Berakas, 22 June 2026 – The Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) today hosted the opening of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Advisory Mission on Regulatory Infrastructure for Radiation Safety and Nuclear Security (RISS), marking a significant milestone in Brunei Darussalam’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its national regulatory framework for radiation safety and nuclear security

The opening ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA), representatives from relevant government agencies, and members of the IAEA RISS team.

The five-day mission, held from 22 to 26 June 2026, brings together international experts from the IAEA and national stakeholders to review and provide expert advice on Brunei Darussalam’s regulatory infrastructure for radiation safety and the security of radioactive materials.

The RISS mission serves as an advisory and benchmarking exercise conducted against internationally recognised standards and guidance, including IAEA safety standards and the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources. The mission’s findings will support Brunei Darussalam in further strengthening and aligning its regulatory framework with international best practices, while identifying opportunities for continuous improvements.

Throughout the mission, the IAEA RISS team conducted a seminar on radiation safety and the security of radioactive materials, engage in technical discussions with relevant national agencies, and undertake site visits to facilities involved in radiation safety and related technical services. The mission will conclude with the presentation of a preliminary report outlining key observations, recommendations, and a proposed action plan.

The mission reflects Brunei Darussalam’s continued progress in strengthening national capabilities in radiation safety and nuclear security. In October 2024, Brunei Darussalam formally expressed its political commitment to the IAEA Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources and its supplementary guidance documents.

Building on this commitment, the country commissioned its first Early Warning Environmental Radiation Monitoring System and launched the Radiation Dosimetry Service Laboratory in April 2025. These initiatives significantly enhanced national capabilities in environmental radiation monitoring, occupational radiation protection, and radiological emergency preparedness and response.

Further advancements include the rollout of dedicated air and water monitoring systems, alongside the establishment of the Radiation Sampling and Analysis Laboratory, which commenced operations in February 2026 in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB). More recently, Brunei Darussalam joined the Asian Nuclear Safety Network (ANSN), enhancing regional cooperation through the exchange of knowledge, technical expertise, and regulatory experience.

As part of broader efforts to strengthen the national nuclear security regime, the National Working Committee on Radiation and Nuclear Matters (JKRN) was established in 2024 under the National Committee on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNe). The Committee serves as the inter-agency platform for coordinating national efforts related to radiation safety and nuclear security.

Yang Mulia Haji Muhsin bin Haji Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer of SHENA, emphasised that the RISS mission provides a valuable opportunity for Brunei Darussalam to benchmark its regulatory arrangements against internationally recognised standards and good practices, while identifying areas for further improvement.

He added, “As Brunei Darussalam continues to expand the application of nuclear and radiation technologies across healthcare, agriculture, industry and research, it is essential that these advancements are underpinned by a regulatory framework that is robust, safe, secure, and sustainable.”

SHENA also expressed its appreciation to the IAEA and the RISS mission team for their continued support, expertise, and partnership. The Authority looks forward to the mission’s findings and recommendations, which will contribute to the ongoing enhancement of Brunei Darussalam’s radiation safety and nuclear security framework.