AGP Executive Report

Digital Economy: Brunei’s Digital Brunei 2030 is set to unify digital efforts across government, society, business, data and AI, with the Digital Brunei Economy Forum 2026 stressing closer public-private collaboration to deliver secure, integrated and commercially relevant services. Tourism Tech: Brunei launches “Nakhoda,” a digital tourism marketplace for local operators with cashless payments and an AI trip planner, aimed at fixing fragmented online visibility ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027. Property Market: Brunei’s Residential Property Price Index rose 13.0% year-on-year in Q1 2026, with most purchases in Brunei Muara. Oil & Gas Upstream: Norway’s TGS wins exclusive rights for a new multi-client 3D seismic survey offshore Brunei to help de-risk exploration ahead of future licensing rounds. Education & Skills: ACER and Brunei roll out Brunei Darussalam Digital Literacy Standards (Years 1–11), weaving AI literacy and updated ICT and Business/Art/Technology curricula into classroom implementation. Regional Finance & Islamic Wealth: BlueFive Capital and Al Murjan complete a deal to create BlueFiveSidra, a global Sharia-compliant platform targeting savers across GCC and Southeast Asia, including Brunei.

Flood & Tourism (Limbang): A 250-metre river embankment at Kampung Poyan will strengthen flood protection and boost ecotourism in Limbang, with RM500,000 allocated for phase one this year and another RM500,000 in 2027; the plan also calls for regular river maintenance and community events to draw visitors. Brunei Property Market: Brunei’s Residential Property Price Index rose 13.0% year-on-year in Q1 2026, reaching 99.2, with most purchases in Brunei Muara. Digital Tourism Push: Brunei launched “Nakhoda,” a digital marketplace for local tourism operators ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027, featuring an AI trip planner and cashless payments to help small operators sell online. Oil & Gas Data for Investment: Norwegian firm TGS won exclusive rights for a new multi-client 3D seismic survey offshore Brunei to improve resource assessment ahead of future licensing rounds. Education & Skills: ACER and Brunei introduced national Brunei Darussalam Digital Literacy Standards (Years 1–11), including embedded AI literacy, alongside updated ICT and Business/Art/Technology curricula. Islamic Finance Deal: BlueFive Capital and Al Murjan Group completed a transaction to create a global Sharia-compliant asset management platform, with BlueFiveSidra headquartered in Singapore.

Brunei Digital Economy: Brunei’s tourism push gets a boost with the launch of “Nakhoda,” a digital marketplace for local operators plus an AI trip planner to help travellers discover, plan and book experiences ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027. Brunei Property Market: Brunei’s Residential Property Price Index rose 13.0% year-on-year in Q1 2026, with the index up 6.4% quarter-on-quarter, led by purchases in Brunei Muara. Brunei Oil & Gas: Norway’s TGS secured exclusive rights for a multi-client 3D seismic survey offshore Brunei, aiming to improve resource assessment ahead of future licensing rounds. Islamic Finance Deal: BlueFive Capital and Al Murjan Group completed a stake swap to form BlueFiveSidra, targeting a global Sharia-compliant asset management platform headquartered in Singapore, with products aimed at savers across GCC and Southeast Asia including Brunei. Aviation Carbon Costs: A UN-backed airline carbon scheme could deliver an ASEAN windfall of US$8.5bn, as the region is positioned to scale high-integrity carbon credits under CORSIA. Education & Skills: ACER and Brunei rolled out national Brunei Darussalam Digital Literacy Standards (BDDLS) for Years 1–11, embedding AI literacy and updating ICT and related curricula. Regional Trade: CPTPP ministers advanced expansion talks, including accession progress for Costa Rica and work to accelerate discussions on Uruguay, with preparatory talks also flagged for UAE, Philippines and Indonesia. World Bank Finance: The World Bank approved a US$1.02bn package for the Philippines to expand affordable electricity access and strengthen water security, including support for offshore wind and renewable energy market reforms.

Data Centres & Investment: SUNeVision passed continuing connected transactions at an EGM and shared progress on its MEGA IDC build, saying a major single-customer order could lift Phase One occupancy from 30% to about 70% by end-2026, with AI and cloud demand driving interest in remaining floors. Digital Economy & Skills: Brunei and ACER rolled out the Brunei Darussalam Digital Literacy Standards (BDDLS) for Years 1–11, with AI literacy built in from early years and updated ICT and Business/Art/Technology curricula plus teacher guides to support classroom rollout. Tourism Modernisation: Brunei launched “Nakhoda”, a digital marketplace for local tourism operators with cashless payments and an AI trip planner, aimed at fixing fragmented online sales ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027. Property Market: Brunei’s Residential Property Price Index rose 13% y/y in Q1 2026 (BDCB), with most purchases in Brunei Muara. Oil & Gas Upstream Push: TGS won exclusive rights for a new multi-client 3D seismic survey offshore Brunei to help assess resources ahead of future licensing rounds. Regional Trade: CPTPP ministers advanced expansion, with accession talks moving toward Costa Rica and Uruguay and preparatory discussions starting with the UAE and the Philippines/Indonesia. Maritime Security Cooperation: ReCAAP ISC and the Philippine Coast Guard held a senior officers meeting with Brunei among focal points to strengthen port security and responses to piracy/sea robbery.

Brunei Property & Finance: Brunei’s Residential Property Price Index rose 13% year-on-year in Q1 2026 to 99.2, with a 6.4% quarter-on-quarter gain, led by purchases in Brunei Muara (72 units). Tourism Digitalisation: Brunei launched “Nakhoda”, a digital tourism marketplace with cashless payments and an AI trip planner, aiming to fix fragmented online visibility for small operators ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027. Oil & Gas Outlook: A sector outlook points to stronger Q2 performance, with upstream expected to outperform as Brent stays elevated and domestic projects ramp up. Energy Exploration Deal: Norwegian firm TGS secured exclusive rights for a multi-client 3D seismic survey offshore Brunei, with new data meant to de-risk exploration ahead of future licensing rounds. Trade & Regional Integration: CPTPP ministers advanced expansion work, with preliminary accession talks set for Costa Rica and Uruguay and preparatory discussions starting with the Philippines, Indonesia and the UAE.

CPTPP Trade Push: CPTPP ministers met virtually and backed faster accession work for Costa Rica and Uruguay, while starting preparatory discussions with the UAE, the Philippines and Indonesia—aiming to deepen an open, rules-based trade system that matters to Brunei exporters and investors. Energy & Water Finance: The World Bank approved a $1.02bn package for the Philippines to expand electricity and water access, including support for offshore wind and measures to cut reliance on imported fossil fuels. Brunei Upstream Update: TGS secured exclusive rights from the Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam for a multi-client 3D seismic survey offshore Brunei, targeting new data to de-risk exploration and attract international investment. Maritime Security Cooperation: ReCAAP ISC and the Philippine Coast Guard co-organised a senior officers meeting with Brunei among focal points, focusing on port security and joint responses to piracy and sea robbery. Regional Haze Risk: A Singapore think tank issued a “red alert” for severe transboundary haze risk in 2026 for Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, warning higher costs could weaken fire-prevention efforts. Business Services for SMEs: Business Bridge Asia expanded Southeast Asia market entry consulting support for SMEs, adding country-specific guidance and on-the-ground help across 14+ markets.

CPTPP Expansion: CPTPP members have agreed to start preliminary talks to add Indonesia, the Philippines and the UAE, setting up a first-ever framework for accession work before formal negotiations. Regional Energy & Trade: CPTPP ministers also backed efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and keep energy sea lanes safe, while highlighting the bloc’s push to strengthen supply-chain resilience. Brunei Business & Tourism: Brunei’s Tutong Food Festival 2026 ran June 25–28 with 60 vendors, aiming to boost local entrepreneurs, small business exposure and community-led tourism. Islamic Economy: A Brunei minister said the Islamic economy is a strategic opportunity, citing strong halal foundations, regulation and the country’s Malay Islamic Monarchy philosophy. Maritime Security (Brunei in focus): ReCAAP ISC and the Philippine Coast Guard held a capacity-building meeting with Brunei among focal points to improve port security and coordination against piracy and sea robbery. Haze Risk: A “red alert” haze outlook warned Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore face severe transboundary haze risk, with higher energy and fertiliser costs potentially weakening fire-prevention.

Maritime Security: ReCAAP ISC and the Philippine Coast Guard ran a five-day senior officers meeting in Manila with Brunei among 15 focal points, focusing on port security, reporting templates for armed robbery, and better joint patrol/enforcement coordination. Carbon Tax Revenue Split: Malaysia’s Sarawak premier urged that at least 70% of carbon tax revenue go back to Sabah and Sarawak, citing their role as major carbon sinks. Trade Bloc Moves: CPTPP members agreed to start preliminary talks to add Indonesia, the Philippines and the UAE, setting up a framework to review applicants’ trade rules before formal accession negotiations. Regional Haze Risk: A “red alert” haze outlook flagged high risk of severe transboundary haze for Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, warning that higher energy and fertiliser costs could weaken fire-prevention efforts. Brunei Tourism Push: Brunei announced “Visit Brunei Year 2027” to boost tourism and support economic diversification, unveiling the campaign logo and mascots. Local Business & Community: Tutong’s Food Festival 2026 ran June 25-28 with 60 vendors, aiming to expand entrepreneurship and local economic activity. Energy & Connectivity (Regional): Sarawak Energy said it is driving the Borneo grid and discussing interconnection with Brunei, while also eyeing wider cross-border links. RIMPAC Participation: RIMPAC 2026 kicked off in Hawaii with Brunei among participating navies, underscoring defence cooperation in the Pacific. Islamic Economy: A Brunei minister said the Islamic economy is a strategic opportunity, pointing to existing halal industry and regulatory foundations to build resilience and diversification.

CPTPP Expansion Watch: CPTPP ministers agreed to move quickly on accession for Costa Rica and Uruguay, and launched preliminary talks with Indonesia, the Philippines and the UAE—setting up a framework to review applicants’ domestic trade rules before formal negotiations. Brunei Business & Tourism: Brunei’s Tutong Food Festival 2026 runs until June 28 with 60 vendors, aiming to boost small businesses and local tourism. Islamic Economy: A Brunei minister said the Islamic economy is a strategic growth opportunity, pointing to the country’s halal industry and regulatory foundations. Regional Energy Links: Sarawak Energy says it is pushing the Borneo grid and discussing interconnection with Brunei, while also planning wider cross-border connectivity. Haze Risk: A Singapore think tank issued a “red alert” for severe transboundary haze affecting Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, warning higher energy and fertiliser costs could weaken fire-prevention efforts. Local Corporate Note: Pakistan reconstituted PARCO’s board, rehires most bureaucrats—an update for regional energy governance watchers. Tech/Family Safety: Tune Talk launched Epik+ Family Safe, a prepaid plan with network-level parental controls. Trade & Travel: The UAE expanded visa-on-arrival to six more countries, expected to lift business and tourism flows.

CPTPP Expansion: CPTPP ministers have agreed to start preliminary accession talks with Indonesia, the Philippines and the UAE, setting up a pathway toward formal negotiations while still requiring full consensus from existing members—an important signal for Brunei’s trade ecosystem given the bloc already includes Brunei. Regional Energy & Connectivity: Sarawak Energy says it is pushing the ASEAN Power Grid by strengthening the Borneo grid first, including discussions with Brunei on an interconnection, alongside plans for cross-border links such as a proposed Sarawak–Singapore subsea cable. Haze Risk for Brunei: The Singapore Institute of International Affairs has issued a “red alert” for severe transboundary haze risk for Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, warning that higher energy and fertiliser costs could weaken fire-prevention as dry conditions intensify. Brunei Tourism Push: Brunei is set to hold “Visit Brunei Year 2027,” unveiling the campaign logo and mascots to boost tourism and support economic diversification. Islamic Economy: A Brunei minister says the Islamic economy is a strategic opportunity, pointing to existing halal industry strength and regulatory foundations as the base for deeper sector integration. Local Business Spotlight: Tutong’s Food Festival 2026 is running as a platform for local food entrepreneurs, with 60 vendors and a focus on growing small businesses and tourism.

Brunei Business & Tourism: Tutong’s Food Festival 2026 runs until June 28, bringing 60 food and beverage vendors to boost local entrepreneurship and tourism activity. Islamic Economy: Brunei’s Islamic economy is framed as a strategic growth lever, with a minister pointing to strong halal industry foundations and a supportive regulatory ecosystem. Regional Energy & Connectivity: Sarawak Energy says it is in discussions with Brunei on establishing an interconnection as it pushes the Borneo grid under the ASEAN Power Grid vision. Trade & Markets: CPTPP members have agreed to start preliminary talks to add Indonesia, the Philippines and the UAE, setting the stage for formal accession negotiations. Risk Watch: A Singapore think tank issues a “red alert” haze outlook for Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, warning that El Niño and higher energy/fertiliser costs could weaken fire-prevention efforts. Business Travel & Consumer Deals: Brunei is included in Visa Infinite cardholders’ Accor+ preview membership promotion across select Asian markets. Local Consumer Spotlight: NBT Toyota Brunei returns to the 33rd Consumer Fair & Trade Expo with vehicle promotions and rewards running through June 30.

CPTPP Expansion Talks: CPTPP members have agreed to start preliminary talks to add Indonesia, the Philippines and the UAE, setting standards like tariff cuts and IP rules before any formal accession talks. Energy & Trade Resilience: CPTPP ministers also welcomed the US-Iran deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, urging safe, continuous transit and cooperation to protect energy supply chains. Regional Haze Risk: The Singapore Institute of International Affairs issued a “red alert” for severe transboundary haze for Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, with August–September flagged as peak risk as El Niño returns and costs pressure land-clearing practices. Brunei Tourism Push: Tutong’s Food Festival 2026 runs until June 28, backing local food entrepreneurs and boosting district tourism activity. Islamic Economy: A Brunei minister said the Islamic economy is a strategic diversification opportunity, citing strong regulatory foundations and a recognised halal industry. Local Business & Consumer Activity: NBT Toyota Brunei is back at the 33rd Consumer Fair & Trade Expo with promotions and rewards running through late June. Offshore Business Deal: Wintermar Offshore Marine (WINS) has gained full control of Singapore’s Fast Offshore Supply (FOS) and its Indonesia unit, with FOS linked to Brunei crewboat supply plans. Security/Travel Incident: Two foreign nationals accused of graffiti vandalism in a Busan subway depot reportedly fled via Brunei, with Interpol action planned.

Regional Energy & Trade Links: Sarawak Energy is pushing the ASEAN Power Grid by strengthening the Borneo grid first, exporting to Kalimantan since 2016 and to Sabah since last December, while discussing an interconnection with Brunei; it’s also eyeing a Sarawak–Singapore subsea cable and possible links to Peninsular Malaysia. Brunei Tourism & Business Push: Tutong’s Food Festival 2026 runs June 25–28 with 60 vendors, aiming to grow local entrepreneurship and tourism; Brunei also launched the Visit Brunei Year 2027 campaign with new logo and mascots to support tourism-led economic diversification. Islamic Economy Spotlight: A Brunei minister said the Islamic economy is a strategic opportunity, pointing to regulatory foundations, a globally recognised halal industry and the national Malay Islamic Monarchy philosophy. ASEAN Haze Warning: Singapore’s think tank SIIA issued a rare “red” risk for severe transboundary haze for Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, with August–September flagged as peak danger driven by El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole, plus biofuel demand and cost pressures. Local Commerce at Major Events: NBT Toyota Brunei returned to the 33rd Consumer Fair & Trade Expo with promotions and rewards, while Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation showcased furniture and sustainable wood-based products at Brunei’s CFTE to tap regional buyers. Corporate Deal (Brunei-linked): Wintermar Offshore Marine (WINS) gained full control of Fast Offshore Supply (FOS) and its Brunei-linked operations, including aluminium crew transfer vessel deliveries tied to a Brunei oil-sector tender. Finance & Lifestyle Offer: Visa Infinite cardholders in Brunei and other Asian markets can access a 6-month Accor+ preview membership under a cross-promotion running until Sept 30, 2027.

Tutong Economic Push: Brunei’s Food Festival 2026 is running in Tutong until June 28, aiming to spur local business growth and entrepreneurship with 60 food and beverage vendors. Islamic Finance & Trade: Brunei says the Islamic economy is a strategic opportunity, pointing to its halal industry, regulatory base and national philosophy as foundations for diversification and resilience. Tourism Promotion: Brunei is set to hold “Visit Brunei Year 2027,” unveiling the campaign logo and mascots to drive tourism and wider economic diversification. Regional Risk Watch: A Singapore think tank warns Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore face a high risk of severe transboundary haze in 2026, with August–September flagged as peak danger. Business & Travel Deals: Visa Infinite cardholders in Brunei and across Asia can access a 6-month Accor+ Explorer preview membership under a new cross-promotion. Trade & Investment Context: Asean energy investment needs clearer policy signals to unlock US$200b amid global uncertainty, while India–US trade talks continue as tariff frameworks are negotiated. Regional Business Links: Sarawak is showcasing timber products at Brunei’s CFTE to tap regional buyers, while BIMP-EAGA is urged to expand overseas trade and tourism offices.

Tourism Push: Brunei officially kicked off the Visit Brunei Year 2027 campaign, unveiling the logo and mascots “Awang” and “Dayang” as a whole-of-nation effort to boost tourism and support economic diversification. Regional Risk Watch: The Singapore Institute of International Affairs issued a rare “red” haze outlook for 2026, warning Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore face severe transboundary haze risk, with August–September flagged as peak danger driven by El Niño and Indian Ocean Dipole, plus added pressure from fuel and fertiliser costs and biofuel demand. Trade & Industry Linkages: Wintermar Offshore Marine (WINS) moved to full control of Singapore’s Fast Offshore Supply (FOS) and its Indonesia unit, expanding into aluminium crew transfer vessel building for Brunei-bound deliveries starting 2027. BIMP-EAGA Strategy: Sarawak’s Abdul Karim urged BIMP-EAGA to study Sarawak’s Statos model and consider regional offices to accelerate trade and tourism development across the subregion. Local Food Innovation: UniSZA’s programme produced 10 new food products, including pumpkin and chilli-based items, with Brunei students contributing ideas. Expo Business Leads: Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) showcased furniture and sustainable wood-based products at Brunei’s CFTE to tap regional buyers and investment. Aviation Support: Two new RAF H145 Jupiter helicopters arrived in Cyprus, with further deliveries expected to include Brunei by end-July.

Transboundary Haze Alert: Singapore Institute of International Affairs warns Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore face a red-level risk of severe haze in 2026, with peak danger in August–September driven by El Niño and Indian Ocean Dipole, plus higher costs and biofuel-driven land pressure. Offshore Supply Expansion: Wintermar Offshore Marine (WINS) buys remaining stakes in Fast Offshore Supply (FOS) and PT Fast Offshore Indonesia (FOI) to take full control, expanding into aluminium crew transfer vessels; FOS has a Brunei presence and will deliver five CTVs in 2027. Regional Trade & Tourism Push: Brunei’s Abdul Karim says BIMP-EAGA should study Sarawak’s Statos model and set up regional offices to speed up subregional economic and tourism growth. Local Market Link: Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) showcases sustainable timber and furniture at Brunei’s CFTE expo to tap regional buyers and investment. Food Manufacturing Innovation: UniSZA students develop 10 new food products under a 2026 programme, with Brunei mobility students contributing ideas. Energy Security Angle: Philippines explores linking with Indonesia under the ASEAN Power Grid, with Brunei included in later phases. Business & Finance Watch: Suria Capital Holdings reports stronger FY2025 results, citing growth from property and infrastructure moves. Global Trade Talks: India and the US begin high-level talks to recalibrate a bilateral trade pact ahead of a July 24 tariff deadline.