AGP Executive Report

Maritime Security: India sent two warships to Subic Bay for an ADMM-Plus maritime security drill with ASEAN and partners, joining US, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Brunei and others as South China Sea tensions shape regional patrols. Regional Cooperation: The same ADMM-Plus effort also brings US naval forces into the Philippines area for maritime domain awareness and disaster-response readiness, with Brunei listed among participating states. Transboundary Haze: Indonesia’s wildfire response is still struggling despite deploying aircraft and tens of thousands of personnel, while Malaysia ramps up support with a CL-415MP aircraft, helicopters and firefighters as haze spreads across the region. Legal Push on Fires: Indigenous and civil society groups in West Kalimantan filed a class-action lawsuit against Indonesia’s government, seeking stronger action and a national-disaster order. ASEAN Trade: ASEAN members including Brunei and the Philippines backed a move to allow voluntary, provisional application of the upgraded ATIGA protocol among ready states ahead of its June 2027 entry into force. Brunei Link in Sports: DPMM FC drew 3-3 with KL City in the FA Cup quarterfinal first leg, setting up a decisive second match in October. Brunei in Culture & Society: A China-Brunei cultural performance marked 35 years of diplomatic ties, featuring disabled artists from China and Brunei performers.

FIFA ASEAN Cup Security: Indonesia’s National Police has deployed 5,641 officers for “Operation Garuda Bakti 2026,” running Sept 21–Oct 6 across Jakarta and Bandung, covering stadiums, transport routes, supporter areas, traffic control, digital monitoring, and specialist responses to bomb and drone threats. Regional Environment & Haze: Malaysia has agreed to help Indonesia fight worsening wildfires, sending a CL-415MP aircraft, three helicopters and 52 firefighters after talks with President Prabowo—an issue hitting neighbours including Brunei. ASEAN Trade: ASEAN adopted a declaration allowing member states to voluntarily apply the upgraded ATIGA Second Protocol provisionally ahead of its June 2027 entry, aiming to speed up trade for countries ready to move. Maritime Security: The U.S. Navy joined an ADMM-Plus maritime security exercise with ASEAN partners, including Brunei, focused on cooperation, maritime awareness and disaster response. Brunei-Linked Sports: In the Asian Games wushu, Brunei’s Basma Lachkar won joint bronze in women’s taijiquan-taijijian, while Brunei’s DPMM FC drew 3-3 with KL City in the FA Cup quarterfinal first leg. Local Political Notices: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Sabah leaders extended condolences over the death of former Bongawan ADUN Karim Bujang.

Regional Trade & Investment: ASEAN members including Brunei have agreed to allow the voluntary early application of the upgraded ATIGA Second Protocol, letting ready states apply it provisionally ahead of its June 2027 entry. Maritime Security: The U.S. Navy joined an ADMM-Plus maritime security exercise co-hosted by Japan and the Philippines, with Brunei among participating partners, as South China Sea tensions keep shaping regional coordination. South China Sea Flashpoint: A Philippine fisheries vessel and a Chinese coast guard ship were involved in a collision near disputed waters, with both sides blaming each other and escalating the diplomatic noise. Cross-border Haze Response: Malaysia approved support to Indonesia’s wildfire fight, sending aircraft, helicopters and firefighters after haze spread across Borneo and beyond. Brunei Public Life: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Sabah leaders offered condolences over the death of former Bongawan ADUN Karim Bujang, a reminder of Brunei-linked Sabah political ties. Brunei in Sport: Brunei’s Basma Lachkar won joint bronze in women’s taijiquan-taijijian at the Asian Games, tying with Singapore’s Zeanne Law. Local Enforcement: Brunei Customs seized controlled drugs, alcohol and cigarettes in border operations, detaining suspects for smuggling. Business & Mobility: Pakistan began exporting Suzuki Alto and Suzuki Every to Brunei, while the U.S. published a list of countries eligible for its E-1 treaty trader visas including Brunei.

ASEAN Trade Policy: ASEAN signatories including Brunei and the Philippines have agreed to let any ready member state voluntarily apply the upgraded ATIGA Second Protocol provisionally, aiming to speed up trade ahead of its June 2027 entry. Investment Rules: ASEAN and Hong Kong signed a first protocol to amend their investment agreement, promising non-discriminatory treatment for Hong Kong enterprises across ASEAN markets. Maritime Security Drills: U.S. naval forces joined an ADMM-Plus maritime security exercise with Brunei and others, focused on coordination, maritime awareness, and disaster resilience. Brunei in Regional Sport: Brunei’s Basma Lachkar won joint bronze at the Asian Games wushu taijiquan-taijijian event in Japan, tying scores with Singapore’s Zeanne Law. Customs Enforcement: Brunei Royal Customs seized controlled drugs and also detained suspects over smuggling alcohol and cigarettes in border operations. Cross-Border Environment: Malaysia accepted Indonesia’s wildfire assistance request, sending aircraft, helicopters, and firefighters as haze continues to affect the region. Mobility & Travel Lists: Australia published its visa-free transit (TWOV) eligibility list, while the U.S. and UK released updated country lists for treaty visas and faster border clearance.

Brunei Border & Customs: Brunei Royal Customs and Excise seized controlled drugs and also detained suspects over smuggling beer, alcohol and cigarettes in separate operations near the border, underscoring continued enforcement at control posts. Regional Haze Response: Indonesia says it remains fully compliant with ASEAN haze protocols under a Level 3 Alert, with daily hotspot and smoke-trajectory reporting to neighbours including Brunei, while Malaysia accepted Indonesia’s request for help and will dispatch aircraft, helicopters and firefighters. South China Sea Tensions: A collision near Sabina Shoal has triggered competing claims: China says a Philippine vessel deliberately rammed a coast guard ship, while Manila’s account blames China for deliberate ramming—raising the risk of further diplomatic friction. Cross-border Mobility Rules: The UK published eligibility for its Registered Traveller faster-border clearance scheme, listing Brunei among qualifying passport holders, while the US released E-1 treaty trader eligibility lists and a Guam-CNMI visa waiver list that includes Brunei. China-Brunei Cultural Links: A China Disabled People’s Performing Art Troupe performed in Bandar Seri Begawan to mark 35 years of China–Brunei diplomatic ties, with senior ministers attending.

South China Sea Flashpoint: The Philippine Coast Guard says a Chinese coast guard vessel deliberately rammed a fisheries ship near Sabina Shoal/Xianbin Jiao, while Beijing counters that Manila provoked the incident—raising fresh legal and diplomatic tensions in waters also claimed by Brunei and others. AI Rivalry & Regional Policy: A Jakarta panel warns US and China are turning AI into influence, with competing initiatives shaping chip access and capacity-building across Southeast Asia. Brunei-Linked Customs Crackdown: Brunei Royal Customs seized controlled drugs (4,254g) and also detained suspects over smuggled alcohol, beer, and cigarettes in border operations. ASEAN Trade Connectivity Push: Philippines VP Sara Duterte urged investors to turn Mindanao–Borneo infrastructure into real business under BIMP-EAGA, stressing ports and routes must serve farmers and traders. ASEAN Haze Response: Indonesia says it remains fully compliant with ASEAN forest-fire protocols, while smoke continues to affect neighbours including Brunei. China’s Military Posture: Satellite reporting claims China is building an underwater “mothership” to deploy large autonomous submarines, underscoring intensifying Indo-Pacific competition. CAEXPO Showcase: Brunei’s Bandar Seri Begawan is listed among “Charming Cities” at the China-ASEAN Expo, reflecting ongoing regional economic branding. Wildlife Trafficking Alert: Five baby orangutans found in India highlight a cross-border exotic pet trade, with Indonesia seeking their return.

Regional Trade & Investment: Philippines VP Sara Duterte urged investors to turn Mindanao–Borneo connectivity into real business, saying infrastructure only matters when farmers and traders can actually reach markets. Customs Enforcement: Brunei Royal Customs seized controlled drugs (4,254.32g) and also detained suspects over smuggling alcohol, beer and cigarettes in separate operations. Wildlife Crime: Five baby orangutans found in India have sparked calls for tougher action as experts link the case to a growing cross-border exotic pet trade; Indonesia has requested their return. Cyber & Critical Infrastructure: Brunei’s CySec 2026 launched with a focus on “Resilient by Design,” highlighting the Cyber Security Order and Act, plus the national strategy for protecting essential services. Inclusive Education: International School Brunei opened a Centre for Inclusive Learning in Bandar, expanding specialist support for children with diverse learning needs. ASEAN Haze Diplomacy: Indonesia reiterated it is complying with ASEAN forest-fire response mechanisms amid ongoing transboundary smoke affecting Brunei and others. Visa Policy Watch: The US published the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program list, including Brunei, while China announced 48 countries will lose visa-free entry from Dec 2026.

Cybersecurity & Governance: Brunei’s CySec 2026 was launched to strengthen resilience of critical infrastructure, highlighting the Cyber Security Order (2023) and Cyber Security Act (2024) alongside the 2023–2027 national strategy. Inclusive Education: International School Brunei opened its Centre for Inclusive Learning in Kg Sungai Hanching, expanding specialist support for children with diverse learning needs in Brunei-Muara. Regional Environment & Diplomacy: Indonesia says it remains fully compliant with ASEAN haze protocols and reports no formal protest notes, even as smoke affects Brunei and other neighbours. Public Health Impact: Residents across Indonesia’s Borneo report hazardous haze levels, with schools disrupted and families worried about children’s health. Cross-border Wildlife Crime: Five baby orangutans abandoned in India point to a growing exotic wildlife trafficking trade; Indonesia has requested their return, underscoring shared Borneo conservation stakes. Energy Policy: NLNG urged gas producers to treat methane reduction as a business priority, arguing it can boost revenue while cutting emissions. Local Governance Corruption (Philippines): A report claims corruption starts in barangay councils and youth structures via overpriced procurement and kickbacks.

Cybersecurity & Governance: Brunei’s CySec 2026 opened with a push to harden critical infrastructure, citing the 2023 Cyber Security Order and 2024 Cyber Security Act as the legal backbone for resilience. Inclusive Education: International School Brunei officially opened its Centre for Inclusive Learning (CIL) Bandar in Kg Sungai Hanching, expanding specialist support for children with diverse learning needs in Brunei-Muara. Youth & Local Integrity: A Philippine report argues corruption starts early in barangay youth councils, describing how purchases and projects can be overpriced and shared through a “kontratista” network. Regional Environment & Diplomacy: Indonesia’s wildfire haze continues to spill across borders, with Malaysia saying it is coordinating with Jakarta on mitigation including border cloud-seeding, while Indonesia denies receiving formal protest notes. Energy & Industry: Nigeria LNG urged gas producers to treat methane reduction as a revenue strategy, stressing measurement, leak prevention, and recovery investments. Regional Trade: The 23rd China-ASEAN Expo opened in Nanning, highlighting both familiar ASEAN staples and new high-value tech participation, including Brunei AI firms.

Cybersecurity & Governance: Brunei’s CySec 2026 was officially launched to strengthen resilience of critical infrastructure, with ministers highlighting the Cyber Security Order (2023), Cyber Security Act (2024) and the 2023–2027 national strategy as the policy backbone. Inclusive Education: International School Brunei opened its Centre for Inclusive Learning (CIL) Bandar in Kg Sungai Hanching, expanding specialist support for children with diverse learning needs in Brunei-Muara. Regional Environment & Diplomacy: Indonesia’s worsening haze from Borneo wildfires is spilling across borders, with Malaysia coordinating cross-border cloud-seeding and urging use of ASEAN’s transboundary haze mechanisms—an issue now framed as both public health and regional governance. Regional Security Posture: China’s defence minister Dong Jun used the Beijing Xiangshan Forum to call for deeper military cooperation with ASEAN states including Brunei, while also warning against “historical revisionism” amid heightened regional tensions. ASEAN External Links: Qatar was designated an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner, with Doha and ASEAN expected to deepen cooperation across trade, energy, connectivity and sustainable development. Regional Finance Integration: ASEAN central banks met in Vietnam to advance financial and banking integration under the ASEAN Senior-Level Committee on Financial Integration. Culture & Tourism: Labuan’s Borneo Arts Festival 2026 (Sept 25–27) is set to draw 30,000 visitors and boost the local economy through competitions, performances and exhibitions.

Transboundary Haze Crisis: Residents in Pontianak, West Kalimantan say Indonesia’s Borneo wildfires are worsening by the day, with smoke so thick it disrupted the international airport and pushed air quality to hazardous levels, raising fears for children’s health as families have little choice but to wait it out. ASEAN Security Diplomacy: China’s defence minister Dong Jun used the Xiangshan Forum to call for deeper practical cooperation on global security, meeting officials including Brunei’s delegation as regional tensions over flashpoints like the South China Sea linger. ASEAN-Qatar Ties: Qatar’s new status as an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner is set to deepen cooperation across trade, energy, connectivity, investment and sustainable development, with ASEAN-Qatar commerce nearing US$15bn annually. Brunei in Regional Defence Engagement: China also framed military-to-military cooperation as a “shared security” agenda, while separate regional defence cooperation continues to pull Brunei into wider security forums. Cross-border Haze Response: Malaysia says it is coordinating with Indonesia on haze mitigation, including border cloud-seeding approved by Indonesian authorities, aiming to reduce smoke drifting into Malaysian airspace. Regional Mobility Rules: Thailand’s revised entry rules cut the old 60-day visa-free scheme to 30 days for many nationalities from Sept 15, tightening tourism access and land-border limits. Digital Finance Recognition (Brunei): Datastream Digital Sdn Bhd (DST) won “Best Fintech Company Brunei Darussalam 2026,” highlighting its MyDST super-app push for digital payments and services.

Regional Defence Diplomacy: China’s Defence Minister Dong Jun used the Xiangshan Forum to call for deeper military cooperation and warned against hegemony, militarism and historical revisionism, meeting officials including Brunei’s delegation. Cross-Border Haze Response: Malaysia is coordinating with Indonesia on forest fire haze mitigation, including border cloud-seeding, after smoke affected Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. ASEAN Security & Integration: ASEAN central banks met in Vietnam to push financial and banking integration, while Malaysia was ranked Tier 1 in post-quantum cryptography migration readiness (Brunei placed in Tier 2). Energy Transit Risk: Oman urged LNG export route diversification to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz as regional tensions disrupt shipments. Brunei-linked Mobility & Travel Policy: Thailand tightened entry rules from Sept 15, cutting visa-free stays and land-border limits—Brunei nationals are exempt from the land-border cap. BIMP-Eaga Connectivity: A proposed Tiblawan International Port in Davao Oriental is being reviewed, with potential trade and tourism links to BIMP-Eaga including Brunei.

Brunei-China Defence Links: China’s Defence Minister Dong Jun met Brunei officials in Beijing on the sidelines of the Xiangshan Forum, saying the PLA is ready to deepen practical security cooperation and safeguard regional peace. ASEAN Financial Integration: ASEAN central banks met in Vietnam to push forward banking and financial integration under the ASEAN Senior-Level Committee on Financial Integration, with Brunei among the BCLMV participants. Energy Security Talk: Oman urged alternative LNG export routes to cut reliance on the Strait of Hormuz, with ministers including Brunei discussing diversification and supply-chain resilience at Gastech 2026. Tech Security Benchmark: Malaysia’s PQC readiness report ranked Brunei in Tier 2, placing it alongside other ASEAN states as governments prepare for quantum-era cyber risks. Regional Mobility Rules: Thailand’s new entry rules took effect Sept 15, ending the 60-day visa-free scheme and tightening tourist stays and land-border limits—relevant for Brunei travellers planning short visits. Sports Diplomacy: Indonesia is gearing up for the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup (Sept 25–Oct 5), with Brunei among the teams in Hong Kong matches and organisers stressing fan hospitality and regional cultural showcase.

ASEAN Energy Security: A fresh warning on global oil chokepoints follows Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline, with repairs potentially taking from quick restarts to weeks—raising fears of short-term supply shocks if export stocks run low. Cyber & National Resilience: Malaysia is singled out as the only ASEAN Tier 1 for post-quantum cryptography migration readiness, while Brunei and others sit in lower tiers, underscoring uneven government preparedness for future-proof data security. Immigration Rules in the Region: Thailand tightens visa-free entry from Sept 15, cutting the old 60-day exemption to 30 days for many and 15 days for select nationalities, with stricter land-border limits. Brunei-Linked Regional Security: Russia and Laos run humanitarian demining drills involving Brunei and other ASEAN states, focusing on unexploded ordnance disposal and engineer coordination. Tourism & Mobility: Philippines moves to join the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program and expand eligibility to several countries, aiming to boost travel links across the Indo-Pacific. Sports Diplomacy: Indonesia pushes for a warm welcome ahead of the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, with Brunei among the teams in Hong Kong matches. Public Health Planning: Malaysia’s and regional health coverage highlights the need for long-term prevention and early detection as populations age and chronic disease rises. Brunei Tourism Trade: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair returns for its 21st edition, with 39 exhibitors and promotions ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027.

Regional Immigration Policy: Thailand will cut visa-free entry for 60 nationalities from Sept 15, reducing stays to 30 days (with some ASEAN states still at 30 days, and Cambodia/Myanmar at 14 days), aiming to tighten immigration controls while keeping travel and tourism moving. ASEAN Sports & Soft Power: Indonesia is ramping up for the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup (Sept 25–Oct 5) with fan zones, trophy tours, and public welcome campaigns in Jakarta and Bandung, while IMG is set to handle commercial rights and broadcast production across Indonesia and Hong Kong. ASEAN Security Cooperation: Russia and Laos hosted humanitarian demining exercises for ASEAN and ADMM Plus partners, with Brunei among the participants, focusing on unexploded ordnance disposal and engineer coordination. Brunei-Linked International Spotlight: A “world’s richest footballer” profile keeps attention on Brunei royal-linked winger Faiq Bolkiah as he remains a free agent after being released. Brunei Tourism & Culture: Negeri Sembilan leaders say heritage work needs scholars, research, and digital tools to build a stronger knowledge ecosystem beyond infrastructure.

Thailand Visa-Free Update: From Sept 15, Thailand will cut visa-free stays for most visitors to 30 days, while Cambodia and Myanmar get 14 days (Myanmar via international airports). The change is framed as tighter immigration management and national security. Regional Diplomacy: A separate report highlights renewed Thailand–Singapore momentum, including defence and connectivity cooperation, as both prepare for ASEAN leadership transitions. Brunei in the Spotlight: Brunei’s Ministry of Development official is cited at China’s 2026 mining conference in Tianjin, where deals worth 300 million yuan were signed—showing Brunei’s continued engagement in regional resource talks. ASEAN Sports Diplomacy: Indonesia’s football chiefs are pushing for warm, orderly reception of visiting fans ahead of the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup (Sept 24–Oct 5), with Brunei set to play in Hong Kong-hosted Division 2. Tourism Promotion: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair returns for its 21st edition (Sept 12–13) at BRIDEX, with 39 exhibitors and a push toward Visit Brunei Year 2027. Public Health Angle: A Brunei-linked item notes the country’s strong PISA maths and science standing, while broader coverage flags global education slumps in reading and math.