AGP Executive Report

Brunei Tourism Push: Brunei unveiled the official branding for Visit Brunei Year 2027, including the logo and mascots “Awang” and “Dayang”, in a ceremony at Jerudong Park Garden to kick off promotional work ahead of the national tourism campaign. Local Community & Lifestyle: NBTKu Drive Fest 2.0 returns to the Toyota Gadong Showroom (June 19–21) with test drives, family activities, food vouchers and limited-time promotions on Toyota models. Regional Development Lessons: Sarawak is studying Hungary’s city of Győr to shape growth plans for Limbang and Lawas, focusing on industrial development, transport, workforce prep and border connectivity near Brunei. Sports & Culture in the Region: Sabah’s Sabah National Tabletop Con 2.0 doubled in size, drawing vendors and creators from Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, while Sarawak’s WAK x Miri continues to grow with strong youth participation. Human Interest: Miri MP Chiew Choon Man stepped in to help a father of four after his wife’s passing, supporting his family’s livelihood and care needs.

Visit Brunei Year 2027: Brunei unveiled the official branding for Visit Brunei Year 2027, including the logo and mascots “Awang” and “Dayang”, kicking off promotional activities to boost tourism and support economic diversification. Health Diplomacy: His Majesty received Indonesia’s Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, as Brunei and Indonesia signed an MoU to deepen healthcare cooperation and exchange best practices. Local Events & Lifestyle: NBTKu Drive Fest 2.0 returns to the Toyota Gadong Showroom (June 19-21) with test drives, family activities, food stalls and limited-time Toyota promotions. Regional Spotlight: Shell appointed Elohor Aiboni as Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, with her career including international assignments in Brunei. Sports & Culture Across Borneo: Sarawak’s WAK x Miri and Miri’s WATCEFS 2026 continue to draw youth and international participation, while Sabah’s tabletop gaming scene expands with Tabletop Con 2.0.

Visit Brunei Year 2027: Brunei launched the VBY2027 campaign with its logo and mascots “Awang” and “Dayang”, aiming to boost tourism and support economic diversification. Health Diplomacy: His Majesty received Indonesia’s Minister of Health, with both sides signing an MoU to strengthen healthcare cooperation and professional capacity. ASEAN-Russia Ties: Leaders at the Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan backed wider trade and cooperation, with Putin urging more use of national currencies and pledging energy, nuclear and fertilizer collaboration. Regional Events in Brunei’s Orbit: NBTKu Drive Fest 2.0 returns at the Toyota Gadong Showroom with test drives, family activities and promotions. Culture & Media: Chinese film “Dear You” expanded its release to Brunei after a strong local premiere, while International Day of Yoga saw Indian missions hold sessions worldwide. Tourism & Community: Sarawak’s WAK x Miri continues to grow with youth and community support, and Sabah’s tabletop gaming scene expands with Sabah National Tabletop Con 2.0.

Brunei-Indonesia Health Ties: His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah received Indonesia’s Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin, with both sides signing an MoU to deepen healthcare cooperation and exchange best practices. Regional Creative & Youth Events: Sarawak’s WAK x Miri continues to grow with strong youth and community support, while Sabah’s Sabah National Tabletop Con 2.0 doubles in size and brings Brunei creators into the spotlight. ASEAN-Russia Summit: Leaders at the Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan backed wider cooperation, including energy, food, nuclear collaboration and trade using national currencies. Shell Leadership Move: Shell appointed Elohor Aiboni as Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, effective August 2026, succeeding Marno de Jong. Brunei Consumer Buzz: NBTKu Drive Fest 2.0 returns at the Toyota Gadong Showroom with test drives, family activities and limited-time Toyota promotions. Culture & Film: Chinese film “Dear You” premiered in Brunei, drawing nearly 200 guests and resonating with local audiences.

Shell Nigeria Leadership: Shell has appointed Elohor Aiboni as its first Nigerian woman to become Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, taking over from Marno de Jong on 1 August 2026, with Aiboni previously leading SNEPCo and overseeing major milestones including Bonga’s one-billionth barrel. ASEAN-Russia Summit: At the Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan, leaders adopted the Kazan Declaration and joint statements to expand cooperation across energy, culture and a 2026–2030 action plan, while Putin urged more trade using national currencies. Brunei in the Spotlight: Brunei was among the ASEAN delegations at the summit, and the Kazan talks also included Brunei-linked regional engagement. Local Business & Lifestyle: NBT (Brunei) Sdn Bhd brings back NBTKu Drive Fest 2.0 (June 19–21) at the Toyota Gadong Showroom with test drives, family activities and limited-time Toyota promotions. Media & Culture: The Chinese film “Dear You” premiered in Bandar Seri Begawan, drawing nearly 200 guests, and Brunei audiences were invited to connect with its themes of perseverance and heritage. Sports & Entertainment: Veteran singer Khadijah Ibrahim praised journalists as key pillars of her success at HAWANA 2026.

Russia–ASEAN Summit: President Vladimir Putin wrapped up the 35th anniversary Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan, with leaders including Brunei backing a wider “strategic partnership” across energy, security, trade, culture and digital cooperation, and adopting the Kazan Declaration plus energy and cultural cooperation statements. Shell Leadership in Nigeria: Shell appointed Elohor Aiboni as Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, effective 1 August 2026, making her the first Nigerian to hold the combined role as she succeeds Marno de Jong. Brunei in the spotlight via film: Chinese film “Dear You” premiered in Bandar Seri Begawan, drawing nearly 200 guests, while its Southeast Asia release also includes Brunei. Local community & youth events: Sarawak’s Rainforest Youth Summit 2026 returns to Kuching (24–26 June) to put youth leadership at the centre of climate action, and Brunei’s NBTKu Drive Fest 2.0 runs 19–21 June at the Toyota Gadong Showroom with test drives, family activities and limited-time promotions. Sports wealth curiosity: A new report puts Bruneian royal-linked Faiq Bolkiah’s fortune at about £15.7bn, far above Ronaldo and Messi.

Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan: President Vladimir Putin hosted ASEAN leaders and hailed ties as a “stabilizing factor,” with the Kazan Declaration adopted to expand cooperation through 2030 across security, trade, energy, culture and more. Ukraine-Russia Escalation: Ukraine struck a Moscow oil refinery again, disrupting flights as Russian air defences reported hundreds of drone interceptions; Moscow vowed “massive group strikes” on Kyiv in retaliation. Brunei Film Spotlight: Chinese film “Dear You” premiered in Bandar Seri Begawan to nearly 200 guests, with organisers saying it reflects perseverance and the overseas Chinese experience; the film also expanded its release across Southeast Asia including Brunei. Shell Leadership Move: Shell appointed Brunei Shell Petroleum asset director Elohor Aiboni as Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, succeeding Marno de Jong, with Aiboni set to take office on Aug 1, 2026. Culture & Community: Miri’s Taste of Borneo Cultural Carnival returns July 1–12, featuring a record-attempt opening parade and performances with groups from Brunei, Indonesia and beyond.

Ukraine-Russia Escalation: Ukraine’s drone blitz hit Moscow’s oil refinery again, disrupting flights as Russia said it shot down 555 drones; Kyiv warned of “pure hell” scenes while Moscow vowed “massive group strikes” on Kyiv. US Travel Alert: The US State Department urged Americans in Russia to move away from drones and avoid photographing debris after the attacks. Russia-ASEAN Summit (Kazan): Putin hosted ASEAN leaders, including Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, to push a wider “strategic partnership,” with new plans on energy, culture, and workforce training under the Kazan Declaration. Brunei-Sabah Links: Sabah’s Kopeks said it’s teaming up with Brunei cooperatives to explore import-export opportunities and expand into healthcare, dialysis, housing and community media. Shell Leadership Move: Shell named Elohor Aiboni (currently on assignment at Brunei Shell Petroleum) as Executive Vice President and Country Chair Nigeria, succeeding Marno de Jong. Tourism Trade: Travel Meet Asia 2026 in Jakarta (23–24 June) adds 20% more space and welcomes Brunei as Official Partner Country.

Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan: President Vladimir Putin hosted ASEAN leaders in Kazan to push stronger economic and political ties, marking 35 years of Russia-ASEAN relations and aiming to expand trade, investment, energy and industrial cooperation, with Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah among those attending. Kazan Declaration Adopted: The summit concluded with the Kazan Declaration plus energy, cultural cooperation statements and a 2026–2030 action plan to guide the strategic partnership forward. Ukraine Drone Strike on Moscow: Ukraine hit a Moscow oil refinery again, while Russian officials said hundreds of drones were shot down and flights from four Moscow airports were halted. Shell Leadership Move: Shell appointed Elohor Aiboni—currently on assignment at Brunei Shell Petroleum—as Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, taking over from Marno de Jong effective Aug 1, 2026. Energy Security Warning: A new IEA outlook says Strait of Hormuz disruptions exposed major structural risks for Southeast Asia’s energy security and affordability. Brunei Business Link: Kopeks is exploring cross-border import-export opportunities with Brunei cooperatives, including via a Brunei-linked community media initiative. Travel Meet Asia 2026: Travel Meet Asia opens in Jakarta with 20% more exhibition space, with Brunei Darussalam joining as Official Partner Country to promote Visit Brunei 2027.

Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan: Leaders are arriving for the main Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan, marking 35 years of ties, with Putin expected to push expanded cooperation on trade, investment, security and humanitarian work, and to hold bilateral meetings including with Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Brunei’s role in regional diplomacy: Putin specifically met the Sultan ahead of the summit, framing the Russia-ASEAN strategic partnership as a stabilising factor in the Asia-Pacific. Tourism business push: Travel Meet Asia 2026 in Jakarta (23-24 June) is set to expand exhibition space by 20%, with Brunei named an official partner country. Energy and food security backdrop: German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned Europe is worried about South China Sea tensions that could threaten navigation, while regional commentary highlights ASEAN’s need for “collective resilience” amid fuel and food supply pressures. Shell leadership change linked to Brunei Shell Petroleum: Elohor Aiboni, currently on assignment at Brunei Shell Petroleum, is appointed Shell’s Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria effective 1 Aug 2026.

Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan: President Vladimir Putin welcomed ASEAN leaders in Kazan for a two-day anniversary summit, calling the Russia-ASEAN partnership a “stabilizing factor” for Asia-Pacific and pushing new trade, investment and industrial cooperation, with bilateral meetings including Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and the Philippines’ President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Brunei-linked diplomacy: Brunei’s Sultan is among the leaders attending, underscoring Brunei’s role in ASEAN-Russia engagement as the summit marks 35 years of relations. Regional security concern: Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier told the Philippines that Europe is worried about tensions in the disputed South China Sea, warning that incidents could threaten freedom of navigation. Energy and food pressures: A Malaysian minister said the global fuel crisis could open opportunities for ASEAN to diversify supply chains, while regional commentary highlighted “collective resilience” for food security amid energy and fertiliser shocks. Shell leadership move: Brunei Shell Petroleum-linked Elohor Aiboni was named Shell Nigeria’s Executive Vice President and Country Chair, effective Aug 1, 2026.

Brunei in regional diplomacy: Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is set to attend the Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan on June 17-18, where several leaders are expected to adopt four documents, with Putin’s Kremlin aide confirming the schedule. Energy and fiscal pressure: AMRO says ASEAN+3 economies may feel the Iran crisis more clearly in Q2 fiscal data, with higher energy costs and subsidy spending the main risks. South China Sea concern: Germany’s president told the Philippines that Europe is worried about tensions in the disputed South China Sea, warning that incidents could threaten freedom of navigation. Culture and entertainment: Chinese film “Dear You” is scheduled for release in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei on June 18, after major box-office success in China. Local spotlight via sports ties: Bruneian artists also picked up recognition in regional music awards, while Brunei-linked coverage continues to highlight cross-border cultural and sporting connections.

Regional Diplomacy: Russia’s Kremlin says President Vladimir Putin will attend the Russia-ASEAN anniversary summit in Kazan on June 17–18, with Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah among leaders expected to attend. South China Sea Tensions: Germany’s president warned Europe is worried about a possible major flare-up in the disputed South China Sea, citing risks to freedom of navigation and comparing concerns to the Strait of Hormuz. Brunei in the Spotlight (Arts): China’s hit Teochew-dialect film “Dear You” is set for release in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei on June 18, after major box office success. ASEAN Trade Policy: Over 80 civil society groups urge ASEAN and Australia/New Zealand to review and remove Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) rules from the updated AANZFTA. Sports & Community: Sabah’s Samoc Masters Open Athletics drew 768 athletes, while Brunei-linked regional sports coverage also highlights athletes and events across the wider Borneo area. Energy & Finance Watch: AMRO expects the Iran crisis’s fiscal impact to show up more clearly in ASEAN+3 Q2 data, with higher energy and subsidy costs as key risks.

ASEAN Trade Talks: Over 80 civil society groups across AANZFTA members have urged governments to remove Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) rules from the updated ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, with a review set to begin in Melbourne on 24 June. Brunei Leadership: The Sultan of Brunei marks his 80th birthday, with no succession signs, while Prince Abdul Mateen has been appointed chief of diplomacy as Foreign Minister. Regional Environment: The Maldives will host the World Cleanup Day Leaders Academy Asia 2026 (19–22 June), bringing together environmental leaders including participants from Brunei. Sports in the region: Sabah’s Samoc Masters Open Athletics drew 768 athletes, highlighting growing demand for Masters events. Film buzz: Chinese family drama “Dear You” is set for release in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei on 18 June, after major international distribution deals. Energy & policy: Australia’s fuel excise rebate decision is expected next week as the Middle East ceasefire deal’s impact is assessed.

Regional environment: The Maldives will host the World Cleanup Day Leaders Academy Asia 2026 in K. Himmafushi from 19–22 June, bringing together environmental leaders from 23+ countries including Brunei to boost waste-management cooperation ahead of World Cleanup Day in September. Brunei diplomacy: Brunei’s cabinet reshuffle appoints HRH Prince Abdul Mateen Bolkiah as Chief of Diplomacy/Foreign Minister, with Erywan Yusof continuing as Second Minister of Foreign Affairs. Sports & community: Labuan’s Super Novice 4X4 Challenge 2026 kicks off with 40 drivers, including participants from Brunei, Sabah and Sarawak. Local governance: Sipitang assemblyman Yusri Pungut flags roads, obscured signboards and the need to reactivate the Sindumin/Merapok Immigration Control Post to improve travel convenience for visitors from Sarawak and Brunei. Health policy regionally: Malaysia’s Galen Centre urges the government to withdraw its appeal after a court struck down a nicotine ruling, as vape nicotine remains at the centre of public health debate. International tensions: China announces sanctions against the Philippines’ defence chief Gilberto Teodoro and family over “erroneous remarks,” banning entry and restricting dealings.

Cabinet & Diplomacy: Brunei’s cabinet reshuffle appoints HRH Prince Abdul Mateen Bolkiah as the country’s chief of diplomacy, with Erywan Yusof deputising as Second Minister of Foreign Affairs. Local Sports & Community: In the Philippines, Ateneo de Davao renamed the Rene Baterbonia Covered Court and retired his No. 2 jersey after the late basketball star’s death, while investigations continue into the drowning incident that also claimed teammate Divine Adili. Regional Mobility & Tourism: Miri will host the World Asia Tapas Competition, Exhibition, Festival & Seminar (June 18–21), aiming to draw about 3,000 visitors and competitors across Asia. Cross-Border Infrastructure: Sarawak is pushing for a unified ASEAN Power Grid framework to speed up regional energy integration and position the state as a green “battery.” Culture & Heritage: Sarawak plans to nominate a rare 16th-century Arabic manuscript linked to Sultan Tengah for UNESCO’s “Memory of the World.” Environment: Studies link Indonesia’s deadly landslides to climate change impacts, warning Tapanuli orangutans are pushed closer to extinction.