Company Formation: Brunei saw a 125% jump in new company registrations in 2025 (354 vs 157 in 2024), with momentum continuing into 2026 (200 registrations in the first half), as the Economic Development Board supports investments, project assessments and industrial sites. Energy & Infrastructure PPPs: Brunei advanced public-private partnership projects, including a 30MW AC solar PV plant near the capital (aiming to start operations by end-2026) and a Muara Port Company partnership that improved port efficiency for stronger trade and logistics. Maritime Push: Brunei Darussalam Maritime Week 2026 opened under “Powering Maritime Excellence,” with the transport minister stressing safe seas, trust and reliable services as the base for investment and jobs. Tourism Upgrade: Brunei is targeting high-value tourism ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027, focusing on longer stays and higher spending through stronger promotion, digital marketing and more diverse products like adventure, nature, arts and culinary tourism. Land for Investment: The Ministry of Development identified 17,526 hectares for future development, including 3,324 hectares for transport to support logistics and plans such as Muara Port expansion and freight road networks. Digital Skills & AI Governance: DFCE 2026 highlighted future-ready digital skills and AI governance, with EVYD discussing trust-building and risk-based approaches to speed up low-risk AI adoption. Regional Finance Deal: Allianz agreed to buy UOB’s asset management arm (UOBAM) for about S$555m, covering UOBAM’s franchise across Brunei and other Asian markets, with deal completion expected in 2027. AI in Food (Brunei): Antrique launched an Nvidia-powered AI food innovation initiative in Brunei, starting with a planned 14-hectare coffee plantation in Tungku, aiming to boost productivity and later scale AI models using local production data.