Diplomacy: Brunei’s newly appointed non-resident ambassador to Nepal, Siti Arnyfariza Haji Mohd Jaini, met Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal to discuss strengthening bilateral ties. Bruneians are also among citizens of 42 countries eligible to visit the US for business or tourism without a visa. Energy and Trade: Hengyi Industries has engaged Honeywell for technology and services for the next phase of its Pulau Muara Besar expansion, which aims to lift crude-processing capacity to about 20 million tonnes a year. Brunei and India also reviewed ways to expand trade, including cooperation in food, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and energy. Regional Ties: Singapore and Brunei signed agreements on essential-goods supply resilience and mutual recognition of halal certificates. Environment and Services: Indonesian wildfire smoke is spreading across the region, including Brunei, as Singapore considers action against companies linked to fires. At home, Brunei has signed agreements with providers to strengthen household waste collection in national housing schemes.
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Regional Haze: Indonesian wildfires are sending unhealthy smoke across Southeast Asia, including Brunei, as Singapore considers prosecuting companies linked to the fires. Four people have died fighting blazes in an East Java national park. Diplomacy: Brunei’s newly appointed ambassador to Nepal met Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal to discuss strengthening ties and cooperation. Industry: Hengyi Industries has tapped Honeywell to supply technology for the next phase of its Pulau Muara Besar expansion, which aims to lift crude-processing capacity to about 20 million tonnes a year. Trade Links: Brunei and India agreed to advance cooperation in food, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and energy, with their next Joint Trade Committee meeting set for Brunei. Singapore and Brunei have also signed agreements on essential-goods supply resilience and mutual recognition of halal certificates. Local Services: Brunei has appointed providers for house-to-house waste collection in national housing areas. The Health Ministry also issued 29 fines, totalling B$18,000, for health-product offences from January to September.
Economic Outlook: The IMF says Brunei is benefiting from energy-market shocks as an energy exporter, while stressing the need to preserve price stability and fiscal discipline. Trade Ties: Brunei and India agreed to pursue more trade in food, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and energy at their third Joint Trade Committee meeting, with the next meeting set for Brunei. Public Services: New agreements will strengthen door-to-door waste collection in national housing schemes. Brunei’s Health Ministry also issued 29 fines totalling BND18,000 for health-product offences from January to September. Regional Partnerships: Singapore and Brunei signed deals to recognise each other’s halal certificates and strengthen essential-goods supply chains. Industry: Honeywell will supply technology and support for Hengyi Industries’ Pulau Muara Besar expansion, which is expected to raise crude-processing capacity to about 20 million tonnes a year.
Waste Services: Brunei has signed agreements with providers to strengthen door-to-door rubbish collection in national housing areas, supporting its push for more sustainable waste management. Health Regulation: The Ministry of Health issued 29 fines totalling BND18,000 for health-product offences from January to September, including unlicensed sales and products containing undeclared or prohibited ingredients. Singapore Ties: Brunei and Singapore agreed to recognise each other’s halal certificates, easing trade and reducing duplicate checks; they also signed a pact to help keep essential goods flowing during disruptions. Trade and Connectivity: Brunei and India agreed to expand trade, with talks covering agricultural exports, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and energy. A proposed Trans-Borneo Railway route would connect Sarawak’s major centres and ports via Brunei, though funding and implementation plans remain under review.
Trade: Brunei and India agreed to expand bilateral commerce, with talks covering Indian agricultural and animal-product exports, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and energy. Regional Links: Singapore and Brunei signed a pact to protect supplies of food, fuel, crude oil and medical goods during disruptions. A proposed Trans-Borneo Railway could connect Sarawak’s cities and ports through Brunei, though funding and implementation plans are still under review. Travel: Royal Brunei Airlines cancelled its Oct. 13 Jeddah flights over security concerns in Saudi Arabia; other Saudi services remain under review. Regional Risks: Brunei is among the countries affected by Indonesian wildfire haze, which Malaysia plans to raise at an ASEAN ministers’ meeting. Aviation Rules: Bruneian nationals are included in United Airlines’ reported list of crew nationalities restricted from Israel flights.
Supply Resilience: Brunei and Singapore signed an agreement to keep essential goods—including food, fuel and medical supplies—flowing during disruptions. Flight Update: Royal Brunei Airlines cancelled its Oct 13 flights to and from Jeddah after assessing security risks in Saudi Arabia; other Saudi routes remain under review. Haze Alert: Smoke from Indonesian fires is affecting Brunei and neighbouring countries. Malaysia plans to raise the cross-border crisis at an ASEAN meeting, while regional ministers are also expected to discuss it next month. Economic Outlook: The IMF projects Brunei’s economy will grow 1.9% this year, the slowest rate among ASEAN economies. Ties and Research: Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong visited Brunei on Oct 9–10 as the countries marked 50 years of defence ties. Brunei was also among 16 countries represented at a UNESCO workshop in Jakarta on preserving documentary heritage.
Supply Security: Brunei and Singapore signed a pact on 12 October to help keep essential goods flowing during disruptions. It covers food, crude oil, fuel and medical supplies. Travel Disruption: Royal Brunei Airlines cancelled its 13 October flights to and from Jeddah amid security concerns in Saudi Arabia; other Saudi services remain under review. Haze Alert: Indonesian fires are sending haze across the region, including Brunei. Malaysia plans to raise the issue at an ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting next month. Football: DPMM FC reached the FA Cup semi-finals after beating Kuala Lumpur City 1-0 away, advancing 4-3 on aggregate. Research and Defence: Universiti Brunei Darussalam and AmiproSimpor signed a research and innovation partnership. Singapore and Brunei also marked 50 years of defence ties with a joint military parade.
Flight Disruption: Royal Brunei Airlines cancelled its 13 October flights between Brunei and Jeddah amid security concerns in Saudi Arabia. Other Saudi services remain under review, and passengers are advised to check for updates. Supply Chains: Brunei and Singapore signed an agreement to protect the flow of essential goods during crises, including food, fuel and medical supplies. Regional Haze: Indonesia’s fires continue to affect Brunei and neighbouring countries. ASEAN foreign ministers are expected to discuss the crisis next month, as Malaysia says haze is not covered by existing regional disaster arrangements. Defence Ties: Singapore and Brunei marked 50 years of defence relations with a joint military parade, part of a year-long programme of exercises and exchanges. Football: DPMM FC reached the FA Cup semi-finals after beating Kuala Lumpur City 1-0 away to win 4-3 on aggregate. Research: Universiti Brunei Darussalam and AmiproSimpor signed a partnership to expand research, industry placements and commercialisation of research.
Supply Chain Resilience: Singapore and Brunei signed an agreement to safeguard the flow of essential goods, including food, fuel, crude oil and medical supplies, during disruptions. Research and Industry: Universiti Brunei Darussalam and AmiproSimpor will explore joint research, innovation and training, supporting local workforce development and economic diversification. Football: DPMM FC booked a place in the FA Cup semi-finals after beating Kuala Lumpur City 1-0 away to win 4-3 on aggregate. Defence Ties: Singapore and Brunei marked 50 years of military cooperation with a joint parade at Muara Naval Base, attended by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Travel: Taiwan extended visa-free entry for Bruneian citizens until July 31, 2027. Haze: Severe fires in Indonesia are again sending unhealthy air across the region, including Brunei, renewing calls for stronger prevention and fire control.
Football: DPMM FC reached the FA Cup semi-finals after a 1-0 win over Kuala Lumpur City secured a 4-3 aggregate victory. Research & Industry: Universiti Brunei Darussalam and AmiproSimpor signed an MoU to pursue joint research, training and industry placements, supporting local skills and economic diversification. Travel: Taiwan extended visa-free entry for Bruneian citizens until July 31, 2027. Brunei also ranked ninth among 56 Commonwealth passports for travel access. Regional Haze: Severe fires in Indonesia are sending dangerous smoke across Southeast Asia, with Brunei among the countries affected. Defence: Brunei and Singapore marked 50 years of defence ties with a joint parade at Muara Naval Base, attended by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. The anniversary year includes joint exercises and expanded cooperation.
Football: Brunei’s DPMM FC reached the 2026 FA Cup semi-finals, upsetting Kuala Lumpur City 4–3 on aggregate after a 1–0 win in the second leg. Research and Industry: Universiti Brunei Darussalam and AmiproSimpor signed an MoU to pursue joint research, innovation and commercialisation, alongside internships and staff exchanges. Defence Ties: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong marked 50 years of defence relations with a joint parade at Muara Naval Base, featuring 256 personnel and military assets. Economic Cooperation: Brunei and the Islamic Development Bank launched a country engagement framework to advance strategic cooperation. For Sports Fans: beIN Sports secured exclusive Wimbledon coverage in Brunei and nine other Asian markets from 2027 to 2031.
Research and Industry: Universiti Brunei Darussalam and AmiproSimpor have signed an MoU to pursue joint research, innovation and commercialisation, alongside internships, training and staff exchanges to build local skills and support economic diversification. Defence Ties: Brunei and Singapore marked 50 years of defence relations with a joint parade at Muara Naval Base, attended by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. The 256-strong parade and a new commemorative gallery celebrated five decades of cooperation; Wong also witnessed the delivery of four Singapore-developed fire vehicles to Brunei. Royal Family: Princess Zariah, wife of Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and sister of Queen Saleha, has died aged unknown; the Royal Court said she passed away on Oct. 6. She leaves 10 children. Sport: From 2027, beIN Sports will carry exclusive Wimbledon coverage in Brunei and nine other Asian markets through 2031.
Defence Ties: Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah marked 50 years of defence relations at a joint parade in Brunei on Oct 10. Some 256 personnel and military assets took part. The leaders also opened a commemorative gallery, while Wong witnessed the handover of four Singapore-built fire vehicles to Brunei. Royal Family: Princess Zariah, wife of Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and sister of Queen Saleha, died on Oct 6, the Royal Court announced. She leaves 10 children. Regional Haze: Indonesian wildfires have sent hazardous smog across the region, with smoke reaching Brunei as well as Malaysia and Singapore. Energy Security: Brunei is among 11 countries working through the Asia Zero Emission Community on plans to strengthen oil reserves and prepare for supply disruptions. Sport: From 2027 to 2031, beIN Sports will hold exclusive Wimbledon broadcast rights in Brunei and nine other Southeast Asian markets and Hong Kong.
Defence Ties: Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is in Brunei for a visit marking 50 years of defence relations. He is due to join the Sultan at a joint parade and launch a commemorative gallery, and witness the handover of four Singapore-built fire and rescue vehicles. Energy Security: Brunei is among 11 countries backing an AZEC work plan to strengthen oil reserves and coordinate responses to supply emergencies. Haze: Indonesian forest fires have sent hazardous smog across the region, including Brunei, while worsening air quality has prompted school closures in Malaysia and respiratory illness in neighbouring countries. Royal Family: Princess Zariah, wife of Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and sister of Queen Saleha, died on October 6. The Sultan ordered the national flag lowered. Business and Sport: Baiduri Bank has established a US$2 billion international note programme to diversify its funding. From 2027, beIN will hold exclusive Wimbledon broadcast rights in Brunei and nine other Asian markets through 2031.
Brunei–Singapore Ties: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is in Brunei on Oct. 9–10 to mark 50 years of defence relations. He and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah will attend a joint parade and open a commemorative gallery; Wong is also due to witness the handover of four Singapore-built fire vehicles. Energy Security: Brunei is among 11 countries backing an AZEC work plan to strengthen regional oil reserves and coordinate emergency releases amid supply risks. Haze: Indonesian fires are sending smog across the region, including Brunei, as neighbouring Malaysia closes schools and hospitals report more respiratory cases. Royal Family: Princess Zariah, wife of Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and sister of Queen Saleha, died on Oct. 6; the Sultan ordered the national flag lowered. Business and Development: Baiduri Bank has launched a US$2 billion note programme to broaden funding options, while Brunei and the Islamic Development Bank have established a framework for strategic cooperation.
Singapore-Brunei Ties: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong begins a two-day visit to Brunei today, marking 50 years of defence relations. He and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah are due to attend a joint military parade and open a commemorative gallery; Wong will also witness the handover of four Singapore-built fire vehicles to Brunei. Development: Brunei and the Islamic Development Bank have launched their first country framework, covering 2026–28, to support economic diversification, food security, Islamic finance and small businesses. Banking: Baiduri Bank has set up a US$2 billion international note programme to diversify its funding and reach global investors. Energy Security: Brunei is among 11 countries backing an AZEC work plan to strengthen oil stockpiles and coordinate emergency releases amid supply uncertainty.
Singapore-Brunei Ties: Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong visits Brunei on Oct 9-10 for the 50th anniversary of defence relations. He and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah will attend a joint military parade and open a commemorative gallery; Wong will also witness the handover of four Singapore-built fire vehicles. Development Partnership: Brunei and the Islamic Development Bank have launched their first Country Engagement Framework, for 2026-2028, targeting economic diversification, food security, small businesses and Islamic finance. Banking: Baiduri Bank has established a US$2 billion Euro Medium Term Note programme to diversify funding and attract international investors. Maritime Cooperation: An IMO workshop in Bandar Seri Begawan brought officials from eight Asian countries together to strengthen oversight of shipping safety and flag State responsibilities.
Regional Haze: Indonesia’s record peatland fires have prompted a class-action lawsuit accusing the government of gross negligence. Nearly 895,000 hectares had burned by late August, while researchers say drained peatlands—not a lack of firefighting alone—are driving the crisis. The case, brought by Indigenous and civil society groups in Indonesian Borneo, resumes on 21 October. Defence Cooperation: Royal Brunei Land Force personnel trained with about 130 US troops during Exercise Pahlawan Warrior 26 at Tutong Camp, sharing expertise in jungle operations, live-fire coordination, cyber defence and medical operations. Development: Brunei and the Islamic Development Bank launched their first Country Engagement Framework, covering 2026–28. The plan supports economic diversification, Islamic finance, food security and small businesses; the Sultan also received the IsDB Group chairman in an audience at Istana Nurul Iman. Asian Games: Brunei was among four delegations to win a single bronze medal at the Nagoya Games.
Defence Cooperation: Royal Brunei Land Force troops trained alongside about 130 US personnel in Exercise Pahlawan Warrior 26 at Tutong Camp. The biennial exercise covered jungle and urban operations, live-fire coordination, cyber defence and medical exchanges. Development: Brunei and the Islamic Development Bank launched their first Country Engagement Framework, for 2026–2028, to support economic diversification, food security, small businesses and Islamic finance. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah also received the IsDB Group chairman at Istana Nurul Iman. Productivity: A new Asian Productivity Organization databook includes Brunei in its full productivity accounts, offering economic comparisons and projections through 2035. Regional ties: The Sultan visited former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad at the National Heart Institute, where Mahathir is recovering after his wife’s death.**
IsDB Partnership in Focus: His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah met IsDB Group Chairman Dr Muhammad Al Jasser at Istana Nurul Iman, with talks highlighting the new IsDB Group–Brunei Darussalam Country Engagement Framework 2026–2028 and priorities under Wawasan Brunei 2035, including economic diversification, private sector development, Islamic finance and sustainable growth. Framework in the Making: In separate meetings, Dr Al Jasser discussed how to turn the 2026–2028 framework into projects, including Islamic finance, food security and support for SMEs, with Brunei’s Finance II, Economy, Trade and Industry, and Religious Affairs ministers. Brunei in Regional Sports Spotlight: Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah wrapped up a special visit to Malaysia after attending the 2026 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang, alongside top leaders from Malaysia and Bahrain. Regional Economy Watch: The Asian Productivity Organization released its 2026 APO Productivity Databook, including full productivity accounts for Brunei, projecting Asia-wide growth and productivity trends through 2035. ASEAN Climate Priorities: Singapore’s Grace Fu urged ASEAN to build a regional power grid, expand climate finance and boost resilience during its 2027 chairmanship, citing energy volatility’s knock-on effects across jobs and livelihoods.
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