AGP Executive Report

Maritime Cooperation: Singapore’s MPA and Brunei’s MPABD signed an MoU to boost maritime and port collaboration, covering digitalisation, safety, port State control, incident investigation, training and more. Tourism & Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new Brunei–Shenzhen route at Brunei International Airport, with initial charter operations then scheduled flights, aiming to strengthen travel links as Brunei prepares for Visit Brunei 2027. Finance Policy: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank launched the Brunei Financial Sector Blueprint 2026–2035, setting a 10-year direction for a resilient, inclusive and innovative financial sector. Tech & Media: Apple Music officially launched in Albania, Brunei, Burkina Faso and Pakistan, bringing the service to 172 countries; Brunei users can stream via subscription even as Apple TV remains unavailable there. Business & Investment: RUA AlHaram AlMakki signed collaboration agreements with Malaysia’s MRCB and Brunei’s TAIB to explore development and joint-venture opportunities tied to King Salman Gate. Education Recognition: Hamdan Foundation shortlisted 10 projects for the UNESCO–Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development 2025–2026, with laureates due to be revealed on 5 Oct 2026.

Aviation & Tourism: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new Brunei–Shenzhen direct route, starting Sept 29, initially on a charter basis (4 flights weekly) before moving to scheduled services, aiming to boost tourism and business links with China’s Greater Bay Area. Finance Policy: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank rolled out the Brunei Financial Sector Blueprint 2026–2035 to guide a more resilient, inclusive and innovative financial sector over the next decade. Tech & Media: Apple Music officially expanded to four more countries including Brunei, ending an 11-year wait; the rollout also comes with an Android Apple Music “Liquid Glass” redesign in beta. Business & Trade Links: RUA AlHaram AlMakki (PIF) signed collaboration agreements with Malaysia’s MRCB and Brunei’s TAIB to explore investment and development opportunities tied to King Salman Gate and projects in Makkah, Madinah and Brunei. Regional Cooperation: Singapore and Brunei’s maritime authorities signed an MoU to deepen cooperation on digitalisation, maritime safety, port state control, incident investigation and training. Culture: Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore jointly proposed the Zapin dance for UNESCO intangible heritage listing in 2027.

Aviation & Tourism: Shenzhen Airlines launched its first Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route, with an inaugural ceremony at Brunei International Airport; the new service is set to run four times weekly and is expected to strengthen Brunei’s links with China’s Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area. Tourism Demand: Brunei also shared that Chinese air arrivals rose from about 39,000 in 2024 to 45,858 in 2025, and reached 28,657 as of August 2026, citing better connectivity and visa-free short stays. Finance Policy: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank launched the Brunei Financial Sector Blueprint 2026–2035, aiming for a resilient, inclusive and innovative financial sector over the next decade. Regional Cooperation: Singapore and Brunei’s maritime authorities signed an MoU to boost cooperation on digitalisation, maritime safety, port state control, incident investigation and training. Business & Services: DHL Express appointed Julian Neo as Managing Director for Hong Kong and Macau effective Oct 1, with prior leadership experience in DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei. Tech & Media: Apple Music expanded to Brunei as part of a rollout to four additional countries.

Brunei-Singapore Diplomacy: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah is in Singapore for the 12th Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme (Sep 28–Oct 2), co-chaired with PM Lawrence Wong, with meetings including tea with President Tharman and talks with Wong and Lee Hsien Loong on deepening bilateral cooperation and the special relationship ahead of the 60th Currency Interchangeability Agreement anniversary. Defence & Training Ties: During the visit, the Crown Prince toured Singapore’s SAFTI City, an urban combat training facility launched in 2025, as both sides mark 50 years of defence relations. Maritime Cooperation: Singapore’s MPA and Brunei’s MPABD signed an MoU on maritime and port collaboration covering digitalisation, safety, port state control, incident investigation, and training. Aviation Recognition: Royal Brunei Airlines was named Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026 at the World Travel Awards, its fifth win since 2020. Investment & Development: RUA AlHaram AlMakki and Rua Al Madinah (PIF-linked) signed two agreements with TAIB, including a proposed King Salman Gate joint venture in Makkah with an indicative GDV of about US$2.59b. Food & Jobs: Gropoint plans Brunei’s largest seafood processing plant in Serasa, targeting up to 60 tonnes/day from March 2027 and creating 200+ jobs initially.

Brunei-Singapore Ties: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah met Singapore leaders in a key push to deepen cooperation, including discussions on global issues and strengthening the “special relationship” ahead of the 60th Currency Interchangeability Agreement anniversary. Maritime Cooperation: On the same visit, Singapore’s MPA and Brunei’s MPABD signed an MoU to boost digitalisation, maritime safety, port state control, incident investigations and training for safer, cleaner shipping. Local Economy & Consumers: Brunei marked National Consumer Day with officials saying strong consumer protection builds trust, supports responsible businesses, and helps drive investment and innovation under Vision 2035. Aviation Recognition: Royal Brunei Airlines was named Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026 for the fifth time since 2020, highlighting service excellence and Brunei hospitality. Regional Digital Trade: ASEAN’s Digital Economy Framework Agreement is nearing signature, but critics warn the “borderless” digital push may face trust and rights concerns for everyday users.

Consumer Protection: Brunei marked National Consumer Day with a forum stressing that strong consumer protection builds confidence in the market and helps responsible businesses grow, supporting Vision 2035. Aviation Recognition: Royal Brunei Airlines was named Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026 for the fifth time since 2020 at the World Travel Awards in the Maldives. Regional Youth Diplomacy: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah is in Singapore for a five-day official visit to co-chair the 12th Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme, with stops including Tuas Port, SAFTI City and the Oceanarium. Defence Planning: A report on the Royal Brunei Air Force highlights its 60th anniversary context and plans to strengthen air defence and fast-jet capabilities amid regional instability. Vehicle Launch: MG HS Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) made its Brunei debut at the Borneo Kustom Show, offering up to 120km electric range and low fuel consumption figures. Forest Fires Push: A new US-backed forest firefighting fund is limited to South America, and coverage urges Indonesia to seek inclusion to better protect regional forests that also affect Brunei.

World Bank on Philippines finances: The World Bank says the Philippines can unlock fiscal gains of 3.6% to 7.1% of GDP through tax collection improvements, more efficient spending, and tighter control of “unprogrammed appropriations,” including a proposed 5% cap and procurement reforms that could save up to P435 billion a year. Brunei–Singapore leadership ties: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah is in Singapore for a five-day official visit to co-chair the 12th Young Leaders’ Programme, with stops including SAFTI City, Tuas Port, and the Oceanarium, and discussions on digital/green economies, finance, defence, and food security. RBAirF fast-jet and air defence options: A look at the Royal Brunei Air Force’s fast-jet decision and broader upgrade plans comes as Brunei’s defence white paper flags regional instability and disruptive technologies. Asian Games spotlight: The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 medal race keeps leaning China’s way, with Brunei listed among countries at the bottom of the table, while India pushes upward with late-day medal wins. Regional security drills: ADMM-Plus sea activity in the South China Sea included Brunei’s KDB Darussalam (later bowing out), alongside other regional navies near disputed waters. Local culture and cars: Brunei’s MG HS PHEV has debuted locally at the Borneo Kustom Show, and China–Brunei cultural exchanges mark 35 years of diplomatic relations.

Brunei-Singapore Ties: Brunei’s Crown Prince Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah begins a five-day official visit to Singapore (until Oct 2), co-chairing the 12th Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme and meeting top Singapore leaders, with stops including Tuas Port, SAFTI City, the Sultan Mosque and the Singapore Oceanarium. Regional Diplomacy: Israel’s UNGA speech triggered walkouts by delegations from at least 77 countries, with Brunei listed among Asian states that left or vacated seats. Sports Spotlight: At the Asian Games in Nagoya, China’s dominance continues—107 gold medals and 176 total medals so far—while Brunei is among the few countries with only a bronze. Local Interest: MG HS Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) makes its Brunei debut at the Borneo Kustom Show, offering up to 120km electric range (WLTP) and low fuel consumption figures. Business & Tech: DST launches its latest Mobi Bundle for iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max with 24-month plans and added Shield+ coverage. Culture: China and Brunei mark 35 years of diplomatic relations with cultural exchange events, including performances and a Brunei China Food Festival.

Regional Culture & Tourism: Labuan’s 13th Borneo Arts Festival (BAF) 2026 drew over 30,000 visitors in three days, with performances, fashion showcases and more than 100 hours of creative works bringing together artists from Brunei, Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak, Labuan, Indonesia and the Philippines. Environment & Public Health: Wildfires in Indonesian Borneo are choking the region with toxic haze, with communities describing desperate firefighting as land clearing for cash crops and peatland drying worsen the crisis. Sports (Asian Games): China keeps dominating the Asian Games medal race, leading with 107 golds and 176 total medals, while Brunei sits among the countries with only a bronze so far. Brunei–Singapore Ties: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah will visit Singapore for the Young Leaders’ Programme, co-chaired with PM Lawrence Wong, with stops including SAFTI City and the Singapore Oceanarium. Brunei–China Friendship: China and Brunei marked 35 years of diplomatic relations with cultural exchange events, including performances by artists with disabilities and a Brunei China Food Festival. Local Business & Tech: DST Brunei launched its latest Mobi Bundle for iPhone 18 Pro models, pairing devices with 24-month plans and added coverage and rewards. Transport & Mobility: MG HS PHEV made its Brunei debut at the Borneo Kustom Show, offering up to 120km electric range and low fuel consumption figures.

MG HS PHEV Debut: Premier Motor Co launched the new MG HS Plug-in Hybrid at the Borneo Kustom Show in Bridex, pairing a 1.5L turbo petrol engine with an electric motor for 220kW and 350Nm, plus up to 120km electric range and as low as 0.7L/100km fuel use. Brunei-China Culture: Brunei and China marked 35 years of diplomatic ties with cultural exchange events, including “My Dream” performances at Jerudong International School and a Brunei China Food Festival featuring Beijing halal cuisine. Olympic Links: Brunei National Olympic Council president HRH Prince Sufri Bolkiah visited “Qatar House” in Nagoya, meeting Qatar Olympic Committee officials and touring key sports activities. UNGA Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said middle powers and ASEAN can shape global decisions at UNGA, while UNGA also saw a major walkout during Netanyahu’s speech over Gaza. Regional Security: ReCAAP ISC and the Royal Brunei Police held a four-day cluster meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan on port and maritime security, including AI use for counter-piracy. High Seas Treaty: Brunei joined Germany, Canada, Australia and others in ratifying the High Seas Treaty, bringing membership to 100 parties ahead of the first conference in 2027. Sports Spotlight: China dominated the Asian Games medal race, while India surged with kabaddi golds on Day 8; Brunei remains among the few countries with only a bronze so far.

UN Diplomacy & Regional Voice: Malaysia’s foreign minister said middle powers and ASEAN must keep dialogue alive at the UN when major powers stall, stressing the “global majority” should shape decisions. Borneo Wildlife Under Pressure: A report from Indonesia’s Sebangau National Park shows orangutans pushed to the brink as forests vanish, with researchers tracking critically endangered animals in shrinking habitat. Southeast Asia Haze & Wildfires: Indonesia’s fires are driving toxic haze across the region, with calls for stronger international support and warnings that funding gaps for forest protection remain. Maritime Security Drills (Brunei in Focus): ADMM-Plus sea exercises in the West Philippine Sea saw Brunei’s KDB Darussalam among participating patrols, as navies practiced coordinated manoeuvres near contested waters. Brunei-China Cultural Ties: China and Brunei marked 35 years of diplomatic relations with disability-inclusive performances and a Brunei China Food Festival, plus a framework for long-term cultural partnership. ReCAAP Maritime Safety Meeting: A four-day ReCAAP cluster meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan brought together Brunei agencies and regional focal points to discuss port and maritime security, including AI use in counter-piracy. Local Culture & Tourism: Labuan’s Borneo Arts Festival 2026 is positioning the territory as an arts and heritage hub with performances, workshops, and food. Tech & Consumer News (Brunei): DST launched its iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max Mobi Bundle with 24-month plans and added Shield+ coverage. Sports (Regional): India’s kabaddi teams defended Asian Games titles, pushing India into the top 10 on the medal table.

Regional Environment & Health: Indonesia’s wildfire haze keeps spilling across Southeast Asia, with Malaysia cancelling the Kuching Marathon and considering new haze laws as air quality stays dangerously high. Maritime Security: Brunei’s KDB Darussalam took part in ADMM-Plus maritime drills in the West Philippine Sea, where the Philippines’ BRP Jose Rizal led formations and practiced coordinated navigation and medical evacuation. Diplomacy & Appointments: The Philippines’ Commission on Appointments confirmed Renato Ner Dueñas Jr. as ambassador to Brunei, alongside AFP senior officer confirmations. Brunei-China Ties: China and Brunei marked 35 years of diplomatic relations with cultural performances and a Brunei China Food Festival, plus a framework agreement for deeper long-term cooperation. Local Public Safety Coordination: ReCAAP ISC and the Royal Brunei Police held a four-day cluster meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan on port and maritime security, including early detection and AI use in counter-piracy. Tech & Consumer News: DST launched its Mobi Bundle for iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max with 24-month plans and added Shield+ coverage and rewards. Culture & Tourism: Labuan’s Borneo Arts Festival 2026 is positioning the territory as a regional arts and heritage hub with performances, workshops and a street food bazaar.

Brunei-Philippines Diplomacy: The Philippines’ Commission on Appointments confirmed Renato Ner Dueñas Jr. as Ambassador to Brunei, and also moved ahead with AFP senior officer confirmations. Regional Maritime Security: The Philippine Navy’s frigate BRP Jose Rizal led ADMM-Plus sea drills in the West Philippine Sea, with a Brunei patrol ship among participating vessels. Local Tech & Consumer News: DST launched its exclusive Mobi Bundle for iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, pairing the phones with 24-month Mobi plans and added Shield+ coverage and rewards. Tourism & Culture: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 wrapped up with grand prizes, reporting 16% higher bookings and 15% more ticketing transactions than last year. Arts & Heritage: Borneo Arts Festival 2026 in Labuan is positioning the territory as a regional arts, culture and heritage hub with performances, workshops and food. Halal Business: Adabi Frozen Food is expanding internationally, entering Brunei and preparing for Kuwait after MIHAS 2026. Environment & Health: Malaysia cancelled the Kuching Marathon due to haze from Indonesia’s wildfires, while Brunei-based maritime security updates highlight ongoing regional coordination.

Diplomatic Ties: The Philippines’ Commission on Appointments confirmed Renato Ner Dueñas Jr. as Ambassador to Brunei, approving the envoy without objection. Maritime Security in Brunei: ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre and the Royal Brunei Police Force wrapped a four-day cluster meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan, bringing together regional focal points to discuss port and maritime security, including AI use in counter-piracy and cross-border operations. High Seas Protection: The High Seas Treaty hit 100 ratifications after Germany, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe, Canada, Australia and Brunei deposited instruments at the UN, moving closer to its first Conference of the Parties in January 2027. UN Spotlight: Netanyahu’s UNGA speech triggered a mass walkout by dozens of delegations, with reports citing up to 77 countries absent or leaving seats as he criticised protesters. Regional Culture: Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia pushed a joint UNESCO bid for zapin, aiming to submit the nomination in March 2027. Sports: The FIFA ASEAN Cup kicked off with Laos vs Brunei, while Bangladesh begins its campaign against Malaysia.

UN Protest: Israeli PM Netanyahu faced a mass walkout at the UN General Assembly as officials from 77 delegations were reported absent or left seats, with Netanyahu calling them “moral cowards.” Regional Trade: RCEP approved an ad hoc accession working group to advance Bangladesh’s bid, alongside other applicants, keeping the pact open and inclusive. Climate & Fires: A new tropical-forest firefighting fund launched with a $100m target, but critics warn a major funding gap remains—especially as wildfires worsen across the Amazon and Southeast Asia. Maritime Security: ASEAN-Plus warships sailed in the West Philippine Sea for ADMM-Plus maritime drills, with Brunei and Singapore among participants. UNESCO Culture (Zapin): Singapore joins Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia in a joint UNESCO bid for zapin, aiming to submit the nomination in March 2027. Brunei-China Ties: China and Brunei marked 35 years of diplomatic relations with cultural exchanges and a food festival in Brunei. Sports (FIFA ASEAN Cup): The inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup began, with Brunei set to open against Laos and Bangladesh starting against Malaysia.

UN Diplomacy: Vietnam’s FM Le Hoai Trung met Brunei’s Prince Abdul Mateen on UNGA sidelines, agreeing to deepen trade, oil and gas, tourism, people-to-people ties and halal cooperation under the 2023-2027 action plan. Cultural Heritage: Malaysia will join Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore in a multinational bid to get zapin recognised by UNESCO, with a dossier due by March 31, 2027. Brunei-China Ties: China and Brunei marked 35 years of diplomatic relations with cultural performances and a Brunei China Food Festival, including “My Dream” shows featuring artists with disabilities. AI & Skills: KBTG Techtopia returned for its fourth year, focusing on “Human of Tomorrow” and how people should shape the agentic AI era. Sports (Brunei fans): TV listings highlight FIFA ASEAN Cup action with Laos vs Brunei. Regional Mobility: Hong Kong expands its Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Invited Persons from Oct 1 to Central Asia and the Middle East, aiming to boost economic and trade exchanges. ASEAN Economy: ASEAN and Hong Kong signed a protocol to amend the ASEAN–Hong Kong Investment Agreement, strengthening fair treatment and investment protection.