RT G: RSIS

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Given that the first nuclear power plant in Southeast Asia could be commissioned by the mid-2020s, discussions on introducing nuclear energy in the region would be timely. As reflected in ASEAN statements, ASEAN member states share a common goal of achieving high levels of public safety and confidence in nuclear and radiation-related issues. Regional platforms, such as the ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy (ASEANTOM), have begun discussing regional cooperation, nuclear safety measures and emergency preparedness. The ASEAN Nuclear Energy Cooperation Sub-Sector Network (NEC-SSN) has also made plans for more collaboration under the ASEAN Action Plan of Action on Energy Cooperation (APAEC) Phase 1: 2016 – 2020.

The Roundtable aims to facilitate discussions on ASEAN’s efforts and coordinated plans to enhance regional cooperation on nuclear safety and security in ASEAN. It will explore the relevant lessons that ASEAN can derive from the robust experience of other regional bodies, such as the European Union/European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM), in terms of facilitating regional cooperation on human resources training, information dissemination, legislative and regulatory issues, joint emergency preparedness and response exercises.

The Roundtable will also highlight the opportunities and challenges of regional cooperation on nuclear emergency preparedness and response in Southeast Asia. It will address the following specific questions:

1. What are the opportunities and challenges for regional platforms, such as ASEANTOM and NEC-SSN, in enhancing cooperation on nuclear energy governance in Southeast Asia?
2. How can governments ensure that the regulatory frameworks on nuclear safety are sufficiently robust for the expected increase in nuclear capabilities in the region?
3. How can the public-private partnerships on enhancing nuclear safety be developed in Southeast Asia?