AGP Executive Report

Royal Visit & F1 Spotlight: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah arrived in Malaysia for the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain GP at Sepang, with the race returning to the 2026 calendar after earlier cancellation amid West Asia tensions. Regional Defence Diplomacy: Brunei’s ambassador in Moscow said Bandar Seri Begawan plans to expand security cooperation with Russia, as the Sultan is set to visit Russia next month and defence ties were highlighted at a 35th anniversary exhibition. Aviation Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new direct Brunei–Shenzhen route, starting with an inaugural flight on Sept 30, aiming to boost trade, tourism and people-to-people links. Brunei Tech & Travel: Royal Brunei Airlines and SES completed RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi installation across the A320 fleet, rolling out seamless connectivity for passengers. Local Business & Mobility: Grand Auto officially launched the all-new Mazda CX-5 in Brunei, while Imperial Motors brought Subaru back with a new authorised showroom. Culture & Community: Borneo Jazz Festival returns for its 20th edition on Dec 4–5 in Miri city centre, with tickets on sale from Oct 3. International Media Access: Apple Music officially launched in Brunei (along with Albania, Burkina Faso and Pakistan), adding Brunei to Apple’s local services availability list.

South China Sea Tensions: The Philippines said a resupply mission was halted after Chinese coast guard and navy vessels “obstructed” efforts to support troops at a grounded warship near Second Thomas Shoal, with the US urging both sides to stop escalatory tactics. Brunei-Russia Security Links: Brunei signalled plans to expand cooperation with Moscow, including security and food, as diplomats marked 35 years of diplomatic ties and said the Sultan will visit Russia next month. Brunei-Singapore Diplomacy: Brunei Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah wrapped up a five-day Singapore visit, touring the Oceanarium and Punggol Digital District as leaders highlighted deepening friendship. Air Connectivity Boost: Shenzhen Airlines launched a direct Brunei–Shenzhen route, adding a new link to China’s Greater Bay Area. Royal Brunei Airlines Tech Upgrade: SES and Royal Brunei Airlines completed inflight Wi‑Fi installation across the A320 fleet via the RB SkyConnect system. Local Mobility & Retail: Mazda’s all-new CX-5 officially debuted in Brunei, while Subaru returned with a new Imperial Motors showroom and authorised sales and servicing. Culture & Community: The Urdu edition of Ho Chi Minh’s “Prison Diary” was launched in Pakistan with Brunei’s envoy among ASEAN guests. Regional Trade & Infrastructure: MinDA and Bongao discussed cross-border trade, logistics, and gaps in power and water supply to strengthen BIMP-Eaga links. Apple Music Arrives in Brunei: Apple Music launched in Brunei (along with Albania, Burkina Faso and Pakistan), bringing official access through local Apple accounts.

Royalty & Diplomacy: Brunei Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah wrapped up a five-day Singapore visit, touring the Oceanarium and Punggol Digital District, with leaders highlighting “deepening our friendship” and closer people-to-people ties. Russia Ties: Brunei’s ambassador in Moscow said Bandar Seri Begawan plans to expand cooperation with Russia, especially on security and food, as the Sultan is set to visit next month. Maritime Cooperation: Singapore and Brunei maritime authorities signed an MoU to boost digitalisation, safety, port inspections, incident investigation and training. Regional Security: Indonesia urged continued cooperation to keep South China Sea tensions down, stressing practical confidence-building steps and adherence to ASEAN’s Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. Energy Watch: China’s suspension of oil-product exports beyond Hong Kong and Macau could tighten fuel supplies for buyers including Singapore, Malaysia and Australia. Tech & Travel: Royal Brunei Airlines completed SES-powered inflight Wi-Fi rollout across its A320 fleet. Local Business: Maju Motors launched a BYD/Denza year-end promotion in Brunei with a chance to win a house and other prizes. Culture & Community: Borneo Jazz Festival returns for its 20th edition in Miri, with tickets set to go on sale 3 Oct.

Brunei–China Ties: Xi Jinping and Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah exchanged congratulatory messages marking 35 years of diplomatic relations, reaffirming plans to deepen cooperation and people-to-people links. Aviation & Connectivity: SES and Royal Brunei Airlines have completed the RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi rollout across the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, bringing seamless connectivity across the Asia-Pacific. Maritime Cooperation: Singapore’s MPA and Brunei’s MPABD signed an MoU to boost collaboration on digitalisation, maritime safety, port state control, incident investigation, training and more. Tourism Boost: Shenzhen Airlines launched the Brunei–Shenzhen route, with initial charter flights before scheduled services, aiming to strengthen China–Brunei travel and trade links. Tech & Services: Apple Music has finally launched in Brunei (along with Albania, Burkina Faso and Pakistan), expanding the service to 172 countries and regions. Local Business Promotion: Maju Motors’ BYD and Denza year-end promotion runs 1 Oct–31 Dec, offering a chance to win a house plus prizes worth over BND300,000. Regional Culture: Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore jointly proposed the Zapin dance for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2027.

Maritime Cooperation: Singapore’s MPA and Brunei’s MPABD signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen maritime and port collaboration, covering digitalisation, safety, port state control, incident investigation, training and more, signed on the sidelines of the 12th Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme. Tourism & Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new Brunei–Shenzhen route, with an initial charter phase before moving to scheduled flights, aiming to boost tourism and give Bruneian and Chinese travellers more direct access to China’s Greater Bay Area. Finance Policy: Brunei Central Bank launched the Brunei Financial Sector Blueprint 2026–2035, setting out a decade-long plan for a resilient, inclusive and innovative financial sector with shared public-private implementation. Tech & Services: Apple Music officially expanded to Albania, Brunei, Burkina Faso and Pakistan, bringing the service to 172 countries and regions—Brunei is now included even as Apple TV remains unavailable there. Business & Investment Links: RUA AlHaram AlMakki signed strategic collaboration agreements with Malaysia’s MRCB and Brunei’s TAIB to explore investment and development opportunities tied to King Salman Gate in Makkah, Madinah and Brunei.

Brunei-China Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new Brunei–Shenzhen direct air link on Sept 29, with an initial charter phase (four flights weekly) before moving to scheduled services (three weekly), aiming to boost tourism and trade and giving Bruneians easier access to China’s wider network. Tourism Numbers: Brunei reported rising Chinese air arrivals—about 39,000 in 2024 to 45,858 in 2025 (+17.6%)—with 28,657 recorded as of August 2026, and officials pointed to visa-free short stays and direct flights as key drivers. Financial Sector Planning: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank launched the Brunei Financial Sector Blueprint 2026–2035, setting out a decade-long push for a resilient, inclusive and innovative financial sector. Tech & Services: Apple Music expanded to Albania, Brunei, Burkina Faso and Pakistan after an 11-year wait, bringing availability to 172 countries/regions (with Apple TV still unavailable in Brunei). Culture Diplomacy: Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore jointly proposed the Zapin dance for UNESCO’s 2027 Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Aviation & Tourism: Shenzhen Airlines launched its first Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen flight, with an inaugural ceremony at Brunei International Airport and a plan for four weekly services—expected to strengthen links to China’s Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and boost trade, investment and tourism. Financial Sector: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank rolled out the Brunei Financial Sector Blueprint 2026–2035, setting a decade-long direction for a resilient, inclusive and innovative financial sector. Royal Ties: Xi Jinping and Brunei’s Sultan exchanged congratulations marking 35 years of diplomatic relations, highlighting deeper cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. Regional Defence/Leadership: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah met Singapore leaders during the 12th Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme, with discussions on deepening bilateral cooperation. Maritime Cooperation: Singapore’s MPA and Brunei’s MPABD signed an MoU to expand collaboration on digitalisation, maritime safety, port state control, incident investigations and training. Business & Investment: Saudi PIF-linked firms RUA AlHaram AlMakki and Rua Al Madinah signed agreements with TAIB to explore investment collaboration in Makkah and Madinah, with potential development opportunities tied to King Salman Gate. Tech & Media: Apple Music expanded to Brunei, alongside Albania, Burkina Faso and Pakistan—bringing the service to 172 countries and regions.

Brunei-Singapore ties: Brunei Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah is in Singapore (Sep 28–Oct 2) for the 12th Young Leaders’ Programme, co-chaired with PM Lawrence Wong, with meetings including tea with President Tharman and lunches/dinners with senior leaders to discuss deepening cooperation and the special relationship ahead of next year’s 60th Currency Interchangeability Agreement. Defence & training spotlight: During the visit, the Crown Prince toured Singapore’s SAFTI City, an urban combat training facility built to replicate dense city conditions, as both sides mark 50 years of defence relations. Maritime cooperation: Singapore’s MPA and Brunei’s MPABD signed an MoU on maritime and port collaboration covering digitalisation, safety, port-state control, incident investigation and training. Business & services: Royal Brunei Airlines was named “Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026” at the World Travel Awards. Regional logistics leadership: DHL Express appointed Julian Neo as Managing Director for Hong Kong and Macau effective Oct 1, succeeding Andy Chiang. Investment & development: RUA AlHaram AlMakki and Rua Al Madinah (PIF-linked) signed two agreements with TAIB, including a proposed King Salman Gate JV in Makkah (indicative GDV about US$2.59b). Local industry growth: Gropoint plans Brunei’s largest seafood processing plant in Serasa (up to 60 tonnes/day), targeting operations from March 2027 and creating 200+ jobs initially.

Brunei-Singapore Ties: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah met Singapore leaders in a key stop for the 12th Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme, with both sides pledging to deepen cooperation and reaffirm their “special relationship,” including plans tied to next year’s 60th anniversary of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement. Maritime Cooperation: Singapore’s MPA and Brunei’s MPABD signed a maritime and port MoU covering digitalisation, maritime safety, port state control, incident investigation, and training—aimed at safer, cleaner, more efficient shipping. Consumer Protection: Brunei marked National Consumer Day with officials saying stronger consumer protection builds trust, supports responsible businesses, and helps investment and innovation align with Vision 2035. Aviation Recognition: Royal Brunei Airlines was named Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026 for the fifth time since 2020 at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean gala. Regional Context: ASEAN’s digital economy push via DEFA is nearing signature, but critics warn about trust and rights issues for everyday users. Global Mobility: Brunei ranked 18th in the 2026 Passport Index, with mobility score 154.

Consumer Protection: Brunei marked National Consumer Day with a forum saying stronger consumer protection builds a fair, trusted market and supports Vision 2035 goals, with over 150 participants from regulators, businesses and consumers. Aviation Recognition: Royal Brunei Airlines was named Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026 for the fifth time since 2020 at the World Travel Awards in the Maldives. Regional Diplomacy: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah is on a five-day official visit to Singapore, co-chairing the 12th Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme and meeting leaders while touring key sites including SAFTI City and the Oceanarium. Sports & Brunei’s Presence: At the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, China continues to dominate the medal table, while Brunei sits at the bottom with one bronze so far. Policy Watch (Neighbouring Region): The World Bank urged the Philippines to unlock major fiscal gains through tax collection, procurement reform and tighter limits on unprogrammed appropriations—without raising statutory tax rates. Environment (Regional Impact): A new US-led forest firefighting fund announced at the UN General Assembly is limited to South America, leaving Southeast Asia—and Indonesia—out, prompting calls for Jakarta to push for inclusion.

World Bank on Philippines fiscal reforms: The World Bank says the Philippines could unlock fiscal gains of 3.6% to 7.1% of GDP annually by broadening the tax base, improving collection, and tightening spending—highlighting procurement consolidation, easier tax payments, streamlined corporate incentives, and a cap on unprogrammed appropriations at 5%. Brunei diplomacy at UNGA: Brunei’s Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen told the UN General Assembly that lasting peace is impossible without justice for Palestinians, calling the conflict a test of the UN’s credibility and urging equal application of international law. 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 stops including Tuas Port, SAFTI City, and the Singapore Oceanarium. Brunei’s defence planning: A report on the Royal Brunei Air Force points to plans to expand air defence and fast-jet capabilities amid regional instability, alongside fleet updates like the C295W deliveries. FIFA ASEAN Cup (Brunei in Group A): Brunei is in Group A with Hong Kong, Laos, and hosts—with Hong Kong needing just a point to reach the final spot. Qatar-Oman visa for Brunei citizens: Qatar published a list of 37 countries, including Brunei, eligible for a joint tourist visa valid for 30 days on arrival.

Diplomacy & UN stance: Brunei’s Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen told the UN General Assembly there can be no lasting peace without justice for Palestinians, calling the conflict a test of the UN’s credibility and urging equal application of international law. Regional ties: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah is in Singapore for a five-day official visit to co-chair the 12th Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme, with stops including Tuas Port, SAFTI City, and the Singapore Oceanarium. Sports (Brunei in focus): In the FIFA ASEAN Cup Division 2, Brunei sit in Group A with Hong Kong and Laos level on points while Brunei are yet to score, leaving them needing results to stay in contention. Local mobility & tech: Schneider Electric says 94% of Singapore businesses plan to raise sustainability spending, with energy resilience a top priority—relevant to Brunei’s shared energy and green agenda. Travel: Qatar published a list of 37 countries eligible for a joint Qatar-Oman tourist visa on arrival for 30 days, including Brunei. Cars: MG HS Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) makes its Brunei debut at the Borneo Kustom Show, offering up to 120km electric range under WLTP.

UN Diplomacy: Brunei’s Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen told the UN General Assembly there can be no lasting peace without justice for Palestinians, calling the conflict a “definitive test” of the UN’s credibility and stressing equal application of international law, with Gaza’s suffering and West Bank occupation, settlements and displacement highlighted. Palestinian Statehood: Brunei also reaffirmed support for an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, urging intensified diplomacy to end tensions and secure stability. Regional Ties: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah will visit Singapore for the Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme, co-chaired with PM Lawrence Wong, with stops including SAFTI City and the Singapore Oceanarium. Sports Spotlight: China continues to dominate the Asian Games medal table, while Brunei remains among the few countries with only a bronze so far. Local/Business Watch: MG HS PHEV has made its Brunei debut at the Borneo Kustom Show, adding a plug-in hybrid SUV option for local drivers. Culture & Community: The 13th Borneo Arts Festival in Labuan drew over 30,000 visitors across three days, boosting arts and culture tourism in the region.

UN diplomacy on Palestine: Brunei warned at the UN General Assembly that there can be no lasting peace without justice for Palestinians, saying the Gaza toll has become a defining test of the UN’s credibility and that international law must apply equally to all. Palestinian state position: Brunei also reaffirmed support for an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Regional voice at the UN: Malaysia’s foreign minister Mohamad Hasan said “middle powers” and ASEAN can shape global decisions when major powers can’t agree, echoing the push for proactive multilateralism. Brunei-China ties: China and Brunei marked 35 years of diplomatic relations with cultural exchange events, including performances and a Brunei-China food festival. Sports—Brunei in the spotlight: Brunei’s Olympic council president visited Qatar House during the Asian Games in Nagoya. Local interest—cars and tech: MG HS PHEV made its Brunei debut at the Borneo Kustom Show, while DST launched its iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max Mobi Bundle. Football news: Brunei’s Faiq Bolkiah became a free agent after his Thai club exit.

Brunei-China ties: Brunei and China marked 35 years of diplomatic relations with cultural exchange events, including performances by artists with disabilities and a Brunei-China food festival, plus a framework agreement for deeper long-term cooperation. Maritime security in Brunei: ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre and the Royal Brunei Police Force wrapped a four-day cluster meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan, bringing together regional focal points to discuss port and offshore security, early response, and how AI could support counter-piracy and cross-border operations. Regional haze pressure: Malaysia cancelled the Kuching Marathon due to unhealthy transboundary haze from Indonesia’s wildfires, while Malaysia is also studying a special law approach to tackle haze. UN diplomacy spotlight: Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen met counterparts in New York as the UN General Assembly saw major walkouts during Netanyahu’s speech, with dozens of delegations leaving the chamber. Sports (Brunei-linked): Brunei’s Faiq Bolkiah became a free agent after Thai club Ratchaburi FC released him; and India’s Asian Games Day 8 surge pushed it into the top 10 with kabaddi golds and more medals.

Brunei–Philippines Diplomacy: The Philippines’ Commission on Appointments confirmed Renato Ner Dueñas Jr. as Ambassador to Negara Brunei Darussalam, alongside the approval of 35 AFP senior appointments. Cultural Ties: China and Brunei marked 35 years of diplomatic relations with disability-inclusive performances and a Brunei China Food Festival, plus a framework agreement for deeper long-term cultural partnership. Maritime Security: Brunei’s KDB Darussalam took part in ADMM-Plus maritime drills in the West Philippine Sea, as the Philippines’ BRP Jose Rizal led coordinated exercises with regional partners. Regional Haze Pressure: Malaysia cancelled the Kuching Marathon due to unhealthy transboundary haze from Indonesia’s wildfires, while Malaysia also moves to draft haze legislation. Local Business & Travel: DST launched its iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max Mobi Bundle in Brunei, and Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 reported booking growth and prize draws. Maritime Safety in Brunei: ReCAAP ISC and the Royal Brunei Police Force wrapped a four-day cluster meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan on port and maritime security, including AI use in counter-piracy.