AGP Executive Report

FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026: The inaugural 14-team FIFA ASEAN Cup kicks off Sept 24-Oct 5 across Indonesia (Jakarta, Bandung) and Hong Kong, with Brunei in Division Two and hosts Indonesia in Division One. South China Sea Tensions: Philippines Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. fired back at China after a “theatrics” remark, amid fresh barbs over the 2016 arbitration. ASEAN Haze Watch: Indonesia’s fires and toxic haze continue to disrupt the region, with officials calling for deeper cross-border action as smoke spreads. Brunei in Education Spotlight: Brunei ranks among ASEAN’s top three in PISA Mathematics and Science, while wider results show a global reading and skills decline. Regional Security Drills: India, US, France, Japan and Indonesia held airborne insertion exercises in Indonesia to improve joint response capabilities. Sports & Local Football: DPMM FC’s haze-postponed tie saw them lose 3-2 to Terengganu in the first leg, while other regional clubs advanced in cup action. Tech & Business: China-ASEAN Expo highlights high-tech trade, while a new Asia-Pacific leadership move at State Street points to continued regional investment focus.

Football & Regional Sports: FIFA has confirmed the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, running Sept 24–Oct 5 across Indonesia (Jakarta, Bandung) and Hong Kong, with 14 teams split into two divisions; Brunei is in Division Two alongside Hong Kong, China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Timor-Leste, while Pakistan joins Division One and is drawn in Group B with Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam. Education & Youth Performance: Brunei says it placed among ASEAN’s top three in PISA 2025 for Mathematics and Science, and second in Reading, with over 5,000 students from 55 secondary schools taking part. Regional Security Talk: Philippines Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. hit back at China’s “theatrics” jab over South China Sea remarks, as China accused Manila of “stirring up trouble” after a note was delivered at a Seoul defence forum. Trade & Business: Turkish exports to Asia-Pacific rose 18.6% to $5.7b in Jan–Aug, with Brunei among the fastest-growing destinations. Environment & Health: Indonesia’s haze crisis continues, with Kalimantan fires still producing smoke and prompting fresh calls for deeper underground firefighting methods.

South China Sea Tensions: China accused the Philippines of “stirring up trouble” after Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. read a note rejecting the 2016 arbitration ruling at the Seoul Defense Dialogue, escalating a fresh war of words. ASEAN Haze Watch: Indonesia’s fires and peatland smoke are again pushing haze across borders, with ASEAN raising alerts and schools in parts of the region moving to remote learning as air quality turns unhealthy. Education Spotlight (PISA): Brunei placed among ASEAN’s top performers in PISA 2025—second in reading and top-three in maths and science—while global results show reading and maths declining worldwide and the Philippines posting gains but still below OECD averages. Regional Sports: FIFA confirmed the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup Premier Division kicks off in Jakarta on Sept 25, with Brunei set to play Hong Kong in the tournament’s group stage. Local Business & Tech: Brunei’s education ministry highlighted PISA results, while regional firms continue investing in AI and services—like State Street naming Tim Helyar head of Asia Pacific and Coca-Cola’s AI ordering tool gaining traction with retailers. Health & Trade Policy: ASEAN members backed a phased single submission model for medical devices, with Malaysia proposed as the coordinating entry point for technical dossiers.

ASEAN Education Spotlight (PISA): Brunei placed among ASEAN’s top three in PISA 2025 Mathematics and Science, and ranked second in Reading, with over 5,000 Bruneian students from 55 secondary schools taking the test in April–May 2025. Regional Health & Disruption (Haze): Indonesia’s worsening haze from forest and peat fires is forcing more schools into remote learning, including in South Sumatra where classes moved online for hundreds of thousands of students as air quality hit unhealthy levels. ASEAN Cooperation (Medical Devices): Malaysia has been proposed as the coordinating entry point for ASEAN’s single submission model for medical device pre-market approvals, aiming to reduce duplication while keeping each country’s final registration authority. Brunei Sports Update (Football): DPMM FC’s home advantage didn’t pay off as they lost 3-2 to Terengganu FC in the first leg of their round of 16 tie, a match postponed earlier due to haze. South China Sea Tensions: China and the Philippines traded sharp words after a tense Seoul Defense Dialogue exchange, with Manila calling Beijing’s actions coercion and bullying.

Disaster Preparedness in Indonesia: President Prabowo orders a comprehensive disaster mitigation masterplan as Indonesia faces earthquake recovery, Anak Krakatau volcanic disruption to flights, and ongoing forest fires spreading haze to Malaysia, Brunei and beyond. Regional Haze Crisis: ASEAN’s haze response is again under strain as smoke from Indonesian wildfires forces school closures and emergency measures in parts of Malaysia, while Brunei and neighbours feel the impact. Brunei Tourism Push: Brunei Tourism Development Department invites stakeholders to submit proposals for Visit Brunei Year 2027, aiming to showcase culture, nature and local products while boosting tourism opportunities. Local Tech & AI Infrastructure: UNN signs agreements with Vobile to build AI-ready digital infrastructure in Brunei, positioning the partnership for growth in the digital economy. New Vehicles in Brunei: Honda Brunei introduces the all-new ZR-V hybrid SUV and the Super-ONE EV, marking a fresh push in hybrid and electric mobility. Business & Finance: Mastercard appoints Beena Pothen as division president for West Southeast Asia, covering Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar. Education Spotlight (Regional): PISA 2025 shows improved Philippines scores in science, math and reading, but many students remain below baseline proficiency.

Brunei & Region Tourism: Brunei Tourism Development Department is inviting stakeholders to submit proposals for Visit Brunei Year 2027, aiming to showcase the country’s heritage, nature, products and tourism experiences. Car & Culture (Brunei royal link): A rare 2004 Ferrari Enzo in factory matte Nero Opaco—ordered by a member of the Royal Family of Brunei—will be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s later this month, with the car reportedly restored at Carrozzeria Zanasi. Education Watch: The OECD’s PISA 2025 shows a global slide in reading and maths, while the Philippines posts gains; still, many students remain below baseline proficiency. Haze & Disruption Across Borneo: Indonesia’s wildfires and Anak Krakatau ash continue to disrupt travel and daily life, with Malaysia declaring an emergency in Sarawak’s Serian district and schools closing amid hazardous air. Local Tech & AI: Vobile signs agreements with Brunei’s UNN to build AI-ready infrastructure and “AI factories” in Brunei. Sports: DPMM FC’s defence gets praise in a Super Match report, while UMPSA highlights university sports as a talent platform.

Regional Haze & Health: Malaysia declared an emergency in Sarawak’s Serian district as transboundary smoke from Indonesia’s wildfires pushed air pollution to critical levels, with residents reporting breathing trouble and schools disrupted. Indonesia Disruption: Indonesia extended Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta airport closure after Anak Krakatau ash, affecting hundreds of flights and hundreds of thousands of passengers. Disaster Preparedness: President Prabowo ordered a comprehensive disaster mitigation masterplan, citing earthquake recovery, volcanic activity, and ongoing forest fires, with resources to be prepositioned ahead of incidents. Brunei Tourism: Brunei’s tourism department invited stakeholders to submit proposals for Visit Brunei Year 2027, aiming to showcase culture, nature, and local products. Digital Growth in Brunei: Vobile signed agreements with UNN to build AI-ready infrastructure and expand digital capabilities in Brunei. Business Leadership: Mastercard appointed Beena Pothen as division president for West Southeast Asia, covering Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar. Education Watch: The 2025 PISA study reported a sharp global drop in reading and math performance.

Haze Crisis Across Borneo: Indonesia’s 2026 wildfires are worsening regional air quality, with smoke reaching Sabah, Sarawak, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines, prompting school disruptions and emergency measures in Malaysia’s Serian Division. Health & Safety Warnings: Sarawak declared a state of emergency in Serian after air pollution hit critical levels, while Cebu City suspended face-to-face classes due to unhealthy air. Volcanic Disruption: Anak Krakatau ash forced Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta Airport to stay closed until 23:59 local time, affecting about 270,000 passengers and thousands of flights. Tourism Push: Brunei’s tourism department is inviting stakeholders to submit proposals for Visit Brunei Year 2027. Digital & Business Moves: UNN signed agreements with Vobile to build AI-ready digital capabilities in Brunei, and Mastercard appointed Beena Pothen as division president for West Southeast Asia covering Brunei. Consumer Protection Alert: A toxics watchdog group condemned online sales of mercury-laced banned skin lighteners, urging platforms to block promotions.

Volcanic Disruption: Indonesia halted flights at several airports, including Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta, until 8.59am local time after ash from Mount Anak Krakatau spread across Java and Sumatra, affecting hundreds of flights and tens of thousands of passengers. Transboundary Haze Crisis: Malaysia declared an emergency in Sarawak’s Serian Division after air pollution hit very hazardous levels, with 647 schools set to close and authorities urging residents to cut outdoor exposure as smoke from Indonesia’s fires continues to drift toward Brunei and beyond. Brunei-Linked Mobility Update: Toyota Brunei introduced the all-new Urban Cruiser BEV, an electric compact SUV with up to 426km range, 172hp and 193Nm, unveiled at the Toyota Gadong Showroom. Regional Business & Policy: A Singapore summit on Belt and Road infrastructure backed SDG-focused partnerships, while ASEAN coordination efforts continue on haze management and cross-border impacts. Sports: DPMM FC’s defence drew praise in a Super League match against JDT, despite the tough challenge.

Transboundary Haze Crisis: Malaysia declared a state of emergency in Sarawak’s Serian Division after the Air Pollutant Index hit emergency levels, with 647 schools set to close and offices and worksites told to pause non-essential activities while essential services continue. Regional Health Impact: Residents reported thick smoke even indoors, with breathing issues and sore throats driving some to seek treatment, as haze from Indonesia’s Borneo and Sumatra fires drifts toward Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. ASEAN Cooperation: In Doha, the ASEAN Community in Doha held a blood donation drive led by the Malaysian embassy, drawing around 100 registrations and support from all seven ACD ambassadors. Brunei Sports & Community: UMPSA is using university table tennis as a talent and youth development platform through an Asian university championship, while DPMM FC’s defence was praised in a hard-fought Super League match against JDT. Brunei Mobility: Toyota Brunei introduced the all-electric Urban Cruiser BEV at its Gadong showroom, touting up to 426km range.

Transboundary Haze Emergency: Malaysia declared an emergency in Serian, Sarawak after the Air Pollutant Index hit hazardous levels, with 647 schools and many non-essential services set to pause as smoke from Indonesia’s fires continues to drift across Borneo and beyond. Regional Air Quality Watch: Reports say moderate to thick haze is moving through parts of Sarawak, Sabah and Brunei, while Singapore and the Philippines also face unhealthy conditions and respiratory complaints as hotspots persist. Brunei Mobility Update: Toyota Brunei introduced the all-electric Urban Cruiser BEV at the Toyota Gadong Showroom, touting up to 426km range and modern safety features. Sports (DPMM FC): In Malaysia’s Super League, DPMM FC’s defence was praised after a tough match against JDT, with the game decided after a slow start. ASEAN Community in Doha: ASEAN diplomats and community members held a blood donation drive in Qatar, supporting humanitarian needs and people-to-people ties.

Haze Emergency in Sarawak: Malaysia declared an emergency in Serian after the Air Pollutant Index hit 521, with Kuching also recording hazardous levels; 647 schools and many non-essential workplaces are set to close, and cloud-seeding is planned to help ease conditions. Regional Smoke Crisis: Indonesia’s wildfires across Borneo and Sumatra are driving worsening haze across Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore and the Philippines, with dry El Niño conditions and large-scale burning linked to major emissions and health impacts. ASEAN Response: Indonesia says it is coordinating with neighbours under the ASEAN Transboundary Haze Pollution framework, including daily reporting after the bloc’s Alert Level 3 was activated. Brunei Mobility Update: Toyota Brunei Inchcape unveiled the all-electric Urban Cruiser BEV, touting up to 426km range and new safety/tech features. Sports: DPMM FC’s defence was praised after a tough Super League match against JDT, while JDT still secured a 3-0 win. Business & Trade: GTA Holdings plans a Centre of Excellence to boost MRO capabilities, and Sabah International Expo 2026 opened with participation from 15 countries including Brunei.

Haze Crisis: Thick smoke from Indonesia’s wildfires is worsening across Southeast Asia, with respiratory problems rising and schools closing as the haze drifts toward Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines. Malaysia Emergency: Malaysia declared an emergency in Sarawak’s Serian district after the Air Pollutant Index hit 521, triggering school closures and wider restrictions on non-essential activities. ASEAN Coordination: Indonesia says it’s handling transboundary haze through the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, including daily reporting under Regional Alert Level 3. Brunei Mobility: Toyota Brunei launched the all-new Urban Cruiser BEV, offering up to 426km range and advanced safety features. Regional Trade: Sabah International Expo 2026 drew participation from 15 countries, positioning Sabah as a gateway to global markets. Sports & Culture: Brunei-linked DPMM FC faced JDT in Super League action, while Bruneian artists can apply to represent Brunei at Phsar Art ’26 in Phnom Penh.

Regional Trade & Investment: Sabah International Expo 2026 (SIE2026) opened in Kota Kinabalu with participation from 15 countries, including Brunei, positioning Sabah as a “gateway to global opportunities” with about 300 booths and an expected 10,000 trade visitors. Haze & Public Health: Malaysia declared an emergency in Serian, Sarawak after air pollution hit emergency levels from Indonesia’s fires, while haze continues to spread across Southeast Asia and has also been affecting Brunei. Digital Payments Leadership: Mastercard named Beena Pothen as Division President for West Southeast Asia, covering Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar, to drive digital commerce and wallet growth. Brunei-Linked Mobility: Suzuki’s Brunei distributor Boustead launched Pakistan-made Alto and Every mini-cars, marking Suzuki’s first export of Kei-sized models from an overseas production base to Brunei. Finance Skills Push: Brunei launched National Financial Literacy Day 2026, a three-day push to improve financial habits and digital financial literacy. Sports (ASEAN): Manila Digger FC will host the first leg of its ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup playoff against Brunei’s Kasuka FC, with the return in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Regional Security Drills: Indonesia’s TNI and partner forces from the U.S., Japan, Australia and Canada ran a medevac drill at Super Garuda Shield 2026, simulating combat-wounded evacuation and helicopter transfer to medical centres. Payments Leadership: Mastercard reorganised Southeast Asia leadership, appointing Beena Pothen to lead West Southeast Asia covering Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar, with a focus on digital commerce growth. Cross-Border Health Alert: Indonesia’s wildfire haze is worsening across the region, with Singapore warning smoke could affect the city-state in coming weeks as El Niño peaks, while Brunei and Malaysia remain exposed. Brunei-Linked Finance & Trade: Brunei’s leaders sent Vietnam National Day congratulations, highlighting the partnership’s progress in trade, energy, defence and people-to-people ties. Aviation Update: Airbus resumed A330 deliveries after a three-month halt caused by a tool found inside an A330neo horizontal tail plane, triggering broader inspections. Local Economy & Tourism: Thailand will cut visa-free stays for many travellers from 60 to 30 days from 15 Sept, reshaping regional travel plans. Sports (ASEAN): Manila Digger FC will host the first leg of its ASEAN Club Championship playoff against Brunei’s Kasuka FC, with the return in Bandar Seri Begawan on Sept 12. Brunei Financial Literacy: Brunei’s Central Bank launched National Financial Literacy Day 2026 to boost responsible financial habits, including digital financial literacy.

ASEAN Diplomacy: Brunei’s Sultan and top lawmakers sent congratulations to Vietnam for its 81st National Day, highlighting the growing Vietnam-Brunei Comprehensive Partnership and support for APEC Year 2027. Regional Health & Environment: Indonesia’s Borneo wildfires are driving hazardous haze across parts of Southeast Asia, with Singapore warning of possible smoke impacts and the Philippines expecting haze effects until Sept 3. Local Finance & Skills: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank launched National Financial Literacy Day 2026, aiming to boost financial knowledge and responsible habits, including digital financial literacy. Tourism & Travel Rules: Thailand will cut visa-free stays for many passport holders from 60 to 30 days from Sept 15, while Brunei citizens are listed among those retaining longer allowances. Business & Trade: OGA 2026 opened in Kuala Lumpur with a stronger focus on market access and regional energy projects, while Sabah pushed to become a BIMP-EAGA and ASEAN business gateway. Sports: Manila Digger FC is set for an ASEAN Club Championship playoff against Brunei’s Kasuka FC, with the winner heading into the group stage.