Bandar Seri Begawan, 4 February 2026 - The Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) to establish the Radiation Sampling and Analysis Laboratory (RSAL).

The signing ceremony took place at the Banquet Hall, Prime Minister’s Office, and was graced by Yang Mulia Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Sufian bin Haji Sabtu, Deputy Minister (Security and Law) at the Prime Minister’s Office, in his capacity as Chairman of SHENA’s Board of Directors.

The MoC was signed by Yang Mulia Haji Muhsin bin Haji Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer of SHENA, and Yang Mulia Datin Paduka Professor Dr Dayang Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman, Vice-Chancellor of UTB. The ceremony was also attended by members of SHENA’s Board of Directors and the senior management of both organisations.

In his remarks, Yang Mulia Haji Muhsin bin Haji Ahmad highlighted that the strategic partnership supports the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Technical Cooperation Programme on “Strengthening Regulatory Radiation Control and Emergency Preparedness”. A key component of this cooperation is the High-Purity Germanium (HpGE) Gamma Spectrometer received from the IAEA, which will be handed over by SHENA to UTB. UTB will, in turn, provide the necessary laboratory infrastructure and technical expertise to support its operation.

The RSAL will support three key national priorities: establishing a national baseline and enabling continuous monitoring of environmental radiation levels; strengthening enforcement of the Radiation Protection Act (Chapter 228); and serving as a cornerstone of the National Emergency Response for rapid radiation analysis and exposure assessment during radiological emergencies.

Concluding his remarks, Yang Mulia Haji Muhsin bin Haji Ahmad emphasised that the collaboration contributes to Wawasan Brunei 2035 by strengthening national capacity to protect public health and the environment from harmful radiation. He added that the project’s planned installation and training programmes will develop a highly skilled workforce and build strong competencies in gamma spectrometry and radiation analysis for personnel from both SHENA and UTB.

The laboratory is expected to be completed upon completion of renovation works, with formal commissioning anticipated by the end of the year. The MoC reflects SHENA and UTB’s shared commitment to enhancing radiation safety, advancing national capability, and ensuring Brunei Darussalam is a safe place to work and live.