AGP Executive Report

Digital Transformation: Brunei’s Digital Brunei 2030 is being pushed as the next phase of the national digital journey, aligning government, society, business, data and AI under Brunei Vision 2035, with the Digital Brunei Economy Forum 2026 stressing close government–private sector collaboration. Tourism Tech: Brunei has launched “Nakhoda,” a digital tourism marketplace with an AI trip planner and cashless booking to help local operators sell online ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027. Education & Skills: ACER and Brunei rolled out the Brunei Darussalam Digital Literacy Standards (BDDLS) for Years 1–11, including embedded AI literacy and updated ICT and related curricula with teacher guides for classroom use. Property Market: Brunei’s Residential Property Price Index rose 13.0% year-on-year in Q1 2026, with most purchases in Brunei Muara. Regional Security: Sarawak and Brunei police strengthened cross-border crime cooperation, focusing on intelligence sharing and coordinated land and maritime operations. Flood & Ecotourism: Limbang’s Kampung Poyan gets a 250-metre embankment project to boost flood protection and ecotourism, with community events encouraged to draw visitors. APEC Youth: An APEC youth engagement workshop is underway in Taipei, bringing together trainees including Brunei to learn APEC operations and regional cooperation.

Flood & Ecotourism: Limbang’s Kampung Poyan gets a 250-metre river embankment under the Rural Transformation Programme, aiming to cut flood risk and boost Sungai Poyan as an ecotourism draw, with RM500,000 in 2026 and another RM500,000 in 2027. Public Safety: Sarawak and Brunei police strengthen cross-border crime-fighting with tighter intelligence sharing, coordinated land and maritime operations, and smoother detainee transfer procedures. Digital Tourism: Brunei launches “Nakhoda,” a digital marketplace and AI trip planner to help local operators sell packages online and guide travellers ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027. Education & Skills: ACER and Brunei roll out the Brunei Darussalam Digital Literacy Standards (Years 1–11), weaving in AI literacy and updated ICT and Business/Art/Technology curricula with teacher guides for classroom use. Property Market: Brunei’s Residential Property Price Index rises 13.0% year-on-year in Q1 2026, with most purchases in Brunei Muara. Regional Spotlight: World Bank appoints Achim Fock as Caribbean Division Director, noting his prior World Bank operations experience including Brunei. Business Tech: SUNeVision passes EGM resolutions on continuing connected transactions and updates shareholders on MEGA IDC Phase One, projecting occupancy could jump from 30% to about 70% after a major new customer commitment. Oil & Gas: TGS wins a multi-client 3D seismic survey contract in Brunei, supporting upstream investment and future licensing plans.

Brunei Digital Education Push: ACER and Brunei rolled out the Brunei Darussalam Digital Literacy Standards (BDDLS), a single Years 1–11 national benchmark that weaves in AI literacy and updates ICT and Business/Art/Tech curricula, with teacher guides to support classroom rollout. Tourism Goes Online: Brunei launched “Nakhoda,” a digital tourism marketplace for local operators with cashless payments and an AI trip planner, aimed at making it easier to plan and book experiences ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027. Police Cooperation at the Border: Sarawak and the Royal Brunei Police Force strengthened ties to tackle cross-border crime, focusing on intelligence sharing, coordinated land and maritime operations, search-and-rescue, and detainee transfer procedures. Property Market Update: Brunei’s Residential Property Price Index rose 13% year-on-year in Q1 2026, with most purchases in Brunei-Muara. Oil & Gas Activity: TGS won a multi-client 3D seismic survey contract in Brunei, supporting upstream investment and future licensing plans. Regional Aviation Carbon Move: A UN-backed airline carbon scheme could drive a major Southeast Asia demand for carbon credits, if governments quickly approve qualifying projects.

Digital Tourism Push: Brunei has launched “Nakhoda,” a digital marketplace for local tourism operators with cashless payments and an AI trip planner, aimed at helping travellers plan and book experiences ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027. Education & Skills: ACER and Brunei rolled out the Brunei Darussalam Digital Literacy Standards (BDDLS) for Years 1–11, including built-in AI literacy and updated ICT and Business/Art/Technology curricula with teacher guides for classroom rollout. Property Market: Brunei’s Residential Property Price Index rose 13% year-on-year in Q1 2026, with most purchases recorded in Brunei Muara. Regional Security Ties: Sarawak and Brunei police held a bilateral meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan to strengthen cooperation against cross-border crime. Senior Citizen Cooperation: Sarawak and Brunei stepped up knowledge-sharing on senior citizen wellbeing as both move toward ageing societies. Oil & Gas Activity: Brunei’s petroleum authority awarded TGS a multi-client 3D seismic survey contract, supporting upstream investment and future licensing readiness. CPTPP Trade Talks: CPTPP ministers advanced accession work, including progress on Costa Rica and Uruguay and preparatory discussions with Brunei’s region partners like the Philippines and Indonesia.

Brunei Property & Economy: Brunei’s Residential Property Price Index rose 13% year-on-year in Q1 2026, reaching 99.2, with a 6.4% quarter-on-quarter gain, and most purchases recorded in Brunei Muara (72 properties). Tourism Digital Push: Brunei launched “Nakhoda,” a digital tourism platform to help travellers plan and book experiences for Visit Brunei Year 2027, featuring an AI trip planner and cashless payments for local operators. Oil & Gas Outlook: The oil and gas sector is set for a stronger Q2, with upstream expected to outperform as Brent stays elevated and major domestic projects accelerate. Regional Senior Care Cooperation: Sarawak and Brunei are stepping up cooperation on senior citizen wellbeing, sharing policies and best practices as both move toward ageing societies. CPTPP Trade Moves: CPTPP ministers advanced expansion work, with preliminary accession talks aimed at Costa Rica and Uruguay and preparatory steps toward Indonesia, the Philippines and the UAE. Maritime Security Link: ReCAAP ISC and the Philippine Coast Guard held a senior officers meeting with Brunei and other focal points to strengthen cooperation against piracy and sea robbery.

CPTPP Momentum: CPTPP ministers met virtually on 26 June to push expansion talks, with Costa Rica’s accession negotiations largely concluded and Uruguay’s process set to speed up, while preparatory discussions begin for the UAE, Philippines and Indonesia. ASEAN-EU Trade & Customs: The bloc also moved to deepen ASEAN-EU trade dialogues and set up a Customs Working Group as part of broader efforts to keep trade rules strong. World Bank Support for Utilities: The World Bank approved a $1.02b loan-and-grant package for the Philippines to expand electricity and water access, including offshore wind and renewable energy market reforms. South China Sea Tensions: The Philippines accused China of “insincerity and hypocrisy” after Beijing rejected calls to comply with the 2016 arbitral ruling, as another confrontation near Scarborough Shoal was reported. Regional Haze Warning: A think tank issued a “red alert” for severe transboundary haze risk in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, warning higher costs could worsen land-clearing practices. Brunei-Linked Regional Cooperation: ReCAAP ISC and the Philippine Coast Guard held a senior meeting with Brunei and other focal points to strengthen cooperation against piracy and sea robbery. SME Market Entry Push: Business Bridge Asia expanded Southeast Asia consulting support for SMEs, offering country-specific guidance backed by former diplomats and industry veterans.

South China Sea Tensions: China confronted a Philippine Navy patrol near Scarborough Shoal as Manila accused Beijing of “insincerity and hypocrisy” over its refusal to comply with the 2016 arbitral ruling, with the standoff reflecting rising friction tied to US-Philippines drills. Regional Maritime Security: Brunei joined a ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre meeting in Manila with other focal points to strengthen port security and coordination against piracy and sea robbery. ASEAN Energy & Trade: CPTPP members agreed to start preliminary talks to add Indonesia, the Philippines and the UAE, while Sarawak pushed for 70% of carbon tax revenue to return to Sabah and Sarawak as carbon “custodians.” Haze Watch: A Singapore think tank issued a “red alert” for severe transboundary haze risk for Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, warning higher costs could worsen land-clearing practices. Brunei-Linked Education & Culture: Monash’s ASEAN scholarship saw early recipients from the region, and Brunei’s presence also featured in regional coverage of youth-focused initiatives and cultural events.

Youth & Community: Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the Scouts still matter in the digital age, urging young people to build character, volunteerism and real-world help as screen dependence grows. Sports & Culture: Sarawak’s Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2026 opened in Kuching with more than 200 performers from 13 countries, spotlighting “Regenerations: Roots & Rhythms” and sustainability-focused festival activations. Maritime Security: ReCAAP ISC and the Philippine Coast Guard ran a five-day senior officers meeting in Manila with Brunei and other focal points, focusing on port security, anti-piracy measures, and better incident reporting and prosecution. Regional Environment: A “red alert” haze outlook warns Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore face high risk of severe transboundary haze in 2026, as energy and fertiliser costs may weaken fire-prevention efforts. Trade & Integration: CPTPP members agreed to start preliminary talks to add Costa Rica and Uruguay, and begin preparatory work with Indonesia, the Philippines and the UAE for possible accession negotiations.

Carbon Tax Revenue: Sarawak Premier Abang Johari urged Malaysia to return at least 70% of carbon tax revenue to Sabah and Sarawak, saying the states act as the nation’s main carbon sinks. South China Sea Tensions: The Philippines accused China of “insincerity, hypocrisy” after Beijing rejected Manila’s call to honour the 2016 arbitral ruling. CPTPP Expansion Talks: CPTPP members agreed to start preliminary accession talks with Indonesia, the Philippines and the UAE, setting up a framework before formal negotiations. ASEAN Haze Alert: A Singapore think tank warned Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore face high risk of severe transboundary haze later this year, with El Niño and rising costs pushing land-clearing pressures. Regional Energy Links: Sarawak Energy said it is driving the Borneo grid and discussing interconnections with Brunei, while also eyeing cross-border power connectivity beyond Borneo. Local Community & Safety: A Sarawak MP said drug abuse among youth is a shared responsibility, urging closer church-community work with authorities. Travel & Entry: The UAE expanded visa-free access for citizens of about 70 countries, easing entry for visitors. Sports: Pakistan take on India in the Asia Pacific Padel Cup 2026 in Manila.

CPTPP Expansion: CPTPP ministers have agreed to move quickly on Costa Rica’s membership and to expedite talks for Uruguay, while also starting preliminary accession discussions with the Philippines, Indonesia and the UAE—setting up a framework to review applicants’ domestic trade rules before formal negotiations. Regional Haze Watch: A Singapore think tank has issued a “red alert” for severe transboundary haze risk for Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, warning that El Niño-linked dry weather and higher costs could push some land clearing toward fire. ASEAN Energy Links: Sarawak Energy says it is driving the Borneo grid and is in talks with Brunei on interconnection, while also eyeing cross-border links beyond Borneo including a proposed subsea cable to Singapore. Local Business & Lifestyle: NBT Toyota Brunei is back at the 33rd Consumer Fair & Trade Expo with promotions and rewards on popular models, running through 28 June. Sports (Regional): Pakistan will face India in the Asia Pacific Padel Cup 2026, with the match set for Saturday in Metro Manila. Culture & Media: Taiwan’s Golden Melody Awards 2026 kicks off this Saturday, with live streams available in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei via local platforms.

Brunei Tourism Push: Brunei will hold “Visit Brunei Year 2027,” unveiling its logo and mascots “Awang” and “Dayang” to kick off a whole-of-nation campaign aimed at boosting tourism and economic diversification. Regional Haze Alert: A Singapore think tank warns Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore face a high risk of severe transboundary haze for the rest of 2026, with peak danger expected around August to September as El Niño brings hotter, drier conditions and higher costs may push some land clearing toward burning. ASEAN Energy Moves: Sarawak Energy says it is driving the Borneo grid and is in talks with Brunei on an interconnection, while also exploring a proposed subsea cable linking Sarawak and Singapore. Local Business & Industry: A new seafood processing plant project in Serasa is set to begin, targeting tuna and other seafood processing plus fish meal and fish oil production for regional and international markets. Sports & Culture: The Golden Melody Awards returns in Taiwan with live streams available in Brunei via Astro, while Pakistan and India meet in the Asia Pacific Padel Cup 2026 in Metro Manila.

ASEAN STI Push: Malaysia urged ASEAN to move toward a more integrated, mission-oriented science, technology and innovation ecosystem to tackle energy transition, food security, public health and climate resilience, with Brunei also flagged in the STI leadership circle. Regional Haze Alert: A Singapore think tank issued a “red alert” for severe transboundary haze risk for Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, warning August to September could be worst as El Niño brings hotter, drier conditions and rising costs may drive more land clearing by fire. Brunei Tourism Drive: Brunei is set to hold “Visit Brunei Year 2027,” unveiling the logo and mascots to boost tourism and support economic diversification. Local Economy & Food: A new seafood processing plant in Serasa is planned to start after a groundbreaking, aiming to build premium tuna and other seafood processing capacity for regional and international markets. Sports & Culture: RIMPAC kicked off in Hawaii with Brunei among participating forces, while Lawas in Sarawak looks to make its Beyond Waves & Dance Rhythms Festival and Dragon Boat Regatta permanent tourism fixtures.

Trans-Pacific Trade: CPTPP members will start “preliminary talks” to add Indonesia, the Philippines and the UAE, setting the stage for formal accession negotiations once standards and unanimous consent are met. Haze Watch for Brunei: The Singapore Institute of International Affairs has issued a rare “red alert” for Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, warning of severe transboundary haze risk—especially August to September—as El Niño brings hotter, drier weather and higher costs may push some land-clearing toward fire. Regional Energy Links: Sarawak Energy says it is driving the Borneo grid and is in discussions with Brunei on an interconnection, while also advancing plans for cross-border connectivity including a proposed Sarawak–Singapore subsea cable. Brunei Tourism Push: Visit Brunei Year 2027 is set to be held next year, with a logo and mascots unveiled as part of a whole-of-nation effort to boost tourism and economic diversification. Local Industry: A new seafood processing plant project in Serasa is set to begin, aiming to build premium tuna and other seafood processing capacity for regional and international markets. Business & Lifestyle: Visa Infinite cardholders in Brunei are eligible for a 6-month Accor+ Explorer “preview” membership deal, with dining and hotel discounts plus instant ALL Gold status.

Severe Haze Alert: Singapore Institute of International Affairs warns Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore face a high “red” risk of severe transboundary haze in 2026, with August–September flagged as the peak period due to El Niño, possible positive Indian Ocean Dipole, and economic pressures that may push some land clearing toward fire. Tourism Push: Brunei officially kicks off “Visit Brunei Year 2027” with a logo and mascots, aiming to boost tourism and support economic diversification. Food & Industry: A new seafood processing plant project in Serasa is set to begin, targeting tuna and other seafood for regional and international markets. Local Business & Events: NBT Toyota Brunei returns to the 33rd Consumer Fair & Trade Expo at ICC Berakas (24–28 June) with promotions and rewards. Regional Energy Links: Sarawak Energy says it is in talks with Brunei on establishing an interconnection as it strengthens the Borneo grid under the ASEAN Power Grid plan. Regional Cooperation: Lawas MP says the Beyond Waves & Dance Rhythms Festival and Dragon Boat Regatta could become permanent tourism fixtures.

Haze Alert: A Singapore think tank has issued a rare “red” warning that Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore face a high risk of severe transboundary haze this year, with August to September flagged as the peak period due to El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole, plus fuel and fertiliser cost pressures that could push some land clearing toward burning. Tourism Push: Brunei is set to hold “Visit Brunei Year 2027”, unveiling the campaign logo and mascots “Awang” and “Dayang” to support tourism growth and economic diversification. Seafood Industry: A new seafood processing plant project by Gropoint Sdn Bhd is set to begin in Serasa, aiming to build premium tuna and other seafood processing capacity for regional and international markets. Regional Trade & Tourism: Sarawak’s minister says BIMP-EAGA should study Sarawak’s Statos model and consider regional offices to speed up subregional economic and tourism development. Defense & Security: RIMPAC kicked off in Hawaii with Brunei among 30 participating countries, as the major naval exercise expands amid heightened global tensions.

Transboundary Haze Alert: The Singapore Institute of International Affairs has issued a rare “red” warning for severe haze affecting Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, with the highest risk expected in August–September as El Niño and a possible positive Indian Ocean Dipole bring hotter, drier conditions. Regional Cooperation: The report warns that economic pressures and biofuel demand could push some land clearing toward fire, so ASEAN coordination and sustainable land management are key. BIMP-EAGA Tourism Push: Sarawak’s Abdul Karim says BIMP-EAGA should study Sarawak’s Statos model and set up more regional trade and tourism offices to speed up economic and tourism growth. Local Tourism Ideas: Lawas MP Henry Sum Agong points to the Beyond Waves & Dance Rhythms Festival and the Dragon Boat Regatta as candidates for permanent tourism fixtures. Sports Administration: Nadheera Al Harthi was elected to the Asian School Sports Federation board for 2026–2030. Trade Expo in Brunei: Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation is showcasing furniture and sustainable wood-based products at Brunei’s CFTE to reach regional buyers.