AGP Executive Report

Digital Governance & Economy: Brunei’s Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications says Digital Brunei 2030 is the next phase of the national digital push, aligning government, society, business, data and AI under Brunei Vision 2035, with success tied to tighter public-private collaboration and secure, integrated digital services. Education & Human Capital: ACER and Brunei ministries unveiled Brunei Darussalam Digital Literacy Standards (BDDLS) for Years 1–11, including embedded AI literacy and revised ICT and related curricula, aiming for consistent classroom delivery. Tourism Modernisation: Brunei launched Nakhoda, a digital tourism marketplace and AI trip planner to help local operators list bookable packages, accept cashless payments, and overcome fragmented online visibility ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027. Regional Security Cooperation: Brunei and the U.S. held a final planning conference for CARAT Brunei 2026, with both sides discussing maritime security cooperation and noting plans to upgrade bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. Cross-Border Policing: Sarawak and Brunei police agreed to strengthen cooperation against cross-border crime through intelligence sharing, coordinated land and maritime operations, and detainee transfer procedures. Energy & Investment (Upstream): Norway’s TGS won an exclusive contract for a new multi-client 3D seismic survey offshore Brunei, supporting future licensing and investment decisions.

Flood & Tourism in Limbang: Brunei’s Rural Transformation Programme is funding a 250-metre river embankment at Kampung Poyan to cut flood risk and boost ecotourism in Sungai Poyan, with RM500,000 in 2026 and another RM500,000 planned for 2027, alongside calls for regular river maintenance and community events. Cross-Border Policing: Sarawak and Brunei police have agreed to deepen Malaysia–Brunei crime-fighting cooperation, focusing on intelligence sharing, coordinated land and maritime operations, search-and-rescue links, and smoother detainee transfer procedures under legal frameworks. Digital Government & Skills: ACER and Brunei ministries have rolled out the Brunei Darussalam Digital Literacy Standards (Years 1–11), including embedded AI literacy and updated ICT and related curricula, supported by teacher guides for classroom implementation. Tourism Digital Push: Brunei launched “Nakhoda,” a digital tourism marketplace and AI trip-planner to help local operators sell online and support planning for Visit Brunei Year 2027. Energy & Investment Signals: The Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam awarded Norwegian firm TGS exclusive rights for a new multi-client 3D seismic survey offshore Brunei, aimed at improving resource assessment ahead of future licensing rounds. Regional Finance Link: The World Bank appointed Achim Fock as Caribbean Division Director; his prior World Bank operations experience includes roles connected to Brunei.

Border Security: Sarawak police and the Royal Brunei Police Force met in Bandar Seri Begawan to tighten intelligence sharing, coordinate land and maritime operations, improve search-and-rescue, and streamline detainee transfers under legal frameworks. Digital Tourism Push: Brunei launched “Nakhoda,” a digital marketplace for local tourism operators with cashless payments and an AI trip planner, aimed at fixing fragmented online visibility ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027. Education & AI Literacy: ACER and Brunei rolled out the Brunei Darussalam Digital Literacy Standards for Years 1–11, weaving AI literacy and ethics into the curriculum alongside updated ICT and related teaching materials. Energy & Investment Signals: Norway’s TGS won exclusive rights for a multi-client 3D seismic survey offshore Brunei, seeking prefunding to generate new data for future licensing rounds. Regional Trade Talks: CPTPP ministers advanced updates and accession work, including progress on Costa Rica and preparatory discussions involving UAE, Philippines and Indonesia.

Digital Tourism Push: Brunei launched “Nakhoda,” a digital marketplace and AI trip-planner to help local operators sell packages online and support Visit Brunei Year 2027 planning. Public Safety Cooperation: Sarawak Police Commissioner led a bilateral meeting with the Royal Brunei Police Force in Bandar Seri Begawan to strengthen professional ties and tackle cross-border crime. Education & Skills: ACER and Brunei rolled out the Brunei Darussalam Digital Literacy Standards (BDDLS) for Years 1–11, with AI literacy built in and updated ICT curriculum and teacher guides. Oil & Gas Investment: Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam awarded Norwegian firm TGS exclusive rights for a multi-client 3D seismic survey offshore Brunei, aimed at improving resource assessment ahead of future licensing rounds. Regional Trade Architecture: CPTPP ministers advanced expansion work, noting progress on Costa Rica and Uruguay and starting preparatory talks with the Philippines, Indonesia and the UAE.

Digital Tourism Push: Brunei officially launched “Nakhoda,” a digital marketplace and AI trip-planner built to fix tourism fragmentation by helping local operators list bookable packages, take cashless payments, and reach travellers online ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027. Oil & Gas Outlook: A new sector outlook flags stronger Q2 performance for Brunei’s upstream side, supported by elevated Brent prices and faster domestic project rollouts, with technical services set to benefit from increased activity. Senior Citizens Cooperation: Sarawak and Brunei stepped up cross-learning on ageing and senior care, with Brunei’s PAWE visiting Sarawak to exchange policies and programmes as both move toward ageing societies. Infrastructure Showcase: Sarawak’s Batang Sadong bridge–Asajaya elevated road project advanced to implementation, pitched as a lower-maintenance, lower-impact engineering solution for peat areas. Energy Investment Signals: Norway’s TGS secured exclusive multi-client 3D seismic rights offshore Brunei, aiming to attract prefunding and improve exploration data ahead of future licensing rounds. Trade Bloc Momentum: CPTPP ministers advanced expansion work, noting progress on Costa Rica and Uruguay and starting preparatory discussions with the UAE, Philippines and Indonesia. Regional Security Coordination: Brunei featured in a ReCAAP senior officers meeting in Manila focused on port security and joint responses to piracy and sea robbery.

Trade Diplomacy: CPTPP ministers met virtually on 26 June to push expansion and deeper ASEAN-EU-style trade dialogue, with Brunei among members reaffirming the bloc’s rules-based approach; they flagged progress on Costa Rica’s accession and urged Uruguay’s accession working group to speed up. Accession Pipeline: The CPTPP also began preparatory discussions with the UAE, the Philippines and Indonesia—an early step toward formal accession talks, with domestic trade-rule reviews set to follow. Energy & Water Finance: The World Bank approved a $1.02bn Philippines package to expand electricity and water access, including support for offshore wind and renewable energy market reforms. Maritime Security: ReCAAP and the Philippine Coast Guard held a senior officers meeting with Brunei and other focal points to strengthen port security and cooperation against piracy and sea robbery. Regional Haze Risk: A Singapore think tank issued a “red alert” for severe transboundary haze risk affecting Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, warning higher costs could worsen land-clearing practices. Brunei-Linked Industry: TGS secured exclusive rights from Brunei’s Petroleum Authority for a multi-client offshore 3D seismic survey, aiming to attract investment and de-risk exploration ahead of future licensing rounds.

Regional Security & Law of the Sea: The Philippines and China traded sharper words over the 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling, with Manila accusing Beijing of “insincerity” and “hypocrisy” as China rejected compliance, while a separate report highlights how the award’s UNCLOS interpretation continues to shape maritime claims. Maritime Cooperation: Brunei is among the ReCAAP focal points as the ReCAAP ISC and Philippine Coast Guard held a senior officers meeting on port security, anti-piracy measures, and improving incident reporting and prosecution. Climate Policy & Federal-State Power: Sarawak Premier Abang Johari renewed calls for Sabah and Sarawak to receive at least 70% of any Malaysia carbon tax revenue, arguing they are the country’s main carbon sinks and should benefit directly. Trans-Pacific Trade: CPTPP members agreed to start preliminary accession talks with Indonesia, the Philippines and the UAE, setting up a review of domestic trade rules before any formal negotiations. Haze Risk Watch: A “red alert” haze outlook flags severe transboundary haze risk for Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, warning that higher costs could push land-clearing toward fire. Youth & Community: In Sarawak, the Scouts Marine Education Camp closed with Abdul Karim stressing volunteerism and character-building despite rising digital dependence.

Carbon Tax Revenue: Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg urged Putrajaya to return at least 70% of any carbon tax revenue to Sabah and Sarawak, arguing the states are Malaysia’s main carbon sinks and should benefit directly under the Malaysia Agreement 1963. Maritime Security: ReCAAP ISC and the Philippine Coast Guard co-organised a five-day senior officers meeting in Manila with Brunei among 15 focal points, focusing on port security, anti-piracy measures, and better incident reporting and prosecution. Regional Trade Bloc: CPTPP members agreed to start preliminary accession talks with Indonesia, the Philippines and the UAE, setting up a new pre-negotiation framework that reviews applicants’ domestic rules against CPTPP standards. Transboundary Haze Watch: The Singapore Institute of International Affairs issued a “red alert” for Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, warning El Niño-linked dryness plus higher energy and fertiliser costs could push land clearing toward fire. Brunei-Linked Mobility: A report says two foreign suspects who vandalised a Busan subway fled to Brunei, with authorities seeking Interpol action and extradition. Local Youth & Community: Sarawak’s Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the Scouts remain vital for character-building and volunteerism even as children spend more time on digital devices.

Carbon Tax Revenue Sharing: Sarawak Premier Abang Johari says Sabah and Sarawak should get at least 70% of any Malaysia carbon tax take, arguing the states are the country’s main carbon sinks and oxygen producers. Regional Trade Diplomacy: CPTPP members have agreed to start preliminary accession talks with Indonesia, the Philippines and the UAE, setting up a first-ever pre-negotiation framework before formal talks. Brunei-Linked Regional Energy: Sarawak Energy says it is pushing the ASEAN Power Grid by strengthening the Borneo grid first, including discussions with Brunei on interconnection. Haze Risk Warning: A Singapore think tank flags a “red alert” for severe transboundary haze later this year, citing El Niño-driven dryness and higher costs that could push land-clearing toward fire. Brunei Islamic Economy: A Brunei minister says the Islamic economy is a strategic opportunity, pointing to existing regulatory capacity, halal industry strength and the national Malay Islamic Monarchy philosophy. RIMPAC Participation: RIMPAC in Hawaii includes Brunei among 30-country participants, underscoring Brunei’s continued defence engagement in regional exercises. South China Sea Tensions: The Philippines accuses China of “insincerity, hypocrisy” after Beijing rejects Manila’s push to comply with the 2016 arbitral ruling.

Trade & Diplomacy: CPTPP ministers have agreed to move quickly on Costa Rica’s membership and expedite Uruguay’s, while launching preliminary accession talks with Indonesia, the Philippines and the UAE—setting up a framework to review applicants’ domestic trade rules before any formal negotiations. Regional Security: Indonesia and Australia pledged tighter border security cooperation at an ASEAN-Australia meeting, including intelligence sharing, immigration coordination and cybersecurity; the report also notes Brunei and Indonesia already have access to Australia’s SmartGate. Haze Risk for Brunei: A Singapore think tank warns Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore face a high risk of severe transboundary haze later this year, driven by El Niño-linked dry conditions and higher energy and fertiliser costs that may push land clearing toward fire. Brunei Tourism & Economy: Limbang’s Santaba Jetty Festival 2026 is set to accelerate ecotourism, with a RM50 million development plan for the jetty area; separately, Brunei is preparing for “Visit Brunei Year 2027” as a whole-of-nation push to boost tourism and diversification. Islamic Economy: A Brunei minister says the Islamic economy is a strategic opportunity, pointing to existing regulatory capacity, halal industry strength and the national Malay Islamic Monarchy philosophy as foundations for growth.

Haze Alert for Brunei: The Singapore Institute of International Affairs issued a “red alert” for severe transboundary haze risk in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, warning August–September could be the worst period as El Niño dries conditions and rising energy and fertiliser costs may push land clearing toward slash-and-burn. Islamic Economy Push: Brunei’s Islamic economy is framed as a strategic diversification opportunity, with a minister pointing to existing regulatory capacity, a globally recognised halal industry and the national Malay Islamic Monarchy philosophy as key foundations. Tourism Drive: Brunei kicked off preparations for “Visit Brunei Year 2027,” unveiling the logo and mascots as a whole-of-nation effort to lift tourism and support economic diversification. Regional Security Cooperation: Indonesia and Australia agreed to strengthen border security with closer intelligence sharing, immigration coordination and cybersecurity, noting Brunei and Indonesia citizens already use Australia’s SmartGate. Trade & Integration Watch: CPTPP members began preliminary accession talks for Indonesia, the Philippines and the UAE, while ASEAN continues grappling with maritime legal politics after the 2016 South China Sea arbitration anniversary. Local Industry Moves: Brunei announced a new seafood processing plant project in Serasa to build tuna and value-added processing capacity for regional and international markets.

Brunei in Regional Policy: Brunei’s Islamic economy is being positioned for deeper growth, with a minister citing strong halal industry foundations, regulatory capacity, and the Malay Islamic Monarchy philosophy as the base for a more integrated sector. Transboundary Haze Watch: A Singapore think tank issued a “red alert” for severe haze risk later in 2026, warning Brunei alongside Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore could face hazardous conditions as El Niño dries the region and rising costs push some land clearing toward fire. ASEAN Legal & Maritime Politics: A debate is resurfacing over ASEAN’s response to the 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling, with the bloc repeatedly reaffirming UNCLOS while still avoiding an official stance on the award. Regional Security Posture: Southeast Asia’s defence ties are tightening through partnerships and access deals rather than formal alliances, with new cooperation frameworks shaping maritime coordination. RIMPAC Participation: Brunei is listed among the 30-country participants in the Rim of the Pacific naval exercise in Hawaii, underscoring ongoing defence engagement amid wider geopolitical tensions. Tourism & Diversification: Brunei is launching preparations for “Visit Brunei Year 2027,” unveiling the logo and mascots as a whole-of-nation push to boost tourism and economic diversification.

CPTPP Expansion Talks: CPTPP members have agreed to begin preliminary talks to add Indonesia, the Philippines and the UAE, setting up possible formal accession negotiations once all current members consent. Regional Energy & Trade: CPTPP ministers also welcomed the US-Iran agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, stressing safe transit and resilient energy supply chains. Haze “Red Alert” for Brunei: The Singapore Institute of International Affairs issued a rare red warning for Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, flagging August–September as peak risk as El Niño and Indian Ocean Dipole conditions meet rising fuel and fertiliser costs that could push cost-cutting land clearing. Brunei-Linked Incident: Two foreign nationals accused of graffiti vandalism in a Busan subway depot allegedly fled to Brunei, with authorities seeking Interpol action and extradition. Islamic Economy Push: A Brunei minister said the Islamic economy is a strategic opportunity, pointing to Brunei’s regulatory base, halal industry and Malay Islamic Monarchy philosophy as foundations for growth. Tourism Diversification: Brunei launched the Visit Brunei Year 2027 campaign, unveiling its logo and mascots as a whole-of-nation effort to boost tourism and economic diversification. ASEAN Power Grid Progress: Sarawak Energy said it is discussing an interconnection with Brunei as it strengthens the Borneo grid and plans further cross-border connectivity.

ASEAN Energy Connectivity: Sarawak Energy says it is pushing the Borneo grid first, with power exports to Kalimantan since 2016 and to Sabah since last December, while talks with Brunei aim to set up an interconnection; it also flags a proposed Sarawak–Singapore subsea cable and possible links to Peninsular Malaysia. Regional Environment & Health: The Singapore Institute of International Affairs has issued a rare “red” haze warning for Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, pointing to El Niño and Indian Ocean Dipole-driven hotter, drier conditions and peak risk in August–September, with fire risks worsened by biofuel demand and economic pressure. Brunei Economic Diversification: Brunei’s Islamic economy is framed as a strategic opportunity, with a minister citing regulatory foundations, halal industry strength and the Malay Islamic Monarchy philosophy as building blocks for deeper integration and resilience. Tourism & Trade: Brunei is set to launch “Visit Brunei Year 2027” with new branding, while Sarawak uses Brunei’s CFTE to court regional buyers for timber and sustainable wood-based industries. Defense Cooperation: RIMPAC in Hawaii is underway with Brunei participating among 30 countries, underscoring Southeast Asia’s growing defense engagement without formal alliance commitments.

Islamic Economy Push: Brunei’s minister says the Islamic economy is a strategic opportunity, pointing to strong regulation, a globally recognised halal industry and the Malay Islamic Monarchy philosophy as foundations for diversification. Haze Alert for Brunei: A Singapore think tank issues a rare “red” warning for severe transboundary haze later in 2026, flagging August–September as peak risk for Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, driven by El Niño, possible positive Indian Ocean Dipole and economic pressures that can worsen land-clearing practices. RIMPAC in Hawaii: Brunei joins a large RIMPAC deployment in Hawaii, with 30 countries participating as the exercise expands amid wider geopolitical tensions. Visit Brunei Year 2027: Brunei launches the 2027 tourism campaign with a new logo and mascots, positioning it as a whole-of-nation push to boost diversification. Seafood Investment: A new seafood processing plant in Serasa is set to start after a groundbreaking, aiming to build tuna and value-added seafood capacity for regional and international markets. Regional Trade & Tourism Model: BIMP-EAGA is urged to study Sarawak’s Statos office approach to accelerate subregional trade and tourism. Brunei at RIMPAC: Brunei’s participation underscores defence engagement as regional security networks deepen.

Transboundary Haze Alert: The Singapore Institute of International Affairs has issued a rare “code red” warning for severe haze in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, with the worst risk expected in August–September as El Niño and a possible positive Indian Ocean Dipole drive hotter, drier conditions and raise the odds of land-clearing fires. Regional Cooperation & Preparedness: The report warns that economic pressures and higher fuel and fertiliser costs could push some producers toward unsustainable burning, making ASEAN coordination and sustainable land management urgent. Local Tourism Push (Lawas): In Sarawak, Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agong says the Beyond Waves & Dance Rhythms Festival and the Dragon Boat Regatta could become permanent fixtures, urging stronger promotion and NGO–government partnerships to lock in visitor demand. Brunei in Regional Sports: Nadheera bint Ahmed Al Harthi was elected to the Asian School Sports Federation board for 2026–2030, while Brunei’s Mohammad Julaihi also joins the federation’s new board. Defence Aviation Link: Two new RAF Jupiter helicopters have arrived in Cyprus, with deliveries also slated for Brunei by end-July, boosting emergency response and medical evacuation capacity. Trade & Industry (BIMP-EAGA): Sarawak’s Abdul Karim urges BIMP-EAGA to study Sarawak’s Statos model and consider regional offices to accelerate trade and tourism growth. Maritime Business (Brunei-linked): Wintermar Offshore Marine has gained full control of Fast Offshore Supply, tied to Brunei-bound aluminium crew transfer vessel deliveries starting 2027.