AGP Executive Report

Middle East Shipping Risk: Houthis seized Mocha and are pushing toward Bab Al-Mandeb, tightening the Red Sea choke point and raising fears for energy flows, shipping costs, and inflation across Asia and Asean. Regional Mobility Rules: Thailand will cut visa-free border stays from 60 to 30 days from Sept 15, but travellers can still extend to about 60 days via a one-time immigration visit. Asean Football Diplomacy: FIFA confirmed the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup (Sept 24–Oct 5) with 14 teams; Division 1 in Indonesia includes Brunei’s group rivals, while Division 2 is hosted by Hong Kong and features Brunei. Conservation & Repatriation: Indonesia is seeking the return of five baby orangutans allegedly trafficked to India after they were found motherless in Odisha; DNA tests are planned. Brunei-linked Regional Talent: A Super Garuda Shield 2026 defence drill includes Brunei alongside 20 other countries, underscoring Brunei’s continued participation in regional security training. Retirement Rankings: Malaysia topped a 2026 retirement destination index, with Brunei also ranking in the top tier.

Wildlife & Justice: Indonesia says it is working with India to repatriate five baby orangutans found motherless in Odisha, with a criminal investigation opened and DNA tests planned to confirm their origin. Regional Security Drills: India, the US, France, Japan and Indonesia are running airborne insertion training under Super Garuda Shield, while separate TNI–US missile-firing drills focus on responding to aerial threats. ASEAN Football Diplomacy: FIFA confirmed the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 (Sept 24–Oct 5) across Indonesia and Hong Kong, with Brunei in Division 2 and Pakistan drawn in Division 1 Group B against Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam. Cross-Border Haze Pressure: Indonesia’s haze apology in Kalimantan highlights persistent peatland fires and calls for deeper wetting techniques, as smoke continues to disrupt parts of Southeast Asia including Brunei. Brunei Link in Sports: DPMM FC’s FA Cup tie was affected by worsening haze, underscoring how environmental crises can directly hit Brunei’s domestic fixtures. Travel Policy Watch: New Zealand, Australia and the UK continue expanding electronic travel authorisations and tightening conditions, including ETA limits on work and length of stay.

Regional Football: FIFA has confirmed the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 (Sept 24–Oct 5) with 14 teams split into two divisions—Indonesia hosts Division One and Hong Kong hosts Division Two—featuring Brunei in Division Two and Pakistan in Division One. Group Draw Focus: Pakistan’s Division One Group B includes Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam, with campaign openers set for Sept 26 in Indonesia. Brunei in the Mix: Division Two teams are Hong Kong, China, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Timor-Leste, with group winners advancing to the Oct 3 final. South China Sea Tensions: Philippines Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. traded barbs with China after a note at the Seoul Defence Dialogue, with Beijing accusing Manila of “stirring up trouble.” ASEAN Haze Pressure: Indonesia’s fires and transboundary haze continue to disrupt the region, prompting fresh calls for stronger cross-border action. Brunei Education Signal: PISA 2025 coverage highlights Brunei among ASEAN’s top performers in maths and science, even as global reading and skills decline remains a concern.

ASEAN Football: The inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup kicks off Sept 24 with 14 teams split into two tiers, with Brunei drawn into the Challenge Division hosted by Hong Kong (Hong Kong vs Brunei opening), while the Premier Division starts Sept 25 in Jakarta featuring Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam plus guests Bangladesh and Pakistan. Regional Security Drills: Indonesia’s TNI and the US Army conducted missile-firing drills during Super Garuda Shield 2026 to counter aerial threats, with Brunei among the 21 participating countries. South China Sea Tensions: China accused the Philippines of “stirring up trouble” after Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro read a note rejecting the 2016 arbitration ruling, escalating a fresh war of words at the Seoul Defense Dialogue. Education Watch: Brunei placed top-three in ASEAN for PISA 2025 results—second in reading and among the best in mathematics and science—while global reporting highlights a wider decline in reading and math performance. Haze and Health: Indonesia’s fires are again forcing school closures and remote learning as smoke spreads across borders, with Brunei repeatedly named among affected destinations. Brunei Link: Brunei is also listed among countries participating in the ASEAN Cup and in regional military exercises, keeping Brunei’s presence visible across sport, security, and education.

ASEAN Medical Regulation: Malaysia is proposed as the coordinating entry point for a phased “single submission model” for ASEAN pre-market approvals of medical devices, aiming to cut duplication while keeping each country’s final registration authority. Brunei in Regional Education Spotlight: Brunei placed top three in ASEAN for PISA 2025—second in reading and among the leaders in maths and science—highlighting progress toward Vision 2035. Global Education Warning: OECD’s PISA 2025 shows reading and maths performance falling worldwide, with reading described as the most concerning “collapse” area. South China Sea Tensions: Philippines defence chief Gilberto Teodoro traded sharp words with China after receiving a note at the Seoul Defence Dialogue rejecting the 2016 arbitration ruling, with Beijing accusing Manila of “stirring up trouble.” Regional Security Drills: Brunei is listed among participants in Indonesia’s Super Garuda Shield 2026, including urban warfare training with multinational forces. Haze Disruption Across Borders: Indonesia’s fires are driving unhealthy smoke, forcing remote learning in parts of Indonesia and triggering emergency-level concerns in Malaysia and Brunei. Brunei Football Update: DPMM FC’s haze-postponed tie saw them lose 3-2 to Terengganu in the first leg of their round of 16 matchup.

Education & Performance: Brunei placed among ASEAN’s top three in PISA 2025 for Mathematics and Science, and second in Reading, with over 5,000 Bruneian students taking part across 55 secondary schools—framed by the Ministry as progress toward Vision 2035. Regional Governance & Public Health: Indonesia’s worsening haze from forest and peat fires is forcing more schools into remote learning, including in Palembang, as smoke spreads across borders and Malaysia’s emergency response shifts as air quality fluctuates. Disaster Preparedness: Indonesian President Prabowo ordered a comprehensive disaster mitigation masterplan amid overlapping crises—earthquake recovery, volcanic disruption from Anak Krakatau, and ongoing fires—calling for better preparedness and prepositioned resources. Brunei Tourism Policy: Brunei’s Tourism Development Department is inviting stakeholders to submit proposals for Visit Brunei Year 2027, aiming to boost domestic and international visitor experiences and local business opportunities. Digital Economy Partnerships: UNN and Vobile signed agreements to support AI-ready infrastructure and expand Brunei’s digital capabilities, positioning the partnership as more than a standard vendor deal.

Brunei Tourism: Brunei’s Tourism Development Department is inviting local and international stakeholders to submit proposals for Visit Brunei Year 2027, aiming to showcase the country’s heritage, nature, products and tourism experiences while creating new opportunities for businesses and communities. Regional Security & Defence: Indonesia’s Super Garuda Shield 2026 continues to deepen defence ties, with TNI and US Army personnel running jungle combat training, including tunnel shooting drills, as the multinational exercise tests readiness and interoperability. Education Metrics: The OECD’s PISA 2025 results show the Philippines improving in science, maths and reading, but still below baseline proficiency for most students, while the wider global picture flags a long-term slide—especially in reading. Public Health & Environment (ASEAN): Malaysia has lifted its haze emergency in Sarawak’s Serian, but warns air quality remains very unhealthy in parts of the state, following weeks of smoke linked to Indonesian fires and earlier school closures. Digital Economy (Brunei): Brunei’s UNN has signed strategic agreements with Vobile to build AI-ready infrastructure and expand digital capabilities for Brunei’s digital economy.

Regional Disaster Response: Indonesia’s President Prabowo ordered a comprehensive disaster mitigation masterplan as the Anak Krakatau eruption and ongoing forest fires disrupt flights and spread haze across the region, including Brunei. Cross-Border Haze Fallout: Malaysia lifted its Sarawak haze emergency in Serian after API readings fell, but warned air quality remains very unhealthy in several areas, with schools and daily life still affected. Brunei Tourism Planning: Brunei’s Tourism Development Department invited stakeholders to submit proposals for Visit Brunei Year 2027, aiming to showcase culture, nature, and local products while boosting business opportunities. Digital Economy Deal: UNN signed strategic agreements with Vobile to build AI-ready digital infrastructure and expand Brunei’s digital economy capabilities. Election Oversight in Mindanao: MILF leader Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim urged international observers—including Brunei—to monitor BARMM’s Sept 14 parliamentary elections, citing the CAB peace framework and the need to prevent irregularities. Visa Policy Watch: Thailand cut visa-free stays to 30 days from Sept 15 and capped land border entries at twice yearly for most nationalities, including Brunei residents who travel frequently.

Visit Brunei Year 2027: Brunei’s Tourism Development Department is inviting local and international stakeholders to submit events and programmes to help shape the next “Visit Brunei Year,” aiming to showcase Brunei’s culture, nature and tourism experiences while creating opportunities for businesses and communities. ASEAN Haze Response: Indonesia’s 2026 fires are again stressing regional haze coordination, with smoke affecting transport and public services across borders; Malaysia lifted its Sarawak Serian emergency after API fell from 519 to the low 200s, but officials warned air quality remains “very unhealthy” in several areas and urged residents to limit outdoor activity. Brunei in the Digital Economy: UNN signed agreements with Vobile to support AI-ready digital infrastructure and expand digital capabilities in Brunei, positioning the partnership as more than a standard customer-provider deal. Regional Travel Disruption: Volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau forced extended airport closures in Indonesia, disrupting hundreds of flights and stranding large numbers of travellers. Regional Security Training: Indonesia’s Super Garuda Shield 2026 continued with multinational drills, including airborne and live-fire activities, as countries test readiness and interoperability.

Regional Air Crisis: Malaysia lifted its haze emergency in Sarawak’s Serian after API readings fell from a peak of 519 to the low 200s, with King Sultan Ibrahim approving the termination—but officials warned air quality is still “very unhealthy” in several areas, urging residents to limit outdoor activity. Cross-Border Fire Pressure: Reports say the haze is driven by ongoing fires in Indonesia’s Kalimantan and Sumatra, with ASEAN coordination under transboundary haze rules and regional alert reporting still active as smoke drifts toward Brunei and beyond. Brunei Angle—Mobility: Brunei’s Toyota Gadong unveiled the all-electric Toyota Urban Cruiser BEV, positioning it as a new option for local urban driving with a claimed range up to 426km. Philippines Education Disruption: Cebu City suspended face-to-face classes as air quality hit “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” shifting learning to modular distance education. Regional Security Training: Indonesia’s Super Garuda Shield 2026 continued with multinational drills, including parachuting and live-fire rocket launcher training.

Regional Air Crisis: Malaysia declared an emergency in Sarawak’s Serian Division after the Air Pollutant Index hit 521, triggering school closures and restrictions on non-essential work, as haze from Indonesia’s fires worsened across Borneo and beyond. Public Health & Disruption: In nearby Cebu City, Philippines, face-to-face classes were suspended as air quality stayed “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” with officials urging masks and reduced outdoor exposure. ASEAN Coordination: Indonesia said it is handling transboundary wildfire impacts through ASEAN mechanisms under AATHP, with the bloc placed on Regional Alert Level 3 and daily reporting requirements. Brunei Link: Brunei is repeatedly named in regional haze spillover context, underscoring cross-border pressure on Brunei’s air-safety planning. Local Mobility: Brunei’s Toyota Gadong launched the all-electric Urban Cruiser BEV, offering up to 426km range and new electrified options for drivers. Sports Diplomacy: Malaysia’s UMPSA highlighted university table tennis as a talent and youth-diplomacy platform while hosting the 2026 Asian championships.

Regional Security & Defence Diplomacy: Indonesia’s Super Garuda Shield 2026 continues to ramp up interoperability, with the Indonesian Marine Corps deploying the Vampire MLRS and multinational airborne drills including parachutists from the US, Japan, India and France, while TNI and US Army pilots conduct joint night flight training over South Sumatra. Transboundary Haze & Public Health: Indonesia’s wildfires are driving worsening smoke across Borneo and beyond, with Malaysia declaring an emergency in Serian, Sarawak after the Air Pollutant Index hit 521, triggering school closures and cloud-seeding efforts; Singapore and parts of the Philippines also report unhealthy conditions, and Brunei is noted as affected by haze movement. Brunei-Linked Mobility Rules: Thailand’s new visa framework takes effect Sept 15, cutting visa-exempt stays to 30 days for many nationalities including Brunei, and capping visa-exempt land border entries at twice per year for most travellers. Trade & Regional Connectivity: Sabah International Expo 2026 highlights cross-border business links, with Brunei listed among 15 participating countries, while Mindanao’s MinDA points to BIMP-EAGA and ASEAN connections for MSMEs. Brunei in International Defence Talks: US PACOM chief Adm. Samuel J. Paparo met ASEAN defence leaders at the Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defence Conference, including Brunei, focusing on information-sharing and maritime security.

Transboundary Haze Emergency: Malaysia declared an emergency in Serian, Sarawak after the Air Pollutant Index hit 521, with 647 schools and non-essential workplaces ordered to close while cloud-seeding operations run to ease conditions. Regional Air-Quality Fallout: Reports say haze from Indonesia’s Borneo and Sumatra fires has spread to Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore and the Philippines, driving respiratory complaints and school closures as dry “super El Nino” conditions worsen fire activity. ASEAN Accountability Debate: A regional campaign group argues ASEAN has mechanisms under the Transboundary Haze Pollution agreement but lacks enforcement and accountability, calling for action before smoke crosses borders. Brunei Mobility Update: Toyota Brunei launched the all-electric Urban Cruiser BEV, touting up to 426km range and new electrified options for local drivers. Brunei-Linked Regional Security: US Pacific Command chief Adm. Samuel J. Paparo met multiple partners at the Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defence Conference, including a first meeting with China’s counterpart, as defence cooperation and information-sharing remain central. Trade & Regional Connectivity: Sabah International Expo 2026 opened with participation from 15 countries including Brunei, positioning Sabah as a gateway for investment and BIMP-EAGA linkages.

Transboundary Haze Crisis: Indonesia’s wildfires are driving worsening smoke across Borneo and beyond, with ASEAN mechanisms under strain as air quality deteriorates in multiple countries. Brunei Impact: Reports say haze has reached Brunei as moderate to thick smoke moves northeast from Kalimantan, adding to mid-August hazy conditions. Malaysia Emergency Response: Malaysia declared a state of emergency in Sarawak’s Serian after the Air Pollutant Index hit 521 (hazardous), with 647 schools and many non-essential workplaces ordered to close and a cloud-seeding operation extended. Regional Accountability Debate: Analysts argue ASEAN’s cooperation has not prevented repeat crises, calling for stronger enforcement and accountability under the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution. Defence Diplomacy: Indonesia’s Super Garuda Shield 2026 continues with multinational drills, including parachuting and night flight training, as Brunei is listed among ASEAN defence participants. Brunei Mobility & Economy: Toyota Brunei launched the all-electric Urban Cruiser BEV, while Mastercard appointed Beena Pothen to lead West Southeast Asia including Brunei, signalling continued push in digital payments. Tourism Push: Brunei will showcase coffee, matcha and tourism experiences at Sabah International Expo 2026, and Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 is set for 12–13 September.

Regional Air Quality Crisis: Malaysia declared an emergency in Serian, Sarawak after its Air Pollutant Index hit 521, with Kuching also recording hazardous levels, as Indonesian wildfires and haze spread across Brunei, Singapore and the Philippines. Cross-Border Haze Fallout: Singapore warned haze could worsen in coming weeks, while Indonesia reported hundreds of thousands of fire hotspots and intensified firefighting efforts amid “super El Niño” dry conditions. Indonesia’s Capital Under Threat: Fires have begun spreading near Nusantara, prompting calls for cloud-seeding and water-bombing around the under-construction new capital. Defence Diplomacy in Motion: US Pacific Command chief Adm. Samuel J. Paparo held key bilateral and multilateral meetings at the Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defence Conference, including a first meeting with China’s counterpart, while Indonesia’s Super Garuda Shield 2026 continued with patrol, medevac and night-flight training involving multiple partners including Brunei. Brunei-linked Business & Policy Signals: Brunei’s participation is highlighted in Sabah’s SIE2026 international push, and Brunei’s Central Bank launched National Financial Literacy Day 2026 as part of wider financial inclusion efforts. Payments Leadership: Mastercard appointed Beena Pothen to lead West Southeast Asia covering Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar, signalling a push for digital commerce growth. Tourism Calendar: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 is set for 12–13 September, while Brunei will showcase coffee, matcha and tourism experiences at Sabah International Expo 2026.

Indo-Pacific Defence Cooperation: The 2026 Super Garuda Shield in South Sumatra saw Indonesian troops and partners from the U.S., Australia, Japan and Canada sharpen patrol skills and run a medevac drill, underscoring interoperability and readiness across the region. Regional Security Meetings: U.S. Pacific Command chief Adm. Samuel J. Paparo held bilateral talks with senior leaders including Brunei on the sidelines of the Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defense Conference, focusing on maritime security, information-sharing and operational cooperation. Brunei in the Spotlight: Brunei hosted PACIFIC ANGEL 26-1, a bilateral search-and-rescue and disaster-response exercise with U.S. Air Force and Royal Brunei Air Force personnel. Cross-Border Policy Watch: Thailand will cut visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days for travellers from 60 countries (including Brunei) from 15 September, reshaping regional travel planning. Transboundary Haze Crisis: Indonesia’s worsening wildfires and El Niño-linked drought are driving hazardous smoke across Borneo and beyond, prompting school disruption and fresh air-quality warnings across neighbouring states including Brunei. Digital Finance & Inclusion: Brunei’s Brunei Darussalam Central Bank launched National Financial Literacy Day 2026, pushing better financial habits and digital financial literacy alongside broad access to formal services.