AGP Executive Report

Business Climate: Brunei recorded a 125% jump in company registrations in 2025 (354 vs 157 in 2024), with 200 more registered in the first half of 2026, as the Legislative Council hears how the Brunei Economic Development Board is helping assess projects and manage industrial sites. Public-Private Partnerships: The government says PPPs are pushing renewable energy, tourism infrastructure and port efficiency, including a 30MW AC solar plant near the capital (aiming to start by end-2026) and upgrades at Muara Port Company to improve maritime connectivity. Investment & Land Supply: Brunei’s Ministry of Development has identified 17,526 hectares for future development, including 3,324 hectares for transport to support logistics, Muara Port expansion and freight road networks, alongside a new government land lease programme. Education & AI Skills: Brunei is expanding AI training for teachers, with thousands completing AI courses and a small group certified as master trainers to scale delivery across schools. Maritime Strategy: Brunei’s Maritime Week 2026 spotlights “safe seas” as the base for trust, investment and jobs, while officials push for Brunei to be among the most trusted maritime nations. Maritime Industry Links: Anson International and SPHI Marine sign an MoU to explore collaboration in marine support, vessel maintenance and quayside solutions during BDMW 2026.

Digital Governance & Skills: EVYD used DFCE 2026 to push risk-based AI governance, arguing for clearer shared responsibility and faster adoption for low-risk tools, while Brunei’s Future-Ready Digital Skills push highlighted digital capability as a national imperative and reported thousands of teachers trained in AI. Maritime Policy: Brunei Darussalam Maritime Week 2026 opened with a “safe seas, thriving economy” message, and the transport minister framed Brunei’s goal as being among the most trusted maritime nations. Investment & Land Supply: Brunei identified 17,526 hectares for future development, including land for Muara Port expansion and logistics upgrades, alongside a government land lease programme to attract investors. Energy Strategy: The energy ministry outlined integrated, outcome-driven strategic planning to keep oil and gas competitive while building higher-value downstream industries under Vision 2035. Tourism Push: Brunei is targeting high-value tourism ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027, focusing on longer stays, higher spend, and more distinctive experiences. Regional/Global Context: APG and AML/CFT cooperation continued with Macao, China participating in Brunei’s 2026 annual meeting, while China acknowledged Coast Guard deaths tied to a 2025 Scarborough Shoal incident.

Tourism Push: Brunei is stepping up efforts to attract high-value visitors ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027, with a focus on longer stays, higher spending, and more adventure, nature, arts, culture, community, sports, and culinary experiences. Investment Land Supply: The Ministry of Development has identified 17,526 hectares for future development, including 3,324 hectares for transport to boost logistics, with plans tied to Muara Port expansion and freight road networks, alongside a new government land lease program for long-term mixed-use projects. AI in Education: Brunei’s education ministry says it is continuing to empower teachers through AI training, with 4,892 teachers taking AI courses in 2025 and 4,281 earning an AI In-depth Literacy Certification. Maritime Governance: Brunei’s maritime leadership is framing the sector around being “among the most trusted” maritime nations, linking safe seas, governance trust, and reliable services to investment and jobs. Energy Planning: Brunei is drafting more integrated, outcome-driven energy strategies aligned with Vision 2035, aiming to keep oil-and-gas competitiveness while building higher-value downstream industries. Climate Data Capacity: Brunei highlighted the need for reliable greenhouse gas inventory data at a regional workshop, stressing transparency and accuracy for effective climate policy. Digital Execution: Transport and Infocommunications Minister Mohammed Riza urged a shift from digital planning to execution under Digital Brunei 2030, including a new ICT accreditation programme and a pilot TARUS digital payment rollout at night markets.

UN Diplomacy: Brunei-linked regional ties get a fresh boost as Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan meets UN Resident Coordinator Nikolas Myint, appointed in May 2026 for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, to discuss UN cooperation. Climate Governance: Brunei’s Ministry of Development pushes for stronger greenhouse-gas inventory quality, arguing better data is vital for credible climate policy and regional monitoring at a Greenhouse Gas Inventories workshop in Asia. Digital Execution: Brunei’s transport and infocommunications minister urges a shift from digital planning to delivery under Digital Brunei 2030, announcing an upcoming ICT accreditation programme (IKTIRAF) and a pilot digital payment platform (TARUS) for night markets and food stalls. AI Cooperation: Brunei’s foreign ministry leadership is tied to a wider diplomatic push as Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Bin witnesses the signing of an agreement establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization. Maritime Security: SEACAT 2026 in Singapore spotlights deeper Indo-Pacific maritime coordination, with a revamped Maritime Operations forum and senior leader engagement aimed at responding to crises and illicit activity. Culture & People-to-People: Indonesia’s ASEAN arts scholarship brings participants including Brunei to strengthen regional ties through cultural exchange. Biodiversity Watch: A new Morton Arboretum report flags an urgent Asian oak conservation gap, noting many threatened species—including those in Brunei—lack representation in botanical collections.

Climate Policy & Data: Brunei’s Ministry of Development says better, more reliable greenhouse gas inventories are key for sound climate decisions, urging high-quality data to track emissions and commitments at a regional workshop in Bandar Seri Begawan. Digital Governance: Brunei’s transport and infocommunications minister calls for moving from digital planning to execution under Digital Brunei 2030, highlighting measurable delivery and announcing an ICT accreditation programme (IKTIRAF) plus a pilot digital payment platform (TARUS) for night markets and food stalls. Diplomacy & AI Cooperation: Brunei’s assistant foreign minister Liu Bin met foreign representatives in China and witnessed the signing of an agreement establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, with multiple countries signing around the same period. Regional People-to-People Links: Indonesia hosts ASEAN youth under its Indonesian Arts and Culture Scholarship, with Brunei among the participating countries. Maritime Security Training: SEACAT 2026 gets underway in Singapore with 16 Indo-Pacific partner nations, featuring a new Maritime Operations Forum and senior leader discussions to improve crisis response and coordination.

Climate Data & Policy: Brunei’s Ministry of Development says better, more reliable greenhouse gas inventory data is “essential” for sound climate decisions, as it opened a regional workshop on improving inventories and technical capacity. Digital Governance & Delivery: Brunei’s transport and infocommunications minister urged a shift from digital planning to execution under Digital Brunei 2030, unveiling an accreditation programme for the ICT industry and a pilot rollout of the TARUS digital payment platform at night markets and food stalls. AI Diplomacy: Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Bin met foreign counterparts in China to witness the signing of an agreement establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization. Energy Infrastructure: Subsea7 won a “sizeable” contract from Brunei Shell Petroleum for offshore pipeline replacement work, covering engineering, procurement, construction and installation for subsea pipeline and riser systems.

Brunei-Linked Diplomacy: Ukraine’s Zelensky signed a major diplomatic reshuffle, dismissing Kateryna Zelenko as ambassador to Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, alongside other ambassadorial removals and a new UNESCO delegate. Maritime Security: Singapore hosted SEACAT 2026, with 16 Indo-Pacific partner nations running shore and at-sea phases to improve crisis response and integrated maritime operations. Regional Trade/Policy: Korea said it will review joining CPTPP to diversify export markets, with Brunei listed as one of the pact’s 12 members. Brunei Energy/Industry: Subsea7 won a “sizeable” BSP offshore pipeline replacement contract for subsea pipeline and riser systems in up to 50m water depth, with work starting from its Kuala Lumpur office. Governance & Risk: Brunei’s central bank warned the public against AI-generated scam videos, as financial fraud tactics evolve. Environment & Conservation: A new Morton Arboretum report flags an urgent conservation gap for threatened Asian oaks, including species assessed across Brunei and the wider region.

Brunei Energy & Industry: Subsea7 won a “sizeable” contract from Brunei Shell Petroleum for offshore Brunei pipeline replacement, covering EPCI subsea pipeline and riser systems in up to 50m water depth, with project work starting immediately from Kuala Lumpur. Regional Diplomacy: ASEAN elevated Turkey from sectoral to full dialogue partner status on 21 July 2026, with Malaysia as coordinator, expanding ASEAN’s partner network amid intensifying great-power competition. ASEAN Security Thinking: A new “Indo-Pacific Strategic Unity” (IPSU) concept argues the region should be treated as an integrated system for cooperation and interpretation rather than a formal alliance. Philippines Governance & Economy: The World Bank kept the Philippines’ 2026 growth forecast at 3.7% but trimmed 2027, citing weak investment, slower project execution after a corruption scandal, and Middle East-driven inflation pressures. Philippines Infrastructure: The World Bank approved a $268.62m water and sanitation project for Bohol, Siargao and Jolo, aiming to boost climate resilience and create thousands of jobs. Brunei-Linked Diplomacy: Ukraine’s president dismissed Kateryna Zelenko as ambassador to Singapore and Brunei, alongside other ambassadorial changes.

Brunei’s regional diplomatic footprint: Ukraine’s president issued decrees dismissing several ambassadors, including Kateryna Zelenko as Ukraine’s ambassador to Brunei, underscoring how personnel changes keep foreign policy channels moving. Energy and infrastructure in the region: The World Bank kept the Philippines’ 2026 growth forecast at 3.7% but trimmed 2027, citing weak investment and slower project execution after a corruption scandal; it also approved a $268.62m water and sanitation project for Bohol, Siargao and Jolo, aiming to expand climate-resilient services and jobs. Power sector reform push: The World Bank urged the Philippines to accelerate electricity reforms—renewables, transmission, storage and more competitive markets—to cut costs and reduce exposure as an energy importer. Maritime legal moves and tensions: The Philippines deposited its official nautical chart for Scarborough Shoal with the UN, while China issued tighter management rules for the Huangyan Dao reserve, likely to further inflame the South China Sea dispute. Brunei-linked business: Subsea7 won a “sizeable” BSP offshore Brunei pipeline replacement contract (EPCI) worth $50m–$150m. Finance and governance watch: Brunei’s central bank and BDCB warned the public about AI-generated investment and scam videos.

Brunei Financial Security: The Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) warned the public about AI-generated scam videos that impersonate senior officials to push fake investment schemes, stressing it has not approved or endorsed any such product and urging people to verify only via BDCB’s official channels. Regional Diplomacy & Security: China issued tighter management rules for the Huangyan Dao National Nature Reserve in the disputed South China Sea, including bans on fishing, mining and damaging marine extraction without prior approval, after PLA training activity—moves that are likely to inflame tensions with the Philippines. Philippines Legal Move: The Philippines deposited its official nautical chart for Scarborough Shoal with the UN under UNCLOS to strengthen transparency and legal certainty, while China denounced the action. ASEAN Youth Links: YEAB represented Brunei at the ASEAN-China Young Leaders Exchange Festival, meeting Chinese officials and focusing on green development and renewable energy learning. Tourism & Economy (Regional): Bangladesh set a target for tourism to contribute 6–7% of GDP, rolling out a Tourism Master Plan and a Tourism Satellite Account to improve sector data. ASEAN Sports (Regional): The ASEAN Championship returns for its 30th anniversary, with Brunei mentioned as the team that Timor-Leste beat to qualify for the final spot.

Financial Crime Watch: Brunei’s central bank (BDCB) warned the public about AI-generated or manipulated scam videos that impersonate officials and falsely claim investment products are approved—urging people to verify via BDCB’s official channels. Regional Security & Diplomacy: China issued tighter management rules for the Huangyan Dao National Nature Reserve in the South China Sea, including bans on fishing, mining and damaging extraction without approval, after PLA drills—raising tensions with the Philippines. Maritime Law Moves: The Philippines deposited its official nautical chart for Scarborough Shoal with the UN under UNCLOS to strengthen transparency and legal certainty, while China denounced the move. Development Finance: The World Bank approved a $268.62m Philippines water and sanitation project for Bohol, Siargao and Jolo, aiming to expand climate-resilient services and create thousands of jobs. Brunei in ASEAN-China Youth: YEAB represented Brunei at the ASEAN-China Young Leaders Exchange Festival, focusing on green development and sustainability cooperation.

South China Sea Legal Moves: The Philippines deposited its official nautical chart for Scarborough Shoal with the UN, aiming for clearer baselines under UNCLOS—while China denounced the move, keeping the dispute politically hot. Maritime Control Rules: China issued tighter management measures for the Huangyan Dao National Nature Reserve, banning activities like fishing and extraction without prior approval, alongside naval-air training—another escalation point in the China-Philippines standoff. Brunei Financial Integrity: Brunei’s central bank (BDCB) warned the public about AI-generated scam videos that impersonate officials and falsely claim investment products are approved, urging people to verify only via BDCB channels. Regional Development & Governance: The World Bank approved a $268.62m Philippines water and sanitation project for Bohol, Siargao and Jolo, targeting climate-resilient services and jobs. ASEAN Connectivity: ASEAN’s linked QR payment systems are now interoperable across multiple countries, including Brunei, making cross-border payments easier for consumers and workers. Brunei Diplomacy & Labour: Brunei’s foreign minister discussed expanding Bangladesh workers’ access to Brunei’s labour market, alongside trade, energy and aviation ties.

Financial Integrity: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) warned the public to be cautious of AI-generated or manipulated scam videos after a fraudulent clip misused BDCB’s name to push a fake investment scheme, stressing it has not assessed, approved, or endorsed anything promoted in the video and urging people to verify via official BDCB channels. Regional Diplomacy: Brunei’s Young Entrepreneurs Association (YEAB) represented the country at the 12th ASEAN-China Young Leaders Exchange Festival, meeting regional partners and focusing on green development and sustainability. Cross-Border Payments: Brunei is included in an ASEAN-linked QR payments push, with national QR systems now interoperable across the region—aimed at making tourist and remittance payments easier. Bilateral Labour Talks: Brunei’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs discussed expanding employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers in Brunei, alongside trade, investment, energy, and air connectivity, including a proposed Bangladesh-Brunei chamber. Public Services & Development: The World Bank approved a major Philippines water and sanitation project, highlighting jobs and climate-resilient infrastructure—relevant to regional governance and service delivery debates.

Financial Security Alert: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) warned the public about AI-generated or manipulated scam videos that impersonate senior officials and falsely claim BDCB approval of investment schemes, stressing it does not endorse any such products and urging people to verify via official BDCB channels. Regional Diplomacy: Myanmar’s junta chief Min Aung Hlaing rejected ASEAN’s 2021 five-point peace plan, claiming it reflects only Brunei’s stance and accusing some ASEAN states of discrimination, while outlining his own political roadmap. Transport & Innovation: Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) hosted an international sharing session on smart mobility and sustainable cities, featuring speakers on electric vehicles, traffic management, and adaptive transport systems. Youth & Sustainability Links: YEAB represented Brunei at the ASEAN-China Young Leaders Exchange Festival 2026, meeting regional partners and focusing on green development and smart-grid learning. Labour & Bilateral Ties: Brunei’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam discussed expanding employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers in Brunei, alongside trade, investment, energy, and air connectivity. Sports Development: FIFA’s inaugural ASEAN Cup 2026 draw placed Brunei in Division 2 (Challenge Division) Group A with Hong Kong and Myanmar, with the tournament set for late September to early October.

Financial Integrity: Brunei’s central bank (BDCB) warns the public about AI-generated scam videos that impersonate senior officials and falsely claim BDCB approval for investment schemes, urging people to verify only via official BDCB channels. Regional Diplomacy: Brunei’s Young Entrepreneurs Association (YEAB) represented the country at the ASEAN-China Young Leaders Exchange Festival, focusing on green development and smart-grid/renewables learning in Qinghai. Transport & Innovation: UTB hosted an international sharing session on smart mobility and sustainable cities, with officials from MTIC and speakers on electric vehicles and traffic management. International Security: Myanmar’s junta chief Min Aung Hlaing rejects ASEAN’s 2021 five-point peace plan, saying it does not reflect the bloc’s collective stance and presenting his own roadmap. Commemoration & Heritage: A Brunei-linked remembrance programme marks the 60th anniversary of the end of the Borneo Confrontation, highlighting Gurkhas’ role and shared heritage.

Brunei–Bangladesh Labour Talks: Brunei’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam met Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in Dhaka, pushing for wider access to Brunei’s labour market for Bangladeshi workers and proposing a Bangladesh–Brunei Chamber of Commerce, plus closer business links in trade, energy and aviation. Brunei–China Defence Ties: Brunei’s Sultan met visiting Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun, reaffirming the one-China policy and welcoming more Chinese Navy port calls, while both sides stressed maritime security cooperation amid South China Sea concerns. ASEAN–Japan Economic Cooperation: ASEAN and Japan’s DISG Task Force adopted a joint declaration in Bangkok, setting out cooperation pillars including supply chain resilience, innovation, AI and digital investment, and energy transition. Regional Payments Integration: ASEAN’s linked QR payment systems now let consumers pay across borders using a single interoperable network, with Brunei included in the expansion. South China Sea Legal & Security Context: Coverage marked the 10th anniversary of the Philippines’ 2016 arbitration win over China, while reporting ongoing flashpoints and heightened military activity around disputed waters. FIFA ASEAN Cup Draw (Brunei in Division 2): Brunei were placed in Division 2 Group A for the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 in Hong Kong, as the tournament structure and group matchups were confirmed for Sept–Oct.