AGP Executive Report

Brunei Royal Update: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has revoked his daughter-in-law Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah’s royal title and style “with immediate effect,” citing conduct described as “unbecoming” and “a lack of respect” that tarnished the monarchy’s good name; the palace did not spell out the specific actions, and reports say her four children’s titles remain unchanged. Regional Security: The Philippines and the US are set to intensify joint readiness exercises, with US special operations leadership visiting Manila to strengthen deterrence and coordination amid South China Sea tensions involving Brunei and other claimants. ASEAN Cooperation: Sarawak officials say transboundary haze concerns may be raised at ASEAN level, noting smoke from Baram and Kuala Baram can drift toward Brunei, while cloud seeding is being assessed. Business & Trade: Brunei’s capital market push continues with a seminar on sukuk as an alternative financing tool, while regional deal news highlights offshore work linked to Brunei in major energy contract lists. Education & Research: CityUHK is exploring deeper collaboration with Sunway University in Malaysia, focusing on education, research and innovation.

Brunei Royal Update: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has revoked his daughter-in-law Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah’s royal title and style “Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri” with immediate effect, citing “unbecoming” conduct and “lack of respect” that allegedly tarnished the monarchy’s good name; the palace did not spell out the specific incident, and reports suggest no divorce has been announced, while her four children’s titles are said to remain unchanged. Regional Security: The U.S. says special operations forces are ready to step up warfighting-readiness drills with the Philippines and other Asian partners to deter major conflict, with Brunei listed among regional claimants in the South China Sea standoffs. ASEAN Maritime: ASEAN and India are preparing for the second Asean-India Maritime Exercise (Sept 28–Oct 2), with Brunei among the participating navies. Haze Watch (Brunei-linked): Sarawak leaders say transboundary haze concerns may be raised at ASEAN level, warning smoke can drift toward Brunei and discussing cloud seeding as conditions change. Energy/Industry (Brunei offshore): Upstream reports Kelidang project offshore Brunei deals, including MISC selecting Jutal Offshore Oil Services for FPU topsides modules and MMHE for converting an oil tanker into the FPU hull. Tourism & Trade: WTM London says early exhibitor demand is strong for 2026, with Brunei among destinations confirmed as new exhibitors.

Royal Discipline in Focus: Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has revoked daughter-in-law Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah’s royal title and style “with immediate effect,” citing conduct deemed “unbecoming,” “tarnishing” the monarchy’s good name and showing “lack of respect,” with no specific incident details released; she remains mother of four princesses whose titles are reported unchanged. Regional Security: The Philippines and India have finalized preparations for the second Asean-India Maritime Exercise (AIME), set for Sept 28–Oct 2, with Brunei among the 11 Asean participants, aiming to boost maritime security cooperation and interoperability. Haze Watch (Malaysia–Brunei link): Sarawak leaders say transboundary haze concerns may be raised at ASEAN level, stressing vigilance over fires near Baram and Kuala Baram because smoke can drift to Brunei. Brunei Business & Finance: A Brunei capital market seminar highlighted sukuk as an alternative financing instrument, urging wider corporate participation to strengthen the local capital market ecosystem. Tourism Push: Brunei is targeting 1 million tourists for Visit Brunei Year 2027.

Brunei Royal Update: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has revoked daughter-in-law Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah’s princess title and style “Highness” with immediate effect, citing “unbecoming” conduct and “lack of respect” that tarnished the monarchy’s good name; she remains married to Prince Abdul Malik (fourth in line) and their children’s titles are reported unchanged, though details of the conduct were not disclosed. Regional Security: U.S. special operations chief Adm. Frank Bradley says Washington will step up readiness exercises with the Philippines and other Asian partners to deter major conflict, amid ongoing South China Sea tensions involving Brunei among others. Transboundary Haze: Sarawak leaders say haze concerns should be raised at ASEAN level, warning smoke from Baram/Kuala Baram can drift to Brunei; cloud seeding is being considered as air quality fluctuates. Brunei Economy & Finance: A Brunei capital market seminar highlighted sukuk as an alternative financing instrument, aiming to strengthen the local capital market ecosystem. Air Quality Watch (Malaysia): Malaysia reported multiple unhealthy API readings, with Serian hitting “very unhealthy” levels as haze persists.

Transboundary Haze Watch: Sarawak Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah Embas said the haze issue needs continued discussion at ASEAN level via the Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee, warning fires near Kuala Baram could send smoke toward Brunei; Sarawak is also assessing cloud seeding timing as air readings improve. Regional Security Drills: A US special operations commander said American forces are ready to step up warfighting-readiness exercises with the Philippines and other Asian partners to deter major conflict, with focus on modernising combat drills and South China Sea security. Brunei Royal Update: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has revoked his daughter-in-law Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah’s princess title and style “Highness” with immediate effect, citing “unbecoming” conduct and “lack of respect,” while Prince Abdul Malik remains fourth in the succession line and their children’s titles are reported unchanged. Haze Disruptions in Malaysia: Malaysia reported unhealthy API readings across multiple stations, with Serian in Sarawak hitting 204 (“very unhealthy”), prompting temporary school closures and home-based learning under the haze action plan.

Brunei Royal Affairs: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has stripped his daughter-in-law, Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah, of her princess title and style “Highness” with immediate effect, citing “unbecoming” conduct and “lack of respect” that tarnished the monarchy’s good name; no specific incident was disclosed, and her four children’s titles are reported to remain unchanged. Regional Governance & Tradition: Analysts say the rare, public discipline highlights a wider challenge for Southeast Asian monarchies—how to keep authority while adapting to shifting public expectations. Brunei-Linked Diplomacy: Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim received a call from the Brunei Sultan checking on his health after surgery, and said he will meet the Sultan next week in Bandar Seri Begawan for the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation. Brunei Education & Skills: Brunei’s Institute of Technical Education (IBTE) held an international TVET webinar on using AI literacy to build future-ready skills. Finance & Markets: A Brunei capital market seminar focused on sukuk as an alternative financing instrument, urging wider corporate participation.

Royal Conduct Update: Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has revoked his daughter-in-law Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah’s royal title “Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri” with immediate effect, citing “unbecoming” conduct and “lack of respect” toward the Sultan, though no specific incident was disclosed; Raabi’atul, 33, is married to Prince Abdul Malik (4th in line) and their four children keep their titles. Regional Security Drills: US special operations leaders say they’re stepping up combat readiness exercises with the Philippines and other Asian partners to help deter major conflict, amid ongoing South China Sea tensions involving Brunei among other claimants. Brunei-Linked Finance & Skills: Brunei hosted an international AI-focused TVET webinar at IBTE, while a Brunei capital market seminar highlighted sukuk as an alternative financing tool for government-linked and private issuers. Diplomatic Health Call: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim received a call from Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah checking on his health after surgery, with an audience planned next week in Bandar Seri Begawan for the Malaysia-Brunei Leaders’ Consultation.

Royal Update: Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has stripped his daughter-in-law, Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah, of her royal titles after her conduct was described as “unbecoming” and “lacking respect,” with the palace saying the move tarnished the monarchy’s good name; her husband, Prince Abdul Malik, remains fourth in line and the couple’s children keep their titles. Finance & Markets: Brunei held a “Sukuk Issuance” capital market seminar near Bandar Seri Begawan, with officials urging wider corporate participation to grow the capital market ecosystem and highlighting sukuk as an alternative financing tool. Education & Skills: Brunei’s Institute of Technical Education (IBTE) hosted an international webinar on using AI literacy to build future-ready TVET skills, bringing together local and overseas experts. Regional Mobility: A Chinese-made cruise ship, Adora Magic City, began its first international run from Shenzhen, with late-August calls including Muara, Brunei. Sports: India has withdrawn from the FIFA ASEAN Cup, leaving Group A with Singapore, Malaysia and hosts Indonesia. Health & Safety: Malaysia’s haze situation worsened in parts of the region, with Sarawak recording very unhealthy API levels and schools ordered to close temporarily.

Royal Family Update: Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has stripped his daughter-in-law, Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah, of her royal titles after her conduct was deemed “unbecoming” and “lacking respect,” though the couple’s four children keep their titles. Cruise Tourism: The first Chinese-made large cruise ship, Adora Magic City, has begun its first international run from Shenzhen, with a five-day trip to Vietnam and later calls including Muara, Brunei. Brunei Business & Culture: Mariyaton Kaftiah turned torch ginger into serunding and other snacks, growing from RM500 start-up to about RM6,500 monthly sales and reaching overseas markets. Finance & Markets: Brunei’s capital market seminar focused on sukuk as an alternative financing tool, bringing together nearly 100 policymakers, regulators and potential issuers. Regional Trade: BIMP-Eaga leaders highlighted halal goods, processed food, fisheries and renewable energy as growth drivers, aiming for up to 15% growth over five years. TVET & AI: Brunei’s IBTE hosted an international webinar on using AI literacy to build future-ready TVET skills. Air Quality Watch: While not Brunei-specific, haze in the region remains a concern, with Malaysia reporting unhealthy API readings and school closures in affected areas.

Royal Affairs: Brunei’s Sultan has stripped Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah, wife of Prince Abdul Malik, of all royal titles for conduct deemed “unbecoming,” with the Royal Court citing it tarnished the monarchy and showed lack of respect—while the children’s titles remain unaffected. Regional Haze: Malaysia’s haze worsened again, with 11 monitoring stations recording unhealthy API readings and Serian in Sarawak hitting 204 (“very unhealthy”); schools in Sarawak’s Serian Division were ordered to close temporarily with learning from home. Brunei-Linked Health & Diplomacy: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim received a call from Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah checking on his health after surgery, and said he will meet the Sultan next week in Bandar Seri Begawan for the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation. Defence & Training: The US Army and Royal Brunei Land Forces kicked off Exercise Pahlawan Warrior 26 at Tutong Camp, focusing on jungle operations, built-up area drills, live-fire coordination and interoperability. Education & Tech: Brunei’s IBTE hosted an international AI webinar on strengthening TVET through AI literacy and future-ready skills.

Haze Update: Malaysia’s air quality worsened as 11 monitoring stations hit unhealthy API readings and Serian in Sarawak recorded a very unhealthy 204, with the haze linked to El Niño and below-average rainfall plus local fires. Royal Health & Diplomacy: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim received a phone call from Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who prayed for his recovery after Anwar’s elective hernia surgery; Anwar said he will meet the Sultan next week in Bandar Seri Begawan for the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation. Brunei TVET & AI: Brunei’s Institute of Technical Education hosted an international webinar on using AI literacy to build future-ready TVET skills. Military Cooperation: U.S. Army and Royal Brunei Land Forces kicked off Exercise Pahlawan Warrior 26 at Tutong Camp, focusing on jungle, built-up area operations and live-fire coordination. Energy & Industry: Founder Group Limited secured its second aquaculture clean-energy deal in Malaysia—an RM5.58m (US$1.37m) 1.78MW rooftop solar project for shrimp farming in Kedah. Regional Tech & Weather: Korea’s KMA expanded severe weather forecasting data sharing to Brunei and other island nations, supporting earlier warnings.

Brunei Public Transport Plans: Brunei’s Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications is studying how to keep public transport continuous and quality-driven, considering two models—main-route bus services and phased Demand Responsive Transit (DRT) starting with two zones—along with better infrastructure and more technology. Tourism Push for 2027: Brunei targets about 1 million tourists and roughly B$630 million in tourism revenue for Visit Brunei Year 2027, with 400,000 arrivals in the first half of 2026 (up 7.8% year-on-year), focusing on high-value, longer-stay visitors. Regional Trade Links: Hong Kong’s new Economic and Trade Office in Kuala Lumpur officially opened, with coverage noting its role in strengthening ties across Malaysia, Brunei, Laos and Pakistan. ASEAN Defence Messaging: A US Pentagon official told Asian allies to increase their own defence spending and take responsibility for security, stressing “partners, not protectorates.” South China Sea Tensions: The US State Department condemned China’s new “nature reserve” rules at Scarborough Reef as destabilizing, backing the Philippines’ position. Regional Environment Impact: Indonesia’s El Niño-linked wildfires are worsening haze, forcing school closures in parts of Indonesia and affecting neighbouring areas.

Energy & Industry: Petronas Carigali and MISC have advanced Brunei’s Kelidang deepwater gas project by awarding key subcontracts for the floating production unit, with Jutal Offshore Oil Services handling topsides modules and Malaysia’s MMHE converting a tanker hull and integrating the topsides in Pasir Gudang. Public Transport: Brunei is studying two models to keep public transport reliable—main-route bus services and phased Demand Responsive Transit, alongside upgrades to infrastructure and more technology. Tourism Push: Brunei targets about 1 million tourists and roughly B$630 million in revenue for Visit Brunei Year 2027, with a focus on high-value visitors who spend more locally. Regional Trade Links: Hong Kong opened its Economic and Trade Office in Kuala Lumpur, with coverage including Brunei, as officials said it will deepen ASEAN economic ties. Cross-Border Haze: Indonesia’s El Niño-linked wildfires are forcing school closures in parts of Indonesia and worsening air quality across the region, including Malaysia. Wealth Management: UOB agreed to sell its asset management arm to Allianz Global Investors in a deal covering UOBAM’s franchise across eight Asian markets, including Brunei.

Transboundary Haze: Indonesia’s wildfires are forcing a second day of school closures in parts of Borneo, with smoke also pushing Malaysia and Singapore’s air quality into unhealthy levels as cloud seeding is paused until at least Aug 18. Defence Push: A senior Pentagon official told Asian allies to raise their own defence spending and help deter aggression, stressing the US is “digging in” in Asia. Brunei Transport & Tourism: Brunei plans to keep public transport running via bus routes and phased Demand Responsive Transit zones, while also targeting about 1 million tourists and B$630 million in tourism revenue for Visit Brunei Year 2027. Royal Update: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah issued a decree removing royal titles from his daughter-in-law Raabi’atul Adawiyyah. ASEAN Culture & Unity: Malaysia marked ASEAN Day with events in Putrajaya, while leaders reiterated ASEAN centrality amid global fragmentation. Sports & Youth: Indonesia and FIFA are finalising hosting details for the inaugural 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, with Jakarta and Bandung ready.

ASEAN at 59: Malaysia marked nearly six decades of partnership with ASEAN at its 59th anniversary event, stressing political-security, economic and socio-cultural pillars. Brunei Transport & Tourism: Brunei plans to strengthen public transport with bus main routes and phased Demand Responsive Transit, while also targeting about 1 million tourists and B$630 million in tourism revenue for Visit Brunei Year 2027. Royal Update: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah issued a royal decree removing royal titles from his daughter-in-law Raabi’atul Adawiyyah, citing conduct unbecoming of a royal spouse. ASEAN Unity Message: Malaysia’s and the region’s leaders echoed calls for ASEAN centrality amid global fragmentation, with Marcos urging cooperation on conflicts, climate and AI. Regional Health Alert: Indonesia’s wildfires worsened haze across Malaysia and Singapore, with cloud seeding paused due to lack of rain-bearing clouds. Business & Investment: UOB signed an agreement for Allianz Global Investors to acquire UOB Asset Management, with a distribution partnership spanning Brunei and other ASEAN markets. Youth & Safety Push: Malaysia’s World Youth Foundation urged a ban on vape sales, citing misuse linked to prohibited substances.

ASEAN 59th Anniversary: Brunei-linked regional diplomacy stayed in focus as Malaysia’s foreign minister said ASEAN centrality must guide the bloc amid major-power rivalry and frayed multilateralism, while the Philippines’ President urged Southeast Asia to strengthen cooperation on conflicts, climate change, economic uncertainty and AI as ASEAN chair. Brunei Economy & Jobs: Brunei Vision 2035 was tied to resilient growth and a stronger private sector, with ministers pointing to higher productivity via technology, more local hiring for private firms, and steps like matching services and a minimum wage policy. Private Sector Momentum: Brunei reported a 125% jump in new company registrations in 2025, with 200 registrations already recorded in the first half of 2026. Digital Future: DFCE 2026 highlighted AI governance and building future-ready digital skills, stressing trust, compliance, and workforce capability for Digital Brunei 2030. Maritime Focus: Brunei Darussalam Maritime Week opened with a push for safe seas, a thriving economy and future-ready people, linking maritime safety to investment and jobs. Regional Security: The US condemned China’s Scarborough Shoal “nature reserve” rules as destabilising, saying they further restrict Filipino fishermen’s access.