PUBLISHED ONSeptember 11, 2026 11:05 AMBYSean LerMinister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu will deliver Singapore's national statement at the 70th International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) general conference in Vienna.
She will be in the Austrian capital from Sept 13 to 15, the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) said on Friday (Sept 11).
The minister will affirm Singapore's longstanding support and cooperation with the IAEA on the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology at the conference, the statement said.
She will also highlight Singapore's ongoing efforts to strengthen domestic capabilities in assessing nuclear safety, including preparations for the first phase of the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR).
On May 19, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced that Singapore will be evaluating its ability to potentially deploy nuclear energy through the INIR.
The assessment is part of the IAEA's milestones approach — a structured, internationally recognised framework to guide countries in understanding the commitments and obligations associated with developing a nuclear power programme.
The milestones approach comprehensively assesses 19 areas, such as capabilities to manage nuclear safety, radioactive waste, and emergency planning.
Fu is also scheduled to meet with IAEA director general Rafael Mariano Grossi and senior stakeholders across the civil nuclear sector, to discuss the latest developments in advanced nuclear reactor technologies, nuclear safety and regulation.
During his visit to Singapore in July last year, Grossi said that unlike some countries which would have to start from scratch, Singapore has already laid the “groundwork” if it chooses to embark on a nuclear energy programme.
The Argentinian pointed to Singapore as a "fine technological base with "mature” regulatory framework, and "very good safety and research capabilities".
"I don’t see any obstacles (for Singapore)," he added.
"For some countries, it could be financing, or the lack of human capacity — the workforce. You don’t have these problems… There are many boxes that have been checked already," he said.
While in Vienna, Fu will also witness the designation of SingHealth as a Rays of Hope (ROH) anchor centre.
The ROH initiative supports member states in establishing or expanding capabilities in nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, and multimodality medical imaging.
An anchor centre is selected for its clinical excellence, education programmes, and research capacity, and serve as a regional hub for training, research and the exchange of expertise.
In Vienna, the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute will sign a memorandum of understanding with the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute and Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology.
MSE said these will strengthen collaboration in nuclear research and safety, and further Singapore's efforts to build capabilities in the area.
Fu will also meet with Singaporeans serving in the IAEA to hear about their work and contributions to the international nuclear field.
She will be accompanied by officials from MSE and the National Environment Agency.
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