AGP Executive Report

Productivity: Brunei is among 28 economies with full productivity accounts in the Asian Productivity Organization’s 2026 databook, which tracks economic and productivity trends through 2024 and projects growth to 2035. Development Partnerships: Brunei and the Islamic Development Bank launched their first country framework for 2026–2028. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah received the IsDB chairman, with talks focused on economic diversification, Islamic finance, food security and support for small businesses. Defence Cooperation: Royal Brunei Land Force personnel are training with about 130 Oklahoma National Guard members in Exercise Pahlawan Warrior 26, covering jungle and urban operations, live-fire coordination and skills exchanges. Trade and Travel: Shenzhen Airlines’ new direct route between Brunei and Shenzhen, launched on September 30, is expected to support business, tourism and investment links. Business: Imperial Motors has reopened Subaru’s official presence in Brunei, offering sales and after-sales service for four models.

Brunei-IsDB Development: His Majesty the Sultan received IsDB Group Chairman Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, with talks highlighting the new IsDB Group–Brunei Darussalam Country Engagement Framework 2026–2028 and cooperation on economic transformation, private sector growth, Islamic finance and sustainable development aligned with Wawasan Brunei 2035. Regional Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines launched a direct Brunei–Shenzhen route, linking the Sultanate to China’s Greater Bay Area and expected to boost trade, tourism and people-to-people ties. Local Economy & Policy: Brunei’s central bank launched the Financial Sector Blueprint 2026–2035, setting direction for the sector’s next phase. ASEAN Focus: Singapore’s Grace Fu said ASEAN should prioritise a regional power grid, climate finance and resilience during its 2027 chairmanship, pointing to cross-border electricity trading as a practical path forward. Productivity Outlook: The Asian Productivity Organization released its 2026 APO Productivity Databook, projecting Asia’s growth and labour productivity trends through 2035, including full productivity accounts covering Brunei.

IsDB Partnership Push: The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Chairman, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, met Brunei’s Finance II Minister and other senior ministers to advance the IsDB–Brunei Country Engagement Framework 2026–2028, with focus on Islamic finance, food security, and SMEs aligned to Wawasan Brunei 2035 and the 12th National Development Plan. Framework Launch: Brunei and the IsDB Group also formally launched the first Country Engagement Framework 2026–2028, setting a structured platform to turn shared priorities into projects. Air Connectivity Boost: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new direct Brunei–Shenzhen route, starting with an inaugural flight on Sept 30, aiming to deepen trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people links. Regional Diplomacy & Policy: Khelafat Majlis hosted diplomats in Dhaka, calling for a balanced foreign policy based on national interests and mutual respect. Business & Consumer Notes: Apple Music officially expanded to Brunei (along with Pakistan and others), while Maju Motors’ BYD/Denza promotion runs until Dec 31 with a chance to win a house. Travel & Sports Glance: Malaysia’s F1 return drew major attention at Sepang, with Brunei’s Sultan attending alongside regional leaders.

IsDB–Brunei Partnership: Brunei and the Islamic Development Bank launched their first IsDB Group–Brunei Darussalam Country Engagement Framework 2026–2028, setting out a structured plan aligned with Wawasan Brunei 2035 and national development priorities. Regional Connectivity Boost: Shenzhen Airlines began a new direct Brunei–Shenzhen route, linking Brunei to China’s Greater Bay Area and expected to support trade, tourism and people-to-people ties. Digital Travel Upgrade: Royal Brunei Airlines and SES completed inflight Wi-Fi installation across the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, rolling out seamless connectivity for A320neo operations. Local Business & Mobility: Imperial Motors (Inchcape) brought Subaru back to Brunei with a new authorised showroom and full sales, servicing and aftersales support. Tech & Media Access: Apple Music officially expanded to Brunei (along with Albania, Burkina Faso and Pakistan), adding local access through Apple accounts. Sports Spotlight: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Brunei’s leadership attended Malaysia’s return of Formula 1 at Sepang, with heavy rain delaying the race. Energy & Trade Watch: China’s suspension of oil product exports beyond Hong Kong and Macau could tighten fuel supplies for regional buyers including Singapore and Malaysia.

Brunei-Linked Aviation & Connectivity: Royal Brunei Airlines and SES have completed the rollout of RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi across the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, aiming to boost seamless connectivity for travellers. New Direct Route to China: Shenzhen Airlines launched a Brunei–Shenzhen direct flight, starting with an inaugural BSB–Shenzhen service on Sept 30, to strengthen trade, tourism and people-to-people links with China’s Greater Bay Area. Regional Development Talks: The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group chairman will visit Brunei from 5–7 Oct for high-level discussions, including launching an IsDB–Brunei Country Engagement Framework for 2026–2028 to support economic diversification. Local Business Promotion: Maju Motors’ BYD and Denza campaign runs until 31 Dec, offering a chance to win a house plus prizes worth over BND300,000. Sports Spotlight (Brunei in the mix): The 2026 Asian Games closed in Japan and head to Doha in 2030, with Brunei among the medal-winning nations. Tech & Media Access: Apple Music has officially expanded to Brunei (along with Albania, Burkina Faso and Pakistan), adding another local option for subscribers.

Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines ties: The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group chairman will visit Brunei from 5–7 Oct for high-level talks, including the launch of an IsDB–Brunei Country Engagement Framework for 2026–2028 to support Brunei’s economic diversification. Aviation & connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new direct Brunei–Shenzhen route, with an inaugural flight from Bandar Seri Begawan on 30 Sept, aiming to boost trade, tourism and people-to-people links. Local business & mobility: Subaru has returned to Brunei with a new Imperial Motors showroom and authorised sales, servicing and aftersales support. Digital travel upgrade: Royal Brunei Airlines and SES completed installation of RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi across the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet. Regional labour pressure: Overseas employment clearances fell 29% year-on-year in September, with Gulf and Malaysia restrictions still weighing on recruitment. Sports spotlight: The Asian Games closed in Japan and will head to Doha in 2030, with Brunei among the bottom four medal winners.

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.