AGP Executive Report

Business Climate: Brunei saw a big jump in company formation, with 354 new registrations in 2025 versus 157 in 2024—up 125%—and 200 more registered in the first half of 2026, as the Brunei Economic Development Board continues to support investors. Maritime & National Growth: Brunei Darussalam Maritime Week 2026 opened at Dermaga Diraja, spotlighting “Safe Seas, Thriving Economy, Future-Ready People” and linking safety and environmental protection to investment and jobs. Digital Skills & AI: DFCE 2026 wrapped with a push for future-ready digital skills, while Brunei also continues AI-focused teacher training, with thousands of educators taking AI courses and certification. AI for Local Food: Antrique launched an Nvidia-powered AI food innovation plan in Brunei, starting with a coffee plantation in Tungku and aiming to use local data to boost productivity. Education & Culture: The Türkiye Embassy in Brunei recognised young cultural ambassadors through a cultural essay and digital poster competition. Regional Links: ASEAN-Qatar ties were highlighted as entering a new strategic phase ahead of the bloc’s 59th anniversary. Tourism Push: Brunei is gearing up for Visit Brunei Year 2027 with a focus on high-value tourism and longer, higher-spend stays.

Digital Transformation & AI Governance: EVYD Technology backed DFCE 2026 with a focus on “Getting AI Governance Right,” urging risk-based AI rules, clear shared responsibility, and a balance between local data sovereignty and global integration. Future-Ready Skills: A DFCE 2026 session highlighted building a digitally capable workforce for Wawasan Brunei 2035, citing rising digital literacy and teacher AI training participation. Maritime Growth: Brunei Darussalam Maritime Week 2026 opened with a push for “Safe Seas, Thriving Economy, Future-Ready People,” linking maritime safety and environmental stewardship to investment and jobs. Tourism Push: Brunei is targeting high-value tourism for Visit Brunei Year 2027, aiming for longer stays and higher spending through new product lines and stronger international promotion. Education & AI Training: Brunei’s education ministry said thousands of teachers took AI courses, with certified master trainers to scale AI-ready teaching across schools. AI in Agriculture: Antrique launched an Nvidia-powered AI food innovation initiative starting with a 14-hectare coffee plantation in Tungku, using sensors and solar-powered monitoring to boost productivity. Regional Finance Cooperation: Macao, China joined the APG annual meeting in Brunei as part of AML/CFT working group exchanges on money laundering and terror financing trends. Sports (Regional): AFC confirmed the draw date for AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 qualifiers in Malaysia on Aug 27, 2026, with Brunei listed among participating teams.

Tourism Push: Brunei is stepping up efforts to attract high-value visitors ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027, with a focus on longer stays, higher spending and more adventure, nature, arts, culture, sports and culinary experiences. AI in Schools: Brunei continues empowering teachers through AI training, with 4,892 teachers taking AI courses in 2025, 4,281 earning an AI In-depth Literacy Certification, and six becoming Certified Master Trainers. Climate Data Focus: Brunei highlighted the need for reliable greenhouse gas inventory data at a regional workshop, stressing transparency and accuracy to support climate policy and emissions tracking. Regional Education Links: Brunei-linked international education activity also featured at the Sultan Qaboos Institute’s Arabic course wrap-up in Manah, where a Brunei student presented on AI in learning. Energy & Industry: Offshore work continues for Brunei Shell Petroleum, with Subsea7 winning a pipeline replacement EPCI contract, while INPEX awarded Worley engineering services in Australia. Finance & Investment: Allianz Global Investors agreed to buy UOB Asset Management in a deal covering UOBAM operations including Brunei, alongside a distribution partnership.

Climate & Data: Brunei’s Ministry of Development says stronger, more reliable greenhouse gas inventory data is key for better climate policy, as it opened the 23rd Workshop on Greenhouse Gas Inventories in Asia to boost regional know-how and capacity. Diplomacy: Malaysia’s foreign minister met the UN resident coordinator for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, underscoring cooperation with UN agencies. Regional Culture & Youth: Indonesia’s Arts and Culture Scholarship brings ASEAN participants together for cultural exchange, with Brunei among the selected countries. Maritime Security: SEACAT 2026 kicked off in Singapore with 16 Indo-Pacific partners, featuring a new Maritime Operations Forum and senior leader discussions ahead of at-sea training. Business & Investment: Allianz Global Investors agreed to buy UOB Asset Management in a S$555m deal covering operations including Brunei, with a long-term distribution partnership. Energy & Industry: Shell Brunei awarded Subsea7 an offshore pipeline replacement EPCI contract, while INPEX selected Worley for engineering services in Australia. Sports & Community: A new elite sports academy launched in Miri, Sarawak, aiming to develop young athletes through coaching, education and character building.

Climate & Data for Policy: Brunei’s Ministry of Development stressed the need for transparent, accurate and reliable greenhouse gas inventories at the 23rd Workshop on Greenhouse Gas Inventories in Asia, saying better data supports stronger climate decisions and regional cooperation. ASEAN People-to-People Links: Indonesia is bringing ASEAN youth together through its Indonesian Arts and Culture Scholarship, with participants including Brunei, to strengthen ties via cultural exchange. Maritime Readiness: 16 Indo-Pacific nations kicked off SEACAT 2026 in Singapore, featuring a new Maritime Operations Forum and updated senior leader sessions to improve coordination for maritime crises and illicit activity. Regional Governance Innovation: Cambodia’s PM Hun Manet urged people-centered, results-oriented innovation in civil services at the ACCSM and ACCSM+3 heads meeting, calling for cross-border knowledge sharing. Brunei in the Energy Supply Chain: Shell Brunei awarded Subsea7 an offshore pipeline replacement EPCI contract, while INPEX selected Worley for engineering services in Australia. Business & Finance: UOB will sell its asset management arm to Allianz Global Investors for S$555 million, with operations including Brunei, expected to close in 2027.

Climate Data & Policy: Brunei’s Ministry of Development says reliable greenhouse gas data is vital for better climate decisions, urging stronger transparency and regional technical capacity at the 23rd Workshop on Greenhouse Gas Inventories in Asia. Energy & Infrastructure: Subsea7 won a Shell Brunei offshore pipeline replacement EPCI contract, while Worley secured engineering services support for INPEX in Australia—both pointing to continued investment in mature offshore systems. Maritime Cooperation: SEACAT 2026 kicked off in Singapore with 16 Indo-Pacific partner nations, using a new MAROPS forum to sharpen crisis response and integrated maritime processes. Regional Security Drills: RIMPAC 2026 wrapped up after five weeks, bringing 30 nations and large-scale naval and air participation to boost interoperability and readiness across the Indo-Pacific. Brunei Tourism Push: Brunei is taking its coffee culture to Sarawak with the Brunei Coffee Trail in Miri (Aug 7–9), aiming to draw visitors across the border. Local Community Events: Tutong’s festival drew hundreds with a parade, fireworks and bazaar, with a focus on community ties and support for micro, small and medium enterprises.

Maritime Security: RIMPAC 2026 wrapped its 30th run with 30 nations and record participation, underscoring that no single country can secure Pacific sea lanes alone. Regional Drills: SEACAT 2026 kicked off in Singapore with 16 Indo-Pacific partner nations, using a refreshed MAROPS forum and senior leader sessions to sharpen crisis response and cooperation. Cable Concerns: A Chinese-flagged “research vessel” was reported hovering over the US-Taiwan undersea cable network, raising fresh worries about intelligence gathering near critical infrastructure. Finance & Leadership: Mastercard reshuffled its Asia Pacific leadership, naming new senior executives including a new Core Payments EVP and a regional CFO change. Brunei Tourism: Brunei will showcase its coffee culture overseas via a Brunei Coffee Trail in Miri, aiming to draw more visitors across the border. Local Community: Tutong’s festival drew hundreds with a parade, fireworks and bazaar, spotlighting community culture and support for local SMEs.

Regional Diplomacy: ASEAN upgraded Turkey to a full dialogue partner, with Malaysia coordinating the ties and widening ASEAN’s partner network. Maritime Security: China issued tighter rules for the Huangyan Dao National Nature Reserve in the South China Sea, banning activities like fishing and mining without approval, after military drills—raising tensions with the Philippines. World Bank Watch: The World Bank kept the Philippines 2026 growth forecast at 3.7% but trimmed 2027, citing weaker investment and slower project execution; it also approved a $268.62m climate-resilient water and sanitation project for island provinces. Brunei Tourism & Community: Brunei will showcase its coffee culture overseas via the Brunei Coffee Trail in Miri (Aug 7–9), while Tutong’s festival drew hundreds with a parade, fireworks and bazaar. Agriculture: Four Brunei firms received pesticide-free certification under the Brunei Pesticide-Free scheme. Sports & Youth: RIMPAC 2026 wrapped up successfully, and a Brunei-linked youth scouting story highlighted international jamboree participation.

Brunei Tourism & Culture: Brunei is taking its coffee culture to Sarawak with the Brunei Coffee Trail in Miri (Aug 7–9), aiming to draw visitors across the border and give local cafes and entrepreneurs a wider market. Local Community Events: Tutong District’s festival brought hundreds together with a parade, fireworks and bazaar, boosting community ties and giving micro, small and medium enterprises a platform. Agriculture & Food Safety: Four Brunei agricultural companies received the Brunei Pesticide-Free (BPF) Certificate, recognising chemical pesticide-free farming and strengthening consumer confidence through supply-chain transparency. Regional Economy Watch: The World Bank kept the Philippines’ 2026 growth forecast at 3.7% but trimmed 2027, citing weaker investment and slower project execution amid external risks. ASEAN & Diplomacy: ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn said Bangladesh is unlikely to join under the current charter, as membership is limited to countries geographically recognised as part of Southeast Asia. Sports: Penang FC targets a top-six finish in Malaysia’s Super League after last season’s eighth-place showing.

ASEAN Football: The ASEAN Championship (ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026) returns for its 30th anniversary with a summer format, a single round-robin group stage (July 24–Aug 8) and knockouts (Aug 15–26); Timor-Leste clinched the final spot by beating Brunei Darussalam, while Vietnam enter as defending champions. Brunei Tourism Push: Brunei will showcase its coffee culture overseas via the Brunei Coffee Trail in Miri, Sarawak (Aug 7–9), aiming to draw visitors across the border and give local cafes a wider market. Local Community Spotlight: Tutong’s festival drew hundreds with a parade, fireworks and bazaar, with organisers linking the event to culture, community ties and support for micro, small and medium enterprises. Financial Safety Alert: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) warns the public about AI-generated scam videos impersonating officials and promoting unapproved investment schemes. Transport & Mobility: UTB hosted an international sharing session on smart mobility and sustainable cities, focusing on traffic management, transport systems and electric vehicles. Sports Calendar: The ASEAN Championship fixtures, results and standings are being updated as the tournament progresses. Regional Business/Tech: Mastercard announced six senior Asia Pacific appointments, including new leadership for core payments and Southeast Asia.

Brunei Tourism & Culture: Brunei is set to export its coffee culture to Sarawak with the three-day Brunei Coffee Trail in Miri (Aug 7–9), featuring local coffee and matcha cafes to draw more visitors across the border. Community & Local Economy: Tutong District’s festival brought hundreds together with a parade, fireworks and a bazaar, aiming to strengthen community ties and give micro, small and medium enterprises a boost. Sports: Penang FC says its 2026/27 Super League goal is a top-six finish, keeping 14 players from last season while adding 15 new signings and waiting for two more foreign players. Finance & Regional Banking: Boubyan Bank has successfully closed a $300 million, three-year Sharia-compliant syndicated facility, with participation including Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam. Food Business Growth: Muiz Hot Chicken’s founder says the Malaysian brand is eyeing expansion into Brunei and Singapore after growing from a RM20 street start to 180 stalls and RM45m in sales. Safety Warning: Brunei’s central bank (BDCB) warns the public about AI-generated investment scam videos that misuse its name and officials’ identities.

Fuel Prices: Australia’s fuel excise cut ends at midnight, so drivers should expect higher petrol pump prices as the excise rate rises and is indexed for inflation. South China Sea: China issued tighter management rules for the Huangyan Dao National Nature Reserve, banning activities like fishing and mining without prior approval, after joint naval-air drills—likely to inflame the dispute with the Philippines. Maritime Diplomacy: The Philippines deposited an official nautical chart for Scarborough Shoal with the UN to strengthen transparency under UNCLOS, while China condemned the move. Brunei Agriculture: Four Brunei agricultural firms received Brunei Pesticide-Free certification, recognising chemical pesticide-free farming and boosting consumer confidence through supply-chain transparency. Finance Watch: Brunei’s central bank warned the public about AI-generated scam videos impersonating officials to push fake investment schemes. Regional Development: The World Bank approved a $268.62m Philippines water and sanitation project for Bohol, Siargao and Jolo, targeting climate-resilient services and thousands of jobs. Tech & Connectivity: Global 5G subscriptions topped 3.1 billion in Q1 2026, with Southeast Asia among the fastest-growing markets. Mobility in Brunei: UTB hosted an international sharing session on smart mobility and sustainable cities, focusing on traffic management and electric vehicles.

South China Sea Tensions: The Philippines deposited its official nautical chart for Scarborough Shoal with the UN, aiming for more transparency—China hit back, warning of further escalation. Brunei Food Safety: Four Brunei agricultural firms received the Brunei Pesticide-Free certificate after assessments covering farming, monitoring and post-harvest handling. Water & Jobs: The World Bank approved a $268.62m Philippines water and sanitation push for island provinces, targeting safer services and thousands of jobs. Maritime Control Moves: China issued new management rules for the Huangyan Dao nature reserve, tightening patrols and restricting activities like fishing and extraction. Local Tech & Scams: BDCB warned the public about AI-made investment scam videos that misuse its name and officials’ likenesses. Smart Mobility in Brunei: UTB hosted an international sharing session on smart mobility and sustainable cities, featuring traffic management and electric vehicle insights. Regional Sports: FIFA’s ASEAN Cup 2026 draw set Brunei in the Challenge Division Group A in Hong Kong. Business & Mobility: BYD ATTO 2 was launched in Brunei by Maju Motors as an affordable compact plug-in hybrid SUV.

Maritime Security: RIMPAC 2026, the world’s largest joint naval exercise, wrapped up in Hawaii after five weeks of drills involving 30 nations, 30,000 personnel and major surface, submarine and air participation, with organisers stressing that no single country can secure the Pacific alone. Financial Scams Watch: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) warned the public about AI-generated or manipulated investment scam videos that misuse its name and falsely claim regulator approval, urging people to verify only via official BDCB channels. Smart Mobility & EVs: Universiti Teknologi Brunei hosted an international sharing session on smart mobility and sustainable cities, featuring speakers discussing traffic management, transport systems and electric-vehicle charging progress. Local New Energy Vehicle: Maju Motors launched the BYD ATTO 2 compact plug-in hybrid SUV in Brunei, highlighting hybrid performance and a long combined driving range for everyday use. Regional Youth Links: YEAB represented Brunei at the ASEAN-China Young Leaders Exchange Festival, focusing on sustainability, innovation and green development. Culture & Heritage: A summer exhibition at the Gurkha Museum will commemorate 60 years since the end of the Borneo Confrontation, spotlighting Gurkhas’ role and ties involving Brunei.

Financial Safety: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) warned the public about AI-generated investment scam videos that misuse its name and impersonate officials, urging people to verify via BDCB’s official website and social media before sharing or acting. Smart Mobility & Education: Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) hosted an international sharing session on smart mobility and sustainable cities, featuring speakers on traffic management and electric vehicles, with a focus on practical transport solutions. New Energy Vehicles: Maju Motors launched the BYD ATTO 2 compact plug-in hybrid SUV in Brunei, highlighting hybrid performance, a long combined range, and everyday practicality for local drivers. Regional Youth Links: YEAB represented Brunei at the 12th ASEAN-China Young Leaders Exchange Festival, meeting leaders and touring renewable energy and smart grid facilities in Qinghai. Local Culture & Heritage: A summer exhibition at The Gurkha Museum in Winchester will mark 60 years since the end of the Borneo Confrontation, spotlighting Gurkhas’ role and shared heritage involving Brunei and Malaysia. Community & Nature: A Brunei-linked conservation-style feature highlights how a protected eco-park helps sustain wild green mahseer populations while supporting ecotourism. ASEAN Sports: The FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 draw set Brunei in Division 2 Group A (with Hong Kong and Myanmar), with the tournament scheduled for September-October.

ASEAN-Diplomacy: China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi held intensive bilateral meetings in Manila with ASEAN counterparts, stressing the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation and warning against provocations that could disrupt peace in the South China Sea. Regional Payments: ASEAN’s linked QR payment systems are now interoperable across a 420 million-consumer network, letting shoppers and migrant workers pay and send money across borders more easily—though businesses still face adoption gaps. Brunei-Linked Growth & Infrastructure: Brunei’s inclusion in the wider ASEAN connectivity push comes as regional projects and upgrades continue, including a new Bandar Lawas bridge in Malaysia aimed at cutting travel time and boosting local development. Sports & Culture: FIFA’s inaugural ASEAN Cup 2026 draw sets India and Pakistan in Division 1 groups, while Renaissance Dhaka’s ASEAN Weekend Theme Nights highlight regional food culture with Brunei among the featured cuisines. Security Watch: Singapore detained three youths under its Internal Security Act for online self-radicalisation and planned attacks, underscoring the risk of violent extremist content spreading to younger people.