AGP Executive Report

Automotive Launches: Suzuki has started selling kei-sized Alto and Every mini cars in Brunei, with both models produced in Pakistan and brought in via Boustead, marking the first time Suzuki is exporting overseas mini-vehicle specs to Brunei. EV Dealership Expansion: Inchcape Brunei’s Imperial Motors has been appointed authorised distributor of XPENG electric vehicles, adding another brand to its Toyota, Lexus and Subaru lineup. Local Business & Deliveries: Jetour Brunei hit a milestone with a record mass handover of 52 vehicles at Amber Hills, including the Dashing and X70, as the Dashing surpasses 200 sales in five months. Regional Trade & Tourism: Brunei will showcase coffee, matcha and tourism experiences at Sabah International Expo (Sept 4–6) through its Brunei pavilion and the Brunei Coffee Trail. Economy Watch: Brunei’s CPI rose 0.02% in July year-on-year, driven mainly by higher food and non-alcoholic beverage prices. Tech Partnership: Concepts Technologies won ManageEngine’s “Emerging Partner of the Year” for its work deploying solutions across Brunei’s government and private sectors. Regional Security: Vietnam demanded an immediate end to foreign activities in the Paracels after reports of new Chinese construction on Yagong Island. Health & Environment: Indonesia’s El Niño-fuelled wildfires and haze are putting millions at risk of respiratory infections, with smoke affecting parts of Malaysia and Singapore.

Regional Religious Events: MAPIM and Perak’s Islamic Religious Department will host the two-day Regional Mosque Conference 2026 in Ipoh starting tomorrow, bringing about 400 mosque representatives from across Southeast Asia including Brunei, with aims ranging from youth involvement to a post-conference declaration and action plan. Tourism & Lifestyle: Brunei will showcase its coffee and matcha plus tourism experiences at Sabah International Expo (Sept 4–6), featuring the Brunei Coffee Trail and the Visit Brunei Year 2027 Roadshow. Cost of Living: Brunei’s CPI rose 0.02% in July year-on-year, driven mainly by higher food and non-alcoholic beverage prices, while non-food prices fell. Food Security & Agriculture: China-Brunei launched a Senior Expert Advisory Program on hybrid rice breeding and seed production, stepping up technical training and cooperative research. Electric Mobility (Business): Imperial Motors has been appointed authorised distributor of XPENG electric vehicles in Brunei, expanding Inchcape Brunei’s multi-brand portfolio. Regional Security (South China Sea): Reuters reports China is building new military-style installations on Yagong Island near Antelope Reef, with analysts suggesting an early-warning radar role. Regional Health (Haze): Indonesia’s El Niño-fuelled wildfires are sending thick haze across Borneo and beyond, with millions at risk of respiratory infections and schools affected.

ASEAN in China: Lawmakers from Brunei and eight other ASEAN states wrapped up a weeklong visit to Hainan, holding site inspections on fishery innovation, rural governance and a near-zero carbon zone, with talks focused on shared legislative challenges, environmental protection, agriculture modernization, digital growth and the Belt and Road. Haze and wildfire fallout: Indonesia’s El Niño-fuelled wildfires are worsening regional smoke impacts, with health officials warning 3.4 million people across Borneo and Sumatra face respiratory risks; schools have been shut in some areas as haze thickens, and civil groups are pushing for forestry reforms to prevent repeat disasters. Brunei-linked security chatter: Reports claim a man resembling Kerala fugitive Sukumara Kurup has been traced to Brunei, with a former probe officer alleging pressure to suppress the case and saying Kurup may still be alive. Brunei business move: Imperial Motors, via Inchcape Brunei, has been appointed authorised distributor of China EV maker XPENG, expanding Brunei’s multi-brand automotive lineup. Regional diplomacy: Singapore and Slovakia’s foreign ministers discussed deepening bilateral ties and cooperation with Southeast Asia, alongside current global conflicts. South China Sea watch: Satellite imagery reviewed by Reuters points to new installations on Yagong Island near Antelope Reef, raising concerns about expanding China’s early-warning and military infrastructure in the Paracels.

Kurup Case Update: A former probe officer, Ali Akbar, has renewed claims that Kerala fugitive Sukumara Kurup is still alive, saying investigators faced pressure to suppress the case and alleging Kurup was traced to Brunei after hotel visits and Malayalam-speaking sightings. Haze Health Crisis: Indonesia’s El Niño-fuelled wildfires are pushing haze deeper across Borneo and Sumatra, with Indonesia’s health ministry warning 3.4 million people in seven provinces are at risk of respiratory infections; schools have been shut in smog-hit areas and residents report coughing, breathing trouble, and stinging eyes. Regional Response to Fires: Indonesia has intensified ground and aerial firefighting and arrested 72 people suspected of starting forest and peatland fires, while authorities also held “salat istisqa” rain prayers in South Sumatra as smoke worsened. Brunei Business Watch: Inchcape Brunei’s Imperial Motors has been appointed authorised distributor of XPENG electric vehicles, adding another EV brand to its local automotive portfolio. ASEAN/Trade Signals: Asean leaders and partners are pushing for stronger regional economic and strategic weight, while Korea begins public consultation on joining CPTPP—an agreement that already includes Brunei.

Haze Health Crisis: Indonesia’s El Niño-fuelled wildfires are pushing thick smoke across Borneo and Sumatra, with the health ministry warning 3.4 million people in seven provinces face respiratory infections as schools close and residents stay indoors. Regional Fallout: The haze is also affecting Malaysia and Brunei, while local governments urge mask-wearing and home schooling in the worst-hit areas. Accountability Push: Indonesian police have arrested 72 people suspected of starting forest and peatland fires, and investigators are tracing whether companies financed or ordered the burning. Local Anger in Sarawak: In Malaysia, Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek was criticised over a social media post suggesting unhealthy haze levels were only “starting” to reach unhealthy levels, despite Sarawak already recording high Air Pollutant Index readings. Brunei Business: Imperial Motors, via Inchcape Brunei, has been appointed authorised distributor of China’s XPENG electric vehicles, expanding Brunei’s multi-brand automotive and sustainable mobility options. ASEAN Economy: A report says ASEAN is gaining economic and strategic weight, while Brunei-linked regional ties also feature in new MoUs and cooperation moves.

Health & Environment: Indonesia’s El Niño-fuelled wildfires are pushing a choking haze across Borneo and Sumatra, with the health ministry warning 3.4 million people in seven provinces face respiratory risks; schools have been shuttered in places like Pekanbaru as officials urge residents to stay indoors and wear masks. Regional Response: Indonesia says it has arrested 72 people suspected of starting forest and peatland fires, while firefighting ramps up with ground and aerial operations as smoke reaches Malaysia and Brunei. Brunei Business & Mobility: Inchcape Brunei’s Imperial Motors has been appointed the authorised distributor of XPENG electric vehicles, adding another EV brand to its local portfolio. Brunei Agriculture: Brunei launches a one-year expert advisory programme with China to strengthen rice breeding and hybrid seed production, including plans for a hybrid rice research centre. ASEAN & Diplomacy: Singapore and Slovakia foreign ministers discussed deepening ties and ASEAN cooperation, while ASEAN’s growing economic and strategic role remains in focus ahead of the bloc’s summit. Tech & Consumer: Visa appoints a nearly 20-year veteran as its Korea and Mongolia chief to accelerate digital payments growth.

Wildfire Haze Crisis: Indonesia’s El Niño-fuelled forest and peatland fires are pushing a choking haze across Borneo and Sumatra, with Indonesia’s health ministry warning 3.4 million people in seven provinces face respiratory risks; schools have been shut in parts of Sumatra as officials intensify firefighting and investigate arson suspects. Arrests and Probe: Indonesian police have arrested 72 people linked to 89 fire cases, with investigators tracing whether companies financed land-clearing fires. Brunei-Linked Mobility: Imperial Motors, under Inchcape Brunei, has been appointed the authorised distributor of XPENG electric vehicles, adding another EV option to Brunei’s automotive lineup. ASEAN Hospitality Deal: Jin Jiang Hotels’ subsidiary and Trip.com signed a three-year MoU to deepen ASEAN travel and accommodation cooperation across 10 countries including Brunei. Regional Business/Policy: Visa appointed a 20-year veteran, Kunal Chatterjee, as Korea and Mongolia chief to accelerate digital payments growth. Brunei Agriculture: Brunei launched a one-year expert advisory programme with China to strengthen rice breeding and hybrid seed production, including plans for a hybrid rice research centre. Sports: DPMM FC opened their Super League campaign with a 1-0 win over Penang FC, with Miguel Oliveira scoring the decider.

South China Sea Tensions: Satellite images reviewed by Reuters show new, three-pronged military-style installations on Yagong Island near Antelope Reef in the Paracels, with analysts saying it could be an early-warning radar supporting China’s expanding presence. Regional Environment & Health: Indonesia’s wildfire crisis is worsening haze across Borneo, Malaysia and Brunei, with authorities reporting thousands of hotspots and dense smoke affecting visibility and respiratory health. Indonesia Crackdown: Police have arrested 72 people suspected of starting forest and peatland fires, while investigations also probe whether companies financed or directed land clearing. Brunei Food Security: Brunei’s Agriculture and Agrifood Department has launched a one-year expert advisory programme with China to strengthen rice breeding and hybrid rice seed production, including plans for a hybrid rice research centre. Business & Trade Links: Brunei and Malaysia business chambers renewed an MoU to boost economic cooperation, trade delegations and participation in exhibitions. Local Economy & Culture: Brunei’s People Arts Festival in Bandar Seri Begawan is running through the weekend, spotlighting the creative economy with food, art and community activities, including participation from Malaysia.

Regulatory Stability for Investment: Outgoing EU envoy Denis Chaibi says Indonesia must lock in stable rules, cut non-tariff barriers, and recognise EU halal certification to attract more European investment as it rolls out the EU trade deal. ASEAN Climate Security Push: Philippines environment officials urge ASEAN to treat climate resilience as part of the region’s security agenda, arguing floods and droughts can disrupt food, water, and supply chains across borders. Borneo Haze Crisis Escalates: Indonesia warns it will take legal action against anyone starting open fires as wildfires and choking haze spread across Borneo, with visibility dropping to as low as 1–10 metres and smoke reaching Malaysia and Brunei. Arrests Over Fire-Setting: Indonesian police arrest 72 people suspected of starting forest and peatland fires, with investigations also probing whether companies financed or directed land clearing. Massive Firefighting Reinforcements: Indonesia deploys an additional 1,500 soldiers to Borneo and sends helicopters to boost waterbombing, after fires burned over 200,000 hectares since January. Brunei-Malaysia Business Links: Brunei and Malaysia business chambers renew an MoU to expand trade, exhibitions, and business missions, while leaders’ talks also highlight progress on border demarcation and cooperation on energy, tourism, and rice cultivation. Brunei Sports: DPMM FC beats Penang FC 1-0 in the Super League opener, with Miguel Oliveira scoring the only goal.

Wildfire Haze Across Borneo: Indonesia says it has arrested 72 people suspected of starting forest and peatland fires as choking smoke spreads into Malaysia and Brunei, with authorities investigating dozens of cases and probing whether companies financed or directed land-clearing. Military Boost for Fire Response: President Prabowo has ordered an extra 1,500 soldiers to be deployed to Borneo, alongside helicopters for waterbombing, as fires have burned more than 200,000 hectares this year. Brunei-Malaysia Economic Push: Brunei’s National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Malaysia’s counterpart renewed an MoU to expand trade, exhibitions and business missions. ALC-27 Talks and Haze Agenda: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim and Brunei’s Sultan are set to discuss regional issues at ALC-27, with haze expected to be on the agenda given Sarawak’s worsening air readings. Hybrid Rice Plan: Brunei launched a one-year expert advisory programme with China to strengthen hybrid rice breeding and set up a hybrid rice research centre. Sports: DPMM FC opened their Super League campaign with a 1-0 win over Penang FC, thanks to Miguel Oliveira’s goal.

Borneo Haze Crackdown: Indonesia arrested 72 people suspected of deliberately starting forest and peatland fires, as choking smoke drifted into Malaysia and affected parts of Brunei, with investigators looking beyond ground perpetrators to find who “benefited” from the burning. Emergency Response: President Prabowo ordered an extra 1,500 soldiers and six helicopters to help tackle Borneo wildfires after fires burned over 200,000 hectares since January, while authorities warned against open fires amid thousands of hotspots. Brunei-Malaysia Economic Push: Brunei and Malaysia business chambers renewed an MoU to boost trade links, exhibitions and business missions, as leaders also prepare to discuss haze and other bilateral priorities under ALC-27. Food Security Boost: Brunei launched a one-year expert advisory programme with China to strengthen rice breeding and hybrid seed production, including plans for a hybrid rice research centre. Local Business & Talent: Hengyi Industries honoured 15 Bruneian students for academic excellence, and a regional Muslim youth entrepreneurship programme wrapped up in Bandar Seri Begawan. Sports: DPMM FC edged Penang FC 1-0 in the Super League opener, with Miguel Oliveira scoring in the 64th minute.

Brunei–Malaysia Ties: Brunei and Malaysia renewed their chamber-to-chamber MoU to boost trade links, with plans for more business missions, exhibitions and company exchanges. ALC-27 Diplomacy: Brunei’s Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim co-chaired ALC-27, reaffirming cooperation and pushing progress on border surveying and demarcation, plus energy, tourism and agriculture collaboration. Haze and Public Health: Indonesia’s wildfire crisis is worsening across Borneo, with authorities arresting 72 people suspected of starting forest and peatland fires and warning of legal action against open burning as smoke drifts into Malaysia and affects Brunei too. Food Security & Innovation: Brunei launched a one-year expert advisory programme with China to strengthen rice breeding and hybrid seed production, including plans for a hybrid rice research centre. Local Economy & Skills: Hengyi Industries recognised 15 Bruneian students for academic excellence, while a regional Muslim youth entrepreneurship programme wrapped up in Bandar Seri Begawan. Industry Watch: A Brunei shipowner warned that new international maritime rules could stifle the young local shipowning sector.

Malaysia–Brunei Talks: PM Anwar Ibrahim is in Brunei for the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultations (ALC-27), where leaders are set to review bilateral progress, including land and maritime boundary work, and push cooperation in energy, tourism and agriculture. Haze Cross-Border Impact: Indonesia’s worsening Borneo wildfires are driving choking smoke into Malaysia, with authorities warning against open fires and reporting thousands of hotspots; Sarawak has seen school closures due to unhealthy air. Business Links: Brunei and Malaysia business chambers renewed an MoU to boost economic ties, trade missions and participation in exhibitions. Creative Economy: Brunei’s People Arts Festival is spotlighting local talent and entrepreneurship, with Malaysia participation. Local Talent & Youth: Hengyi Industries honoured 15 Bruneian students for academic excellence, while a regional Muslim youth entrepreneurship programme wrapped up in Bandar Seri Begawan. Maritime Industry: A Brunei shipowner warns new international maritime rules could stifle the young local shipowning sector. Culture & Events: Relentless Entertainment will stage “Legally Blonde: The Musical” in September at the JIS Arts Centre.

Malaysia–Brunei Ties: Brunei and Malaysia business chambers renewed a MoU to boost economic cooperation, trade missions and participation in exhibitions. Regional Diplomacy: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim is in Brunei for ALC-27, where leaders are set to review bilateral progress, including land and maritime boundary work, disaster management cooperation and deeper economic links. Haze Crisis: Indonesia warned against starting open fires as Borneo wildfires worsen, sending choking smoke into Malaysia; Sarawak reported “very unhealthy” air in some areas and school closures. Firefighting Boost: Indonesia will deploy an additional 1,500 soldiers and six helicopters to tackle Borneo blazes, after fires burned over 200,000 hectares since January. Local Economy & Talent: Hengyi Industries honoured 15 Bruneian students for academic excellence tied to future petrochemical careers. Creative Sector: A People Arts Festival in Bandar Seri Begawan spotlights Brunei’s growing creative economy, with Malaysian participation. Entrepreneurship: A regional Muslim youths entrepreneurship programme wrapped up in Brunei, featuring a business pitching challenge. Business Climate: A Brunei shipowner warned that new international maritime rules could stifle the young local shipowning sector.

Bilateral Talks & Haze: Indonesia warned it will take legal action against anyone starting open fires as wildfire smoke from Borneo chokes parts of Kalimantan and drifts into Malaysia, with visibility dropping to as low as 1–10 metres and schools in Sarawak affected; the haze is also set to be raised at Malaysia-Brunei ALC-27, where PM Anwar Ibrahim and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah are expected to discuss disaster management cooperation. Local Education & Industry Skills: Hengyi Industries held its second Academic Excellence Award ceremony, recognising 15 Bruneian students and linking talent development to future careers in the petrochemical sector. Youth Entrepreneurship: A four-day entrepreneurship programme for 30 Muslim youths from Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore wrapped up in Bandar Seri Begawan, featuring a business pitching challenge. Brunei Economy & Energy: SLB won a contract from Brunei Shell Petroleum to restore production from shut-in offshore wells, aiming to improve recovery from mature assets. Sustainability in Construction: Neocrete’s low-carbon concrete additives secured US$3.5m funding, citing proven Brunei results including carbon and cost cuts for the Muara Port redevelopment. Culture & Lifestyle: Tanoti announced its Kuala Lumpur push, bringing Borneo’s indigenous handwoven craft to an ISETAN KLCC pop-up and runway events, with a flagship store planned later this year.

Haze and fire warnings: Indonesia warned people against starting open fires as wildfire smoke from Borneo blanketed parts of Kalimantan and drifted into Malaysia, cutting visibility and disrupting travel; Sarawak reported “very unhealthy” air in one district and closed nearly 600 schools. Malaysia–Brunei talks: The haze issue is set to be raised during the 27th Malaysia-Brunei Annual Leaders’ Consultation, with PM Anwar Ibrahim and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah expected to discuss regional concerns and disaster-management cooperation. Brunei talent and youth programmes: Hengyi Industries honoured 15 Bruneian students for academic excellence, while a regional Muslim youth entrepreneurship programme concluded in Bandar Seri Begawan with pitching and business training. Local business and industry: SLB won a contract from Brunei Shell Petroleum to restore production from shut-in offshore wells, and Neocrete’s $3.5m funding round highlighted proven Brunei-scale concrete carbon and cost cuts. Regional geopolitics: China denounced the Philippines over alleged airspace violations near Scarborough Shoal, as satellite reports say Beijing has advanced work on a disputed South China Sea artificial island.