AGP Executive Report

Tourism Push: Brunei is stepping up efforts to attract high-value visitors ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027, with plans to promote longer stays, higher spending, and more adventure, nature, arts, culture, sports and food experiences. Investment Land Supply: The Ministry of Development has identified 17,526 hectares for future development, including 3,324 hectares for the transport sector, plus plans to expand Muara Port and improve freight road networks, alongside a new long-term government land lease programme. AI in Schools: Brunei continues empowering teachers through AI training, with 4,892 teachers taking AI courses in 2025 and 4,281 earning an AI In-depth Literacy Certification. Maritime Trust Agenda: Brunei’s Maritime Week 2026 opens with a push to be “among the most trusted” maritime nations, focusing on safe seas, a thriving economy and future-ready people. Energy Planning: Brunei is drafting strategic energy plans aligned with Vision 2035, aiming for a sustainable, competitive and resilient oil-and-gas sector and stronger high-value downstream industries. UN Coordination: Malaysia’s foreign minister met the UN resident coordinator for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, underscoring cooperation with UN agencies.

UN Diplomacy: Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan met UN Resident Coordinator Nikolas Myint, newly appointed for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, to discuss UN cooperation. Climate Data & Policy: Brunei’s Ministry of Development stressed the need for transparent, reliable greenhouse gas inventories at a regional workshop on inventories in Asia. Digital Execution: Brunei’s transport and infocomms minister urged a shift from digital planning to execution under Digital Brunei 2030, including a new ICT accreditation programme and a pilot TARUS digital payment rollout at night markets. Energy & Infrastructure: Subsea7 won a Shell Brunei pipeline replacement EPCI contract offshore Brunei, supporting production integrity in up to 50m water depths. Conservation: A Morton Arboretum-led report says 74% of 54 Asian oak species studied—including in Brunei—lack living backup in botanical collections, calling for urgent conservation action. Regional Culture: Indonesia’s arts scholarship programme welcomed participants from Brunei and other ASEAN states for cultural exchange.

Climate Policy & Data: Brunei’s Ministry of Development says stronger, more reliable greenhouse gas inventory data is key for better climate decisions, as it opened a regional workshop in Bandar Seri Begawan bringing together officials and technical experts to share best practices. Digital Execution: Brunei’s transport and infocommunications minister urged a shift from digital planning to real delivery under Digital Brunei 2030, highlighting a new accreditation programme for ICT and a pilot digital payment platform, TARUS, at night markets and food stalls. Diplomacy & AI Cooperation: Brunei’s assistant foreign minister met foreign representatives in China and witnessed the signing of an agreement to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization. Energy & Offshore Work: Shell Brunei awarded Subsea7 an offshore pipeline replacement EPCI contract, while INPEX selected Worley for engineering services in Australia—both pointing to continued investment in regional energy infrastructure. Regional Security Drills: SEACAT 2026 kicked off in Singapore with 16 Indo-Pacific nations, featuring a new Maritime Operations forum and senior leader discussions to improve readiness for maritime crises. ASEAN People-to-People: Indonesia’s arts and culture scholarship programme welcomed ASEAN participants, including Brunei, to strengthen youth ties through cultural exchange.

Brunei Climate Policy: Brunei stressed the need for reliable greenhouse gas data at a regional workshop on greenhouse gas inventories, aiming to strengthen transparency and support climate action. Digital Governance: The transport and infocommunications minister urged Brunei to move from digital planning to real execution under Digital Brunei 2030, highlighting a new accreditation programme for the ICT industry and a pilot digital payment platform (TARUS) for night markets and food stalls. Foreign Affairs & AI: Brunei’s top transport minister met Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Bin and other foreign representatives as countries signed an agreement to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization. Offshore Energy Contracts: Subsea7 won a sizeable offshore pipeline replacement EPCI contract from Brunei Shell Petroleum, with work starting from its Kuala Lumpur office. Regional Security Training: SEACAT 2026 kicked off in Singapore with 16 Indo-Pacific partner nations, including a new MAROPS forum to improve maritime crisis response coordination. Regional Trade Outlook: Korea said it will review joining CPTPP, which includes Brunei, as it seeks new export markets.

Brunei Energy & Industry: Subsea7 won a “sizeable” $50m–$150m contract from Brunei Shell Petroleum for offshore pipeline replacement work, covering engineering, procurement, construction and installation for subsea pipeline and riser systems in water depths up to 50m, with project management starting from its Kuala Lumpur office. Regional Security Drills: SEACAT 2026 kicked off in Singapore with maritime forces from 16 Indo-Pacific partner nations, adding a new MAROPS Forum and a revised Senior Leader Forum to sharpen crisis response and interoperability. Maritime Tensions: Taiwan’s Coast Guard warned a Chinese-flagged “research vessel” to change course after it was spotted hovering over the 8,000-mile Pacific Light Cable Network, raising fresh concerns about cable intelligence-gathering. Trade & Policy: Korea said it will review joining CPTPP to expand export markets, including ASEAN and Mexico, while balancing sensitive agricultural and fisheries interests. Brunei in the Diplomatic Spotlight: Ukraine’s Zelensky dismissed ambassadors including Kateryna Zelenko, who served as Ukraine’s ambassador to Singapore and concurrently to Brunei. Environment & Conservation: A new Morton Arboretum report flags an urgent need to boost conservation for threatened Asian oaks across the region, noting 74% of 54 studied species are not represented in botanical collections.

Brunei Offshore Energy: Subsea7 has won a “sizeable” $50m–$150m contract from Brunei Shell Petroleum for a subsea pipeline replacement offshore Brunei, covering engineering, procurement, construction and installation for systems in waters up to 50 metres, with work starting immediately from its Kuala Lumpur office. Regional Diplomacy: ASEAN upgraded Turkey to a full dialogue partner, with Malaysia coordinating the relationship, as Southeast Asia seeks wider partner networks amid intensifying great-power competition. ASEAN-Canada Ties: Canada is pushing a new ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership plan (2026-2030) focused on food security and energy transition, ahead of a planned conclusion of the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement later this year. Philippines Development Watch: The World Bank approved a $268.62m water and sanitation project for Philippine island provinces, while also keeping its 2026 growth forecast at 3.7% and warning recovery next year may be slower. Brunei Tourism Push: Brunei’s Coffee Trail is set to run in Miri, Sarawak (Aug 7–9), aiming to draw visitors across the border and promote Brunei coffee culture.

Brunei Energy & Industry: Subsea7 won a “sizeable” $50m–$150m contract from Brunei Shell Petroleum for an offshore Brunei pipeline replacement, covering EPCI of subsea pipeline and riser systems in waters up to 50m, with engineering starting immediately from its Kuala Lumpur office. Tourism & Culture: Brunei is taking its coffee culture to Sarawak with the Brunei Coffee Trail in Miri (Aug 7–9), aiming to draw visitors across the border and give local cafes and entrepreneurs a platform. Regional Politics: A World Bank brief on ASEAN-5 highlights the bloc’s growth potential amid geoeconomic fragmentation, trade disruptions and climate risks. ASEAN Football: The ASEAN Championship 2026 (ASEAN Hyundai Cup) returns for its 30th edition, with Brunei missing out on the final spot after Timor-Leste beat them in June; group standings and match schedule are set for July 24–Aug 8. Scams Watch: Brunei’s central bank has warned the public about AI-generated scam videos and investment scams.

Brunei Tourism Push: Brunei is taking its coffee culture overseas, with the Brunei Coffee Trail set for Miri, Sarawak (Aug 7–9), aiming to draw visitors across the border and give local cafes and entrepreneurs a platform to expand. Local Community & Economy: Tutong’s festival drew hundreds with a parade, fireworks and bazaar, with the district office saying it’s meant to strengthen community ties and boost micro, small and medium enterprises. Financial Safety Alert: The Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) warned the public about AI-generated scam videos that misuse its name to promote fake investment schemes, stressing it has not approved or endorsed any such product. Energy & Industry: Subsea7 won a pipeline replacement contract worth up to $150m from Brunei Shell Petroleum for offshore work serving assets in water depths up to 50m. Sports (Regional): The ASEAN Championship returns for its 30th anniversary, with Timor-Leste qualifying over Brunei Darussalam and group standings shaping the race to the semis. ASEAN/Global Context: China issued tighter rules for the Huangyan Dao nature reserve in the South China Sea, likely escalating tensions with the Philippines.

Brunei Tourism & Culture: Brunei is set to showcase its coffee culture overseas with the Brunei Coffee Trail in Miri, Sarawak (Aug 7–9), aiming to draw visitors across the border and give local cafes and entrepreneurs a platform to expand. Local Community Events: Tutong District’s festival brought hundreds together with a parade, fireworks and a bazaar, with a focus on community spirit and boosting micro, small and medium enterprises. Agriculture & Food Safety: Four Brunei agricultural companies received Brunei Pesticide-Free certification after assessments of farming practices and post-harvest handling, strengthening consumer confidence in chemical pesticide-free produce. Financial Sector Watch: Brunei’s central bank (BDCB) warned the public about AI-generated scam videos impersonating officials to push fake investment schemes, urging people to verify via official channels. Transport & Mobility: UTB hosted an international sharing session on smart mobility and sustainable cities, featuring speakers on traffic management and electric vehicles.

Brunei Alerts Against AI Scams: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) warned the public about convincing AI-generated or manipulated videos that impersonate officials to push fake investment schemes, stressing it has not approved or endorsed any such product and urging people to verify via BDCB’s official channels. South China Sea Tensions: China issued new management measures for the Huangyan Dao National Nature Reserve, tightening controls and banning activities like fishing and extraction without prior approval, while the Philippines deposited an official nautical chart with the UN to strengthen its Scarborough Shoal claims. Regional Development Push: The World Bank approved a $268.62m Philippines project to expand climate-resilient water and sanitation in Bohol, Siargao and Jolo, aiming to create thousands of jobs. Brunei Agriculture Win: Four Brunei agricultural companies received Brunei Pesticide-Free certification for chemical pesticide-free farming, boosting supply-chain transparency and consumer confidence. Tech Growth: Global 5G subscriptions topped 3.1 billion in Q1 2026, with Southeast Asia—especially the Philippines—showing fast adoption. Mobility in Brunei: UTB hosted an international sharing session on smart mobility and sustainable cities, focusing on traffic management and electric vehicles.

Maritime Law & Tensions: The Philippines deposited its official nautical chart for Scarborough Shoal with the UN, aiming for clearer legal baselines—China immediately condemned the move, as both sides keep tightening their grip in the South China Sea. Local Food Safety & Farming: Four Brunei agricultural companies received the Brunei Pesticide-Free certificate after assessments of farm practices and post-harvest handling, boosting confidence in chemical pesticide-free produce. Financial Scams Watch: Brunei’s central bank (BDCB) warned the public about AI-generated or manipulated scam videos that impersonate officials and push fake investment schemes, urging people to verify only via official channels. Regional Water Security: The World Bank approved a $268.62m Philippines project to expand safe water and sanitation across island provinces, with job creation and climate-resilient infrastructure. ASEAN-China Youth Links: YEAB represented Brunei at the ASEAN-China Young Leaders Exchange Festival, focusing on green development and renewable energy learning. Smart Mobility in Brunei: UTB hosted an international sharing session on smart mobility and sustainable cities, with speakers discussing EV growth and traffic management. New Mobility in Brunei: Maju Motors launched the BYD ATTO 2 compact plug-in hybrid SUV in Brunei, pushing more New Energy Vehicle options for everyday driving.

RIMPAC 2026 Wrap-Up: The world’s biggest maritime drill, RIMPAC 2026, has officially concluded after five weeks of training involving 30 nations, 30,000-plus personnel, and major naval and air assets—aimed at boosting interoperability and readiness across the Indo-Pacific. Scam Warning from Brunei’s Central Bank: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) warned the public about AI-generated or manipulated videos that impersonate officials to push fake investment schemes, stressing it has not approved or endorsed any such product and urging people to verify via official BDCB channels. Brunei Mobility & Learning: UTB hosted an international sharing session on smart mobility and sustainable cities, bringing in speakers on traffic management and electric vehicles. Local Vehicle Launch: Maju Motors unveiled the BYD ATTO 2, a compact plug-in hybrid SUV, as Brunei continues growing its new energy vehicle push. ASEAN Youth Link: YEAB represented Brunei at the ASEAN-China Young Leaders Exchange Festival, focusing on green development and innovation. Brunei–Bangladesh Labour Talks: Brunei’s foreign ministry discussions with Bangladesh highlighted interest in expanding jobs for Bangladeshi workers in Brunei, alongside trade, investment, and air connectivity. Sports Spotlight: FIFA confirmed the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 format and groups, with Brunei placed in the Challenge Division alongside Hong Kong and Myanmar.

Financial Scams Watch: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) warned the public about AI-generated or manipulated videos after a fraudulent clip using its name circulated to push a fake investment scheme, stressing it has not assessed, approved or endorsed anything and does not promote investment products. Regional Youth Diplomacy: YEAB represented Brunei at the 12th ASEAN-China Young Leaders Exchange Festival 2026, meeting officials and focusing on green development, sustainability and innovation, including a visit to a major solar power site and a smart grid control centre. Transport & Smart Cities: UTB hosted an international sharing session on smart mobility and sustainable cities, bringing speakers to discuss traffic management, transportation systems and electric vehicles. Local Heritage & Memory: A summer exhibition at The Gurkha Museum will commemorate 60 years since the end of the Borneo Confrontation, highlighting Gurkhas’ role and shared heritage involving Brunei. People & Work: Brunei’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam met the Brunei High Commissioner to Bangladesh and urged more job access for Bangladeshi workers, alongside trade, investment, energy and aviation connectivity talks. Mobility in Brunei: Maju Motors unveiled the BYD ATTO 2, a compact plug-in hybrid SUV, adding to Brunei’s New Energy Vehicle push.

Brunei–Bangladesh Labour Talks: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam met Brunei’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh and pushed for more jobs for Bangladeshi workers in Brunei, alongside wider cooperation on manpower, trade, energy and air links, and proposed a Bangladesh–Brunei Chamber of Commerce plus support for women entrepreneurs. Sino-Brunei Defence Update: Brunei’s Sultan met visiting Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun, reaffirming the one-China policy and thanking China for support toward Wawasan 2035, while both sides flagged deeper defence and maritime security cooperation and more Chinese Navy port calls. ASEAN Payments Progress (Brunei included): ASEAN’s linked QR payment systems now cover a 420 million consumer zone, with Brunei among the countries brought into the network, making cross-border payments and remittances easier for consumers. Regional Football Spotlight: The inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 draw sets Brunei in the Challenge Division (Group A) with Hong Kong and Myanmar, with the tournament running Sept 24–Oct 3 in Indonesia and Hong Kong. ASEAN–Japan Growth Platform: The 18th DISG Task Force meeting in Bangkok adopted a joint declaration on ASEAN–Japan cooperation across supply chains, innovation, AI/digital investment and energy transition.

Brunei–Bangladesh Labour Talks: Brunei’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam says she wants more jobs for Bangladeshi workers in Brunei, urging wider access to the labour market and closer business links, including a proposed Bangladesh–Brunei Chamber of Commerce. ASEAN Payments Upgrade: A regional QR network linking national systems (QRIS, DuitNow, QR Ph, PayNow, PromptPay) is now interoperable across a 420 million-consumer zone, making cross-border payments easier for tourists and migrant workers—while the bigger challenge of scaling support systems remains. ASEAN–Japan Growth Agenda: The 18th DISG Task Force meeting in Bangkok adopted the “DISG Task Force Joint Declaration,” setting out cooperation pillars across supply chain resilience, innovation, AI/digital investment, and energy transition. Brunei–China Defence Link: Brunei’s Sultan met visiting Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun, reaffirming the one-China policy and looking ahead to more Chinese Navy port calls and maritime security cooperation. FIFA ASEAN Cup Draw: The inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 groups are set, with Division 2 hosted in Hong Kong and Brunei placed in Challenge Division Group A alongside Hong Kong and Myanmar. Sports (Regional Golf): At the Malaysia Ladies Amateur Open, India’s Ceerat Kang and Guntas Kaur Sandhu finished tied sixth as India claimed third overall.

Brunei–Bangladesh Labour Talks: Brunei’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam met Bangladesh’s High Commissioner Haji Haris bin Othman and urged wider access to Brunei’s labour market for Bangladeshi workers, alongside stronger trade, investment, energy and air links, plus ideas like a Bangladesh–Brunei Chamber of Commerce and closer ties for women entrepreneurs. Brunei–China Defence Links: Brunei’s Sultan met visiting Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun, reaffirming the one-China policy and welcoming more Chinese Navy port calls, while both sides stressed maritime security cooperation and the importance of peace in the South China Sea. Regional Security Flashpoint: A Philippine–China maritime confrontation near Second Thomas Shoal is drawing fresh attention after reports of a Chinese naval serviceman striking a Philippine sailor, with the U.S. responding by deploying a Nimitz-class carrier and issuing statements. FIFA ASEAN Cup Draw (Brunei in Division 2): The inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 draw placed Brunei in Division 2 Group A (with Hong Kong and Myanmar), while Division 1 Group A includes Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and India; the tournament runs Sept 21–Oct 6. Infrastructure Watch: Malaysia’s RM70.6m Jalan Lok Kawi upgrade (Sabindo Roundabout to SMK Kinarut) aims to cut congestion and improve road safety.