On April 20, 2026, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology (INET) of Tsinghua University (THU) and the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute (SNRSI) of the National University of Singapore (NUS). Under this MOU, the two parties will collaborate on joint research, technical exchanges, and personnel training focused on modular High-Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor (HTGR) technology. Additionally, they will engage in regional and international cooperative initiatives of mutual interest.

During the signing ceremony, Tong Jiejuan, Chairperson of INET, stated that the MOU marks a milestone in the bilateral partnership. It will lay a solid foundation for deepening future collaboration and usher in a new chapter of joint progress. Confident in the synergy of their complementary strengths, she noted that the partnership will yield fruitful research outcomes, cultivate outstanding young talents, and promote the safe, innovative, and sustainable development of advanced nuclear energy systems.

Low Xin Wei, CEO of SNRSI, highlighted that Singapore is actively studying the potential deployment of nuclear energy. Given the country’s unique geographical constraints, particularly its limited land area, Singapore is highly interested in small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced nuclear technologies such as HTGR. Thanks to the advantages such as inherent safety features, HTGR technology, such as that developed by INET, has garnered widespread attention and recognition from the international community. He expressed his anticipation that both sides will achieve substantive results in joint research, talent development, and technical exchanges.

Following the ceremony, SNRSI experts toured INET’s key experimental HTGR facilities, including the 10 MW High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (HTR-10), the Advanced Reactor Engineering Laboratory, the Six-module HTGR Simulator, etc.. The visit was followed by a two-day technical exchange to discuss future collaborative opportunities.

Also in attendance at the signing ceremony were Chung Keng Yeow, Director of SNRSI, and Wang Haitao, Deputy Director of INET, alongside faculty members from both institutions, including Neo Zhipeng, Xiao Sicong, Sun Jun, Xi Ze, etc..

SNRSI was established in the National University of Singapore (NUS) in 2014 to concentrate expertise and knowledge in nuclear technology and safety in a single institute, and to sustain a critical mass of manpower engaged in a range of nuclear-related activities relevant to Singapore.