AGP Executive Report

Research and Industry: Universiti Brunei Darussalam and AmiproSimpor signed an MoU to explore joint research, innovation, consultancy and industry placements, supporting workforce development and 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 event featured 256 personnel and military assets. Development: Brunei and the Islamic Development Bank Group launched their first Country Engagement Framework to strengthen strategic cooperation. Banking: Baiduri Bank established a US$2 billion note programme to diversify funding and connect with international investors. Sport: BeIN will hold exclusive Wimbledon broadcast rights in Brunei from 2027 to 2031.

Defence Ties: Singapore and Brunei marked 50 years of defence relations with a joint parade at Muara Naval Base on Oct 10. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong reviewed 256 personnel and military assets, then launched a gallery on the partnership. Regional Haze: Indonesia’s severe forest fires are drawing protests and a lawsuit against officials over their response, as smoke and health impacts spread across Southeast Asia. Development: Brunei and the Islamic Development Bank launched their first Country Engagement Framework to strengthen cooperation, and the Sultan received the bank’s group chairman. Banking: Baiduri Bank established a US$2 billion Euro Medium Term Note Programme to diversify funding and broaden access to international investors. Sport: From 2027, beIN Sports will carry exclusive Wimbledon coverage in Brunei and nine other Asian markets through 2031. Faith: Brunei’s Dayangku Siti Ummi Syazana Pengiran Marjuki represented the country at Malaysia’s International Quran Recital and Memorisation Assembly.

Brunei-Singapore Ties: Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong visited Brunei to mark 50 years of defence relations. He and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah attended a joint military parade and launched a gallery on the partnership. Banking: Baiduri Bank established a US$2 billion Euro Medium Term Note programme, giving it a new route to international investors and diversifying its funding. Development: The Sultan received Islamic Development Bank Group Chairman Muhammad Al Jasser as Brunei and the bank launched their first 2026–2028 cooperation framework, focused on economic diversification, private-sector growth and Islamic finance. Sports: From 2027 to 2031, beIN Sports will hold exclusive Wimbledon broadcast rights in Brunei and nine other Asian markets. Regional Issues: An Amnesty International report says Brunei has maintained a halt to executions, as several ASEAN countries move away from capital punishment.

Brunei–Singapore Ties: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is in Brunei for a two-day visit marking 50 years of defence relations. He and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah are due to attend a joint military parade at Muara Naval Base on Saturday and open a gallery on the forces’ partnership. Quran Recital: Brunei’s Dayangku Siti Ummi Syazana Pengiran Marjuki drew attention at Malaysia’s International Quran Recital and Memorisation Assembly, running through Oct. 10. Sports: Wimbledon will remain available to Brunei viewers on beIN Sports and beIN Sports Connect, with the broadcaster securing exclusive rights across Southeast Asia and Hong Kong from 2027 to 2031. Business and Development: Baiduri Bank has established a US$2 billion note programme to diversify funding and connect with international investors. Brunei and the Islamic Development Bank have also launched their first country framework, for 2026–28, focused on economic diversification and sustainable development.

Defence Ties: Singapore 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 parade at Muara Naval Base on Saturday and launch a commemorative gallery. Development: Brunei and the Islamic Development Bank have launched their first country framework, covering 2026–2028. It sets out cooperation on economic diversification, private-sector growth, Islamic finance and sustainable development. Banking: Baiduri Bank has established a US$2 billion Euro Medium Term Note Programme, giving it more funding options and access to international investors. Regional Environment: Residents in several Indonesian provinces are protesting over recurring forest and land fires, with some seeking legal action against the government as haze and health concerns persist.

Singapore-Brunei Ties: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong visits Brunei on Oct 9-10 to mark 50 years of defence relations. He and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah are due to attend a joint parade at Muara Naval Base and launch a gallery on the military partnership. Wong will also visit Singapore Armed Forces personnel training in Temburong. Banking: Baiduri Bank has established a US$2 billion Euro Medium Term Note Programme, giving it more options to raise funds from international investors. Development: Brunei and the Islamic Development Bank launched their first country engagement framework, for 2026-2028, to support economic diversification and other priorities under Wawasan Brunei 2035. Quran Recital: Brunei’s Dayangku Siti Ummi Syazana Pengiran Marjuki drew attention with her recitation at an international Quran assembly in Kuala Lumpur, which brings together 50 participants from 38 countries.

Regional Haze: Indonesia’s severe peatland fires have prompted a lawsuit alleging government negligence, as smoke spreads across Southeast Asia. Researchers say restoring peatland water levels is key to preventing fires. Defence Ties: Brunei and US forces trained together in Exercise Pahlawan Warrior 26, with jungle operations, live-fire coordination and cyber defence among the areas covered. Development: Brunei and the Islamic Development Bank launched their first 2026–28 country framework, targeting economic diversification, private-sector growth and sustainable development. Asian Games: Brunei was among four delegations to win a single bronze at the Nagoya Games, which wrapped up this week; Qatar will host the 2030 edition.

Defence ties: Brunei and Oklahoma National Guard troops trained together in Exercise Pahlawan Warrior 26, with about 130 US personnel joining Royal Brunei Land Forces for jungle and urban operations, live-fire drills and specialist exchanges. Development: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah received the Islamic Development Bank Group chairman as Brunei launched its first 2026–28 country framework with the bank, targeting economic diversification, private-sector growth and sustainable development. Economic outlook: Brunei is among 28 economies covered by the APO’s new productivity accounts, which track performance through 2024 and project trends to 2035. Asian Games: Brunei was among four delegations to win one bronze medal at the Nagoya Games, which wrapped up on Oct. 4; Qatar will host the next edition in 2030.

Brunei–IsDB Partnership: His Majesty the Sultan received IsDB Group Chairman Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser in a royal audience, with talks highlighting the first IsDB Group–Brunei Darussalam Country Engagement Framework 2026–2028 to support Wawasan Brunei 2035, including economic diversification, private sector development, Islamic finance and sustainable growth. Regional Economy & Productivity: The Asian Productivity Organization released its 2026 APO Productivity Databook, comparing Asia’s growth and labour productivity from 1970–2024 with projections to 2035, including full productivity accounts covering Brunei. Sports—ASEAN Club Championship: The ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup 2026/27 kicks off with an expanded group stage of 14 teams; Thai champions Buriram United are tipped as the team to beat. Brunei in the Spotlight—F1 Visit: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah wrapped up his special visit to Malaysia after attending the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang, with Brunei’s delegation departing on Oct 4. Security & Data Privacy: A report warns fitness app Strava data can reveal patterns of movement of NZDF staff, raising broader concerns for military-related privacy. Trade & Shipping: Maersk announced a peak season surcharge on dry-container shipments from Southeast Asia to Oceania starting 1 Nov 2026, affecting Brunei among other countries.

IsDB Partnership Boost: Brunei and the Islamic Development Bank Group launched the IsDB Group–Brunei Darussalam Country Engagement Framework 2026–2028, a first-of-its-kind strategic framework to turn shared priorities into concrete projects aligned with Wawasan Brunei 2035. Royal Health Update: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah visited former Malaysian PM Dr Mahathir at IJN in Kuala Lumpur for observation after his wife’s recent passing, with family saying it’s mainly rest and fatigue management. F1 Spotlight in the Region: Brunei’s Sultan attended the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang as F1 returned to Malaysia after nine years, with heavy rain delaying the start; Brunei’s delegation later departed home. Sports & Learning: Brunei-linked chess results highlighted at the FIDE Chess Olympiad, where a player’s win over Brunei helped earn international title requirements. Travel & Connectivity: Tianjin Oriental launched its first Shenzhen-based cruise season, including calls at Muara (Brunei), while Shenzhen Airlines added a direct Brunei–Shenzhen flight. Local Safety Reminder: A regional police message stressed that school safety issues should not be hidden to protect reputations, urging stronger reporting and cooperation with schools and parents.

IsDB-Brunei Partnership: Brunei and the Islamic Development Bank launched the IsDB Group–Brunei Darussalam Country Engagement Framework 2026–2028, a first-of-its-kind strategic plan to turn shared priorities into projects aligned with Wawasan Brunei 2035 and the national development plan. Aviation & Tourism: Tianjin Oriental’s Dream cruise kicked off its first Shenzhen-based season, with calls including Brunei (Muara) and Singapore for the first time. School Safety Push: Malaysia’s IGP urged schools not to hide safety problems to protect reputations, calling for stronger police-school coordination and thorough investigations when incidents occur. Connectivity Boost: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new direct Brunei–Shenzhen route, aiming to deepen trade, tourism and people-to-people links. Local Business & Mobility: Subaru returned to Brunei with a new authorised showroom by Imperial Motors, while Mazda officially launched the all-new CX-5 with updated tech and space. Sports & Region: The Asian Games closed in Japan and will head to Qatar in 2030, with Brunei among the medal-winning nations.

School Safety & Accountability: Malaysia’s IGP Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said school safety issues should not be hidden to protect reputations, urging stronger police-school-parent cooperation and thorough investigations after a student death in Johor. Data Privacy & Defence Risk: A report warns Strava fitness data can reveal “pattern of life” details of NZDF staff across multiple countries, with no specific policy to stop the risk. Regional Peace & Veterans: Cambodia’s PM Hun Manet urged ASEAN veterans to safeguard regional peace, calling veterans “peace educators” and a bridge between generations. Brunei–Malaysia–Bahrain F1 Diplomacy: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah attended the return of F1 to Sepang, with leaders from Malaysia and Bahrain highlighting historic ties and cooperation. Brunei Development Finance: The Islamic Development Bank Group will visit Brunei (5–7 Oct) to launch a 2026–2028 Country Engagement Framework. Air Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines launched a direct Brunei–Shenzhen route, boosting links to China’s Greater Bay Area. Sports Spotlight: The Asian Games closed in Japan, with Qatar set to host in 2030; Brunei won a single bronze.

ASEAN Peace Push: Cambodia’s PM Hun Manet urged ASEAN veterans to safeguard regional peace, saying it underpins development and prosperity, as VECONAC brought together veterans across the bloc. Asian Games Update: The 2026 Asian Games officially closed in Japan and will head to Doha, Qatar, in 2030; China topped the medal table, while Brunei finished among the bottom four with a single bronze. Brunei in the Spotlight at F1: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah wrapped up a special visit to Malaysia tied to the 2026 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang, with Brunei’s leaders meeting Malaysian and Bahrain counterparts amid the race’s return after nine years. Trade & Logistics: Maersk announced a peak-season surcharge on dry-container shipments from Southeast Asia to Oceania starting 1 Nov 2026, affecting routes including Brunei. Air Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new direct Brunei–Shenzhen route, boosting links to China’s Greater Bay Area. Development Talks: The Islamic Development Bank Group chairman will visit Brunei from 5–7 Oct to launch a 2026–2028 country engagement framework.

Regional Sports & Hosting: The 2026 Asian Games wrapped up in Nagoya, with China topping the medal table and the next edition set for Doha in 2030. Brunei finished among the bottom four with a single bronze. Royal & Diplomatic Moves: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah concluded his special visit to Malaysia after attending the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain GP at Sepang, while Brunei’s IsDB Group chairman visit is set for 5–7 Oct for high-level development talks and a 2026–2028 Country Engagement Framework launch. F1 in the Region: Malaysia hosted the Bahrain GP at Sepang after a nine-year gap, with heavy rain delaying the start and record crowds at SIC. Brunei Connectivity & Travel: Royal Brunei Airlines completed RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi rollout across its A320 fleet, and Shenzhen Airlines launched a direct Brunei–Shenzhen route to boost trade, tourism and people-to-people links. Local Business & Mobility: Subaru returned to Brunei via a new Imperial Motors showroom, while the all-new Mazda CX‑5 officially debuted with updated tech and comfort features.

Royal & Regional Diplomacy: Brunei’s Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah wrapped up a five-day Singapore visit, touring Punggol Digital District and the Oceanarium, with leaders highlighting “Deepening our friendship” and continued bilateral exchanges. Aviation & Connectivity: Royal Brunei Airlines and SES completed RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi across the A320 fleet, while Shenzhen Airlines launched a new direct Brunei–Shenzhen route to boost trade, tourism and family travel. Transport & Mobility: Imperial Motors brought Subaru back to Brunei with a new showroom and authorised sales and aftersales support. Motoring Spotlight: Grand Auto officially launched the all-new Mazda CX‑5 in Brunei, touting a roomier cabin, updated tech and comfort-focused driving. Maritime Cooperation: Singapore and Brunei maritime authorities signed an MoU to strengthen digitalisation, safety, port inspections, training and incident investigation. Tech & Media: Apple Music officially expanded to Brunei (along with Albania, Burkina Faso and Pakistan), giving users access via local Apple accounts. Sports (F1): Sultan of Brunei arrived in Malaysia for the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain GP at Sepang. Culture & Community: Borneo Jazz Festival returns for its 20th edition in Miri on 4–5 Dec, with tickets set to go on sale 3 Oct.

Royal Visit & F1 Spotlight: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah arrived in Malaysia for the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain GP at Sepang, with the race running until Sunday and Sepang set to host the 2026 Bahrain GP. Brunei Sports & Community: Senior Minister Kun Kim met Royal Brunei Armed Forces veterans leaders in Phnom Penh on the sidelines of VECONAC meetings. Local Mobility & Tech Comfort: Grand Auto launched the all-new Mazda CX-5 in Brunei, highlighting a roomier cabin, updated suspension, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto plus Bose audio. Brand Return: Imperial Motors (Inchcape) brought Subaru back to Brunei with an authorised showroom and models including Forester, Crosstrek, WRX and BRZ. Air Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines started a direct Brunei–Shenzhen route, linking Brunei to China’s Greater Bay Area for trade, tourism and family travel. Digital Upgrade: SES and Royal Brunei Airlines completed RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi across the A320neo fleet. Regional Links: Singapore and Brunei maritime authorities signed an MoU to boost digitalisation, safety, port inspections and training. Culture & Tourism: Borneo Jazz Festival returns for its 20th edition in Miri on 4–5 Dec, with tickets on sale from midnight 3 Oct. Media Access: Apple Music officially launched in Brunei (and Albania, Burkina Faso, Pakistan), expanding availability to 172 countries.