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Nuclear energy is one of those topics that can feel both futuristic and frightening at the same time. In Singapore, a country with no nuclear power plants and a highly urbanized landscape, the very word “nuclear” often triggers images of mushroom clouds, radiation leaks, and complicated scientific jargon. But a small group of passionate individuals is hoping to change that by creating a space where ordinary people can learn, ask questions, and make up their own minds without fear of judgment. That group is the Nuclear Learning & Understanding Society, or NUCLEUS, a new ground-up initiative formed in September. The society was created at a critical moment, as the Singapore government is currently studying whether nuclear energy could become part of the country’s future energy mix. For many countries, nuclear power is seen as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, but it remains deeply polarizing. Matthew Chew, the president of NUCLEUS and a consultant with a master’s degree in nuclear science and engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, describes the situation in Singapore quite vividly. He says that many people think nuclear energy is a good idea in the abstract, but when you ask them how they would feel about having a nuclear facility close to their own home, their confidence suddenly disappears. It’s that “not in my backyard” reaction that Chew and his team want to address through honest, open, and patient conversations. They believe that much of the fear comes from a gap in knowledge and awareness, not necessarily from careful consideration of the facts. By helping the public understand what nuclear energy actually involves, including its benefits, risks, and technical challenges, NUCLEUS hopes to make the discussion less emotional and more informed. This is not about convincing anyone that nuclear energy is definitely the right choice for Singapore. It is about making sure that if the country ever does decide to go nuclear, the decision will be made by a public that understands the trade-offs, not by fear or misinformation.
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One of the most common concerns that people raise about nuclear energy is the management of radioactive waste. It is easy to imagine dangerous materials sitting in barrels, leaking into the ground, or causing health problems for generations. But Chew wants to clear up some misconceptions. He points out that there are established, reliable methods for storing nuclear waste that are designed to protect people and the environment. These include land-based dry casks, which are heavily shielded containers that hold used nuclear fuel, and deep underground geological storage, where waste is placed in stable rock formations far below the surface. In both cases, the goal is to isolate the radiation from living things for as long as necessary. Chew emphasizes that nuclear waste is not something that is simply discarded and forgotten; it is carefully managed according to strict safety standards. The fear of excessive exposure is understandable, but it does not match the reality of how nuclear waste is handled in countries with mature nuclear programs. Interestingly, a 2023 study conducted by Singapore authorities together with a Swedish company found that there are no major technical roadblocks for Singapore to store its own nuclear waste, possibly deep underground, if the country decides to adopt nuclear energy. That finding is encouraging, but it is important to note that it was based on a desktop study, meaning it used existing data and research rather than on-site investigations. Future surveys and real-world testing would be needed before any final conclusions could be drawn. Still, the study suggests that the question of nuclear waste does not have to be a deal-breaker. The issue is not whether nuclear waste can be managed safely in principle, but whether a small, densely populated island like Singapore has the right geography, infrastructure, and institutional capacity to do it well. That is a complex question that deserves careful thought, public input, and continued research. NUCLEUS hopes to provide a platform where such questions can be discussed openly, without people feeling embarrassed about what they do not know. After all, the only way to truly understand a topic as complex as nuclear energy is to start with the basics and build from there.
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Beyond waste management, NUCLEUS also wants to talk about other important topics that often come up in nuclear discussions. These include nuclear safety, the possible location of a nuclear power plant, and the kinds of careers that might exist in the nuclear field. Safety is perhaps the most emotionally charged issue, because accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima have left deep scars on the public consciousness. People worry about what could go wrong, and they want to know what protections would be in place to prevent disasters. Location is another sensitive subject. In a country as small and crowded as Singapore, any nuclear facility would need to be placed somewhere, and that decision would affect the surrounding community. Residents would naturally want to know about emergency plans, evacuation routes, and the impact on property values. Careers in the nuclear field are also worth discussing, because young people might be curious about what it would be like to work in such a highly specialized industry. These are not idle concerns. They are practical, personal, and deeply human questions. Chew and his team understand that the public is not asking these questions because they are ignorant or difficult. They are asking because they care about their families, their homes, and their future. The society’s mission is to create a space where these questions can be asked and answered in a respectful, non-judgmental way. Chew puts it simply: “There is no wrong question.” That is a powerful statement, especially in a field as technical and intimidating as nuclear engineering. Too often, people feel that they need to have a science degree just to participate in the conversation. NUCLEUS wants to lower that barrier. The society is still small, with just ten members, but it has already met twice since its formation to discuss its objectives and mission. The members are not politicians or lobbyists. They are engineers, scientists, and business people who share a common belief that the public deserves better access to accurate, understandable information about nuclear energy. They are not trying to push an agenda. They simply want to make the topic less mysterious and more approachable.
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NUCLEUS has ambitious plans for engaging the public. The society hopes to organize a variety of events, including seminars, workshops, and networking sessions, as well as talks in schools. The first networking event is expected to take place in November. These events are designed to be accessible, welcoming, and interactive. Instead of relying on boring lectures or complicated slide presentations, NUCLEUS wants to create genuine conversations where people can share their thoughts and concerns. That means giving people the chance to speak, not just listen. It means answering the same question multiple times without making anyone feel stupid. And it means acknowledging that nuclear energy is not a simple issue with a single correct answer. The society’s goal is to share general knowledge about the science and engineering behind nuclear energy, but also to explain why governments around the world are considering nuclear power as part of their clean energy strategies. Why are some countries investing in new reactors while others are phasing them out? What steps does a government have to take before committing to a nuclear program? How long does it take to build a power plant, and how much does it cost? These are the kinds of questions that NUCLEUS wants to explore. Importantly, the society is very clear about what it is not. It is not an advocacy group. It is not trying to convince the Singapore government to adopt nuclear energy, nor is it telling the public that nuclear power is the only solution to climate change. Chew stresses that the role of NUCLEUS is to provide education, not to lobby for a particular outcome. This distinction is crucial, because it helps maintain trust. If the public feels that NUCLEUS has a hidden agenda, the whole project will fail. By staying neutral and focusing on learning, the society hopes to earn respect from people on all sides of the debate. Whether someone is strongly in favor of nuclear energy, strongly against it, or simply undecided, they are welcome to join the conversation. The only requirement is a willingness to listen and learn.
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The people behind NUCLEUS bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives. Matthew Chew is the president and has a strong academic background in nuclear science and engineering. But he is not the only one shaping the society. The committee also includes Brendan Tan, a business development manager working in the energy technology sector; Rowinski Marcin, a senior scientist with a PhD in nuclear engineering; and Nicola Scarpelli, the managing director of an automation company with a master’s degree in energy and nuclear engineering. Interestingly, Brendan Tan is the only committee member without a formal nuclear engineering or science background. He sees that as a strength, not a weakness. Tan admits that when a room is full of engineers, conversations can quickly become highly technical and go down a rabbit hole. His job is to bring the discussion back to practical, real-world relevance. He likes to put himself in the shoes of an ordinary member of the public and ask the simple questions that others might be afraid to ask. Tan believes that if the society were made up only of engineers, it might end up talking to itself like an echo chamber. His presence helps ensure that NUCLEUS stays connected to the concerns and perspectives of everyday people. Tan also has a background in finance, which is valuable when discussing the economics of nuclear power. Nuclear plants are extremely expensive to build, and figuring out how to pay for them is a major challenge. Tan is particularly interested in small modular reactors, also known as SMRs. These are advanced nuclear reactors that are considered more suitable for a land-scarce, population-dense country like Singapore. SMRs have lower power capacity, enhanced safety features, and require much smaller buffer zones compared with conventional reactors. They are still an emerging technology, and there is a lot to learn about their commercial and financial viability. Tan says the field is evolving quickly, and everyone is still figuring out how SMRs can be financed and deployed successfully. For him, the goal is to engage with people, learn together, and hopefully build an ecosystem that is ready if Singapore ever decides to pursue this path. His attitude reflects the spirit of NUCLEUS: humble, curious, and collaborative.
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The broader hope is that NUCLEUS can help create a more mature and thoughtful public conversation about nuclear energy in Singapore. For decades, the topic has been largely absent from mainstream discussion, partly because there was no immediate need to talk about it. But the world is changing. Climate targets are becoming more urgent, and countries are looking for reliable low-carbon energy sources. Singapore, like many places, is facing tough decisions about how to power its future without increasing emissions. Nuclear energy may or may not be part of the answer, but it deserves to be examined with an open mind. That requires public trust, and public trust requires education. It is difficult for people to trust a technology they do not understand. It is also difficult to plan for the future if the public feels excluded from the process. NUCLEUS aims to bridge that gap by offering a space where questions are welcomed, facts are respected, and uncertainties are acknowledged. The society is still in its early days, and much of its work lies ahead. But the simple act of starting a conversation is already meaningful. Every meeting, every talk, and every conversation is a step toward a more informed public. Chew and his team are not expecting to change everyone’s mind overnight. They know that nuclear energy will always be a sensitive and debated topic. But they believe that with time, patience, and empathy, people can move from fear to understanding. Ultimately, the goal is not to choose a side but to help the whole community make better decisions together. For anyone interested in learning more or getting involved, NUCLEUS can be contacted at [email protected]. Whether you are a student, a working professional, a concerned parent, or just a curious person, there is a place for you in this conversation. The future of energy is a story that belongs to all of us, and the first chapter begins with a willingness to listen and learn.