AGP Executive Report

Brunei-Indonesia Healthcare Ties: Brunei and Indonesia signed an MoU to deepen health cooperation, covering primary care, health services, resilience, financing, workforce and health technology. Visit Brunei Year 2027: Brunei unveiled the official VBY2027 branding, including the logo and mascots Awang and Dayang, in a whole-of-nation push to boost tourism and economic diversification. ASEAN-Russia Business Push: At the Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan, leaders including Brunei backed wider trade and energy cooperation, with Putin urging more transactions in national currencies. Shell Leadership Move (Brunei link): Shell appointed Elohor Aiboni as Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, with her prior Shell work including oversight in Brunei. Regional Connectivity for Tourism: India’s High Commission in Malaysia backed direct air links with Sabah as a “game changer” for tourism and economic cooperation. ASEAN Planning Lessons: Sarawak drew on Vienna’s Seestadt Aspern model to guide Limbang-Lawas Local Plan 2035, highlighting practical, integrated urban development. Local Business & Community Events: WAK x Miri 3.0 highlighted growing youth and community support, while WATCEFS 2026 opened in Miri with international culinary and trade participation.

Visit Brunei Year 2027: Brunei officially unveiled the VBY2027 logo and mascots “Awang” and “Dayang” at Jerudong Park Garden, kicking off a whole-of-nation push to boost tourism and support economic diversification. Healthcare ties: Brunei and Indonesia signed an MoU to deepen cooperation in primary healthcare, health services, resilience, financing, health workforce and health technology. Regional planning & border growth: Sarawak’s Deputy Premier said Vienna’s Seestadt Aspern model will guide Limbang-Lawas Local Plan 2035, while Sarawak also studied Hungary’s Győr approach for border economic hubs near Brunei and Sabah. Business & connectivity: Sabah explored direct air links with India as a “game changer” for tourism and trade, and Kopeks announced collaboration with Bruneian co-ops to expand its cooperative network. Energy & leadership: Shell appointed Elohor Aiboni as Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, with experience that includes overseeing assets in Brunei. Markets & culture: WATCEFS 2026 opened in Miri with 13-nation participation, and Sabah’s Tabletop Con 2.0 doubled in size with creators and vendors from Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

Regional Business & Events: Sarawak’s WAK x Miri festival keeps expanding with strong youth and community backing, while WATCEFS 2026 opened in Miri as a major international culinary and trade gathering bringing 13-nation delegations, exhibitors and buyers to boost partnerships and market access. Creative Economy & Trade: Sabah’s Sabah National Tabletop Con 2.0 doubled in size, drawing creators and vendors from Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei and positioning the state as a regional hub for tabletop gaming and niche tourism. Connectivity for Growth: India’s High Commission in Malaysia backed direct air links between India and Sabah, calling it a “game changer” for tourism and wider economic cooperation. Co-ops Going Cross-Border: Sabah’s Kopeks plans collaboration with Bruneian cooperatives via a business network push, alongside a move to launch its own media platform. Energy & Finance (ASEAN-Russia): At the Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan, leaders adopted the Kazan Declaration and pushed energy cooperation and broader trade using national currencies, with Brunei among attending states. Aviation Sustainability: IATA’s CO2 Connect added more airlines, including Royal Brunei Airlines, aiming to standardise emissions reporting using operational data. Shell Leadership: Shell appointed Elohor Aiboni as Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, with experience that includes assignments in Brunei.

Shell Leadership Move: Shell appointed Elohor Aiboni as its first Nigerian woman Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, effective 1 August 2026, succeeding Marno de Jong after more than six years; Aiboni previously led SNEPCo and oversaw milestones including Bonga’s one-billionth barrel. ASEAN-Russia Business Push: At the Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan, leaders adopted the Kazan Declaration and an action plan through 2030, calling for deeper trade, investment, energy, digitalisation, science and tourism cooperation, with Putin urging more use of national currencies. Aviation Emissions Reporting: IATA’s CO2 Connect expanded with more airlines joining, including Royal Brunei Airlines, to standardise how aviation carbon emissions are calculated using airline operational data. Regional Connectivity for Tourism: India’s High Commission backed direct air links between India and Sabah, saying better connectivity could unlock tourism and economic cooperation. Co-op Cross-Border Ties: Sabah’s Kopeks plans collaboration with Bruneian cooperatives via Brunei’s Malay Business and Enterprise Council to expand its business network. Retail Ambition in Sarawak: Sarawak Premier said the state can grow a homegrown retail sector into a global giant like Walmart, highlighting supply-chain and logistics development.

Shell Leadership in Nigeria: Shell has appointed Elohor Aiboni as Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, effective 1 August 2026, making her the first Nigerian to hold the combined role as she succeeds Marno de Jong. ASEAN-Russia Business Push: At the Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan, leaders adopted the Kazan Declaration and a 2026–2030 action plan covering trade, investment, energy, transport, digital and science cooperation, with Russia pledging energy and nuclear collaboration. Energy Security Watch: Russia and ASEAN also flagged rising global energy instability and the need to strengthen supply chains, protect critical infrastructure, and keep maritime routes open. Aviation & Emissions Data: IATA’s CO2 Connect gained more airlines, including Royal Brunei Airlines, as carriers move toward standardized, operational-data-based emissions reporting for customers. Brunei-Linked Regional Growth: Sarawak is studying Hungary’s Győr model to shape Limbang and Lawas into border economic hubs near Brunei, Sabah and Kalimantan. Tourism Connectivity: India’s High Commission backed direct air talks with Sabah, saying better links could unlock tourism and wider economic cooperation.

Shell Leadership Move: Shell Nigeria has appointed Elohor Aiboni as Executive Vice President and Country Chair Nigeria, succeeding Marno de Jong, with the change effective 1 Aug 2026; Aiboni is currently on assignment as Asset Director at Brunei Shell Petroleum and previously became the first woman MD of SNEPCo in 2021, overseeing major output milestones including Bonga’s one-billionth barrel in 2023. Russia–ASEAN Business Push: Russia’s Kazan summit adopted the Kazan Declaration and an action plan for 2026–2030 to expand ASEAN-Russia cooperation across trade, investment, energy, transport, digital, science and tourism, with Brunei among the ASEAN members attending. Aviation Emissions Reporting: IATA’s CO2 Connect is gaining traction as more airlines join to standardize how emissions are calculated and reported using operational data, with new participants including Royal Brunei Airlines and Gulf Air. Brunei Energy Trade Angle: Brunei’s light crude exports are highlighted as benefiting from global fuel-market swings tied to Strait of Hormuz disruptions, with Thailand a key destination. Regional Connectivity for Tourism: India and Sabah are discussing a proposed direct air link to unlock more travel demand, with connectivity flagged as the main constraint.

Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan: President Vladimir Putin used the 35th anniversary meeting to push a wider “strategic partnership” with ASEAN, including Brunei, with focus on trade, investment, energy, agriculture, digitalisation, science, tourism and people-to-people links. Energy Security Agenda: Russia and ASEAN adopted a joint declaration calling out growing global energy instability and urging stronger supply chains, diversified energy sources, and protection of critical infrastructure. Action Plan 2026-2030: Leaders also backed a practical roadmap to implement the partnership across politics, security, trade, investment, energy, transport, agriculture and the digital sector. Brunei-Russia Bilateral Boost: Putin met Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah on the summit sidelines, highlighting rising trade turnover and cooperation potential beyond energy into industry, agriculture and medicine. Local Business Angle (Brunei-linked): Sabah’s Kopeks is exploring cross-border import-export opportunities with Brunei cooperatives as part of its diversification push. Shell Leadership Move (Brunei Shell link): Shell named Elohor Aiboni—currently on assignment as Asset Director at Brunei Shell Petroleum—as Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, succeeding Marno de Jong. Regional Trade & Travel: Travel Meet Asia 2026 in Jakarta (23-24 June) expands exhibition space by 20% and welcomes Brunei as Official Partner Country. Geopolitics Spillover: Ukraine’s drone attacks on Moscow and US travel warnings underline how conflict risk is still disrupting global energy and logistics.

Russia-ASEAN Summit: Putin hosted ASEAN leaders in Kazan to push a stronger Russia-ASEAN strategic partnership, with business forums focused on expanding trade, investment, industrial cooperation and direct links between companies, and the Kazan Declaration plus energy, culture and a 2026–2030 action plan adopted. Brunei-Russia Ties: Putin met Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, saying Russia-Brunei trade is nearing US$1bn and highlighting energy links, with potential also flagged for industry, agriculture and medicine. Shell Leadership Move (Nigeria): Shell named Brunei Shell Petroleum asset director Elohor Aiboni as Executive Vice President and Country Chair Nigeria from 1 Aug 2026, succeeding Marno de Jong; the appointment makes her the first Nigerian to lead the combined role. Brunei Tourism Trade Link: Travel Meet Asia 2026 in Jakarta (23–24 June) added 20% more exhibition space and welcomed Brunei as Official Partner Country to promote Visit Brunei 2027. Energy Security Watch: The IEA warned Strait of Hormuz disruptions exposed structural energy risks for Southeast Asia, where Middle East supply dominates crude imports and affects petrochemicals and cooking gas. Regional Business Expansion: Sabah’s Kopeks said it’s working with Brunei cooperatives to explore import-export opportunities and broaden markets for local products.

Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan: Russian President Vladimir Putin is hosting ASEAN leaders in Kazan for the 35th anniversary of Russia-ASEAN ties, with the main day focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy, security and food security, and several documents expected to be adopted. Brunei-Russia Business Link: On the sidelines, Putin met Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, saying Russia-Brunei trade turnover has edged toward US$1 billion, with energy as the key pillar and potential in industry, agriculture and medicine. Shell Leadership Move (Brunei Shell ties): Shell named Elohor Aiboni—currently an asset director at Brunei Shell Petroleum—as Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, effective 1 Aug 2026, succeeding Marno de Jong. Regional Trade & Investment Signals: Indonesia expects to double trade with Russia to US$10b per year, while the Philippines is pushing double tax treaty updates (Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong) to attract more FDI. Energy & Trade Risk Watch: Germany’s Steinmeier warned that rising tensions in the South China Sea could threaten freedom of navigation and disrupt global trade, echoing how the Strait of Hormuz crisis lifted costs. Local Business Angle (Brunei-relevant region): Singapore’s rice stockpiling scheme is driving upgrades at Tong Seng Produce, a reminder that food supply resilience is becoming a bigger operational priority across ASEAN.

Russia-ASEAN Summit: Putin hosted ASEAN leaders in Kazan to deepen trade, investment and strategic cooperation, with a business forum focused on energy, transport and food security. Brunei Link: Putin met Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah during the summit, underscoring Brunei’s role in the bloc’s engagement with Russia. Trade Push: Indonesia expects to double trade with Russia to about US$10bn a year, citing tariff cuts under an Indonesia–Eurasian Union free trade deal. Energy Shock Watch: Malaysia’s economy minister said the global fuel crisis could create opportunities for ASEAN via supply-chain diversification. Regional Risk: Germany’s Steinmeier warned Europe is worried about South China Sea tensions, saying any major flare-up could disrupt freedom of navigation and global trade. Brunei Business Angle: Brunei’s Sultan is set to attend the Kazan summit, while Brunei Shell Petroleum’s executive leadership move is also in focus regionally. Shell Leadership Move: Shell named Elohor Aiboni (currently Asset Director at Brunei Shell Petroleum) as Nigeria Executive Vice President and Country Chair from 1 Aug 2026, succeeding Marno de Jong. Food Security Lens: An ASEAN commentary argues “collective resilience” is key as fertilizer and energy costs strain regional food security.

ASEAN-Russia Summit: Russia’s Putin will attend the Russia–ASEAN anniversary summit in Kazan on June 17–18, with Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah among the leaders expected; four documents are set to be adopted. Brunei’s Diplomacy: Brunei’s cabinet reshuffle appoints HRH Prince Abdul Mateen Bolkiah as Chief of Diplomacy/Foreign Minister, with Erywan Yusof deputising. Regional Fiscal Watch: AMRO says ASEAN+3 fiscal data for Q2 may show pressure from higher Persian Gulf energy costs and subsidy expansion, with financing conditions adding downside risks (Brunei is the only one expected to avoid negative year-to-date revenue growth). Business in the Region: Boustead Singapore’s Esri Australia renews a GIS platform contract with Australia’s federal government for about S$60m, supporting profitability and EPS for FY ending Mar 31, 2027. Local Economy & Trade: Brunei’s Royal Brunei Culinary is backing the Singapore Food Festival 2026 in Bandar Seri Begawan (June 11–July 4), with Old Chang Kee among partners. Energy & Shipping Risk: Europe’s concern over South China Sea tensions is rising, with leaders warning any major flare-up could disrupt freedom of navigation and global trade.

Brunei-ASEAN Diplomacy: Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah turns 80, with no succession signs, while Prince Abdul Mateen is set to lead Brunei’s foreign ministry after a cabinet reshuffle. ASEAN-Russia Summit: Brunei is also expected to attend the Russia-ASEAN anniversary summit in Kazan on June 17-18, where multiple regional leaders will gather and documents will be adopted. Regional Trade Policy: Over 80 civil society groups urge ASEAN and Australia-New Zealand to review and remove Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) from the updated AANZFTA, with discussions starting in Melbourne on June 24. Brunei in Regional Business: ASEAN diplomats visited Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ), including Brunei representatives, to explore expanding investment and industrial cooperation. Local Business & Tourism: Brunei-linked Singapore Food Festival promotions continue in Bandar Seri Begawan, while Miri (Sarawak) prepares to host World Asia Tapas 2026 (June 18-21), highlighting regional business networking through food tourism. Energy & Finance Watch: AMRO flags that the Iran crisis’s fiscal impact may show up more clearly in ASEAN+3 Q2 data, with higher energy costs and subsidies as key risks.

ASEAN Trade Talks: Over 80 civil society groups across ASEAN and Australia/New Zealand are urging governments to remove or change Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) rules in the updated AANZFTA, with a review set to start in Melbourne on 24 June and formal negotiations in October—an issue that could affect how foreign investors sue governments over public-interest laws. Brunei Leadership & Diplomacy: Brunei’s Sultan turns 80 with no succession signs, while HRH Prince Abdul Mateen Bolkiah is set to lead the Foreign Ministry as chief of diplomacy, underscoring continuity in the country’s external engagement. Brunei Business & Tourism: Royal Brunei Culinary’s Singapore Food Festival 2026 runs in Bandar Seri Begawan from 11 June to 4 July, featuring 70+ Singapore dishes and a collaboration with Old Chang Kee—another cross-border trade and hospitality boost. Regional Energy & Markets: Australia’s fuel excise rebate decision is expected early next week, as officials weigh Middle East ceasefire impacts against ongoing supply risks. Finance & Consumer Trends: Standard Chartered says Vietnam’s retail banking is shifting from product-led sales to long-term customer value as middle-income growth and cross-border needs rise. Sport & Community: Samoc’s 14th Sabah Masters Open Athletics Championship drew 768 athletes, highlighting the region’s growing sports tourism and community participation.

Brunei Cabinet & Diplomacy: Brunei’s Sultan Ibrahim reshuffled his cabinet, appointing HRH Prince Abdul Mateen Bolkiah as the country’s chief of diplomacy and new Foreign Minister, with Erywan Yusof continuing as Second Minister of Foreign Affairs. Brunei Energy & Procurement: Brunei tenders solar for five government buildings, a sign of continued push toward cleaner power in public infrastructure. Brunei Entrepreneurship & Education: A Brunei university relaunches a start-up centre and entrepreneurship village, aiming to boost local business creation and skills. Regional Business & Trade: ASEAN diplomats visited Bangladesh’s BSEZ to explore expanding investment and industrial cooperation, including tours of manufacturing and export-oriented facilities. ASEAN Power & Green Growth: Sarawak is pushing for a unified ASEAN Power Grid framework to speed up cross-border energy integration, positioning the state as a green “battery” via hydropower. Retail Banking Trend (Vietnam): Standard Chartered says Vietnam’s retail banking is shifting from product-led sales to long-term customer value and cross-border advisory. Food & Tourism (Brunei-linked): RBC’s Singapore Food Festival runs in Brunei from June 11 to July 4, featuring 70+ dishes and an Old Chang Kee collaboration. Regional Security & Markets: Australia will decide fuel excise rebate extension early next week, as it weighs the impact of a US-Iran ceasefire deal on oil supply and prices.

Brunei Foreign Affairs Leadership: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim reshuffled the Cabinet, appointing HRH Prince Abdul Mateen Bolkiah as Brunei’s Foreign Minister, with Erywan Yusof deputising as Second Minister of Foreign Affairs. Regional Business & Trade: ASEAN diplomats visited Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ), signalling interest in expanding investment and industrial cooperation across the bloc. Food & Tourism Trade: Royal Brunei Culinary’s Singapore Food Festival 2026 runs June 11–July 4, featuring 70+ dishes and a collaboration with Old Chang Kee, with Singapore’s High Commission and Tourism Board supporting. Local Business Events: Miri will host the World Asia Tapas Competition, Exhibition, Festival & Seminar (June 18–21), aiming to draw about 3,000 participants and strengthen culinary tourism and business networking. Energy & Markets Watch: India stayed Russia’s No. 2 buyer of Russian fossil fuels in May, importing about €5.8bn as refiners increased crude purchases—an ongoing signal for regional energy pricing and supply chains.

Brunei Business & Tourism: Brunei-linked Sarawak is set to host the World Asia Tapas Competition, Exhibition, Festival & Seminar (WATCEFS) 2026 from June 18–21, aiming to draw about 3,000 visitors and featuring 100+ exhibitors plus international tapas contests that could feed winners into Spain’s World Tapas Championship. Retail Banking & Wealth: Standard Chartered’s retail banking chief in Vietnam and Brunei says Vietnam’s banks are shifting from product-led sales to longer-term customer value, as middle/affluent growth and cross-border needs push banks toward advisory and end-to-end support. Energy Trade Watch: India stayed the world’s No.2 buyer of Russian fossil fuels in May, importing about €5.8bn as refiners boosted crude purchases—an update that keeps global energy pricing and sanctions dynamics in focus for regional markets. ASEAN Investment Links: ASEAN diplomats visited Bangladesh’s Special Economic Zone (BSEZ), signalling interest in expanding regional investment and industrial cooperation after touring manufacturing and export-oriented facilities. Brunei Economy & Food: Royal Brunei Culinary’s Singapore Food Festival 2026 runs June 11–July 4 with 70+ dishes and an Old Chang Kee collaboration, supported by Singapore’s tourism bodies and local partners. Cyber & Consumer Risk: A Europe-focused study reports 75% of adults encountered scams in the past year, with major losses and low reporting—another reminder for ASEAN consumers and businesses to tighten fraud defenses.