Monday, 22 January 2024 - In a significant move to enhance nuclear governance, the Safety, Health, and Environment National Authority (SHENA) of Brunei Darussalam, in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is hosting a two-day workshop that focuses on the importance of the legal and regulatory framework in governing the peaceful use of nuclear energy applications. This event, organised at the Radisson Hotel, Bandar Seri Begawan from 22-23 January 2024, marks a pivotal step and effort in ensuring the safe and secure use of nuclear radiation applications in the nation.

The first day of the workshop was attended by Yang Mulia Datin Paduka Hajah Anifa Rafiza binti Haji Abdul Ghani, Acting Permanent Secretary (Security and Law) at the Prime Minister’s Office, who served as the guest of honour. Whereas Yang Mulia Haji Mohd Yusof bin Haji Mohd Taufik as the Acting Interim Chief Executive Officer (AICEO) of SHENA, officially inaugurated the workshop. In his opening remarks, the AICEO drew particular attention to the need for managing nuclear activities through legislation. He highlighted that the distinctive safety conditions and protective measures necessitated by the unique nature of nuclear activities introduce a multitude of complexities to conventional regulatory systems and added that during the course of this National Workshop, the aim is to equip all with a richer and more profound understanding of the significance of comprehensive national law related to the use of nuclear and radiation.

With Brunei Darussalam's membership in the IAEA since 18 February 2014, this workshop is representative of the ongoing support and assistance provided by the IAEA. More than 40 participants including representatives from Government agencies and national stakeholders heard several expert presentations which included the elements of a comprehensive national nuclear law with international case studies. Participants also had the opportunity to engage in group discussions led by experts from the IAEA on the topic of the international legal framework for nuclear liability.

The workshop is one of the IAEA’s initiatives to provide legislative assistance to member states through the Technical Cooperation Programme. It aims to raise awareness among key stakeholders on the importance of establishing a robust nuclear legal and regulatory framework in the country to govern all nuclear-related applications within Brunei Darussalam. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity for discussion on the four pillars of nuclear law and the legal instruments adopted under the IAEA auspices. This is pivotal to ensure the safe, secure, and peaceful use of existing and planned nuclear-related applications through the framework.

Following the workshop, a bilateral discussion session was also organised to enable the IAEA, SHENA, and relevant national stakeholders to discuss and identify any opportunities to strengthen the existing national nuclear law - the Radiation Protection Act, Chapter 228. This serves as an enabler towards the enforcement of stringent nuclear safety and security standards within Brunei Darussalam for the protection of the workers, the public and the environment.