AGP Executive Report

Digital Economy & Policy: Brunei’s Digital Brunei Council has released Digital Brunei 2030, a five-year national masterplan to guide the country’s digital growth to 2030, aligning digital government, society, business, and a cross-cutting data & AI strategy under the “Together Towards a Digital Brunei” theme. Competition & Consumer Protection: Brunei’s Competition Commission (CCBD) warned event organisers and vendors against price-setting restrictions at markets and festivals, saying minimum-price terms could breach the Competition Act by effectively enabling indirect price-fixing. Blue Economy & Maritime Growth: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 kicks off on 2 June at UBD, spotlighting the blue economy and how Brunei’s ocean resources link to jobs, food security, innovation, and environmental protection. Regional Finance Outlook: AMRO expects Asean+3 growth to stay resilient at 4% for 2026 and 2027, but flagged mixed revisions across economies, including Brunei’s forecast upgrade. Trade & Connectivity: Inchcape Shipping Services opened a new office in Brunei, aiming to strengthen support for offshore, naval and logistics operations. Healthcare & Tourism: Gleneagles JPMC expanded its medical tourism outreach into Indonesia’s East Kalimantan via partnerships with local hospital and banking stakeholders. ASEAN Integration: Cambodia chairs the 35th ASEAN Customs Directors-General Meeting, pushing customs cooperation to support resilience and regional integration. Energy Risk Watch: A report highlights how the global oil supply shock—linked to the Strait of Hormuz disruption—could pressure ASEAN energy markets and economic stability.

Brunei Business & Economy: Brunei’s competition watchdog CCBD warned event organisers and vendors against coordinating prices or imposing minimum selling prices at markets and festivals, saying such terms can infringe the Competition Act by effectively amounting to indirect price-fixing. Tourism & Connectivity: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 kicks off on 2 June at UBD Pro Chancellor Arts Centre, spotlighting “Ocean of Opportunities” and the blue economy’s role in jobs, food security, innovation and environmental protection. Healthcare Trade: Gleneagles Jerudong Park Medical Centre expanded its medical tourism outreach into East Kalimantan, Indonesia, linking with RS Parikesit and Bank Danamon to strengthen cross-border cardiac care and awareness. Local Business Growth: Inchcape Shipping Services opened a new office in Brunei, aiming to boost support for offshore, naval and logistics operations. Regional Trade Deals: Argentina moved to formally apply to join CPTPP, a bloc that already includes Brunei, while Sri Lanka said Australia and New Zealand backed its RCEP bid. Underwater Infrastructure Security: Singapore spearheaded a 17-nation framework (GUIDE) to protect critical underwater infrastructure like subsea cables, with Brunei among endorsers.

Regional Tourism & Connectivity: Sarawak Tourism Board and Royal Brunei Airlines have signed an MoU at ITB China 2026 to boost access to Sarawak and strengthen its “Gateway to Borneo” positioning. Trade Expansion: Argentina says it will formally submit its application to join the CPTPP in Paris this Wednesday, aiming to open new markets for its private sector; Brunei is already a CPTPP member. Tourism Demand Watch: UN Tourism reports international arrivals rose 2% in Q1 2026, but the Middle East saw a 14% drop amid conflict, with knock-on effects likely to shave 1–2 percentage points off global growth. Business Turnaround: Aquaculture firm Barramundi Group posted a FY2025 profit after a restructuring write-off approved by Singapore’s High Court, moving it off losses and away from an Oslo Børs penalty bench. Competition Law Reminder (Local): Brunei’s CCBD warns event organisers and vendors against price-setting or minimum-price rules at markets and festivals, citing risks under the Competition Act. Healthcare & Cross-Border Services: Gleneagles JPMC expanded its medical tourism push into East Kalimantan via partnerships with RS Parikesit and Bank Danamon. Blue Economy Spotlight (Local): Ocean Week Brunei 2026 launches 2 June, focusing on blue economy opportunities tied to jobs, food security, innovation and marine ecosystem resilience. Undersea Infrastructure Security (Regional): Singapore-led GUIDE framework brings 17 countries together to protect critical underwater cables and energy/power links, with Brunei among endorsers. Defence Deals (Regional): India’s defence secretary says Vietnam’s BrahMos deal is already signed (not yet publicly announced) and Indonesia’s is in final stages.

Ocean Week Brunei 2026: The event kicks off today (2 June) at UBD’s Pro Chancellor Arts Centre, spotlighting “Ocean of Opportunities” and the blue economy—linking marine health to jobs, food security, tourism, innovation and climate resilience. Competition Watch: Brunei’s Competition Commission (CCBD) warned market and festival organisers not to coordinate prices or impose minimum selling prices on vendors, saying it could breach the Competition Act’s rules against price-fixing. Medical Tourism: Gleneagles Jerudong Park Medical Centre expanded its medical tourism push into East Kalimantan via partnerships with RS Parikesit and Bank Danamon, focusing on cardiac care and health awareness. Food Safety Cooperation: APFRAS—where Brunei is a member—re-elected South Korea as chair and urged progress toward harmonised food safety rules to help trade. Regional Undersea Security: Singapore led the launch of the GUIDE framework with 17 countries (including Brunei) to strengthen defence exchanges for critical underwater infrastructure security. Tourism Demand: UN Tourism reported international arrivals rose 2% in Q1 2026, but Middle East arrivals fell 14% amid conflict-driven disruption and higher travel costs. Maritime Tensions: China’s coast guard carried out “law enforcement” patrols east of Taiwan after Japan and the Philippines moved toward maritime boundary talks.

Underwater Security Push: Singapore-led GUIDE framework brings 17 countries (including Brunei) together to strengthen defence cooperation and norms for protecting critical subsea cables and energy links, with voluntary, non-binding principles launched at Shangri-La. Ocean Economy Spotlight: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 kicks off 2 June at UBD, aiming to turn “ocean opportunities” into blue economy growth across jobs, innovation, fisheries, tourism and marine conservation. Competition Watch: CCBD warns market and festival organisers not to coordinate prices or impose minimum selling prices on vendors, saying it may breach Brunei’s Competition Act. Local Business Expansion: Inchcape Shipping Services opens a new Brunei office to support offshore, oil & gas tanker, navy-related and integrated logistics services, including ship-to-ship agency work. Medical Tourism Link: Gleneagles JPMC expands its medical tourism outreach into East Kalimantan via partnerships with RS Parikesit and Bank Danamon, focusing on cardiac care and health awareness. Regional Trade/Policy: US reaffirms commitment to develop the Luzon Economic Corridor, while Vietnam and the Philippines elevate ties to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership.

Brunei Business & Trade Links: Inchcape Shipping Services opened a new office in Brunei, aiming to boost support for offshore, naval and logistics operations, including ship-to-ship agency services and added local partnerships for storage, transport and offshore fabrication. Regional Security & Infrastructure: Seventeen countries including Brunei launched the GUIDE framework at the Shangri-La Dialogue to strengthen defence cooperation and norms for protecting critical underwater infrastructure like subsea cables and energy links. South China Sea Watch: China’s coast guard said it carried out “law enforcement” patrols east of Taiwan amid Japan-Philippines maritime boundary talks, while China also stepped up patrols near Scarborough Shoal as Manila dismissed claims of coordinated drills. Defence Procurement Signals: India’s defence chief said a BrahMos deal with Vietnam is already signed (not yet publicly announced) and Indonesia’s is in final stages—potentially reshaping regional defence supply chains. ASEAN Business Climate: Vietnam and the Philippines issued a joint statement upgrading their strategic partnership to an “Enhanced Strategic Partnership,” with leaders also witnessing bilateral agreements and a business forum. Energy & Markets: Japan’s April crude imports showed Saudi dominance but a sharp drop, while Brunei appears among smaller suppliers.

Undersea Security Pact: Malaysia, Singapore and 15 others launched the “Guide” framework to strengthen defence exchanges for critical underwater infrastructure, with Brunei among endorsers—aimed at protecting subsea cables and energy networks as trade lifelines. South China Sea Tensions: China’s coast guard and military carried out “law enforcement” and combat-readiness patrols near Scarborough Shoal after Japan and the Philippines moved toward maritime boundary talks, while Manila rejected claims of drills. Defence Trade Watch: India’s defence secretary said Vietnam’s BrahMos deal is already signed (not yet publicly announced) and Indonesia’s is in the final stages—highlighting growing ASEAN defence procurement activity. Brunei Business Link: Inchcape Shipping Services opened a new Brunei office to support offshore, naval and logistics operations, including ship-to-ship agency services and local partnerships. Regional Energy Note: Japan’s April crude imports showed Saudi dominance but a sharp shift in volumes, with Brunei listed among smaller suppliers. Islamic Finance Snapshot: Fitch said the Philippines’ Islamic finance market remains small (about US$44m end-2025), lagging regional leaders like Brunei and Malaysia.

Currency Modernisation: India’s Reserve Bank is revisiting a pilot for tougher, longer-lasting polymer banknotes, starting with heavily used Rs 10 and Rs 20 notes—aimed at cutting replacement costs as digital payments rise. South China Sea Tensions: China’s military and coast guard carried out combat-readiness patrols near Scarborough Shoal, while the Philippines said the drills were “completely unfounded,” after recent US-Philippine exercises. Regional Defence Cooperation: At Shangri-La Dialogue, the Philippines framed itself as a “guardian” of maritime freedom, while ASEAN defence ministers reiterated the need to uphold transit passage and keep trade flowing through key corridors. Undersea Infrastructure Security: Seventeen countries, including Brunei, launched voluntary guidelines to protect subsea telecom and energy cables, citing rising incidents and the need for shared norms and faster crisis response. Defence Deals in Focus: India’s defence chief said BrahMos missile agreements with Vietnam are signed (not yet publicly announced) and Indonesia’s is in final stages—values still undisclosed. Brunei Business Link: Inchcape Shipping Services opened a new Brunei office to expand support for offshore, naval and logistics operations, including ship-to-ship agency services.

Undersea Security Pact: Malaysia, Singapore and 15 other countries launched the GUIDE framework to protect critical underwater cables and energy links, with Brunei among the endorsers; ministers warned disruptions can hit trade and connectivity, and noted China and the US are absent. Regional Trade Corridors: ASEAN defence ministers at the Shangri-La Dialogue reaffirmed the need to uphold transit passage under UNCLOS through key routes like the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. Brunei Shipping Move: Inchcape Shipping Services opened a new Brunei office to support offshore, oil & gas tanker, navy-related and integrated logistics services, including ship-to-ship agency work and local partnerships. ASEAN-Russia Engagement: Philippines foreign officials said ASEAN leaders will meet Putin in Kazan on June 17–18, keeping Moscow as a “dialogue partner” despite differing member stances on Ukraine. Defence Procurement Watch: India’s defence secretary said Vietnam’s BrahMos deal is already signed (not yet publicly announced) and Indonesia’s is in final stages, with values still undisclosed.

Brunei Business & Economy: Brunei’s CPI edged up 0.1% in April year-on-year, driven mainly by higher food prices, while non-food costs dipped slightly. Digital Skills: AITI’s Brunei TechXplore Digital Apprenticeship Program wrapped up, highlighting hands-on ICT training aimed at boosting employability and global exposure for local graduates. Trade & Logistics: Inchcape Shipping Services opened a new Brunei office to strengthen support for offshore, naval and logistics operations, including port agency services and partnerships with local vendors. Regional Business Watch: ASEAN leaders are preparing for a June summit with Russia in Kazan, with Brunei included among member states—an issue that matters for regional trade and energy ties. Fraud & Payments: A regional anti-scam push showcased the Global Signal Exchange platform, where tech firms and governments share signals to disrupt online fraud faster. Energy & Food Security: ASEAN’s food security agenda is increasingly tied to fuel security, as energy disruptions ripple into fertiliser and supply chains. Markets & Consumer Policy: Malaysia reiterated that subsidised RON95 is limited to Malaysian citizens and Malaysia-registered vehicles, with tighter enforcement on foreign cards at pumps.

ASEAN-Russia Diplomacy: ASEAN leaders, including Brunei, will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin at a June summit in Kazan, with the Philippines’ foreign secretary saying talks with Sergey Lavrov covered expanding ASEAN-Russia strategic partnership. Brunei Business & Economy: Brunei’s CPI rose 0.1% in April year-on-year, mainly from higher food prices, while DEPS reported non-food easing. Digital Skills: Brunei’s AITI says the TechXplore Digital Apprenticeship Program is boosting ICT graduates’ employability and global exposure aligned with Vision 2035. Shipping & Offshore Logistics: Inchcape Shipping Services opened a Brunei office to support offshore, oil & gas tanker, navy-related activities and integrated logistics, including ship-to-ship agency work. Regional Trade & Tourism Links: Sarawak Tourism Board and Royal Brunei Airlines signed an MoU to strengthen connectivity and boost Sarawak’s international tourism. Cross-border Business Growth: VentureTECH invested in Pacton Technologies to scale its AI/IoT aquaculture platform FishSpeak, targeting ASEAN expansion including Brunei. Regional Security Watch: China accused a Dutch frigate of entering disputed Paracel waters; the Netherlands said it operated under international law.

Shipping & Logistics: Inchcape Shipping Services opened a new Brunei office to support offshore, oil & gas tanker, navy-related work and integrated logistics, including ship-to-ship agency services and partnerships for storage, transport and offshore equipment support. Digital Skills: Brunei TechXplore’s Digital Apprenticeship Program wrapped up, aiming to boost ICT employability and global exposure aligned with Brunei’s digital transformation agenda. Cost of Living: Brunei CPI rose 0.1% in April year-on-year, mainly from higher food prices, while non-food edged down. Education & Skills: A Philippines lawmaker urged DepEd to prioritise reading comprehension fixes for older students rather than rolling out new policies. Tourism Connectivity: Sarawak Tourism Board and Royal Brunei Airlines signed an MoU to strengthen Sarawak–Borneo connectivity and boost international tourism. Regional Business: Zus Coffee entered Indonesia (Jakarta) via a Kapal Api Group partnership, adding to its Brunei and wider Southeast Asia footprint. Cross-border Security: A multi-country anti-scam crackdown netted 3,018 arrests tied to about US$752m in losses, with Brunei among participating jurisdictions. Fuel Policy Watch: Malaysia reiterated subsidised RON95 is limited to Malaysian citizens and Malaysia-registered vehicles, with tighter enforcement on foreign cards and foreign-plate purchases.

Tourism & Connectivity: Sarawak Tourism Board and Royal Brunei Airlines signed an MoU in Shanghai to boost Sarawak’s “Gateway to Borneo” positioning and improve international access. Digital Skills: Brunei’s AITI wrapped up its TechXplore Digital Apprenticeship Program, aimed at giving ICT graduates hands-on experience and global exposure aligned with Brunei Vision 2035. Cost of Living: Brunei CPI rose 0.1% in April year-on-year, driven mainly by higher food prices, while non-food edged down. Regional Trade & Diplomacy: Vienna is pushing for an EU-ASEAN Center from 2027, with Brunei cited as a key partner and a focus on innovation, tech transfer and capacity building. Regional Business Expansion: Zus Coffee debuted in Indonesia via a partnership with Kapal Api Group, adding another Southeast Asian market to its growing footprint. Maritime & Geopolitics: China said it expelled Dutch and NATO-linked ships from the South China Sea near disputed areas, underscoring rising international pushback that can affect regional trade routes. Security & Fraud: A multi-country anti-scam crackdown involving Brunei led to 3,018 arrests tied to about US$752m in losses.

Tourism Connectivity: Sarawak Tourism Board and Royal Brunei Airlines signed an MoU in Shanghai to boost Sarawak’s “Gateway to Borneo” tourism links, aiming to improve accessibility and international visibility. Brunei Economy Watch: Brunei’s CPI rose 0.1% in April year-on-year, driven by higher food prices, while non-food eased slightly. Digital Skills: AITI’s Brunei TechXplore Digital Apprenticeship Program wrapped up, highlighting hands-on ICT training and global exposure aligned with Brunei Vision 2035. FinTech Regulation: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank amended its FinTech Regulatory Sandbox guidelines, widening eligibility to qualified financial institutions to test innovations with safeguards. Blue Economy & Talent: Ocean Week Brunei opened entries for the Brunei Ocean Arts photography competition and youth ocean awards, with over BND5,000 in prizes and grants. Regional Trade & Security: China accused the Netherlands of intruding near the Paracel Islands; the Netherlands said its frigate operated under international law. Cross-border Finance: The Philippines is set to sign a new double taxation convention with Japan during Marcos’ Tokyo visit, supporting investment and business activity. Anti-Scam Crackdown: A multi-country operation arrested 3,018 suspects tied to about US$752m in losses, including Brunei among participating jurisdictions.

Brunei Economy & Policy: Brunei’s CPI rose 0.1% in April 2026 year-on-year, mainly from higher food prices, while non-food prices slipped slightly. Digital Skills: AITI’s Brunei TechXplore Digital Apprenticeship Program wrapped up, aiming to boost ICT graduates’ employability and global exposure aligned with Brunei’s digital transformation agenda. Finance Regulation: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) amended its FinTech Regulatory Sandbox guidelines, widening eligibility to qualified financial institutions and clarifying what can be tested under regulatory safeguards. Regional Trade & Mobility: Sarawak extended immigration, customs, quarantine and security (ICQS) operating hours at northern entry points bordering Brunei until June 2, running 6am-midnight. Tourism & Business Links: Brunei was spotlighted as Official Partner Country for Travel Meet Asia 2026 in Jakarta, with the launch of Visit Brunei 2027. Blue Economy: Ocean Week Brunei opened entries for the Brunei Ocean Arts photography competition and youth ocean awards, with over BND5,000 in prizes and grants. Regional Business Climate: Thailand tightened visa-free rules, cutting stays for many nationalities to 30 days, a move aimed at reducing overstays and misuse. Scam Crackdown: A cross-border anti-scam operation led to 3,018 arrests tied to about US$752 million in losses, with Brunei among participating jurisdictions.

Anti-Fraud Sweep: A major cross-border scam crackdown has netted 3,018 arrests tied to about US$752m in reported losses, with Singapore Police and nine foreign agencies running the FRONTIER+ III operation from Mar 10 to May 7, freezing roughly 102,000 bank accounts and recovering over US$161m. Border & Mobility: In Sarawak, immigration entry points near Brunei have extended ICQS operating hours to midnight from May 26 to June 2, easing travel flow for the northern border. Brunei Economy & Skills: Brunei’s CPI rose 0.1% in April (mainly higher food prices), while AITI’s TechXplore boosts digital apprenticeship and employability for ICT graduates. Regional Trade & Energy: Philippines coal auction terms may be refined for a mid-2026 restart; and fuel/inputs remain sensitive as Middle East tensions keep fertiliser and oil supply planning in focus.