AGP Executive Report

AI and faith: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim urged Muslim communities to embrace AI and new tech, but keep Islamic values and the turath (scholarly heritage) at the centre—warning that ignorance could leave societies “weaponised” by outside forces. ASEAN football build-up: Indonesia’s PSSI chief Erick Thohir called for warm, safe welcomes for visiting fans ahead of the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, with Jakarta and Bandung hosting Division 1 matches and Hong Kong hosting Division 2, including Brunei. Brunei-linked travel promo: SCA is running the 21st Sabre Brunei Travel Fair at BRIDEX (Sept 12–13), featuring Cuti-Cuti Malaysia deals and a Spend & Win lucky draw for Baiduri cardholders. Tourism access update: The US says ESTA applications take about 23 minutes on average, and lists Brunei among the countries eligible to enter America without a traditional visa. Haze and health pressure: Malaysia’s earlier haze emergency in Sarawak (API 521) forced school closures, while regional smoke from Indonesia’s fires continues to threaten air quality and respiratory health. Sports and science beyond Brunei: A global map shows women now lead college enrolment in most countries, and Indonesia is seeking to repatriate five baby orangutans allegedly trafficked to India.

FIFA ASEAN Cup build-up: Indonesia’s PSSI chief Erick Thohir urged fans to warmly welcome visiting supporters as the inaugural 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup rolls from Sept 25 to Oct 5, with Jakarta and Bandung hosting Division 1 and Hong Kong hosting Division 2 matches that include Brunei. Brunei in the region’s football map: FIFA says the 14-team tournament runs Sept 24 onward, with Division 2 featuring Brunei alongside Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Timor-Leste. Brunei-linked travel push: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 at BRIDEX (Sept 12–13) is running Cuti-Cuti Malaysia promotions and a Spend & Win lucky draw for Baiduri cardholders, with prizes including Royal Brunei Skies Miles and hotel stays. ASEAN diplomacy in Doha: A Malaysia-hosted luncheon in Qatar bid farewell to Türkiye’s ambassador and welcomed Thailand’s ambassador, attended by ASEAN envoys, including Brunei’s representative. Health and planning: Keralam CM V D Satheesan said longer life must come with long-term healthcare planning focused on prevention and early detection.

Brunei Tourism & Travel Deals: Straits Central Agencies (SCA) is back at the 21st Sabre Brunei Travel Fair (BRIDEX, 12–13 Sept) with Cuti-Cuti Malaysia promotions and a Spend & Win Lucky Draw—BND20+ purchases earn triple entries toward prizes like Royal Brunei Skies Miles and hotel stays. Immigration & Travel Rules: The US says ESTA applications take an average of 23 minutes and confirms Brunei is among 42 countries eligible to enter without a visa via ESTA; the US also published what applicants must prepare (passport, selfie, email, address, emergency contact). Regional Football: FIFA’s inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup starts 24 Sept across Indonesia and Hong Kong, with Brunei in Division 2 alongside Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Timor-Leste. Health Planning: Kerala’s CM urged longer life expectancy to be matched with prevention and early detection, highlighting rising diabetes and heart risks. Sports Tech: China’s CIFTIS showcased new sports products, including laser shooting now used in thousands of schools. Wildlife Rescue: Indonesia is working to repatriate five baby orangutans allegedly trafficked to India, found motherless in Odisha.

ASEAN Football: FIFA has confirmed the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, running Sept 24–Oct 5 across Indonesia and Hong Kong, with Brunei in Division 2 alongside Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Timor-Leste, while Division 1 includes Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam plus guests Bangladesh and Pakistan. Wildlife & Borders: Indonesia is seeking to repatriate five baby orangutans allegedly trafficked to India, found motherless in Odisha; DNA tests are planned and Jakarta has asked India to hand them over. Regional Haze Fallout: Malaysia’s recent haze emergency in Sarawak’s Serian saw schools close and API hit hazardous levels, with the episode tied to illegal land burning and wider cross-border smoke impacts. Energy Security Watch: Brunei’s petroleum authority says energy security must cover the whole chain, after regional leaders warned that more refineries and oil stocks won’t help without feedstock flexibility, logistics and coordination. Travel Rules: The US released an ESTA-eligible list that includes Brunei, letting qualifying nationals travel without a traditional visa.

Regional Security Watch: Yemen’s Houthis have seized Mocha and are pushing toward Bab Al-Mandeb, a move that could tighten pressure around one of the world’s key shipping chokepoints and ripple into energy and prices across Asia and Asean. Travel Rules: Thailand will cut border visa-free stays for 60 nationalities from 60 days to 30 starting Sept 15, but travellers can still apply for a one-time extension at Thai immigration. Football (ASEAN): FIFA’s inaugural ASEAN Cup 2026 kicks off Sept 24 to Oct 5 across Indonesia and Hong Kong, with 14 teams split into two divisions; Brunei is in Division 2 alongside Hong Kong, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Timor-Leste. Brunei Interest: Brunei’s Dhayaa Farina won B$8,000 in NBT Toyota Brunei’s “Fuel Your Vacation Rewards” draw, choosing a Fortuner for family plans. Sports Calendar: The Asian Games 2026 begin Sept 19 in Japan’s Aichi-Nagoya region and run to Oct 4. Wildlife & Repatriation: Indonesia is seeking the return of five baby orangutans allegedly trafficked to India after they were found motherless in Odisha.

Orangutan Rescue & Repatriation: Indonesia says five baby orangutans found motherless in India’s Odisha are likely trafficked, with a criminal probe opened and Jakarta asking New Delhi to hand them back; DNA tests will confirm origin. Regional Football: FIFA has set the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 for Sept 24–Oct 5, with Brunei in Division 2 (Hong Kong hosts) and Division 1 featuring Pakistan drawn against Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam in Group B. Brunei-linked Sports Setup: The tournament format splits teams into Division 1 and Division 2, with group winners advancing to finals and Division 1 runners-up playing for third place—Brunei’s matches begin in the Hong Kong-hosted tier. ASEAN Security Context: A Philippines–China war of words continues after Gilberto Teodoro hit back at Beijing’s “theatrics” over South China Sea remarks. Travel Rules Watch: South Korea released a K-ETA list for 116 countries, while the UK and Australia expanded digital entry options—useful for Brunei travellers planning short trips. Haze & Fire Pressure: Indonesia’s haze crisis remains a cross-border headache as wildfire smoke and peat fires keep disrupting life across Borneo and beyond.

FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026: Pakistan are set for their debut at the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, drawn into Division One Group B with Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam. Their campaign runs Sept 24–Oct 5, with matches in Indonesia (Bandung and Jakarta) and Hong Kong, and Pakistan opening against Thailand on Sept 26 before facing the Philippines on Sept 29 and Vietnam on Oct 2. Regional Football Setup: FIFA says the 14-team tournament includes all 11 ASEAN members plus guest sides Hong Kong, Pakistan and Bangladesh, split into two divisions, with group winners advancing to finals and Division One runners-up playing for third place. South China Sea Tensions: Philippines Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. hit back at China’s “theatrics” jab, saying “I am not an actor,” after a dispute over Beijing’s rejection of the 2016 arbitration ruling. Brunei in the Mix: Division Two includes Brunei Darussalam, alongside Hong Kong, China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Timor-Leste. Haze Reality Check: Asean’s recurring haze problem is back in focus as Indonesia’s fires keep sending smoke across borders, testing whether regional cooperation can break the cycle.

ASEAN Football: The inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup kicks off Sept 24 with 14 teams, including Brunei in Division 2 at Hong Kong, while Premier Division matches run in Indonesia and Hong Kong (finals set for Oct 5 and Oct 3). Regional Security Drills: Indonesia’s TNI and the US Army held missile-firing drills during Super Garuda Shield 2026, with Brunei among the 21 participating countries. South China Sea Tensions: China accused the Philippines of “stirring up trouble” after Gilberto Teodoro read a note at the Seoul Defense Dialogue, escalating a war of words over the 2016 arbitration ruling. Haze and Health: Indonesia’s fires and haze are again disrupting schooling across the region, with remote learning in Palembang and emergency-level smoke affecting parts of Malaysia and Brunei. Education Watch: Brunei placed top three in ASEAN for PISA 2025 Mathematics and Science and second in Reading, with thousands of Bruneian students taking the test. Trade and Standards: Malaysia has been proposed as the coordinating entry point for ASEAN’s single submission model for medical device pre-market approvals, with Brunei among participating delegates. Brunei Business/Tech: Vobile signed agreements to build AI factories in Brunei, as regional firms push deeper into AI and digital services.

Education Spotlight: Brunei has placed among ASEAN’s top performers in PISA 2025, ranking top three in Mathematics and Science and second in Reading, with over 5,000 Bruneian students from 55 secondary schools taking the test in April–May 2025. Regional Security Tensions: Philippines Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. again clashed with China over the South China Sea at the Seoul Defence Dialogue, reading a note he said rejected the 2016 arbitration ruling and accusing Beijing of coercion and aggression—prompting China to accuse Manila of “stirring up trouble.” ASEAN Health & Environment: Indonesia’s worsening haze from wildfires is pushing more schools into remote learning, with smoke spreading across borders and affecting students’ health and daily life across parts of Southeast Asia. Local Sports: DPMM FC’s haze-postponed first leg ended in a 3-2 loss to Terengganu FC, while Malaysia’s FA Cup action saw Selangor advance to the quarter-finals after beating Sabah 2-1 on the night. Travel Rules Update: Thailand will cut visa-free tourism stays for 60 nationalities from 60 days back to 30 days starting Sept 15, including Brunei.

Education & PISA: Brunei placed among ASEAN’s top three in PISA 2025 for Mathematics and Science, and ranked second in Reading, with over 5,000 Bruneian students taking the test across 55 secondary schools. Regional Haze Crisis: Indonesia’s worsening forest and peat fires are forcing more schools into remote learning in places like Palembang, while smoke continues to push across borders, disrupting health and daily life across Southeast Asia. Disaster Preparedness: President Prabowo ordered a comprehensive disaster mitigation masterplan as Indonesia faces overlapping crises, including earthquake recovery, Anak Krakatau disruptions, and ongoing fires. Local Governance & Tourism: Brunei’s Tourism Development Department is inviting stakeholders to submit proposals for Visit Brunei Year 2027, aiming to showcase culture, nature, and tourism experiences. Business & Digital Economy: UNN and Vobile signed agreements to build AI-ready infrastructure and strengthen Brunei’s digital capabilities, as Mastercard also appointed Beena Pothen to lead West Southeast Asia including Brunei. ASEAN Diplomacy: Pakistan’s ICCI marked ASEAN Day with calls for stronger, more structured economic partnerships with ASEAN, with Brunei’s high commissioner among attendees.

Haze & disaster response: Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau eruption and ongoing Kalimantan wildfires are still disrupting the region, with smoke and ash affecting flights and daily life across borders, while Indonesia’s President Prabowo orders a disaster mitigation masterplan as crises stack up. Malaysia air crisis: Malaysia has lifted its Sarawak haze emergency in Serian, but warns air quality remains “very unhealthy” in parts of the state. Education under pressure: New PISA 2025 results show global reading and maths declines, while the Philippines posts gains yet still leaves most students below baseline—an issue echoed by haze-driven school disruptions in Borneo. Brunei tourism push: Brunei’s tourism department is inviting stakeholders to submit proposals for Visit Brunei Year 2027. Local tech & digital economy: UNN and Vobile sign agreements to build AI-ready infrastructure and expand digital capabilities in Brunei. New vehicles in Brunei: Honda Brunei introduces the all-new ZR-V and Super-ONE EV. Business leadership: Mastercard appoints Beena Pothen as division president for West Southeast Asia, covering Brunei among other markets.

Visit Brunei Year 2027: Brunei’s Tourism Development Department is inviting local and international stakeholders to submit proposals for events and initiatives to help shape Visit Brunei Year 2027, aiming to showcase Brunei’s culture, nature and tourism experiences while creating opportunities for businesses and communities. Regional Haze Watch: Indonesia’s ongoing fires and Anak Krakatau’s ash have kept the region on edge, with haze affecting transport and daily life across parts of Malaysia and beyond; Malaysia has lifted its Sarawak emergency in Serian but warned air quality remains very unhealthy in several areas. Education Snapshot (PISA): The Philippines reported its biggest gains in PISA 2025 since joining in 2018, but still said nearly two-thirds of students fall below baseline proficiency in reading, math and science. Digital Economy Deal: Vobile signed agreements with Brunei’s UNN to support AI-ready infrastructure and strengthen Brunei’s digital economy capabilities. Travel Rules Update: Thailand is cutting visa-free stays to 30 days from Sept 15 and tightening land-border visa-exempt entry to twice per year for most travellers.

Brunei Tourism: The Tourism Development Department is inviting local and international stakeholders to submit proposals for Visit Brunei Year 2027, aiming to showcase Brunei’s culture, nature, products and tourism experiences while creating opportunities for businesses and communities. Regional Haze Crisis: Indonesia’s 2026 fires are worsening across Southeast Asia, with smoke reaching Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines; Malaysia lifted its Sarawak Serian emergency after API fell from 519 to the low 200s, but officials warn air quality remains “very unhealthy” in parts of Sarawak. Volcanic Disruption: Anak Krakatau’s ash forced Indonesia to extend closures at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta and other airports, stranding about 270,000 passengers and disrupting thousands of flights. Digital Economy Deal: UNN of Brunei signed agreements with Vobile to build AI-ready digital infrastructure and expand Brunei’s digital economy capabilities. Finance & Payments: Mastercard appointed Beena Pothen as division president for West Southeast Asia, covering Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar.

Haze Update (Malaysia–Sarawak): Malaysia has lifted the emergency declaration in Serian, Sarawak after the Air Pollution Index fell to 222 (down from 519), but officials warn several areas—especially Serian and Samarahan—remain “very unhealthy,” urging residents to limit outdoor activity. Regional Air Crisis (Indonesia fires): The haze is still linked to ongoing fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra, with smoke drifting across Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, while Indonesia reports major aviation disruptions from volcanic ash. Travel Disruption (Indonesia volcano): Flights were halted at multiple Indonesian airports, including Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta, until 8.59am on Sep 7 due to ash from Mount Anak Krakatau; regional carriers including Royal Brunei Airlines cancelled services. Health & Safety (Thailand): A Thai case report says a British-Nigerian influencer died after complications from a cosmetic penile filler procedure, with a postmortem finding material matching the injected filler. Business & Policy (Thailand visas): Thailand’s new framework cuts visa-exempt stays and caps land-border entries at twice a year from Sept 15, with Brunei among the 30-day tourism categories.

Transboundary Haze Crisis: Malaysia declared an emergency in Sarawak’s Serian Division after the Air Pollutant Index hit critical levels, with 647 schools set to close from Sept 7 and home-based learning replacing face-to-face classes; authorities say workplaces can continue with health precautions and cloud-seeding is underway to bring rain. Regional Air Quality Fallout: The haze is tied to ongoing fires in Indonesia’s Kalimantan and Sumatra, with smoke drifting across Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, worsening respiratory problems and disrupting daily routines. ASEAN Response: Indonesia says it is meeting its obligations under the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, after the bloc activated Regional Alert Level 3 and asked members for daily situation reports. Local Brunei Relevance: Reports note the smoke has reached Brunei as part of the wider Borneo haze spread, underscoring the need for cross-border action. Sports & Community: UMPSA in Malaysia is using university table tennis to develop talent through an Asian university championship, while ASEAN Community in Doha held a blood donation drive for humanitarian needs.

Transboundary Haze Emergency: Malaysia has declared an emergency in Serian, Sarawak after Air Pollutant Index readings hit hazardous levels, with 647 schools and many workplaces set to close and a cloud-seeding operation planned to run through at least Monday. Regional Health Impact: Reports say the smoke from Indonesia’s Borneo and Sumatra fires has been worsening respiratory problems and disrupting daily life across the region, with haze also reaching Brunei and Singapore. ASEAN Response Under Strain: Indonesia says it is meeting ASEAN’s transboundary haze reporting duties under Regional Alert Level 3, but analysts warn the recurring crisis shows cooperation isn’t enough without stronger accountability. Brunei Angle: With hotspots increasing across Borneo, Brunei is among the places experiencing hazy conditions since mid-August, underscoring how quickly the air crisis can cross borders. Travel Rule Watch: Thailand’s visa-exempt rules change from Sept 15, including a new 30-day cap and limits on land-border entries—important for Bruneians planning frequent trips.