AGP Executive Report

Brunei Royal Affairs: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has revoked his daughter-in-law Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah’s royal title and style “Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri” with immediate effect, citing conduct deemed “unbecoming,” “lack of respect,” and damage to the monarchy’s good name—though the palace has not disclosed what she did; the move affects her status as part of the royal household, while her children’s titles are reported to remain unchanged. Regional Security: The Philippines and India have locked in preparations for the second Asean-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) in late September/early October, with Brunei among participating navies, aiming to boost maritime security cooperation and interoperability. Maritime/Geopolitics: A U.S. special operations commander said Washington is ready to step up readiness exercises with Asian partners to deter major conflict amid South China Sea tensions involving claimants including Brunei. Energy & Finance (Brunei): Brunei signed a contract with Sinohydro for Phase 2 of the Bukit Panggal combined-cycle gas turbines power station, adding 215MW, and held a capital market seminar on sukuk as an alternative financing instrument.

Brunei Royal Affairs: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has revoked daughter-in-law Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah’s royal title and style “Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri” with immediate effect, citing “unbecoming” conduct and “lack of respect” that allegedly tarnished the monarchy—no specific incident was disclosed, and Prince Abdul Malik remains fourth in line. Regional Security: The Philippines and India have finalized preparations for the second Asean-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) in late Sept/early Oct, with Brunei among participating navies, aiming to boost maritime coordination and interoperability. ASEAN Environment: Sarawak officials say transboundary haze concerns may be raised at ASEAN level, warning smoke could drift toward Brunei and pointing to cloud seeding as a possible response. Brunei Energy & Finance: Brunei signed a contract with Sinohydro for Phase 2 of the Bukit Panggal power station, adding 215MW, while a separate capital market seminar highlighted sukuk as an alternative financing tool.

Brunei Royal Affairs: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has stripped his daughter-in-law, Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah (wife of Prince Abdul Malik, fourth in line), of her royal title and style with immediate effect, citing conduct deemed “unbecoming” and “lack of respect” that “tarnished the monarchy’s good name,” though no specific incident was disclosed; her children’s titles are reported to remain unchanged. Regional Security & Defence: The Philippines and India have finalized preparations for the second Asean-India Maritime Exercise (AIME), scheduled for Sept 28–Oct 2 with Brunei among the 11 Asean participants, aiming to boost maritime security cooperation and interoperability. Transboundary Environment: Sarawak officials say haze concerns linked to fires near Baram and Kuala Baram may be raised at ASEAN level, with cloud seeding being considered and Brunei flagged as potentially affected by smoke drift. Finance & Markets: Brunei held a capital market seminar on sukuk issuance, pushing sukuk as an alternative financing tool and highlighting efforts to deepen the local capital market ecosystem. Energy Infrastructure: Brunei’s Department of Electrical Services signed a contract with Sinohydro for Phase 2 of the Bukit Panggal combined-cycle gas turbines power station, adding 215MW to national generation capacity.

Brunei Royal Affairs: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has stripped his daughter-in-law, Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah (wife of Prince Abdul Malik, fourth in line), of her royal titles and style “with immediate effect,” citing conduct described as “unbecoming,” “lack of respect,” and tarnishing the monarchy’s good name, though the palace has not disclosed what she did; her children’s titles are reported to remain unchanged. Regional Security: A U.S. special operations commander said Washington is ready to step up warfighting-readiness exercises with the Philippines and other Asian partners to deter major conflict, with Brunei named among long-running South China Sea standoff states. Transboundary Environment: Sarawak’s deputy premier said haze concerns may be raised at ASEAN level via the transboundary haze pollution steering committee, warning smoke could drift toward Brunei and noting cloud seeding is being assessed. Brunei Economy/Infrastructure: Brunei’s Department of Electrical Services signed a contract with Sinohydro for Phase 2 of the Bukit Panggal combined-cycle gas turbine power station, adding 215MW to strengthen electricity supply. Public Finance: Brunei’s Rating and Valuation Department issued about 390,000 requisition forms to rates and government rent payers to update occupation and tenancy details for a general revaluation effective 1 April 2027.

Royal Discipline in Brunei: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has revoked his daughter-in-law Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah’s royal titles and style “Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri” with immediate effect, citing conduct deemed “unbecoming” and “lack of respect” that tarnished the monarchy’s reputation; the decree was confirmed by the Office of the Grand Chamberlain, but no specific misconduct details were released, and her four children’s titles were reported to remain unchanged. Regional Security Posture: A U.S. special operations commander said American forces are ready to step up warfighting-readiness exercises with the Philippines and other Asian partners to deter major conflict, with Brunei named among states facing South China Sea tensions. Transboundary Haze Diplomacy: Sarawak’s deputy premier said Malaysia may raise transboundary haze concerns at ASEAN level, warning that fires near Baram and Kuala Baram—close to Brunei—could send smoke across borders; Sarawak is also assessing cloud seeding timing. Brunei-Malaysia Political Ties: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim said Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah called to check on his health and pray for his recovery, adding he will meet the Sultan next week in Bandar Seri Begawan for the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation. Energy & Finance Moves in Brunei: Brunei signed a contract with Sinohydro for Phase 2 of the Bukit Panggal power station, adding 215MW capacity, while a capital market seminar highlighted sukuk as an alternative financing tool.

Brunei Royal Affairs: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has revoked daughter-in-law Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah’s princess title and royal style “with immediate effect,” citing conduct deemed “unbecoming” and “a lack of respect” that “tarnished the monarchy’s good name,” though no specific incident was disclosed; Raabi’atul, 33, is married to Prince Abdul Malik (fourth in line) and their four children keep their titles. Regional Politics & Security: A US special operations chief says American forces are ready to step up warfighting-readiness drills with the Philippines and other Asian partners to deter major conflict, amid ongoing South China Sea tensions involving Brunei among others. Brunei Economy & Finance: Brunei held a capital market seminar on sukuk as an alternative financing tool, urging broader corporate participation and capacity building. Energy Infrastructure: Brunei’s Department of Electrical Services signed a contract with Sinohydro for Phase 2 of the Bukit Panggal combined-cycle gas turbines power station, adding 215MW to strengthen supply. Diplomatic Health Link: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim received a call from the Brunei Sultan checking on his health after surgery and said he will meet the Sultan next week in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Royal Household Update: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah revoked daughter-in-law Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah’s royal title “Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri” with immediate effect, citing “unbecoming” conduct and “lack of respect” toward the Sultan; the Office of the Grand Chamberlain confirmed she is no longer considered part of the royal family, but gave no specifics, while her four children’s titles reportedly remain unchanged. Regional Security: US special operations commanders said they are stepping up warfighting-readiness drills with the Philippines and other Asian partners to deter major conflict, with Brunei listed among regional claimants facing South China Sea tensions. Energy & Diplomacy: India is set to be the first official partner at Russian Energy Week in Moscow, underscoring deepening energy ties as US pressure grows. Brunei Development & Finance: Brunei signed a contract with Sinohydro for Phase 2 of the Bukit Panggal combined-cycle gas power station, adding 215MW, and held a capital market seminar promoting sukuk as an alternative financing tool. Governance & Administration: Brunei’s Rating and Valuation Department issued about 390,000 requisition forms ahead of a general revaluation taking effect April 1, 2027. TVET & Skills: Brunei’s IBTE hosted an international AI-focused TVET webinar on AI literacy and future-ready skills.

Brunei Royal Affairs: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has revoked all royal titles and styles of his daughter-in-law, Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah, citing “unbecoming” conduct and “lack of respect,” with the Office of the Grand Chamberlain confirming she is no longer considered part of the royal family; her children’s titles are reported to remain unaffected. Regional Diplomacy: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim received a phone call from the Sultan to enquire about his health and pray for his well-being, with Anwar also noting an upcoming audience in Bandar Seri Begawan for the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation. Energy & Infrastructure: Brunei’s Department of Electrical Services at the Prime Minister’s Office signed a contract with Sinohydro for Phase 2 of the Bukit Panggal Combined Cycle Gas Turbines Power Station, adding 215MW to strengthen supply under Brunei Vision 2035. Finance & Markets: A Brunei Capital Market Development seminar focused on sukuk as an alternative financing instrument, bringing together policymakers, regulators and potential issuers. Education & Skills: Brunei’s Institute of Technical Education hosted an international webinar on using AI literacy to build future-ready TVET skills. Public Sector Administration: The Rating and Valuation Department issued about 390,000 requisition forms to rates and government rent payers to update occupation and tenancy details ahead of a general revaluation effective 1 April 2027.

Royal Household Decree: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has stripped his daughter-in-law, Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah (wife of Prince Abdul Malik, fourth-in-line), of all royal titles for “unbecoming” conduct, citing “lack of respect” and tarnishing the monarchy’s good name; the palace did not specify the trigger, but the children’s titles remain unaffected. Energy Infrastructure: Brunei’s Department of Electrical Services signed a contract with Sinohydro for Phase 2 of the Bukit Panggal Combined Cycle Gas Turbines Power Station, adding 215MW to strengthen supply under Vision 2035. Finance & Markets: Brunei held a “Sukuk Issuance” seminar to boost understanding of sukuk as an alternative capital-market financing tool, bringing together policymakers, regulators and potential issuers. TVET & AI: Brunei’s IBTE hosted an international webinar on using AI literacy to build future-ready TVET skills. Regional Trade & Growth: BIMP-Eaga was highlighted at the Mindanao Business Conference as a trade corridor for halal, processed food, fisheries and renewable energy, with potential growth gains. International Mobility: A US State Department list confirms Brunei is among countries entitled to mandatory consular notification when citizens are arrested or detained in the US. Maritime/Travel: A Chinese-made cruise ship, Adora Magic City, began its first international cruise calls including Muara, Brunei.

Royal Governance: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has stripped Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah, wife of Prince Abdul Malik (fourth-in-line), of all royal titles after “unbecoming” conduct, with the Royal Court citing tarnishing the monarchy and disrespect toward the Sultan; the children’s titles remain unchanged and no specific act was disclosed. Health & Society: In Brunei, an international AI webinar hosted by IBTE focused on using AI literacy to modernise TVET and future-ready skills. Regional Diplomacy: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim received a call from Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah after Anwar’s elective laparoscopic surgery for a para-umbilical hernia, and Anwar said he will meet the Sultan next week during the 27th Malaysia-Brunei Annual Leaders’ Consultation. Public Policy & Infrastructure: Brunei is adopting Industrialized Building System methods for national housing to improve quality, cut timelines and waste, and support longer-term sustainability; meanwhile EV registrations rose to 2.8% of vehicle registrations in Jan–Jun 2026, prompting further charging infrastructure planning. Maritime & Inclusion: A Women in Maritime Spotlight panel highlighted that progress shouldn’t be measured by headcounts alone, reflecting ongoing efforts to broaden participation in Brunei’s maritime sector.

Royal Court Update: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has stripped Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah, wife of Prince Abdul Malik (fourth-in-line), of all royal titles for “unbecoming” conduct, though the decree gives no specifics; the couple’s children keep their titles. Health & Diplomacy: Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim received a phone call from the Sultan after undergoing an elective laparoscopic procedure for a para-umbilical hernia, and said he will meet the Sultan next week in Bandar Seri Begawan for the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation (ALC). Governance & Infrastructure: Brunei’s Ministry of Development says national housing projects are adopting the Industrialized Building System (IBS) and modern construction methods to improve quality, cut timelines, reduce waste, and lower carbon emissions. Transport Policy: Brunei reports EV registrations rising to 2.8% of all vehicle registrations in Jan–Jun 2026 (up from 0.7% in 2025), with charging infrastructure expanding to 22 locations and 40 charging points as of 23 July. Education & Skills: IBTE hosted an international AI webinar on using AI literacy to build future-ready TVET skills. Regional Tech & Media: Brunei also hosted an international AI webinar, while broader coverage highlights cross-border maritime and regional policy debates.

Brunei Housing & Climate: Brunei’s Ministry of Development says national housing projects will increasingly use the Industrialized Building System (IBS) to lift construction quality, cut timelines, reduce material waste, and lower carbon emissions. EV Uptick: Brunei also reports rising electric vehicle registrations—EVs were 2.8% of vehicle registrations in Jan–Jun 2026 versus 0.7% in 2025—alongside expanding charging coverage (22 locations, 40 charging points as of July 23). Public Transport Planning: The transport ministry is studying two models for continuity and quality in public transport: bus services on main routes and phased Demand Responsive Transit (DRT) starting with two zones, supported by infrastructure and technology upgrades. Tourism Push: Brunei targets about 1 million tourists and B$630m in tourism revenue for Visit Brunei Year 2027, with 400,000 arrivals already recorded in the first half of 2026. Education for Jobs: The education ministry says it is reshaping higher education and TVET for an AI-driven job market, including curriculum updates, project-based learning, and data-led graduate outcomes. Royal House Update: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has removed royal titles from his daughter-in-law, Raabi’atul Adawiyyah, citing conduct deemed unbecoming and damage to the monarchy’s name.

Housing & Climate: Brunei’s Ministry of Development says national housing projects are adopting the Industrialized Building System (IBS) and modern construction methods to improve quality, cut build times, reduce material waste, and lower carbon emissions. Transport & EV Uptake: Brunei recorded rising electric vehicle registrations, with EVs at 2.8% of vehicle registrations (Jan–Jun 2026) versus 0.7% in 2025, alongside plans to expand charging infrastructure (22 locations, 40 charging points as of July 23). Public Transport Planning: The Transport and Infocommunications Ministry is weighing two models—main-route bus services and phased Demand Responsive Transit (DRT) by zones—to keep services continuous and accessible, with more tech and infrastructure support. Tourism Targets: Brunei is aiming for about 1 million tourists and roughly B$630 million in tourism revenue in Visit Brunei Year 2027, with a push toward higher-value, longer-stay visitors. Education for Jobs: The education ministry is adjusting higher education and TVET for an AI-driven job market, including curriculum updates, project-based learning with industry, and data-based graduate outcome checks. Regional Governance: ASEAN leaders and Brunei-linked regional messaging stressed keeping ASEAN centrality amid global fragmentation, while Brunei’s policy focus continues to tie development to execution and implementation.

Royal Family & Governance: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah issued a royal decree removing royal titles from his daughter-in-law Raabi’atul Adawiyyah, citing conduct deemed unbecoming and tarnishing the monarchy’s name, while her children’s titles reportedly remain unaffected. Public Transport & Service Delivery: Brunei’s Transport and Infocommunications Ministry is studying models to keep public transport continuous and accessible, including main-route bus services and phased Demand Responsive Transit (DRT) by zones, alongside infrastructure and technology upgrades. Tourism Targets: Brunei aims for about 1 million tourists and roughly B$630m in tourism revenue under Visit Brunei Year 2027, with 400,000 arrivals already recorded in the first half of 2026 and a push toward high-value, high-return tourism. Education & Jobs: The education ministry says it is adapting higher education and TVET for AI-driven industry needs via curriculum updates, project-based learning with industry, and data-based graduate employment and employer satisfaction reviews. Regional Diplomacy (ASEAN): ASEAN Day coverage highlights Brunei-linked regional messaging on keeping ASEAN centrality and unity amid global fragmentation, with calls for peace, shared prosperity, and rule of law. Regional Security & Defence: A US Pentagon official urged Asian allies to increase defence spending and deepen deterrence, stressing Washington is “digging in” in Asia. Regional Environment: Indonesia’s wildfires and haze are disrupting schooling across Borneo, with air-quality impacts spilling into Malaysia and Singapore—an issue Brunei will feel regionally.

Brunei Public Transport: Brunei’s Transport and Infocommunications Ministry is studying how to keep public transport continuous, high-quality and accessible, weighing main-route bus services against phased Demand Responsive Transit (DRT) starting with two zones. Visit Brunei Year 2027: Brunei targets about 1 million tourists and roughly B$630 million in tourism revenue, with 400,000 arrivals already logged in the first half of 2026 and a 7.8% rise year-on-year. Education for the AI job shift: The Education Ministry says it is updating higher education and TVET for an AI-driven economy, including new core modules, more project-based learning with industry, and stronger data-based graduate tracking. Royal House Update: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has removed royal titles from his daughter-in-law Raabi’atul Adawiyyah, citing conduct deemed unbecoming and tarnishing the monarchy’s name. Private-sector jobs push: Brunei plans to encourage Bruneians into private work via better job matching through the Brunei Job Centre, workforce alignment with industry needs, and a minimum wage policy for the private sector. Regional politics backdrop: ASEAN’s 59th anniversary continues to frame regional diplomacy, with leaders stressing rule of law, dialogue and ASEAN centrality amid global fragmentation.

ASEAN Centrality: Malaysia’s foreign minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan warned that ASEAN centrality is a “privilege” under strain from major-power rivalry, geo-economics and frayed multilateralism as the bloc marks its 59th anniversary. Rule of Law & Dialogue: Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged ASEAN members to strengthen cooperation and keep dialogue ahead of division, citing conflicts and climate pressures that spill beyond borders. Brunei Economy & Jobs: In Brunei’s Legislative Council, a minister said Vision 2035 needs resilient growth, stronger private-sector productivity, and a more conducive environment for employment; separate remarks outlined steps to boost Bruneians in private work, including job-center matching and a private-sector minimum wage policy. Private Sector Momentum: Brunei reported a 125% jump in company registrations in 2025 (354 vs 157 in 2024), with 200 registrations already in the first half of 2026. Public-Private Delivery: Brunei highlighted PPP progress: a 30MW AC solar plant near Bandar Seri Begawan due by end-2026 and improved Muara Port operations under a foreign PPP. Regional Connectivity: Royal Brunei Airlines expanded its codeshare with Turkish Airlines, adding Bandar Seri Begawan–Istanbul via Kuala Lumpur from 7 Aug, with potential boost for Visit Brunei 2027. ASEAN Culture: The ASEAN Film Festival 2026 opens in Hong Kong on 20 Aug with free screenings and Brunei included in the lineup.