AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Tourism: Shenzhen Airlines launched its first Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route, with an inaugural ceremony at Brunei International Airport and an initial four-times-a-week schedule expected to strengthen Brunei’s links to China’s Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area. Tourism Demand: Brunei reported rising Chinese air arrivals—39,000 in 2024 to 45,858 in 2025—and said the new direct service plus visa-free entry for eligible Chinese ordinary passport holders should help attract more short-break visitors. Financial Sector Policy: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank launched the Brunei Financial Sector Blueprint (FSBP) 2026–2035, setting a decade-long direction for a resilient, inclusive and innovative financial sector with public-private stakeholder buy-in. Digital Services Expansion: Apple Music expanded to Albania, Brunei, Burkina Faso and Pakistan, bringing the service to 172 countries and regions—an extra boost for Brunei’s consumer and digital economy. Business & Investment Links: Saudi PIF-linked RUA AlHaram AlMakki and Rua Al Madinah signed collaboration agreements with Brunei’s TAIB to explore investment and development opportunities in Makkah, Madinah and Brunei. Logistics Leadership: DHL Express appointed Julian Neo as Managing Director for Hong Kong and Macau from 1 Oct 2026, with his prior experience including MD roles in Malaysia and Brunei. Consumer Market: Brunei’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry highlighted consumer protection efforts to build trust and support fair market growth.

Financial Sector Blueprint: Brunei’s central bank (BDCB) launched the Brunei Financial Sector Blueprint 2026-2035, setting a decade-long direction for a more resilient, inclusive and innovative financial sector. Saudi–Brunei Investment Links: Saudi PIF-linked RUA AlHaram AlMakki and Rua Al Madinah signed two agreements with Brunei’s TAIB to explore investment and development collaboration, including a proposed Makkah joint venture at King Salman Gate (indicative GDV about $2.59b). Brunei–Singapore Business Ties: Brunei Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah met Singapore leaders during the 12th Young Leaders’ Programme, discussing deeper cooperation that could create opportunities for businesses, alongside plans to strengthen the special relationship tied to the Currency Interchangeability Agreement. Logistics Leadership Move: DHL Express appointed Julian Neo as Managing Director for Hong Kong and Macau from Oct 1, with his prior experience including MD roles for DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei. Consumer Confidence: Brunei’s consumer protection push was highlighted at National Consumer Day, with officials linking stronger protection to a fairer market and continued business growth. ASEAN Digital Trade: A new ASEAN digital economy framework (DEFA) is nearing signature, but critics warn trust and rights issues could complicate cross-border digital trade.

Brunei–Singapore Ties: Brunei Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah met Singapore leaders in a Sept 29 visit tied to the 12th Young Leaders’ Programme, with talks focused on deepening bilateral cooperation and opportunities for businesses, plus reaffirming the special relationship ahead of the 60th anniversary of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement. ASEAN Digital Trade: ASEAN’s Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) is nearing signature in November, aiming to unlock a huge digital-economy prize, but critics warn the borderless digital economy still faces trust and rights concerns. Consumer Confidence in Brunei: Brunei’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry highlighted that stronger consumer protection builds a fair, trusted market—supporting responsible businesses and investment aligned with Vision 2035. Brunei Mobility Snapshot: The 2026 Passport Index ranks Brunei 18th globally (mobility score 154), with UAE top and Singapore/Malaysia jointly second. Local Business & Energy: MG HS Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) was launched in Brunei, adding an electrified SUV option with up to 120km electric range (WLTP). Regional Security Watch: China conducted fresh joint naval and air drills near Scarborough Shoal amid ongoing South China Sea tensions.

Consumer & Market Trust: Brunei’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry says stronger consumer protection builds confidence and a fair, trusted market—supporting business growth aligned with Vision 2035, highlighted at National Consumer Day with regulators, businesses and consumers. ASEAN Digital Economy: A new ASEAN push for a borderless digital economy under the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) promises major economic upside, but critics warn trust and rights issues could undermine benefits for everyday users. Brunei–Singapore Leadership Ties: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah begins a five-day official visit to Singapore to co-chair the 12th Young Leaders’ Programme, with talks spanning digital/green economies, finance, defence and food security. Local Mobility & EVs: Premier Motor Co launches the MG HS PHEV in Brunei, offering up to 120km electric range and low fuel use, adding another electrified SUV option for local drivers. Regional Security & Trade: China conducts fresh joint naval-air drills near Scarborough Shoal amid renewed Philippines tensions, while Brunei’s UN remarks stress lasting peace depends on justice for Palestinians. Business & Investment Signals: China’s outbound investment tops US$200b for the first time, with Hong Kong a key conduit for overseas capital. Philippines Fiscal Watch: The World Bank urges Philippines reforms—tax collection, procurement efficiency and tighter controls on unprogrammed funds—to unlock potential gains up to 7.1% of GDP.

World Bank on Philippines fiscal reforms: The World Bank says the Philippines can unlock 3.6% to 7.1% of GDP in annual fiscal gains by widening the tax base, improving collection, and tightening spending—highlighting procurement consolidation (up to P435b savings), capping unprogrammed appropriations at 5%, and better-targeted health, education and social protection. Brunei-Singapore leadership ties: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah is on a five-day official visit to Singapore to co-chair the 12th Young Leaders’ Programme, with stops including Tuas Port, SAFTI City, and the Oceanarium, and talks spanning digital/green economies, finance, defence and food security. Brunei at UNGA: Brunei’s Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen warned that lasting peace is impossible without justice for Palestinians, calling the conflict a test of UN credibility and urging equal application of international law. Local business update: Premier Motor Co launched the MG HS PHEV in Brunei, offering up to 120km electric range and fuel use as low as 0.7L/100km. Regional security watch: China carried out naval and air drills near Scarborough Shoal, as tensions with the Philippines continue.

Brunei–Singapore Diplomacy: Brunei Crown Prince Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah is on a five-day official visit to Singapore (until Oct 2), co-chairing the 12th Singapore–Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme and meeting top Singapore leaders, with talks spanning digital and green economies, finance, defence and food security. UN Stance on Justice: Brunei’s Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen told the UN General Assembly that lasting peace is impossible without justice for Palestinians, stressing equal application of international law amid Gaza and West Bank suffering. Regional Security Watch: China carried out fresh joint naval and air drills near Scarborough Shoal, as tensions with the Philippines over maritime rights continue. Local Business & Mobility: Premier Motor Co launched the MG HS Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) in Brunei, offering up to 120km electric range and low fuel consumption figures. Consumer Tech & Travel: DST and BIBD rolled out an iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max “Mobi Bundle,” while Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 reported booking growth and higher ticketing transactions. Energy Resilience (Regional): Schneider Electric says Singapore businesses are boosting sustainability and energy resilience spending, with 94% planning higher investment.

Labuan Tourism & Culture: Brunei-linked audiences get a regional boost as Malaysia’s Bernama reports the 13th Borneo Arts Festival (BAF) 2026 in Labuan drew over 30,000 visitors in three days, with hundreds of artists from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak, Labuan, Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines. Brunei-ASEAN Diplomacy: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah will visit Singapore from Sep 28–Oct 2 to co-chair the Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme, with stops including Tuas Port, SAFTI City, Sultan Mosque and the Oceanarium—aimed at deepening ties in digital/green economies, finance, defence and food security. UN & Palestine: Brunei’s Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen told the UN General Assembly there can be no lasting peace without justice for Palestinians, warning the conflict is a test of the UN’s credibility and of equal application of international law. Local Mobility & EVs (regional relevance): Pos Malaysia says it now operates 1,585 EVs and delivers one in three parcels via electric logistics, targeting 100% green deliveries by 2030. Brunei Consumer Tech: DST Brunei launched its latest Mobi Bundle for iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max with 24-month plans and added coverage and rewards. Business Expansion: Adabi Frozen Food is pushing further into international halal markets, entering Brunei and preparing expansion to Kuwait after MIHAS 2026. Sports & Brunei Spotlight: Reports say Brunei’s Faiq Bolkiah is now a free agent after Thai club Ratchaburi FC ended his contract.

Brunei-Singapore Business & Diplomacy: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah will visit Singapore from Sep 28–Oct 2 to co-chair the Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme, with stops including Tuas Port, SAFTI City, the Sultan Mosque, Malay Heritage Centre, Oceanarium, and sites tied to digital and green economies. Local Mobility & Consumer Tech: Premier Motor Co launched the MG HS Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) in Brunei at the Borneo Kustom Show, touting up to 120km electric range and low fuel use for a plug-in SUV. UN & Foreign Policy: Brunei warned at the UN General Assembly that there can be no lasting peace without justice for Palestinians, saying the Gaza crisis is a defining test of UN credibility and equal application of international law. Regional Geopolitics: Malaysia’s UNGA remarks highlighted how “middle powers” and ASEAN can keep global dialogue alive when major powers stall. Brunei in the Region’s Economy: Pos Malaysia reported scaling EV logistics, with one in three parcels delivered by electric vehicles—an example of electrified delivery trends across the region. Travel & Trade Signals: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 reported bookings up 16% and ticketing transactions up 15% year-on-year.

UN Diplomacy: Malaysia’s FM Mohamad Hasan told the UNGA that middle powers and ASEAN must keep dialogue alive when major powers stall, stressing proactive multilateralism. Regional Security: The Philippines led ADMM-Plus maritime drills in the West Philippine Sea with warships from Brunei, Singapore and others, while China stayed away and was reportedly monitored. Transboundary Haze: Malaysia is considering a dedicated law to tackle cross-border haze, looking at Singapore’s approach and discussing a regional haze fund. Borneo Connectivity: Indonesia is preparing the Kalimantan Corridor under the ASEAN Customs Transit System, aiming to cut transit costs and start operations in 2027, boosting freight links among Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. Halal & Trade: Adabi Frozen Food says it has entered Brunei and plans expansion to Kuwait after showcasing at MIHAS 2026. Brunei Business & Travel: DST launched an iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max Mobi Bundle with BIBD, while Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 reported 16% higher bookings and 15% more ticketing transactions. Culture & Heritage: Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia plan a joint UNESCO bid for zapin, targeting submission in March 2027.

Regional Environment & Health: Indonesia’s worst wildfire season is hitting neighbours including Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines, with haze disrupting classes and flights; experts say international firefighting support has been piecemeal and point to a multibillion-dollar funding gap for tropical forest preservation. Maritime Security: ADMM-Plus drills in the West Philippine Sea saw Brunei’s KDB Darussalam join formation, search-and-rescue and medical evacuation exercises led by the BRP Jose Rizal, while China stayed out of the exercise despite monitoring nearby. Brunei in Diplomacy: Brunei’s Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen met counterparts in New York, including during UNGA sidelines, underscoring continued cooperation and economic partnership themes. Halal & Trade: Adabi Frozen Food is expanding its international halal footprint, entering Brunei and preparing for Kuwait after MIHAS 2026, with further plans for SIAL Paris. Consumer & Telecom: DST and BIBD launched Brunei’s iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max Mobi Bundle with 24-month plans and added Shield+ coverage and rewards. Tourism & Culture: Labuan’s Borneo Arts Festival 2026 is positioning the territory as a regional arts and heritage hub, blending performances, workshops and food. Mobility & Logistics: Pos Malaysia says one in three parcels is now delivered via its growing EV fleet, supporting greener logistics targets.

Brunei-China Business & Culture: China and Brunei marked 35 years of diplomatic ties with cultural performances and a Brunei China Food Festival, plus a strategic cooperation agreement—another boost for people-to-people and trade links. Halal & Food Exports: Adabi Frozen Food is pushing deeper into the international halal market, entering Brunei and preparing an expansion to Kuwait after showcasing at MIHAS 2026, with more plans for SIAL Paris. Tech & Consumer Finance: DST launched its exclusive Mobi Bundle for iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max with 24-month plans, Shield+ coverage, and added rewards—aimed at driving Brunei’s smartphone and mobile contract uptake. Tourism & Local Events: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 wrapped up with higher bookings (+16%) and ticketing transactions (+15%), rewarding attendees with grand prizes. Regional Connectivity (Borneo): Indonesia is preparing the Kalimantan Corridor under the ASEAN Customs Transit System to improve freight movement among Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei, targeting operations in 2027. Maritime Security (Brunei in drills): Brunei joined a West Philippine Sea ADMM-Plus maritime security exercise led by the Philippines, with coordinated maneuvers, search-and-rescue and medical evacuation drills. Sustainability & Trade Policy: Malaysia is studying a special law to tackle transboundary haze, looking at Singapore’s approach—relevant to Brunei as ASEAN haze cooperation continues. UNGA Diplomacy: Brunei’s Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen held UNGA-side meetings, including with Vietnam’s FM, focusing on trade, oil & gas, tourism, halal cooperation and ASEAN/UN coordination. Visa & Mobility (Regional): Australia expanded its Frequent Traveller visitor stream for eligible nationals including Brunei, supporting regular business and tourism travel. Culture Heritage: Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia plan a joint UNESCO bid for zapin, targeting submission in March 2027.

Brunei in regional diplomacy: Brunei’s Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen met Vietnam’s Le Hoai Trung in New York, with both sides pushing trade, oil & gas, tourism, people-to-people links and halal cooperation under the 2023–2027 partnership plan. Maritime security with Brunei participation: Brunei’s patrol ship joined ADMM-Plus maritime security drills in the West Philippine Sea, alongside navies from the US, Australia, Japan, India, Singapore and others, as China monitored nearby but did not join the exercise. ASEAN trade integration: RCEP advanced Bangladesh’s accession after ministers approved an Ad Hoc Accession Working Group, keeping the pact open and aiming to help members deepen supply-chain links—relevant for Brunei’s trade outlook. Cross-border haze policy: Malaysia is urging a stronger legal approach to transboundary haze; Brunei is among countries supporting ASEAN work that could lead to a dedicated haze act and a regional funding mechanism. Business travel access: Australia expanded its Frequent Traveller visitor visa stream for Brunei citizens, enabling multiple entries for up to 10 years (with visit caps), supporting smoother tourism and business travel. Culture & branding: Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia plan a joint UNESCO bid for zapin, a move that could boost regional cultural tourism and cross-border creative industries.

Pharma Deal: Eli Lilly will pay InnoCare Pharma $100m to kick off a multi-drug R&D collaboration in China, using InnoCare’s discovery tech to target up to five unmet-need areas. Trade Bloc Update: RCEP has approved an ad hoc Accession Working Group to advance Bangladesh’s bid, keeping the agreement open and inclusive as the process moves forward. Climate & Risk: A new UN-backed firefighting fund aims to raise $100m for tropical forest protection, but critics say it leaves out Africa and Southeast Asia—just as wildfires and haze worsen across the region. Regional Business & Mobility: Indonesia is preparing the Kalimantan Corridor under the ASEAN Customs Transit System to improve Borneo freight connectivity with Brunei and Malaysia, targeting operations in 2027. ASEAN Security: ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus drills in the West Philippine Sea drew warships from multiple states including Brunei and Singapore, with China monitoring nearby. Brunei Link: Australia’s Frequent Traveller visa stream lists Brunei as eligible for long-stay business/tourism travel, while Brunei also appears in regional maritime and connectivity coverage. Local Economy: Lexus Brunei unveiled the ES 350h luxury hybrid sedan, positioning it as “Luxury, Reshaped.”

UNESCO & Culture: Singapore will jointly nominate zapin with Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, with the multinational submission due March 2027—an effort aimed at strengthening cross-border cultural ties. Brunei–China Business & Community: China and Brunei marked 35 years of diplomatic relations with cultural exchange events in Brunei, including “My Dream” performances and a Brunei China Food Festival, plus a strategic cooperation agreement. AI & Workforce Themes: KBTG Techtopia returned for its fourth year, focusing on “Human of Tomorrow” and how agentic AI is reshaping work and everyday life. Regional Trade & Investment: ASEAN and Hong Kong signed a protocol to amend the ASEAN–Hong Kong Investment Agreement, expanding fair treatment and compensation to support investment flows. Borneo Logistics: Indonesia is preparing the Kalimantan Corridor under the ASEAN Customs Transit System to improve freight connectivity among Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei, targeting operations in 2027. Halal Market Push: Bangladeshi exporters are targeting the $3.5 trillion global halal economy at Malaysia’s MIHAS showcase, seeking buyers and certification partners. Local Consumer Tech: Lexus Brunei unveiled the ES 350h luxury hybrid sedan, positioning it around “Luxury, Reshaped.”

Brunei-linked mobility & trade: UK lists Brunei among countries exempt from proving funds for student visas, easing applications for Bruneians studying in the UK. ASEAN investment rules: Hong Kong and ASEAN signed a first protocol to amend the ASEAN–Hong Kong Investment Agreement, aiming for fair treatment, free capital/profit movement, and compensation protections—good news for regional investors including Brunei firms. Regional business integration: ASEAN signatories (including Brunei) can voluntarily apply the upgraded ATIGA trade deal early among ready members ahead of its June 2027 entry. Local market & consumer angle: Lexus Brunei launched the all-new ES 350h luxury hybrid sedan, signaling continued demand for premium, lower-emission vehicles. Logistics decarbonisation (Malaysia): Pos Malaysia says one in three parcels is now delivered by EV, scaling electric motorcycles and vans to cut emissions. Energy & supply-chain scrutiny: Analysis flags Russian-derived fuel reaching Australia via Brunei’s Hengyi refinery, raising reputational and compliance questions for energy flows. Halal trade push (Malaysia): Bangladeshi exporters target the $3.5t global halal market at MIHAS in Malaysia, highlighting the region’s fast-growing food, pharma and services trade. Regional security backdrop: Brunei is among navies participating in ADMM-Plus maritime security drills near the Philippines, underscoring ongoing South China Sea tensions.

Asean–Hong Kong Investment: ASEAN and Hong Kong signed a First Protocol to amend the ASEAN–Hong Kong Investment Agreement, aiming for fairer treatment, expanded benefits and compensation—Brunei included among the ASEAN states implementing it. RCEP Push: Indonesia urged wider use of RCEP so benefits reach businesses, especially MSMEs, while ministers approved an ad hoc Accession Working Group for new members including Hong Kong. Trade Rules Ahead of 2027: ASEAN members can voluntarily apply the upgraded ATIGA early ahead of its June 2027 entry, with Brunei among the signatories moving toward provisional implementation. Brunei Business Link: Lexus Brunei unveiled the all-new ES 350h luxury hybrid sedan, positioning it as “Luxury, Reshaped.” Regional Connectivity & Tech: The U.S. is funding a feasibility study for a trans-Pacific internet cable that bypasses the South China Sea, reflecting growing digital infrastructure competition. Wildfire Fallout: Indonesia’s haze crisis continues to spark cross-border concern, including a class-action lawsuit alleging government negligence over West Kalimantan wildfires. Aviation & Industry: Indonesia is exploring deploying Comac C909 jets for forest-fire operations, while Singapore’s aerospace MRO momentum drew new industry participation announcements. Mobility & Visas: The UK listed Brunei among countries whose student visa applicants may face lighter proof-of-funds requirements.