AGP Executive Report

Trans-Borneo Railway Push: Sarawak says it’s ready to back the proposed Pan Borneo Railway, starting with the Bintulu–Kidurong stretch to cut heavy-cargo pressure on roads, with alignment work already in place and details to be refined with the Federal Government before rollout. Brunei Finance & Innovation: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank has updated its FinTech Regulatory Sandbox rules, widening eligibility for qualified financial institutions and clarifying what can be tested—aiming for more inclusive, responsible innovation. Ocean Week Brunei Opens Creative Entries: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 has launched submissions for a Brunei Ocean Arts photography contest, plus the Ocean Hero Award and youth grants and video competition, with over BND5,000 in prizes and recognition. Regional Security Crackdown: Operation FRONTIER+ III has ended with 3,018 arrests across 10 jurisdictions tied to about US$752m in losses, including major action in Singapore and Hong Kong. Thailand Visa Tightening: Thailand is rolling back its 60-day visa-free scheme to 30 days for 54 countries, citing security and misuse concerns.

DBS CEO share sale: DBS Group chief executive Tan Su Shan sold 100,000 shares on May 15 at $60.12 each, trimming her stake to 0.048%—a move coming weeks after the bank reported $2.93b Q1 earnings. Regional visas tighten: Thailand is rolling back its 60-day visa-free entry for 93 countries to 30 days for 54 nations, with other countries facing visa-on-arrival or shorter stays, citing overstays, crime and illegal work concerns. Anti-scam crackdown: Operation FRONTIER+ III, involving 10 jurisdictions including Brunei, ended with 3,018 arrests and about US$752m in reported losses targeted across e-commerce, job, investment and impersonation scams. Brunei in the spotlight: Brunei’s ΣHAI team won first place at the AI Ready ASEAN Youth Challenge 2026 in Singapore for its AI dementia care platform, Sahabat-Care. Culture and rights: A Dutch embassy-backed exhibition in Thailand highlighted the “Amsterdam Rainbow Dress” and marked Thailand’s first anniversary of marriage equality, while stories from Brunei and others show how criminalisation still shapes fear and stigma.

Thailand Visa Crackdown: Thailand has ended its 60-day visa-free entry for travellers from 93 countries and territories, cutting most stays to 30 days (with some reduced to 15 days or requiring visas on arrival), citing concerns over overstays, crime, illegal work and misuse of entry rules. Regional Anti-Scam Push: Singapore and Hong Kong led a two-month cross-border operation (FRONTIER+ III) that arrested 3,018 people across 10 jurisdictions tied to about US$752m in losses, freezing nearly 102,000 bank accounts and seizing over US$161m. Energy Shock Fallout: As the Iran-linked fuel squeeze bites, Pacific islands are seeing sharp pump-price spikes and rising costs, while ASEAN debates longer-term fixes like an oil storage hub. Brunei-Linked Trade Signals: Oman’s sovereign wealth fund highlighted strong 2025 returns from strategic investment partnerships, while Australia secured jet fuel shipments from China and urea from Brunei to buffer supply disruptions.

Cross-border scam crackdown: Operation FRONTIER+ III has wrapped up after a two-month sweep across 10 jurisdictions, with 3,018 arrests tied to 138,000 fraud cases and about US$752 million in losses; police also froze nearly 102,000 bank accounts and recovered US$161 million. Regional travel rules: Thailand is rolling back its 60-day visa-free entry for 93 countries to 30 days (with some changes and exclusions), citing security and misuse concerns. Heat preparedness: ASEAN is pushing a new roadmap urging passive cooling as extreme heat becomes a health and productivity risk for workers and cities. Local education spotlight: In Sarawak, Batu Kitang rep Lo Khere Chiang praised rural teachers as “silent architects” after launching a book on their struggles and impact. Tourism momentum: Malaysia says it welcomed 10.6 million visitors in Q1-2026, helped by infrastructure upgrades and Visit Malaysia Year 2026 marketing.

Anti-Fraud Crackdown: Police say Operation FRONTIER+ III has wrapped up after a two-month, cross-border push that led to the arrest of 3,018 suspects across 10 jurisdictions, tied to about $752 million in fraud losses. Money-Freeze Push: Authorities recovered more than $161 million and froze nearly 102,000 bank accounts to stop scam proceeds moving. Regional Scope: The operation ran from March 10 to May 7, involving over 3,200 officers from places including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, Brunei, Canada, the Maldives and Macau, targeting e-commerce scams, fake jobs, investment fraud and impersonation. Local Angle: Singapore police say more than 130 arrests were made in the city, with $34.9 million seized. Trade Context: In parallel, Brunei’s CPTPP role continues to sit in the background as the bloc expands trade and investment ties across member economies.

Cross-Border Scam Crackdown: Singapore police say a two-month FRONTIER+ III operation across 10 jurisdictions led to 3,018 arrests and the freezing of nearly 102,000 scam-linked bank accounts, after 138,000 cases were flagged with about US$752m in losses; Hong Kong was hardest hit, accounting for over 40% of the money uncovered. Regional Travel Rules: Thailand is rolling back its visa-free 60-day stay to 30 days for most countries, with enforcement expected after official publication—aimed at curbing misuse and crime tied to foreign nationals. Brunei in the Mix: The same FRONTIER+ network included Brunei, while Brunei-linked supplies also show up in regional energy planning, with Australia securing urea shipments from Brunei. Islamic Finance Watch: Fitch says ASEAN Islamic finance has topped US$1t in Q1 2026, led by Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, with sukuk still the biggest slice.

Cross-border Scam Crackdown: Hong Kong has been hit hardest in a 10-jurisdiction operation that uncovered US$752 million in losses, with police saying 3,200 officers worked together from March 10 to May 7 and arrested 3,018 people across 138,000 cases, including online shopping, employment fraud, investment scams and phone deception. Visa Rules Tightened (Thailand): Thailand is rolling back visa-free travel for 93 countries, cutting stays from 60 days to 30 days (and in some cases 15), with longer stays requiring visas—aimed at reducing misuse and boosting security while protecting tourism. Islamic Finance Milestone: ASEAN’s Islamic finance industry has topped US$1 trillion in Q1 2026, led by Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, with sukuk still the biggest slice. Brunei-linked Regional Ties: Brunei continues to show up in regional cooperation—from defence and alumni links to fuel and fertiliser supply deals referenced in wider Asia coverage.

APEC Mood Lift: Indonesia’s foreign ministry says the Xi–Trump meeting in Beijing has created a “more positive background” for APEC talks in Shanghai, even as the US and China still clash over trade and tariffs. Visa Crackdown in Thailand: Thailand’s cabinet approved cutting the 60-day visa exemption for 93 countries to 30 days, with tighter limits aimed at curbing visa misuse and illegal labour—an immediate hit for the 700,000 Australians who visit each year. AI for Public Good: Singapore’s ATxSummit 2026 opened with a regional push to use AI responsibly, spotlighting youth projects under an “AI Ready ASEAN” challenge. ASEAN Islamic Finance Surges: Fitch reports ASEAN Islamic finance passed $1t in Q1, led by Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, with sukuk still dominating. Energy Security Pressure: Australia says it secured 600,000 barrels of jet fuel from China and 38,500 tonnes of urea from Brunei as Gulf disruptions keep supply tight. Local Watch: Malaysia’s Beaufort flyover beam collapse is sparking calls for anti-corruption scrutiny over construction quality.

Hari Raya Aidiladha Calendar: Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore will mark Eid al-Adha on 27 May, while Thailand follows 28 May after different moon-sighting outcomes. Sanctions & Energy: The US extended a 30-day waiver allowing some countries to buy Russian oil already on tankers at sea, aiming to stabilise supplies for energy-vulnerable states. Islamic Finance: Fitch says the Philippines’ Islamic finance sector could grow faster through ASEAN and Gulf links, with ASEAN already valued at US$1tn in Islamic finance. ASEAN Fuel Reserve Push: Indonesia floated an ASEAN oil storage hub idea, but analysts warn trust and uneven priorities could stall it. Brunei in the supply chain: Australia secured more jet fuel from China and urea from Brunei to shore up fuel and fertiliser stocks amid wider disruptions.

Fuel Security: Australia says it has locked in three new jet fuel shipments from China—about 600,000 barrels starting early June—plus 38,500 tonnes of urea from Brunei, using its A$7.5b fuel-and-fertiliser security facility as global supply strains continue after the Iran war. Regional Defence: HMS Spey, a Royal Navy patrol ship, has resumed operations in the South China Sea and around the Spratlys after earlier defying China warnings. Digital Connectivity: China’s second domestically built cruise ship begins sea trials, while the Asia Link Cable (ALC) lands in Hong Kong, linking China with Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei. ASEAN Momentum: Mindanao’s infrastructure push under BIMP-EAGA Vision 2035 is accelerating, and the Philippines’ ASEAN chairship is set to take centre stage at BusinessWorld Economic Forum 2026. Islamic Finance & Education: The Maldives opens Zakat-funded higher education scholarships, expanding Islamic charitable support beyond direct welfare.

Mindanao Infrastructure Push: The Mindanao Development Authority says infrastructure and energy projects are rising despite the political climate, with BIMP-EAGA-linked projects nearly quadrupling from 57 (2017) to 265 this year, including rail, bridges, road upgrades and airport expansions. Anti-Fraud Cooperation: Singapore hosted an “United Against Fraud” workshop under the International Security Alliance to strengthen cross-border action against increasingly sophisticated cyber scams. Defence Diplomacy: India’s Rajnath Singh begins a four-day trip to Vietnam and South Korea focused on defence industrial partnerships and maritime cooperation. Hajj Calendar Set: Saudi Arabia confirmed the Dhul Hijjah crescent, making Eid al-Adha fall on 27 May worldwide. Regional Energy Worries: Separate reports highlight how fuel and fertiliser supply risks are still rippling through the region, from urea shortages ahead of planting seasons to undersea cable vulnerability and energy chokepoints.

Eid al-Adha Date Set: Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs says Eid al-Adha 2026 will be on May 27, after moon-sighting across 88 locations and alignment under the MABIMS framework with Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Fertiliser Pressure: Bangladesh is reportedly facing a urea shortfall of about one lakh tonnes for the Aman planting season as two tenders failed to secure enough supply, with stock levels still below a “comfortable” level amid Strait of Hormuz shipping uncertainty. Digital Resilience: A major new undersea link, China Telecom’s Asia Link Cable, has landed in Hong Kong, boosting connectivity across routes that include Brunei and Southeast Asia. Cyber Risk Watch: A report warns many island nations depend on a small number of undersea cables, leaving them exposed to outages from accidents or sabotage. ASEAN Energy Talk: ASEAN leaders keep pushing regional energy security ideas, including fuel-sharing and reserves, as Gulf disruptions keep prices and supply concerns front and centre.

ASEAN Energy Shock: With the Strait of Hormuz under pressure, Southeast Asia’s “energy security” illusion is cracking fast—LNG prices have jumped from about $10–$12 per MMBtu to $20.80, turning power planning into a budget fight and pushing governments toward emergency green-energy buying. Digital Build-Out: In Hong Kong, the Asia Link Cable (ALC) has landed—China Telecom-led and designed to boost cloud, AI and cross-border data links across Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei and Malaysia. ASEAN Chair Spotlight: The Philippines’ ASEAN chairship is set to take centre stage at the BusinessWorld Economic Forum on May 18, with talks on turning regional priorities into corporate action. Brunei-Linked Policy: Regional reporting also points to Brunei’s Personal Data Protection push as digital growth accelerates. Hajj Logistics: Saudi’s Makkah Route Initiative expands for Hajj 2026, adding Brunei and Senegal and aiming to speed immigration and baggage handling at home airports.

Subsea Connectivity Boost: China Telecom’s Asia Link Cable (ALC) has officially landed in Hong Kong at the Chung Hom Kok Cable Landing Station, a major step toward full commercial operation later this year. The 6,200km system is designed to strengthen the Hong Kong–Singapore digital backbone and link onward to Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia, with capacity set to exceed 325 Tb/s. ASEAN Digital Push: The move lands as the region doubles down on cloud, AI and digital services—raising the stakes for identity and access controls as more apps and AI agents create new “who can access what” risks. ASEAN Business Spotlight: ASEAN chairship is also taking centre stage at the BusinessWorld Economic Forum 2026 in Manila on May 18, with discussions on turning regional priorities into corporate action. Energy Watch: Airlines in the region are adjusting fuel surcharges amid volatile jet fuel prices tied to Middle East tensions.

Subsea Connectivity Boost: The Asia Link Cable (ALC) has successfully landed in Hong Kong, a major milestone for a 6,200km system linking China, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia—built to handle growing demand from cloud and AI. Regional Trade Shift: A new look at global commerce shows China overtaking the US as the top goods trading partner for most countries since 2000, reflecting China’s manufacturing pull and commodity demand. Halal Business Push: Singapore’s halal food scene is expanding fast, with certification still a hurdle—yet more restaurants are pursuing it for credibility and access to major tenders. BIMP-EAGA Vision 2035: Mindanao is positioning itself as a key gateway under the BIMP-EAGA plan, aiming to speed up cross-border trade, tourism and connectivity through local government and private-sector-led projects. Brunei-China Spotlight: China’s vice president says Beijing wants to deepen the China-Brunei “shared future,” while energy cooperation continues through Hengyi’s solar integration project.

Subsea Connectivity Boost: Hong Kong just welcomed the Asia Link Cable (ALC), a high-capacity undersea system led by China Telecom that links China, Singapore, and branches reaching the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia—aimed at powering faster, lower-latency digital traffic for cloud and AI. Halal at Home: Singapore’s halal food scene is expanding fast, with more certified restaurants and a new fully halal food hall—while certification still involves audits and paperwork. Food Security Push: The Philippines launched a $1-billion World Bank-backed farm program, tying funding to measurable targets to modernize rice-based output and strengthen climate-resilient value chains. Energy Pressure in the Region: Australia’s fuel crunch remains tight as Middle East disruptions keep diesel prices elevated, while airlines in Hong Kong adjust fuel surcharges in response to jet fuel swings. Brunei-China Ties: China’s vice president met Brunei’s crown prince in Beijing, reiterating plans to deepen cooperation, including energy projects like Hengyi’s solar integration.