ASEAN Must Strengthen Nuclear Readiness To Match Global Advances

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 (Bernama) -- ASEAN must ensure it possesses the technical capacity, regulatory readiness, and collaborative networks necessary to manage all types of nuclear reactors safely and effectively, in order to keep pace with global advancements in nuclear technology.

Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuklear Malaysia) director-general Dr Muhammad Rawi Mohamed Zin emphasised that such preparedness is crucial as nuclear power is increasingly recognised worldwide as a key option for clean energy and climate change mitigation.

Within ASEAN, he said member states are exploring nuclear energy as part of their long-term energy strategies, while others are advancing its applications in medicine, agriculture, industry and environmental protection.

“Advancement in nuclear technology, such as the various designs and approaches of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) with innovative safety features are reshaping the global nuclear landscape.

“The Network on Nuclear Power Safety Research (NPSR) was established with this purpose; to provide a platform for cooperation, capacity building and joint research so that ASEAN can progress in a safe, responsible, and well-prepared manner,” he said during his opening remarks at the 8th ASEAN Annual Meeting On Nuclear Power Safety Research (ASEAN NPSR) here, yesterday.

The event was hosted by Nuklear Malaysia, and held in conjunction with Malaysia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN 2025.

Muhammad Rawi noted that the meeting will feature a Special Talk by distinguished experts from China, Japan and the Russian Federation.

“Their insights into nuclear safety research, SMR development, and international best practices will greatly enrich our deliberations and inspire new pathways for ASEAN cooperation,” he said.

As ASEAN Chair in 2025, Muhammad Rawi said Malaysia is committed to strengthening regional resilience and advancing scientific cooperation through the Malaysian Nuclear Agency.

“It has been our long commitment to advancing peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology, from operating the TRIGA PUSPATI Research Reactor for more than four decades, to pioneering regional training programmes under the IAEA and RCA, Malaysia has contributed actively to nuclear safety, capacity building, and research collaboration.

“This meeting therefore reflects both our national commitment and our regional responsibility under ASEAN’s collective framework,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nuklear Malaysia in a statement announced that for the first time, Malaysia is hosting the annual meeting which began in 2017 and is also in line with the rotation policy among ASEAN countries.

According to the statement, the NPSR took place for three days starting yesterday at a hotel in the capital involving 27 participants from Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam including host Malaysia and potential new ASEAN partner country Timor Leste.

The annual meeting brings together researchers, academics, policymakers and engineers from ASEAN countries to discuss the latest developments, share best practices and strengthen cooperation in the field of nuclear energy safety.

-- BERNAMA