Online Training Course on Enhancing EPR Capabilities in ASEAN Region held Virtually on 22-26 Nov. 2021     The Opening of the Online Training Course on Enhancing Emergency Preparedness and Response Capabilities in ASEAN Region in Radiation Monitoring and Dose Assessment was held on 22 November 2021 virtually at the RCA E-CAMPUS recently developed by the RCA Regional Office. It was attended by 17 participants from 9 countries, lecturers and RCARO. Following the opening session were real-time lectures given by Dr Peter Zombori, a former IAEA expert, on the introduction of IAEA Safety Standards and a case study of the Chernobyl incident.   Conducted under the RCARO/ASEANTOM Partnership Project on Enhancing Emergency Preparedness and Response Capabilities in the ASEAN Region through Building Technical Capacity in Radiation Monitoring and Dose Assessment, the training course covers theoretical and practical aspects of major areas in radiation monitoring and dose assessment and gives demonstrations of experiments, calculation and a facility tour.   It is being held in a hybrid format, consisting of real-time activities and e-learning lectures, which is expected to encourage the participants manage their time and learning effectively as well as provide them with opportunities for interactions.

The 4th Meeting of the STF for the 50th Anniversary of the RCA held on 17 Nov. 2021     Upon the approval of the 50th RCA General Conference Meeting (GCM), the 4th Meeting of Special Task Force (STF) on the preparation of the 50th Anniversary of the RCA was held virtually on 17 November 2021. Then Meeting was attended by the members of the STF - Thailand, China, Korea, Malaysia, Viet Nam, IAEA and RCARO, and the RCA PAC Chair as an observer. The Meeting discussed the plan and progress of the preparation of the RCA 50th Anniversary, including the Ministerial Conference, RCA Exhibition and other relevant activities. In particular, the work plan and agenda of the Ministerial Conference as well as draft Ministerial Declaration have been reviewed. In addition, detailed work plans for preparing for the RCA Exhibition and developing an anniversary video and website have been reviewed and confirmed. The STF also discussed on the other issues such as the publications and RCA Awards. Taking into consideration necessary subjects that need further discussion, the Meeting agreed to convene again prior to the 44th Meeting of the RCA National Representatives (NRM), to be held in April 2022.

A guideline document for enhancing the emergency monitoring capabilities has been developed     "Guideline for Radioactivity Measurements in the Environment and Individual Dose Assessment Following a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency" was developed and distributed to the relevant stakeholders.   This document was developed as part of activities under the aprtnership project between the RCA Regional Office (RCARO) and the ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy (ASEANTOM), with the aim to improve the emergency monitoring capabilities of the ASEANTOM member countries following a nuclear or radiological emergency by facilitating the development of detailed standard operating procedures regarding radioactivity measurements of individuals and the environment. The guideline makes recommendations regarding the emergency monitoring processess, including the monitoring of the environment and individuals, used to respond to the emergencies, to thereby mitigate and minimize the consequences of such emergencies and protect emergency workers, the public and the environment against harmful effects of ionizing radiation in emergency exposure situations.