singapore’s long-term energy direction. Fellows will provide independent advice and engage with government, industry, academia and the media. EMA says the first cohort, bringing nuclear expertise, will be appointed in 2026; later groups may cover other low-carbon technologies and grid planning. The fellowship is an expert-advice and leadership route, not a general training placement.

Separately, Energy Minister Tan See Leng said in his 26 October energy lecture that the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University are working towards a joint master’s programme in nuclear engineering in 2027. That course is still a plan and is not the third scheme in the joint release. Prospective students should await the universities’ own admissions and timing details.

For public officers, selected Singapore-company staff and energy-sector planners, the development is a set of distinct capability routes with different gates and start dates. The government is building expertise to make an informed choice about nuclear energy, including safety, waste and emergency-planning questions. Neither these programmes nor the planned 2027 review establish that Singapore will deploy nuclear power.

Sources: METI and EMA full joint release, 26 October 2026; Minister Tan See Leng’s energy lecture, 26 October 2026.