RT G: S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies

The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident revealed human, organisational and cultural challenges to enhancing nuclear safety. The risks associated with nuclear energy do not necessarily originate from the technology itself, but also from mindsets and behaviours of those involved in the operation and regulation of nuclear energy facilities. There remains a need to strengthen nuclear energy governance in East Asia to identify challenges facing the development of nuclear safety and security.

The Roundtable will address key challenges faced by newcomer countries in Southeast Asia and the lessons learnt from the experience of Northeast Asian countries with nuclear power. It will also examine critical infrastructure issues - such as legislative and regulatory frameworks and human resource development - that need to be addressed by both potential nuclear newcomers and East Asian countries with nuclear power to improve the safe and secure management of nuclear energy.

Overall, roundtable speakers will highlight recent advances and future developments for nuclear safety and security in East Asia. The roles of regional networks, regulators, the nuclear industry, civil society and academic institutions are important for the future of the region’s nuclear governance.