AGP Executive Report

Regional Diplomacy: IsDB Group Chairman Dr Muhammad Al Jasser will visit Brunei from 5–7 Oct for high-level talks, including the launch of the first IsDB–Brunei Country Engagement Framework 2026–2028 to support economic diversification. Aviation & Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new direct Brunei–Shenzhen route, starting 30 Sept, boosting links to China’s Greater Bay Area. Air Travel Tech: Royal Brunei Airlines and SES completed RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi installation across the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, expanding reliable onboard connectivity. Business & Consumer Deals: Maju Motors’ BYD/Denza year-end promotion runs 1 Oct–31 Dec, offering a chance to win a house and prizes worth over BND300,000. Sports & Spotlight: The Asian Games closed in Japan and move to Doha for 2030, with Brunei among the bottom medal winners. Culture & Learning: The UNESCO–Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development shortlist was announced, with laureates due to be revealed on 5 Oct in Paris. Local Interest: Brunei’s Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah wrapped up a five-day Singapore visit, including tours of the Oceanarium and Punggol Digital District.

Aviation & Trade Link: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new direct Brunei–Shenzhen route, with an inaugural flight marking a fresh air bridge to China’s Greater Bay Area and expected to boost tourism, business travel and people-to-people ties. Retail & After-Sales: Subaru returned to Brunei via Imperial Motors’ new authorised showroom, bringing models like Forester, Crosstrek, WRX and BRZ back with full sales, servicing and aftersales support. Digital Travel Upgrade: Royal Brunei Airlines and SES completed RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi across the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, aiming for seamless connectivity for guests across the Asia-Pacific network. Tech & Consumer Services: Apple Music officially expanded to Brunei (along with Albania, Burkina Faso and Pakistan), adding official access for users via local Apple accounts. Regional Diplomacy: Brunei Crown Prince Haji Al‑Muhtadee Billah wrapped up a five-day Singapore visit, including tours of the Oceanarium and Punggol Digital District, as leaders discussed deepening bilateral cooperation. Business Promotion: Maju Motors’ BYD/Denza year-end campaign in Brunei runs until 31 Dec, offering a chance to win a house plus prizes and a 3.5% interest rate.

Aviation & Tourism Boost: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new Brunei–Shenzhen direct route, with an inaugural flight landing at Brunei International Airport and plans to start with four flights a week before moving to scheduled services, aiming to deepen China–Brunei travel links and support trade, investment and tourism. Connectivity Upgrade for Travellers: Royal Brunei Airlines and SES have completed the RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi rollout across the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, bringing “seamless” connectivity to A320neo aircraft across the Asia‑Pacific. Local Business & Mobility: Subaru returned to Brunei through Imperial Motors’ new authorised showroom, bringing models like the Forester, Crosstrek, WRX and BRZ back with sales, servicing and aftersales support. Tech & Consumer Services: Apple Music officially expanded to Brunei (along with Albania, Burkina Faso and Pakistan), adding official access via local Apple accounts and integrating the service into the local Apple ecosystem. Regional Spotlight: Brunei’s Crown Prince wrapped up a five-day Singapore visit, including tours of the Punggol Digital District and the Singapore Oceanarium.

South China Sea Tensions: The Philippines said a resupply mission to troops at the grounded Second Thomas Shoal was blocked by Chinese coast guard and navy vessels, with the run called off without delivering supplies or rotating personnel—an incident that again raises concerns over freedom of navigation. Brunei-China Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new direct Brunei–Shenzhen route, with initial flights set to boost tourism and business links to China’s Greater Bay Area. Brunei Business & Travel Tech: Royal Brunei Airlines and SES completed inflight Wi‑Fi (RB SkyConnect) rollout across the airline’s A320 fleet, aiming for more reliable onboard connectivity. Local Economy & Finance: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank launched the Brunei Financial Sector Blueprint 2026–2035, outlining a decade-long push for a resilient, inclusive and innovative financial sector. Consumer & Mobility: Subaru returned to Brunei via Imperial Motors’ new authorised showroom, while Maju Motors’ BYD/Denza year-end promotion offers a chance to win a house and prizes worth over BND300,000. Regional Spotlight: The Crown Prince of Brunei wrapped up a five-day Singapore visit, including tours of the Oceanarium and Punggol Digital District. Tech Services: Apple Music officially expanded to Brunei (along with Albania, Burkina Faso and Pakistan), bringing the service to 172 countries and regions.

Brunei-China ties: Brunei Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah wrapped up a five-day Singapore visit after tours of the Oceanarium and Punggol Digital District, with leaders highlighting deepening friendship and tech links. Aviation & tourism: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new Brunei–Shenzhen route, initially chartered with four flights weekly before moving to scheduled services, aiming to boost direct travel and trade with China’s Greater Bay Area. Finance policy: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank launched the Brunei Financial Sector Blueprint 2026–2035 to guide a more resilient, inclusive and innovative financial sector. Digital connectivity: SES and Royal Brunei Airlines completed RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi installation across the A320 fleet. Consumer tech: Apple Music officially expanded to Brunei (along with Albania, Burkina Faso and Pakistan), ending long delays for local users. Regional trade & investment: MinDA met Bongao officials to tackle logistics, power and water gaps and improve cross-border trade under BIMP-EAGA.

Aviation & Connectivity: Royal Brunei Airlines and SES have completed the RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi rollout across the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, bringing seamless connectivity to all A320neo aircraft in operation across the Asia-Pacific. China–Brunei Ties: Xi Jinping and Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah exchanged congratulatory messages marking 35 years of diplomatic relations, reaffirming plans to deepen cooperation. Tourism & Trade Link: Shenzhen Airlines launched a Brunei–Shenzhen route, starting with charter flights before moving to scheduled services, aiming to boost tourism and business links as Brunei prepares for Visit Brunei 2027. Financial Sector Planning: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank launched the Brunei Financial Sector Blueprint 2026–2035, setting out a roadmap for a resilient, inclusive and innovative financial sector. Consumer Tech: Apple Music has officially expanded to Brunei (along with Albania, Burkina Faso and Pakistan), bringing the service to 172 countries and regions. Automotive Promotion: Maju Motors is running a BYD and Denza year-end promotion (Oct 1–Dec 31) offering a chance to win a house and prizes worth over BND300,000.

Tech & Media: Apple Music has quietly launched in Brunei (along with Albania, Burkina Faso and Pakistan), bringing the service to 172 countries—another sign of Apple’s steady push to expand its digital offerings. Finance & Policy: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank launched the Brunei Financial Sector Blueprint 2026–2035, aiming for a more resilient, inclusive and innovative financial sector over the next decade. Aviation & Tourism: Shenzhen Airlines has started a new Brunei–Shenzhen route, with the service initially running on a charter basis before moving to scheduled flights—expected to boost tourism and connectivity as Brunei prepares for Visit Brunei 2027. Business & Partnerships: RUA AlHaram AlMakki (PIF) signed collaboration agreements involving Brunei and Malaysia, exploring investment and development opportunities linked to Makkah and Madinah. Education: The UNESCO–Hamdan Prize shortlist for teacher development names 10 projects, with laureates due to be revealed on 5 Oct 2026. Regional Links: Brunei’s Crown Prince met Singapore leaders during the Young Leaders’ Programme, with both sides discussing deeper cooperation and their long-running “special relationship.”

Brunei-China Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines launched a direct Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route, starting Sept 29 with charter flights (four weekly) before moving to scheduled services, aiming to boost tourism and trade links as Brunei prepares for Visit Brunei 2027 and Shenzhen hosts APEC. Tourism Numbers: Brunei reported rising Chinese air arrivals—39,000 in 2024 to 45,858 in 2025—highlighting demand that direct flights are expected to further support. Financial Sector Planning: 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. Saudi-Brunei Investment Links: PIF master developer RUA AlHaram AlMakki signed collaboration agreements with Malaysia’s MRCB and Brunei’s TAIB to explore development and joint venture opportunities tied to King Salman Gate in Makkah and projects in Brunei. Tech & Services: Apple Music expanded to Albania, Brunei, Burkina Faso and Pakistan after an 11-year wait, while Brunei’s Royal Brunei Airlines was named “Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026” at the World Travel Awards.

Aviation & Tourism: Shenzhen Airlines launched its first Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route, with an inaugural ceremony at Brunei International Airport and plans for four weekly flights, aiming to strengthen Brunei’s links to China’s Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area and boost trade, investment and travel. Financial Sector Planning: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank unveiled the Brunei Financial Sector Blueprint 2026–2035, setting a decade-long direction for a resilient, inclusive and innovative financial sector with public-private and community buy-in. Tech & Services Access: Apple Music expanded to Albania, Brunei, Burkina Faso and Pakistan, bringing the service to 172 countries and regions. International Business & Investment: Saudi PIF-linked RUA AlHaram AlMakki and Rua Al Madinah signed collaboration agreements with Brunei’s TAIB to explore investment and development opportunities in Makkah and Madinah, with potential King Salman Gate projects. Regional Diplomacy: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah met Singapore leaders during the 12th Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme, discussing deeper cooperation and reaffirming the special relationship. Consumer Protection: Brunei marked National Consumer Day, with officials stressing consumer protection as key to a fair market, business confidence and Vision 2035-aligned growth.

Brunei–Singapore Ties: Brunei Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah met Singapore leaders during the 12th Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme, discussing deeper bilateral cooperation and reaffirming the “special relationship,” including the upcoming 60th anniversary of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement. Consumer & Market Confidence: Brunei’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said consumer protection is key to building a fair, trusted market that lets responsible businesses grow and supports Vision 2035 goals. TAIB Partnerships: RUA AlHaram AlMakki and Rua Al Madinah (Saudi PIF firms) signed two collaboration agreements with TAIB, including a proposed King Salman Gate joint venture in Makkah with an indicative GDV of about $2.59 billion. Food & Jobs: Gropoint plans Brunei’s largest seafood plant in Serasa, targeting up to 60 tonnes a day from March 2027, with 200+ jobs initially and more in later phases. Regional Digital Trade: ASEAN’s Digital Economy Framework Agreement is moving toward signature, but digital rights groups warn it may create trust and inclusion gaps for everyday users. Aviation Recognition: Royal Brunei Airlines was named Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026 at the World Travel Awards.

South China Sea Tensions: China carried out fresh naval and air drills near Scarborough Shoal as friction with the Philippines continues over maritime access and resupply missions. Brunei-Singapore Ties: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah met Singapore leaders in a visit for the 12th Young Leaders’ Programme, with both sides discussing deeper cooperation and reaffirming their “special relationship.” Consumer Protection: Brunei marked National Consumer Day, with officials saying stronger consumer protection builds trust, supports responsible businesses, and backs Vision 2035 goals. ASEAN Digital Economy: ASEAN’s Digital Economy Framework Agreement is moving toward signature, but critics warn the “borderless” push may face trust and rights concerns. Brunei at the UN: Brunei’s Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen said lasting peace is impossible without justice for Palestinians, calling the conflict a test of UN credibility. Regional Security Watch: Brunei’s defence outlook highlights the Royal Brunei Air Force’s plans to strengthen air defence and fast-jet capabilities amid wider instability.

Consumer Protection: Brunei’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry says stronger consumer protection builds confidence in the market and helps responsible businesses grow, with the message delivered at the National Consumer Day forum in Bandar Seri Begawan. Crown Prince in Singapore: Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah is on a five-day official visit to Singapore, co-chairing the 12th Young Leaders’ Programme and meeting leaders while touring key sites tied to digital, green, finance, defence and food security. UN Diplomacy on Palestine: Brunei’s Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen told the UN General Assembly that lasting peace is impossible without justice for Palestinians, calling the conflict a test of the UN’s credibility and the equal application of international law. Regional Security: China carried out naval and air drills near Scarborough Shoal, escalating tensions with the Philippines over maritime sovereignty and access. Brunei Defence Outlook: A report on the Royal Brunei Air Force highlights plans to expand capabilities, including fast-jet and air defence options, alongside recent aircraft deliveries. Sports Spotlight: Faiq Bolkiah has become a free agent after his Thai club release, while Brunei-linked film plans continue for Rene “Bobet” Baterbonia’s story.

Philippines Fiscal Overhaul: The World Bank says the Philippines can unlock fiscal gains of 3.6% to 7.1% of GDP by broadening the tax base, tightening procurement and budget discipline, and improving targeting of health, education and social protection—highlighting potential savings of up to P435 billion from procurement reform. Brunei-Singapore Leadership Ties: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah begins a five-day official visit to Singapore, co-chairing the 12th Young Leaders’ Programme and meeting leaders while touring key sites tied to digital, green, finance, defence and food security. UN Spotlight on Palestine: 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 the UN’s credibility and equal application of international law. Regional Security Watch: China conducts fresh naval and air drills near Scarborough Shoal, as tensions with the Philippines continue over maritime claims. Brunei in Defence Planning: A new look at the Royal Brunei Air Force points to fast-jet and air-defence decisions amid shifting regional risks. Energy Resilience in the Region: A Schneider Electric report says Singapore businesses— including Brunei-linked operations—plan to boost sustainability and energy resilience spending, with most firms expecting higher investment. Culture & Tourism: Labuan’s Borneo Arts Festival 2026 draws over 30,000 visitors, with regional arts and cultural exchange across Borneo and beyond.

UN Diplomacy: Brunei renewed its call for “no lasting peace without justice” for Palestinians, urging equal application of international law and backing an independent Palestinian state on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as capital, as Netanyahu’s UN speech drew walkouts from at least 77 countries. Royal & Regional Ties: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah is in Singapore for a five-day official visit, co-chairing the 12th Young Leaders’ Programme and meeting leaders while touring key sites. South China Sea Tensions: China conducted fresh naval and air drills near Scarborough Shoal, escalating friction with the Philippines over maritime access. Finance & Governance: The World Bank urged the Philippines to cap “unprogrammed appropriations” at 5% to protect budget discipline. Business & Energy: A Schneider Electric report says Singapore businesses, including Brunei-linked operations, are boosting sustainability and energy resilience spending. Sports & Culture: Brunei-linked regional headlines included the FIFA Asean Cup opener (Philippines edged by Vietnam) and Labuan’s Borneo Arts Festival drawing 30,000 visitors.

Borneo Arts Festival (BAF) 2026: Labuan’s 13th BAF pulled in over 30,000 visitors across three days, with performances, fashion showcases and arts workshops drawing artists and tourists from Brunei, Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak, Labuan, Indonesia and the Philippines. UN diplomacy on Palestine: Brunei told the UN General Assembly there can be no lasting peace without Palestinian justice, backing an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, and warning the conflict is a test of the UN’s credibility and equal application of international law. Regional ties and leadership: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah will visit Singapore for the Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme, co-chairing the 12th edition and touring sites including SAFTI City and the Singapore Oceanarium. South China Sea tensions: China carried out fresh naval and air drills near Scarborough Shoal, escalating a flashpoint that remains tied to ongoing disputes with the Philippines. Local business and travel: DST launched a new iPhone 18 Pro “Mobi Bundle” in Brunei, while Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 reported booking growth and higher ticketing transactions.

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 the Gaza crisis is a defining test of the UN’s credibility and the equal application of international law. Statehood Call: Brunei reiterated support for an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and urged intensified diplomacy to end the conflict and secure stability. Regional Security: Brunei participated in ADMM-Plus maritime security drills in the West Philippine Sea, with the Philippines reporting coordinated maneuvers and medical evacuation exercises involving navies from multiple countries. Business & Trade: Adabi Frozen Food said it is expanding its international halal footprint, entering Brunei and preparing for expansion to Kuwait after showcasing at MIHAS 2026. Consumer Tech in Brunei: DST launched its Mobi Bundle for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, with 24-month contract plans and added coverage and rewards. Sports: Faiq Bolkiah, described as the world’s richest footballer, became a free agent after his Thai club Ratchaburi FC released him.