Written reply to PQ on qualifications and profiles of Nuclear Energy Office’s full-time staff

Question:

Ms Valerie Lee: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry what percentage of the Nuclear Energy Office's full-time staff possess (i) direct experience in researching, developing, and/or operating nuclear power plants overseas and (ii) a relevant nuclear engineering academic degree.

Written Answer by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong

1.           The Nuclear Energy Office (NEO) within the Energy Market Authority (EMA) was set up to build domestic capabilities to help Singapore make an informed decision on the feasibility of nuclear energy. This requires a diverse range of expertise beyond nuclear engineering. For example, expertise in areas such as electrical, mechanical, civil, and chemical engineering, as well as in data science and project financing.

2.           Currently, among the 26 officers in NEO, 4 have nuclear engineering degrees, and another 16 have science and engineering degrees. All officers in NEO undertake specialised training, such as with the International Atomic Energy Agency. EMA also plans to have officers attached to overseas nuclear energy counterparts in the coming years.

3.           As Singapore continues to build up our capabilities in nuclear energy, EMA and other government agencies will be looking to grow their teams further. We welcome more Singaporeans to join us in this endeavour.