In Singapore, energy security is more than an economic or a social concern—it is a matter of national defence. It must be treated as a large-scale integrated defence system, linking infrastructure, fuel imports, nuclear options, and climate policy. Critical nodes such as energy terminals, LNG supply chains, and digital power grids require physical protection, redundancy, and cybersecurity. Heavy reliance on imported natural gas leaves Singapore exposed to geopolitical shocks, making diversification through regional electricity trade (ASEAN Power Grid), solar deployment, and low-carbon fuels strategically vital—but also introducing new interdependence risks. Emerging nuclear technologies, particularly small modular reactors, offer potential for long-term strategic autonomy. Yet they bring trade-offs: limited land, safety margins in a dense environment, waste management, public trust, and regional diplomacy. In short, Singapore’s energy defence requires integration as a large-scale system. Protecting infrastructure, diversifying energy sources, and carefully exploring nuclear options are all essential to safeguard energy security while minimizing climate impacts.

Professor Lui Pao Chuen was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in the 2025 National Day Awards for his outstanding contributions to Singapore’s defence, science, technology and infrastructure. He has served in the Ministry of Defence for 41 years in various key capacities, including 22 years as Chief Defence Scientist before his retirement in 2008. He continues to contribute his expertise professionally to numerous committees in universities, government agencies and corporations. He has served or is serving as Chairman of various entities such as the Advisory Council of the Singapore Space Technology Ltd., the Development Projects Advisory Panel of the Ministry of Finance, the Board of Directors of Sembcorp Specialized Construction, the Management Board of Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative (SNRSI) and the Maritime Innovation and Technology Fund Steering Committee. He is a Member of the Senate of the Management Development Institute of Singapore; Management Board of the Tropical Marine Science Institute and the Centre for Remote Imaging, Sensing and Processing at the National University of Singapore, Steering Committee for the development of Singapore Tuas Port and a Member of Executive Committee for Airport Development and the Technology and Systems Committee of Changi Airport Group, and International Advisory Panel of the Aviation Transformation Programme Committee and acts as Adviser to Land Transport Authority on technology.