Passport Power & Mobility: Brunei ranks 19th globally in the Henley Passport Index 2026, with visa-free/visa-on-arrival access to 163 destinations—behind Singapore (1st) and Malaysia (7th), while the Philippines sits at 72nd (65 destinations). Cross-Border Healthcare & Tourism: Malaysia is pushing regional medical tourism and healthcare investment via the Borneo Global MediTourism Congress & Expo 2026 in Sarawak (Oct 12-13), targeting partnerships across the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area. Halal Trade Strategy: A halal industry push argues ASEAN is “authenticity-rich” but is losing market share because members sell strengths separately; the call is for a more integrated halal value chain and harmonised certification. Regional Security & Shipping Costs: At the ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Iran’s Strait of Hormuz toll demand could set a dangerous precedent for global shipping and energy prices, while diplomats also flagged Middle East spillovers and South China Sea tensions. Brunei-Linked Financial Crime: A foreign suspect wanted by Brunei for alleged ATM skimming was arrested at Miri Airport, with police citing cross-border cooperation to support investigations and legal action. Investment & Finance: Record Asset Management launched “Record Amanah,” a Sharia-compliant investment platform initially focused on private markets and private equity, including a recent Brunei-related transaction.