AGP Executive Report

Brunei–Saudi/Islamic finance ties: RUA AlHaram AlMakki (PIF) signed three collaboration deals involving Malaysia and Brunei, including work with Brunei’s TAIB to explore joint investment opportunities tied to King Salman Gate in Makkah and related development cooperation. Education & global recognition: The UNESCO–Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development named 10 shortlisted projects; laureates will be revealed 5 Oct 2026 at UNESCO HQ in Paris, with the ceremony aligned to World Teachers’ Day. Brunei–China connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines launched the Brunei–Shenzhen route (starting 29 Sept), initially chartering then moving toward scheduled flights, as Brunei seeks to deepen tourism and trade links with China’s Greater Bay Area. Brunei financial governance: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank launched the Brunei Financial Sector Blueprint 2026–2035, setting a decade-long direction for a resilient, inclusive and innovative financial sector. Regional diplomacy: Xi Jinping and Brunei’s Sultan exchanged congratulations marking 35 years of diplomatic relations, highlighting deeper cooperation and people-to-people ties.

Financial Governance: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank launched the Brunei Financial Sector Blueprint 2026–2035, setting a decade-long push for a resilient, inclusive and innovative financial sector with shared public-private implementation. China–Brunei Ties: Xi Jinping and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah exchanged congratulations marking 35 years of diplomatic relations, reaffirming deeper cooperation and a “shared future” vision. Tourism & Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines began a direct Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route, starting with charter flights before moving to scheduled services, aiming to boost trade and tourism as Chinese arrivals continue rising. Regional Cooperation (ASEAN): Singapore’s Grace Fu said ASEAN should prioritise a regional power grid, climate finance and resilience ahead of its 2027 chairmanship. Culture Diplomacy: Indonesia, with Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore, jointly proposed the Zapin dance for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2027. Maritime Links: Singapore’s MPA and Brunei’s MPABD signed a cooperation agreement covering maritime safety, port state control, incident investigation and training. Business & Investment: Saudi PIF-linked RUA AlHaram AlMakki signed collaboration deals with Malaysia and Brunei’s TAIB to explore investment opportunities tied to King Salman Gate and related development projects.

Aviation & Tourism: Shenzhen Airlines launched its first Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen flight, opening a new round-trip air bridge to China’s Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, with the route set to run four times weekly and expected to lift trade, investment and short-break tourism. Tourism Demand: Brunei reported Chinese air arrivals rising from 39,000 (2024) to 45,858 (2025), and 28,657 arrivals from China as of August 2026, citing improved connectivity and visa-free access for eligible Chinese ordinary passport holders. Financial Governance: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank launched the Brunei Financial Sector Blueprint 2026–2035, aiming for a more resilient, inclusive and innovative financial sector through coordinated public-private implementation. Islamic Finance & Investment: TAIB signed collaboration agreements with Saudi PIF-linked RUA AlHaram AlMakki and Rua Al Madinah, exploring development and investment opportunities in Makkah/Madinah and Brunei, including a King Salman Gate JV concept. Diplomacy & Defence Ties: Brunei’s crown prince met Singapore leaders during the Young Leaders’ Programme and visited SAFTI City, as Singapore and Brunei mark 50 years of defence relations. Maritime Cooperation: Singapore’s MPA and Brunei’s MPABD inked an agreement to deepen cooperation on maritime safety, port state control, incident investigation, training and digitalisation. Consumer Policy: Brunei marked National Consumer Day with renewed focus on consumer protection, product safety awareness and building trust in the market.

Brunei–Singapore Defence & Leadership Ties: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah is in Singapore for the 12th Young Leaders’ Programme, meeting President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and PM Lawrence Wong and discussing deepening cooperation across shared priorities. He also toured SAFTI City, Singapore’s urban combat training hub, as both sides mark 50 years of defence relations. Maritime Cooperation: Singapore’s MPA and Brunei’s MPABD signed an agreement to expand collaboration on maritime safety, port state control, incident investigation, training, and digitalisation. Regional Policy & Consumer Confidence: Brunei highlighted how consumer protection builds a fair, trusted market aligned with Vision 2035. International Diplomacy Signal: Xi Jinping and the Sultan of Brunei exchanged congratulations on the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties, underscoring ongoing high-level engagement. Business & Investment Links: TAIB signed two agreements with Saudi PIF-linked firms to explore investment opportunities spanning Makkah, Madinah, and Brunei, including a proposed King Salman Gate joint venture. Tech & Security Industry Note: TrendAI expanded support for Claude compliance monitoring, reflecting growing demand for transparency around AI agent activity.

Brunei-Singapore Ties: Brunei Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah met Singapore leaders in a key stop for the 12th Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme, with talks focused on deepening cooperation and reaffirming the “special relationship,” including preparations for next year’s 60th anniversary of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement. Maritime Cooperation: Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority and Brunei’s MPABD signed an agreement to expand collaboration on digitalisation, maritime safety, port state control, incident investigation, training, and other practical exchanges. South China Sea Friction: China is pushing back amid rising tensions around the Scarborough and Second Thomas Shoal, after the 2016 Hague ruling and recent public exchanges between China and Philippine officials. ASEAN Digital Trust: ASEAN’s Digital Economy Framework Agreement is nearing signature, but critics warn the “borderless” digital economy still faces trust and rights concerns for ordinary users. Consumer Protection: Brunei marked National Consumer Day with renewed emphasis on consumer confidence, product safety, and a fair market that supports responsible business growth. Regional Context: A World Bank report highlights how fiscal reforms can unlock major budget gains elsewhere in the region, while passport and visa policy updates show how mobility rules keep shifting across Asia.

Regional Climate Finance: Two US charities unveiled a new US$100m forest-fire fund at the UNGA, but it covers only South America—leaving Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, out; the piece urges Jakarta to push for inclusion to protect regional forests that are already choking neighbours with smoke. Consumer & Market Policy: Brunei marked National Consumer Day with a push for stronger consumer protection and product safety, arguing it builds trust in the domestic market and supports investment under Vision 2035. Brunei Diplomacy (Singapore): Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah is on a five-day official visit to Singapore to co-chair the 12th Young Leaders’ Programme, with talks flagged on digital/green economies, finance, defence and food security. UN Foreign Policy (Palestine): Brunei’s Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen told the UNGA that lasting peace is impossible without justice for Palestinians, calling the conflict a test of the UN’s credibility and equal application of international law. Defence & Air Force Planning: A new analysis reviews the Royal Brunei Air Force’s evolving role and its fast-jet and air-defence ambitions amid wider regional instability. Economy & Trade (Philippines, WB): The World Bank says bolder fiscal reforms could unlock up to 7.1% of GDP for the Philippines via procurement, tax collection, and spending efficiency—without raising statutory tax rates. Sports (Brunei at Asian Games): Coverage notes Brunei among the few countries with only a single bronze medal at the Asian Games, underscoring the medal gap.

UN Diplomacy on Palestine: Brunei’s Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen told the 81st UN General Assembly that lasting peace is impossible without justice for Palestinians, calling the conflict a defining test of the UN’s credibility and insisting international law must apply equally in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Royal Engagements in the Region: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah is on a five-day official visit to Singapore to co-chair the 12th Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme, with stops including Tuas Port, SAFTI City, and the Oceanarium. Defence Planning: A look at the Royal Brunei Air Force’s fast-jet and air-defence options highlights how Brunei is preparing for spillover risks from wider superpower rivalry. Local Industry & Energy: MG HS PHEV launched in Brunei, adding an electrified SUV option with up to 120km electric range, while a Schneider Electric report points to rising sustainability and energy-resilience spending across Singapore-linked firms including Brunei. Regional Spotlight: China’s military drills near Scarborough Shoal underscore continued South China Sea tensions, a backdrop to Brunei’s broader “quiet diplomacy” approach.

Royal Diplomacy: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah begins a five-day official visit to Singapore, co-chairing the 12th Young Leaders’ Programme with PM Lawrence Wong and meeting top Singapore leaders, with stops ranging from Tuas Port to SAFTI City and the Oceanarium. UN Foreign Policy: Brunei’s Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen tells the UN General Assembly that lasting peace is impossible without justice for Palestinians, warning the conflict is a defining test of UN credibility and equal application of international law. Regional Security: China carries out fresh naval and air drills near Scarborough Shoal, as South China Sea tensions with the Philippines continue. Sports & National Pride: Brunei is listed among the few countries with only a single bronze at the Asian Games so far, underscoring the medal gap. Local Culture & Tourism: Labuan’s Borneo Arts Festival 2026 draws over 30,000 visitors over three days, boosting arts and heritage tourism. Business & Mobility: MG HS Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) is launched in Brunei, adding an electrified SUV option with up to 120km electric range.

UN Diplomacy on Palestine: Brunei’s Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen told the UN General Assembly there can be no lasting peace without justice for Palestinians, calling the conflict a test of UN credibility and urging equal application of international law, including an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as capital. High Seas Treaty: Brunei joined Germany, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe, Canada and Australia in ratifying the High Seas Treaty, pushing membership to 100 parties ahead of the first conference in January 2027. Regional Leadership & Security: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah begins a five-day official visit to Singapore for the Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme, with stops including SAFTI City and the Oceanarium, while Brunei also participated in ADMM-Plus maritime drills in the West Philippine Sea. Climate & Haze Context: Southeast Asia’s wildfire haze continues to drive policy talk, including Malaysia’s cancellation of a marathon and consideration of new transboundary haze legislation. Culture & People-to-People: China and Brunei marked 35 years of diplomatic ties with cultural exchange events, including performances and a food festival. Local Spotlight: Labuan’s Borneo Arts Festival 2026 drew over 30,000 visitors across three days, reinforcing arts tourism momentum.

UN Diplomacy on Palestine: Brunei’s Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen told the UN General Assembly there can be no lasting peace without justice for Palestinians, warning Gaza’s suffering has become a defining test of UN credibility and that international law must apply “with no one standard for some and another for others,” while Brunei reiterated support for an independent Palestinian state on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as capital. Regional Security Cooperation: Brunei’s KDB Darussalam took part in ADMM-Plus maritime security drills in the West Philippine Sea, alongside navies from ASEAN and partners, as forces practiced coordinated maneuvers and emergency response. High Seas Treaty Milestone: Brunei joined Germany, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe, Canada and Australia in ratifying the High Seas Treaty, pushing membership to 100 parties and moving the pact toward its January 2027 conference. Brunei-China Cultural Ties: China and Brunei marked 35 years of diplomatic relations with cultural exchange events, including performances by artists with disabilities and a Brunei-China food festival, plus a framework for deeper long-term cooperation. Local Public Life & Economy: MG HS Plug-in Hybrid made its Brunei debut at the Borneo Kustom Show, while Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 reported booking and ticketing growth and prize draws.

UN Diplomacy: Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan told the UNGA that “middle powers” and ASEAN must keep dialogue alive when major powers stall, arguing the global majority can’t just live with others’ decisions. Brunei in Regional Security: Brunei’s KDB Darussalam joined ADMM-Plus maritime drills in the West Philippine Sea, where the Philippines’ BRP Jose Rizal led formation and navigation exercises with multiple partner navies. Maritime Law & Cooperation: Brunei also hosted a ReCAAP cluster meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan, bringing together regional law-enforcement and maritime stakeholders to discuss port security and early response to threats. High Seas Treaty Milestone: The High Seas Treaty hit 100 ratifications after Germany, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe, Canada, Australia and Brunei deposited instruments, moving toward the January 2027 conference that will set rules for protecting ocean biodiversity. Cultural Diplomacy: China and Brunei marked 35 years of diplomatic ties with disability-inclusive performances and a Brunei-China food festival, plus a framework agreement for deeper long-term cultural cooperation. Regional Environment: Malaysia cancelled the Kuching Marathon due to unhealthy haze from Indonesia’s fires, while Malaysia is also studying a haze law modelled on Singapore’s approach. Sports & Royalty: Faiq Bolkiah, a Brunei royal and widely billed as the world’s richest footballer, became a free agent after his Thai club Ratchaburi FC released him.

Maritime Security in Focus: Brunei hosted a ReCAAP cluster meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan, bringing together police, port and energy stakeholders plus regional focal points to discuss port security, early detection, and AI use in counter-piracy and cross-border operations. Regional Defence Drills: Brunei’s patrol ship took part in ADMM-Plus maritime security exercises in the West Philippine Sea, with the Philippines’ BRP Jose Rizal leading coordinated maneuvers and a simulated medical evacuation. Transboundary Haze Policy: Malaysia cancelled the Kuching Marathon due to unhealthy haze from Indonesia’s fires, while Malaysia’s environment ministry moves toward drafting specific transboundary haze legislation, looking at Singapore’s approach. China–Brunei Cultural Ties: China and Brunei marked 35 years of diplomatic relations with disability-inclusive performances and a Brunei China Food Festival, alongside a framework agreement to deepen long-term cultural cooperation. Global Governance & Law: The High Seas Treaty reached 100 ratifications after Germany, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe, Canada, Australia and Brunei deposited instruments, pushing the 2027 conference closer. UN Diplomacy Flashpoint: Netanyahu’s UNGA speech triggered mass walkouts by dozens of delegations, including Brunei, amid renewed tensions over Gaza and regional conflicts. Business & Travel: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 reported 16% booking growth and 15% higher ticketing transactions.

Brunei Foreign Policy & Diplomacy: Brunei’s Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen met Turkey’s Hakan Fidan on UNGA sidelines, as Fidan pressed for Libya’s “One Libya” unity and urged partners to engage all Libyan sides. Maritime Security: Brunei featured in ReCAAP’s four-day cluster meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan, where port and offshore energy security, early threat response, and AI use in counter-piracy and cross-border operations were discussed. Regional Cooperation & Trade: Bangladesh’s RCEP accession advanced after ministers approved an ad hoc working group—RCEP already includes Brunei—while Indonesia moved toward an ACTS “Kalimantan Corridor” linking Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei for 2027 freight connectivity. Public Life & Culture: Labuan’s Borneo Arts Festival ran Sept 25–27, positioning the territory as a regional arts, culture and heritage tourism hub. Business & Community: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 wrapped up with reported booking and ticketing growth and grand prize draws.

UN Diplomacy & Regional Politics: Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen met counterparts in New York on the sidelines of UNGA 81, including discussions with Vietnam’s FM Le Hoai Trung on trade, oil & gas, tourism and ASEAN/UN coordination, while Türkiye’s Hakan Fidan also held talks with Mateen as part of a wider push on Libya’s “One Libya” unity process. Maritime Security in Brunei: The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre and the Royal Brunei Police Force wrapped a four-day cluster meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan, bringing together Brunei agencies and regional focal points to focus on port and maritime security, early response, and AI-enabled counter-piracy and cross-border safety. High Seas Treaty Milestone: The High Seas Treaty hit 100 ratifications after Germany, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe, Canada, Australia and Brunei deposited instruments, moving the world toward the first Conference of the Parties in January 2027. South China Sea Context: Brunei-linked regional defence cooperation continues to be framed as “quiet diplomacy,” with analysts pointing to Bandar Seri Begawan’s preference for diversified security partners while keeping engagement with China modest. Regional Governance & Environment: Malaysia is pushing a legal approach to transboundary haze via an ASEAN review process, with Brunei among the countries backing further work.

UN Diplomacy Protest: Israeli PM Netanyahu faced a mass walkout at the UN General Assembly as officials from dozens of countries left during his speech, with Israel citing 77 empty seats and disputing whether it was a coordinated boycott. Regional Trade Push: RCEP approved an ad hoc accession working group to advance Bangladesh’s bid, alongside Chile, Hong Kong, China and Sri Lanka—keeping the bloc “open and inclusive.” Climate & Firefighting Funding: A new UN-backed firefighting fund launched for South America, but critics warn a major funding gap remains and Southeast Asia is left out even as wildfires worsen. Maritime Security Drills: ASEAN-Plus warships sailed in the West Philippine Sea for ADMM-Plus maritime security work, with China not participating in the sea phase. Brunei-Linked Cultural Diplomacy: Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia are jointly bidding to get zapin inscribed on UNESCO’s intangible heritage list, with a March 2027 submission timeline. Brunei in Regional Defence Context: Analysts say Brunei’s “quiet diplomacy” with China in the South China Sea aims to keep cooperation modest while preserving room for broader security ties. ASEAN Connectivity Plan: Indonesia is preparing the Kalimantan Corridor under the ASEAN Customs Transit System, targeting operations in 2027 to ease Borneo freight movement among Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.

UN Diplomacy (Brunei-Vietnam): Vietnam’s FM Le Hoai Trung met Brunei’s Prince Abdul Mateen on UNGA 81 sidelines, agreeing to deepen cooperation in trade, oil and gas, tourism, fisheries and halal, and to coordinate on ASEAN centrality and UN governance. South China Sea Posture: Analysts say Brunei keeps defence ties with China low-key and “quiet,” aiming for stability and peacekeeping while maintaining a diversified security network. Regional Connectivity (Borneo): Indonesia is finalising the Kalimantan Corridor under the ASEAN Customs Transit System, expected to start in 2027 to cut border bottlenecks and costs for freight linking Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. Maritime Security Drills: Brunei-linked ADMM-Plus maritime security exercises off Zambales saw formation drills, medical evacuation and search-and-rescue with multiple ASEAN and partner navies. Cultural Diplomacy: China and Brunei marked 35 years of ties with cultural performances and a food festival, alongside a strategic cooperation agreement. Tech & AI (Regional): KBTG Techtopia returned for a fourth year, focusing on “Human of Tomorrow” and the role of people as agentic AI expands. Policy/Legal (Mobility): Hong Kong expands its Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Invited Persons from ASEAN to parts of Central Asia and the Middle East from Oct 1.