AGP Executive Report

Brunei-Indonesia Healthcare Ties: Brunei and Indonesia signed an MoU to deepen health cooperation, covering primary care, health services, resilience, financing, workforce and health technology. Visit Brunei Year 2027: The campaign’s official branding was unveiled, including the logo and mascots “Awang” and “Dayang”, as a whole-of-nation push to boost tourism and diversification. Regional Energy Planning: A new analysis flags that ASEAN’s subsea power cable ambitions need stronger governance, cost-sharing and coordination to scale interconnectors by 2040. Sabah Tourism & Creative Economy: Sabah’s Sabah National Tabletop Con 2.0 doubled in size, drawing vendors and creators from Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, with gaming pitched as niche tourism. ASEAN-Russia Summit: Leaders at the Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan backed expanded cooperation on energy, nuclear collaboration and trade, including moves toward national-currency transactions. India-US Trade Talks: US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and India’s Piyush Goyal begin talks on the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement, with tariff timelines looming. Local Human Story: In Miri, an MP stepped in to help a father of four after his wife’s death from stage-four breast cancer, aiming to support his family’s livelihood.

Brunei-Indonesia Healthcare: Brunei and Indonesia signed an MoU to deepen health cooperation, covering primary care, health services, resilience, financing, workforce and health technology. Regional Development Lessons: Sarawak is studying Vienna’s Seestadt Aspern to shape its Limbang-Lawas Local Plan 2035, focusing on integrated urban planning, transport and quality-of-life. Tourism Branding: Brunei unveiled the official branding for Visit Brunei Year 2027, including the logo and mascots Awang and Dayang, as a whole-of-nation push to boost tourism and diversification. ASEAN Energy Integration: A new analysis says ASEAN’s cross-border subsea power cable plans need stronger governance for planning, cost-sharing and coordination as capacity targets expand by 2040. Local Community Support: In Miri, MP Chiew Choon Man stepped in to help a father of four after his wife’s death, including support to help him rebuild his livelihood. Sports Wealth Spotlight: Reports highlight Bruneian royal-linked Faiq Bolkiah as the world’s richest footballer by personal fortune, far ahead of Ronaldo and Messi.

Visit Brunei Year 2027: Brunei unveiled the official branding for VBY2027, including the logo and mascots “Awang” and “Dayang”, in a pre-launch ceremony at Jerudong Park Garden led by senior officials and Prince Abdul Mateen. Brunei-Indonesia Health Ties: Brunei and Indonesia signed an MoU to deepen healthcare cooperation, covering primary care, health services, resilience, financing, human resources and health technology. Regional Tourism Push: India’s High Commission in Malaysia backed direct air connectivity with Sabah, calling it a “game changer” for tourism and economic cooperation. ASEAN-Russia Summit: Leaders at the Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan adopted the Kazan Declaration, expanding cooperation across 16 areas through 2030, with Putin urging more trade using national currencies. Business & Community Events: Sarawak shared planning lessons from Vienna’s Seestadt Aspern for Limbang-Lawas Local Plan 2035, while WAK x Miri and WATCEFS 2026 highlighted growing regional culture and culinary trade. Sports & Culture Spotlight: Chef Kenny Gan will represent Malaysia at Spain’s World Tapas Championship after winning a Malaysian national title at WATCEFS 2026.

Tourism Branding: Brunei officially launched the Visit Brunei Year 2027 campaign, unveiling the logo and mascots “Awang” and “Dayang” at Jerudong Park Garden, with a whole-of-nation push to boost tourism and support economic diversification. Healthcare Ties: Brunei and Indonesia signed an MoU to deepen healthcare cooperation, covering primary care, health resilience, financing, human resources and health technology. Regional Development Planning: Sarawak’s Deputy Premier said lessons from Vienna’s Seestadt Aspern will guide the Limbang-Lawas Local Plan 2035, focusing on integrated, implementation-ready urban planning. ASEAN-Russia Trade Push: At the Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan, leaders adopted the Kazan Declaration and backed wider cooperation through 2030, including energy, fertilizers, security and trade using national currencies. Business Appointments: Shell named Elohor Aiboni as its first Nigerian woman Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, taking effect 1 August 2026. Co-op Collaboration: Sabah’s Kopeks plans to collaborate with Bruneian cooperatives to expand its regional network.

Regional Tourism & Creative Economy: Sarawak’s WAK x Miri keeps expanding with strong youth and community backing, while WATCEFS 2026 opened in Miri with chefs, exhibitors and delegates from 13 nations, drawing about 3,000 visitors for competitions, masterclasses and trade networking. Gaming & Cross-Border Culture: Sabah’s National Tabletop Con 2.0 doubled in size at the Sabah Art Gallery, featuring creators and vendors from Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, plus the “My Trip in Sabah” board game contest. Brunei-Sabah Business Links: Kopeks plans closer cooperative ties with Brunei through a partnership framework, and Sabah also pushes for better air links with India—calling direct connectivity a potential “game changer” for tourism and trade. Energy & Diplomacy: Russia-ASEAN talks in Kazan produced the Kazan Declaration, with Putin urging more trade using national currencies and pledging energy and nuclear cooperation. Corporate Leadership: Shell appointed Elohor Aiboni as Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, effective 1 August 2026.

Regional Diplomacy: Russia and ASEAN wrapped up the Kazan summit with the Kazan Declaration, outlining cooperation across 16 areas through 2030, including trade, energy, digitalisation, science, culture and workforce training—Brunei among the leaders attending. Energy & Finance: Putin urged ASEAN to expand trade using national currencies and promised continued supplies of food and energy, while both sides flagged growing global energy instability and the need to protect critical infrastructure and maritime routes. Security Tensions: Ukraine’s drone attack on a Moscow oil refinery disrupted flights at several Moscow airports, with Russia vowing “massive group strikes” on Kyiv in retaliation. Business Appointments: Shell named Elohor Aiboni as its first Nigerian woman Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, effective 1 August 2026, succeeding Marno de Jong; Aiboni previously worked in Shell roles including in Brunei. Local-Regional Links: Sabah’s Kopeks said it will collaborate with Bruneian cooperatives via Brunei’s Malay Business Chamber, while India’s high commission backed direct air connectivity to Sabah as a tourism and economic “game changer.” Culture & Events: Sarawak’s Rainforest World Music Festival returns 26–28 June with international acts, and Sabah’s tabletop gaming convention doubled in size for its second edition with vendors from Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

Brunei-Russia diplomacy: Brunei is among the ASEAN leaders attending Russia’s Kazan summit, where Vladimir Putin hailed a wider “strategic partnership” and backed cooperation across energy, trade, digitalisation, science, tourism and culture, with a Kazan Declaration and a 2026–2030 action plan adopted. Regional energy security: The summit also flagged growing global energy instability and urged stronger energy security, supply-chain resilience and protection of critical infrastructure. ASEAN connectivity push: Singapore’s PM Lawrence Wong said Singapore wants practical areas of cooperation with Russia as ASEAN chair next year. Sabah-India air links: In Malaysia, India’s acting high commissioner backed talks for direct air connectivity between India and Sabah, calling it a “game changer” for tourism and economic cooperation. Local development model: Sarawak is studying Hungary’s Győr development approach to shape Limbang and Lawas as border growth centres near Brunei and Indonesia. Business leadership in oil & gas: Shell appointed Elohor Aiboni as Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, with her role starting Aug 1, 2026, after Brunei Shell Petroleum assignment. Tourism event: Rainforest World Music Festival 2026 returns to Sarawak Cultural Village from 26–28 June with international and regional acts.

Ukraine-Russia War: Ukraine struck the Moscow Oil Refinery again, disrupting flights from four Moscow airports, as Russian air defences reported shooting down 555 drones and Moscow vowed “massive group strikes” on Kyiv in retaliation. Russia-ASEAN Summit: In Kazan, ASEAN leaders including Brunei backed expanded Russia-ASEAN cooperation, adopting the Kazan Declaration and a 2026–2030 action plan across trade, energy, security, digital and people-to-people links. ASEAN-Russia Workforce & Energy: The summit also advanced cultural-sector workforce training and flagged rising global energy instability, urging stronger energy security, protected infrastructure, and safer maritime routes. Shell Leadership Move (Brunei link): Shell appointed Elohor Aiboni—currently on assignment at Brunei Shell Petroleum—as Nigeria’s new Executive Vice President and Country Chair, taking over from Marno de Jong on Aug 1, 2026. Local Business (Sabah-Brunei): Sabah’s Kopeks is teaming up with Brunei cooperatives to explore import-export opportunities as part of its push to diversify into healthcare, Ar-Rahnu, housing and community media. Tourism Connectivity (Sabah-India): India’s high commission in Malaysia backed talks for a proposed direct air link between India and Sabah, saying better connectivity could unlock tourism and economic growth.

Brunei in Regional Spotlight: Brunei is named among ASEAN members in Russia’s Kazan summit push to expand “strategic partnership” with the bloc, with leaders backing cooperation across trade, energy, digitalisation, science, tourism and culture, and adopting the Kazan Declaration plus a 2026–2030 action plan. Local Business & Community: In Sabah, Kopeks is moving to diversify and grow via a collaboration with Brunei cooperatives, including exploring import-export opportunities and expanding healthcare, Ar-Rahnu, housing and community media. Energy & Markets: A report on Brunei’s oil trade highlights how Strait of Hormuz disruptions and fuel volatility boosted demand for Brunei’s light, low-sulphur crude, with exports rising sharply in April. Global Security: Ukraine’s drone attacks on Moscow and Russia’s retaliatory threats dominated international updates, while the US issued a security alert to Americans in Russia. Corporate Appointments: Shell named Elohor Aiboni—currently on assignment at Brunei Shell Petroleum—as Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria.

Russia-ASEAN Summit: President Vladimir Putin hosted ASEAN leaders in Kazan to push stronger economic and political ties, with Brunei among the member states. The summit adopted the Kazan Declaration plus energy, culture and a 2026–2030 action plan, while leaders also discussed trade, investment, energy, agriculture, digitalisation and tourism. Brunei-Russia Links: Putin met Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah on the sidelines, saying Russia-Brunei trade is nearing US$1 billion and highlighting cooperation in energy, industry, agriculture and medicine. Ukraine Drone Strike: Ukraine hit a Moscow oil refinery again and disrupted flights, as Russian officials said hundreds of drones were intercepted. Energy Security Warning: The IEA said Strait of Hormuz disruptions exposed major energy risks for Southeast Asia, where Middle East supplies dominate crude imports and refined products. Shell Leadership Change: Shell named Elohor Aiboni—currently on assignment at Brunei Shell Petroleum—as Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, effective Aug 1, 2026, succeeding Marno de Jong. Tourism Trade: Travel Meet Asia 2026 opens in Jakarta (June 23–24) with 20% more exhibition space, welcoming Brunei as Official Partner Country. Business Expansion: Sabah’s Kopeks said it is exploring import-export opportunities with Brunei cooperatives to expand markets for local products.

Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan: Russian President Vladimir Putin is hosting ASEAN leaders in Kazan for a two-day meeting marking 35 years of ties, with talks expected to cover trade, investment, security, energy and food security, and several documents planned for adoption. Brunei in the spotlight: Putin met Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah during the summit period, framing the Russia-ASEAN partnership as a stabilising factor in the Asia-Pacific. Ukraine support at the G7: Separately, the G7 agreed to boost support for Ukraine, including air defence and long-range capabilities, alongside fresh sanctions considerations—signalling a shift in US posture after earlier criticism. Regional energy and shipping worries: German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned Europe is concerned about rising South China Sea tensions, saying any major flare-up could threaten freedom of navigation and global trade. Business and travel links: Travel Meet Asia 2026 in Jakarta (23-24 June) will expand exhibition space by 20% and welcomes Brunei as an official partner country. Local relevance via Brunei Shell: Shell named Elohor Aiboni—currently on assignment as Asset Director at Brunei Shell Petroleum—as Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, effective 1 Aug 2026. Food security education: The Philippines’ DepEd recognised Searca for agriculture-based learning, using school and home gardens as “living laboratories” and adding agri-robotics training.

Russia-ASEAN Summit: President Vladimir Putin is hosting ASEAN leaders in Kazan for a two-day summit marking 35 years of ties, with talks expected to focus on trade, investment, energy and industrial cooperation, including bilateral meetings involving Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. Brunei in the spotlight: Putin specifically met the Sultan during the summit period, underscoring Brunei’s role in the bloc’s engagement with Russia. Energy and fuel pressure: Malaysia’s economy minister said the global fuel crisis could create opportunities for ASEAN, while Japan reported a May trade deficit as Middle East oil imports fell sharply amid disruption linked to the Iran conflict. Shell leadership change (Brunei-linked): Shell named Elohor Aiboni—currently an asset director at Brunei Shell Petroleum—as Nigeria’s new Executive Vice President and Country Chair, effective Aug 1, 2026. Environment: A study says Cyclone Senyar in Indonesia killed nearly 60 of the world’s remaining Tapanuli orangutans, pushing the critically endangered species closer to extinction. Food security angle: ASEAN leaders discussed “collective resilience” as the region faces energy and fertiliser pressures affecting food supply.

Brunei Diplomacy: Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah turns 80, with no clear succession signs, and Prince Abdul Mateen is set to lead the foreign ministry as Brunei prepares for the ASEAN-Russia summit in Kazan. Regional Security: Germany’s president warned Europe is worried about rising South China Sea tensions, saying any major flare-up could threaten freedom of navigation and global trade. ASEAN-Russia Summit: Russia’s Putin will attend the Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan on June 17-18, with Brunei’s Sultan among the leaders expected to join and multiple documents planned. Energy & Costs: Japan reported a May trade deficit of 378.6 billion yen, with crude oil imports plunging as shipping routes shift amid Middle East conflict—raising concerns about higher procurement costs. Local Relevance for Brunei: AMRO said ASEAN+3 fiscal stress from higher energy costs and subsidies is expected to show more clearly in Q2, with Brunei the only one not seeing positive year-to-date revenue growth. Business & Tech: Boustead Singapore’s Esri Australia renewed a GIS contract with Australia’s federal government for about S$60 million, boosting expected profitability and EPS. Environment: A study says Cyclone Senyar in Indonesia wiped out over 7% of the world’s remaining Tapanuli orangutans, underscoring climate-linked extreme weather risks.

Brunei Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is set to attend the Russia-ASEAN anniversary summit in Kazan on June 17-18, with several regional leaders also expected and four documents planned for adoption. South China Sea Tensions: Germany’s president says Europe is worried about rising friction in the disputed South China Sea, warning that incidents could threaten freedom of navigation. Brunei Leadership Update: Prince Abdul Mateen has been appointed Brunei’s chief of diplomacy, taking over the foreign ministry role as the Sultan reshuffles cabinet posts. ASEAN Trade Dispute Settlement Pushback: Over 80 community groups urge governments to review and remove Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) rules from the updated ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand trade deal. Business & Tech Link to Brunei: Boustead Singapore’s Esri Australia renewed a major ArcGIS contract with Australia’s federal government (about S$60m), with the platform distributed across Brunei and other markets. Energy & Fiscal Watch: AMRO flags that the Iran crisis could show up in ASEAN+3 fiscal data in Q2, with higher energy costs and subsidies a key risk.

ASEAN trade talks: Over 80 civil society groups across ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand are urging governments to remove Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) rules from the updated AANZFTA, ahead of a review starting 24 June in Melbourne. Regional defence and public access: Australia’s Exercise Pitch Black returns to the Top End from 20 July to 7 August with 19 nations and 100+ aircraft, including Brunei; free community events are set for Mindil Beach (23 July) and the RAAF Darwin Open Day (1 August). Brunei leadership update: The Sultan of Brunei, Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, turns 80, with cabinet changes earlier this month including Prince Abdul Mateen Bolkiah taking the chief of diplomacy role. Sports in the region: Samoc drew 768 Masters athletes to Sabah’s Kota Kinabalu, highlighting growing demand for senior sports events. Culture and film: Chinese family drama “Dear You” is set for release in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei on 18 June, after strong regional buzz. Local business/energy tech: Rectitude says it has secured additional SuperSun AIMS system orders for major Singapore infrastructure and residential projects.

Brunei Diplomacy: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim reshuffled the Cabinet, appointing HRH Prince Abdul Mateen Bolkiah as Brunei’s chief of diplomacy and Foreign Minister, with Erywan Yusof continuing as Second Minister of Foreign Affairs. Regional Defence & Training: Brunei is listed among 19 nations taking part in Australia’s Exercise Pitch Black (20 July–7 August) in the Top End, with 100+ aircraft and two free community events in Darwin. Brunei-Singapore Business: Rectitude Holdings says it has secured additional orders for its SuperSun AIMS systems across multiple marquee Singapore projects, spanning public housing, residential and healthcare infrastructure. Local Culture & Food: Royal Brunei Culinary’s Singapore Food Festival 2026 runs in Bandar Seri Begawan from 11 June to 4 July, featuring 70+ dishes and a collaboration with Old Chang Kee. ASEAN Environment: ASEAN adopted a Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment, with calls now focused on turning commitments into action.