AGP Executive Report

Brunei Business & Mobility: Honda Brunei rolled out the all-new ZR-V hybrid SUV and the Super-ONE EV, signalling a push toward electrified driving in the local market. Tourism & Partnerships: Brunei’s Tourism Development Department is inviting stakeholders to submit proposals for Visit Brunei Year 2027, aiming to boost visitor experiences and create opportunities for local businesses. Digital Economy: UNN signed strategic cooperation and commercial agreements with Vobile to build AI-ready capabilities in Brunei, positioning the partnership around future digital growth. Regional Trade Pressure: India’s notebook makers are asking for a minimum import price to curb ASEAN imports under zero-tariff rules, warning of damage to domestic MSMEs. ASEAN Business Leadership: Mastercard appointed Beena Pothen as division president for West Southeast Asia, covering Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar, with a focus on digital commerce. Education & Skills Watch: The Philippines reported PISA 2025 gains in science, math and reading, but still shows most students below baseline proficiency—an issue that matters for regional talent pipelines. Regional Disruption: Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau ash forced extended airport closures and flight disruptions, with knock-on effects for regional travel and logistics.

Education & Skills: The 2025 PISA study shows a sharp global slide in reading and math, with OECD reading down 28 points and math down 22—another reminder that human capital is a business issue, not just a classroom one. Tourism & Industry: Brunei’s Tourism Development Department is inviting stakeholders to submit proposals for Visit Brunei Year 2027, aiming to draw both domestic and international visitors and create new opportunities for local businesses. Digital Economy: Vobile signed strategic cooperation and commercial agreements with Brunei’s UNN to build AI-ready digital infrastructure and expand digital capabilities for Brunei’s economy. Regional Travel Rules: Thailand will cut visa-free stays to 30 days from Sept 15 and limit eligible nationalities to 60, with tourism-only exemptions—important for Brunei-based travellers and regional business trips. Aviation Disruption: Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau eruption kept Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta closed longer than expected, affecting hundreds of flights and over 270,000 passengers—still a risk for regional schedules. Finance & Payments Leadership: Mastercard appointed Beena Pothen as division president for West Southeast Asia, covering Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar, under a new two-division structure. Trade & Markets: Bangladesh potato exports fell nearly half as Middle East war-driven shipping costs hit competitiveness—another signal for food exporters watching logistics costs. Climate & Health: Malaysia declared an emergency in Sarawak’s Serian Division due to haze, closing schools and restricting activities—cross-border smoke continues to disrupt regional operations.

Tourism & Business Development: Brunei’s Tourism Development Department is inviting local stakeholders to submit proposals for Visit Brunei Year 2027, aiming to attract both domestic and international visitors and create opportunities for tourism businesses and communities. Digital Economy & Partnerships: UNN has signed strategic cooperation and commercial agreements with Vobile at UNN’s submarine cable landing station, positioning the deal around AI-ready infrastructure and strengthening Brunei’s digital capabilities. Regional Travel Disruption: Indonesia’s Soekarno-Hatta Airport closure has been extended due to Anak Krakatau ash, affecting hundreds of flights and more than 270,000 passengers, with airlines and regional carriers adjusting services including Royal Brunei Airlines. Regional Risk & Operations: Southeast Asia haze from Indonesian wildfires is worsening, with Malaysia declaring an emergency in Sarawak’s Serian Division and schools and offices affected—an issue that also impacts Brunei’s business environment and travel planning. Payments & Commerce Leadership: Mastercard appointed Beena Pothen as division president for West Southeast Asia, covering Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar, as it rolls out a new two-division leadership structure.

Brunei Mobility & EV Launch: Toyota Brunei has introduced the all-new Toyota Urban Cruiser BEV at the Toyota Gadong Showroom, offering up to 426km range and 172hp/193Nm for local drivers. Regional Air & Business Disruption: Malaysia declared an emergency in Sarawak’s Serian after the Air Pollutant Index hit 521, triggering school closures and tighter exposure rules; the haze is linked to Indonesia’s fires and is also affecting Brunei and Singapore. ASEAN Trade & Markets: Brunei is set to showcase coffee, matcha and tourism experiences at Sabah International Expo 2026, supporting Visit Brunei Year 2027 plans and local entrepreneurs. Travel Industry Push: Sabre Travel Network (Brunei) will host the 21st Sabre Brunei Travel Fair (12–13 Sept) with 90+ booths and promotions, aiming to boost inbound/outbound demand. Cross-border Food Trade: Philippine Saba bananas are moving into new markets after supply deals signed for Hong Kong and New Zealand, following an initial shipment to Saudi Arabia. Energy & Shipping Watch: LNG shipping patterns are shifting as the USA grows its share while Qatar’s share falls amid Strait of Hormuz disruption. Business & Finance Spotlight: EnQuest says a $833m Malaysia acquisition will drive growth through 2030, adding 100,000 boe/d and doubling production. Industry Standards: Wooree Group wrapped Vitafoods Asia 2026 in Bangkok, calling for scientific validation standards for “liposomal” claims.

Haze Emergency in Sarawak: Malaysia declared an emergency in Serian after the Air Pollutant Index hit 521, with 647 schools set to close and outdoor activity restrictions expected to ease only gradually as cloud-seeding operations begin. Regional Business Impact: The same haze wave is disrupting parts of Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore, raising health and operational risks for firms and commuters across Borneo and beyond. Brunei Mobility Move: Toyota Brunei launched the all-electric Urban Cruiser BEV at its Gadong showroom, targeting a 426km range and adding another BEV option for local drivers. Travel & Tourism Promotion: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 returns on 12–13 September with travel deals and airline promotions, while Brunei’s Tourism Development Department will showcase coffee, matcha and experiences at Sabah International Expo. Payments Leadership: Mastercard reorganised West Southeast Asia leadership, appointing Beena Pothen to oversee Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar. Trade & Markets: Sabah International Expo 2026 opened with participation from 15 countries, positioning Sabah as a gateway for regional business links including BIMP-EAGA. Local Industry & Skills: UMPSA in Malaysia is using university table tennis to build talent and wider economic spillovers from international sports events.

Regional Travel Rules: Thailand is cutting visa-free stays for many European travellers from 60 to 30 days starting Sept 15, with a new nationality-based framework published in the Royal Gazette on Aug 31—Brunei is listed in the 30-day tourism category. Haze and Public Health: Malaysia declared an emergency in Serian, Sarawak after the Air Pollutant Index hit 521, with schools and non-essential work suspended; haze from Indonesia’s wildfires is also affecting Brunei and Singapore. Brunei Mobility: Toyota Brunei launched the all-electric Urban Cruiser BEV at the Gadong showroom, offering up to 426km range and 172hp. Payments Leadership: Mastercard appointed Beena Pothen as Division President for West Southeast Asia, covering Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar. Trade & Business Events: Sabre Travel Network (Brunei) will host the 21st Sabre Brunei Travel Fair (Sept 12–13), while Brunei will showcase coffee, matcha and tourism experiences at Sabah International Expo (Sept 4–6). Automotive Imports: Suzuki’s Brunei distributor Boustead began selling Pakistan-made Alto and Every mini-cars, marking Suzuki’s first export from that overseas production base to Brunei.

ASEAN Trade & Food Exports: The Philippines’ Cardava (Saba) bananas are set to reach new markets after two supply deals signed at Asia Fruit Logistica Hong Kong 2026, with shipments already started to Saudi Arabia and follow-on distribution planned for Hong Kong and New Zealand. Energy & Investment: EnQuest says its $833m Malaysia acquisition is on track to close by 31 December, aiming to add about 100,000 boe/d and boost growth through 2030, including farm-outs with Petronas Carigali. Aviation & Defence Industry: GTA Holdings plans a Centre of Excellence to strengthen MRO R&D, training and tech capabilities, aligned with Malaysia’s defence industry push. Brunei Mobility & Retail Tech: Toyota Brunei launched the all-electric Urban Cruiser BEV, while Mastercard reorganised West Southeast Asia leadership appointing Beena Pothen covering Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar. Tourism & Business Fairs: Brunei will showcase coffee, matcha and travel experiences at Sabah International Expo, and Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 returns with travel deals and industry partners. Regional Risk Watch (Haze): Malaysia declared an emergency in Serian, Sarawak as haze hit critical levels, with smoke also affecting Singapore and Brunei amid worsening Indonesia wildfires.

Brunei Electric Mobility: Toyota Brunei has launched the all-new Urban Cruiser BEV at the Toyota Gadong showroom, offering up to 426km range and modern safety/tech features—another push toward electrification for local drivers. ASEAN Trade & Markets: Sabah International Expo 2026 (SIE2026) opened with participation from 15 countries, positioning Sabah as a gateway for investment and cross-border business, with Brunei among the listed markets. Regional Haze Crisis: Indonesia’s wildfires are driving worsening transboundary haze, with Malaysia declaring an emergency in Sarawak’s Serian after the Air Pollutant Index hit 521; Singapore also warned haze could affect the city-state in coming weeks. Brunei Finance & Skills: Brunei’s Central Bank launched National Financial Literacy Day 2026, noting over 80% of the population has access to formal financial services but digital financial literacy remains a key gap. Local Business Promotions: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 returns on 12–13 Sept with travel deals and industry partners, while Concepts Computer and Kingston Beverage & Creamery run a September promo offering free ice cream with qualifying purchases.

Regional Trade & Investment: Sabah International Expo 2026 (SIE2026) opened with participation from 15 countries, positioning Sabah as a “gateway” for trade, investment and cooperation, with 300 booths and about 10,000 visitors expected. Brunei Tourism Push: Brunei will showcase coffee, matcha and tourism experiences at SIE2026 via a Brunei Darussalam Pavilion and Coffee Trail/Visit Brunei Year 2027 Roadshow. Travel Retail & Tech: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 returns on 12–13 Sept at BRIDEX, bringing airlines, banks and agencies with 90+ booths and real-time booking support. Payments Leadership: Mastercard reorganised West Southeast Asia leadership, appointing Beena Pothen to oversee Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar. Financial Literacy: Brunei’s central bank launched National Financial Literacy Day 2026, noting 80%+ formal financial access and a 43% digital financial literacy score. Automotive Deal: Suzuki, via Boustead, started selling Pakistan-made Alto and Every mini-cars in Brunei, marking the first export of these models to Brunei. Haze & Business Risk: Indonesia’s wildfires and worsening transboundary haze triggered emergency measures in Malaysia’s Sarawak, with air pollution disrupting schools and raising health and operational concerns across Brunei and the region.

Mastercard Leadership: Mastercard has split its Southeast Asia leadership into two divisions and named Beena Pothen Division President for West Southeast Asia, covering Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar, with a focus on digital wallets, tokenisation and AI-enabled commerce. Regional Health & Environment: Indonesia’s wildfire haze is worsening across Southeast Asia, with hazardous air quality readings and school disruptions in affected provinces, while Singapore warns smoke could impact the city-state in coming weeks. Fintech & Tourism Payments: Malaysia’s TNG eWallet says international tourists spent over RM1 billion in the first six months of Visit Malaysia 2026, driven by DuitNow QR usage that lets visitors pay small merchants without card terminals. Brunei Financial Literacy: Brunei’s central bank launched National Financial Literacy Day 2026, noting over 80% of the population has formal financial services but digital financial literacy remains a key gap. Local Business Promotion: Concepts Computer and Kingston Beverage & Creamery renewed an MOU for a September promotion offering free ice cream with qualifying purchases. Energy & Industry: Oil & Gas Asia 2026 opened with a stronger push on market access and cross-border project links for Malaysian OGSE firms. Aviation Update: Airbus resumed A330 deliveries after a three-month halt tied to a horizontal tail plane issue.

Brunei Financial Inclusion Push: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank kicked off National Financial Literacy Day (NFLD) 2026, noting over 80% of the population has access to formal financial services, but stressing that digital financial literacy and responsible habits are key to long-term financial well-being. Career & Skills Pipeline: Universiti Brunei Darussalam’s 11th Career Fair drew nearly 50 Bruneian employers and focused on helping students build skills for an AI-driven workplace. Local Business Promo: Concepts Computer and Kingston Beverage & Creamery renewed a September promotion offering customers a free Kingston classic ice cream with qualifying purchases. Regional Trade & Tourism Links: Sabah is positioning itself as a BIMP-EAGA and ASEAN gateway for investors and entrepreneurs, while Thailand’s visa-free stay rules tighten from 60 to 30 days for many travellers from Sept 15. Regional Risk Watch: Indonesia’s wildfire haze is worsening across the region, with Singapore warning of potential impacts as smoke risk rises. Energy & Industry Networking: Oil & Gas Asia (OGA) 2026 opened with a stronger focus on market access and cross-border project opportunities, alongside OGSE and energy services exhibitions.

Financial Inclusion Push: Brunei’s Central Bank kicked off National Financial Literacy Day (NFLD) 2026, stressing that while 80%+ of people have formal financial services, digital financial literacy and responsible habits still need strengthening. Career & Skills Pipeline: UBD’s 11th Career Fair drew nearly 50 Bruneian employers, with focus on preparing students for an AI-driven workplace. Local Business Promotion: Concepts Computer and Kingston Beverage & Creamery renewed an MOU for a September campaign, offering free Kingston classic ice cream with qualifying purchases. Regional Trade & Growth Links: Sabah is positioning itself as a Borneo business gateway, aiming to connect investors and local firms with markets across BIMP-EAGA, ASEAN and beyond. Cross-Border Travel Rules: Thailand will cut visa-free stays for many nationalities from 60 to 30 days from Sept 15, with Brunei among those retaining the 60-day allowance. CPTPP Update: UK businesses gained full access to CPTPP after Canada completed ratification, with Brunei included among member markets. BNPL Funding Move: QistBazaar raised PKR 500m via a privately placed Sukuk to expand Shariah-compliant consumer financing. Haze Risk Watch: Indonesia’s Borneo wildfires are worsening regional haze, with hazardous air quality and school disruptions reported across parts of the region.

Financial Inclusion: Brunei’s central bank says over 80% of the population now has access to formal financial services, but stresses the need to pair inclusion with stronger financial literacy as National Financial Literacy Day 2026 rolls out. Workforce Development: UBD’s 11th Career Fair is drawing nearly 50 Bruneian companies and organisations, with sessions aimed at helping students build skills for an AI-driven workplace. Regional Trade & Halal: Sabah’s BIMP-Eaga trade conference is pushing wider Halal opportunities for Mindanao MSMEs, linking producers with certification bodies, buyers and investors. Capital Markets: Pakistan’s QistBazaar raised PKR 500 million via a privately placed Sukuk to expand Shariah-compliant consumer financing and reduce reliance on bank funding. ASEAN Business Climate: ASEAN is set to sign the Digital Economy Framework Agreement at a summit in the Philippines, covering data governance, AI cooperation, digital identity, cybersecurity and digital trade. Cross-Border Risk: Indonesia’s Borneo wildfires and haze are worsening across the region, with hazardous air quality prompting school disruptions and health advisories in parts of Malaysia and beyond. Trade Policy Watch: UK businesses gain full CPTPP access after Canada completes ratification, with Brunei included among member markets. Mobility Rules: Thailand will cut visa-free stays for many travellers from 60 to 30 days from Sept 15, affecting tourism planning across the region.

CPTPP Boost for Trade: Canada’s final ratification lets the UK fully access CPTPP from 1 Sept, with over 99% of current UK goods exports to member markets eligible for zero tariffs and longer business mobility for eligible visitors. Regional Business & Finance: QistBazaar raised Rs500m via a privately placed Sukuk to expand Shariah-compliant consumer financing and reduce reliance on bank funding, with Pak Brunei Investment Company acting as investment agent. Brunei-China Economic Links: China and Brunei launched a training course under China’s Green Rural Revival Program, supporting Brunei’s push for sustainable agriculture and rural development. Seafood Trade Spotlight: Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia opened in Singapore (2–4 Sept), with Brunei among new country participants and Brunei’s Department of Fisheries taking part. Haze Risk to Cross-Border Economy: Indonesian wildfire smoke is driving hazardous air quality across parts of Borneo and beyond, disrupting schools and prompting emergency responses. Local Industry Watch: Suzuki says it will sell Pakistan-made Alto and Every models in Brunei, expanding the lineup and adding Suzuki motorcycles later in 2026. Tourism Policy Ripple: Thailand’s visa-free stay rules tighten from 15 Sept, cutting stays to 30 days for eligible travellers from 60 countries, affecting regional travel planning.

CPTPP Boost for Trade: Canada’s final ratification lets the UK fully access the CPTPP from 1 Sept 2026, with over 99% of current UK goods exports to member states eligible for zero tariffs and an estimated £2bn a year long-term upside. Regional Mobility Rules: Thailand cuts visa-free tourism stays from 60 to 30 days for 60 countries (including Brunei) from 15 Sept 2026, with tighter land-border entry limits and fewer visa-on-arrival nationalities. Brunei-China Agriculture Link: Brunei and China launched an international training course under China’s Green Rural Revival Program, supporting Brunei’s push for sustainable agriculture and rural development. Local Auto Export Move: Suzuki will sell Pakistan-made Alto and Every in Brunei from fall, expanding the lineup via Boustead, with plans to start Suzuki motorcycle sales around autumn 2026. Tourism Push in Sabah: Brunei’s Tourism Development Department will promote Brunei Coffee Trail and Visit Brunei Year 2027 at Sabah International Expo (4–6 Sept), giving local operators a regional platform. Haze Hits Borneo: Indonesian forest-fire smoke is driving hazardous air quality across Malaysian Borneo and reaching Brunei and Singapore, disrupting daily life and health. QistBazaar Sukuk Funding: Pakistan’s QistBazaar raised Rs500m via a privately placed Sukuk to expand Shariah-compliant consumer financing, supported by Brunei Investment Company as investment agent.

CPTPP Trade Boost: The UK’s full CPTPP access kicks in after Canada completed ratification, giving British firms preferential access across all 11 CPTPP members, including Brunei, with over 99% of UK goods exports to the bloc eligible for zero tariffs and an estimated long-term £2bn annual gain. Regional Haze Crisis: Indonesian forest and peat fires are driving hazardous air quality across parts of Southeast Asia, with Malaysia’s Sarawak and even Brunei affected; schools were cancelled and officials urged residents to stay indoors and wear masks. Brunei–China Agriculture: China and Brunei launched a hybrid rice breeding and seed production expert advisory program under China’s Green Rural Revival plan, with Bruneian professionals set for a 10-day study exchange in Zhejiang. Local Business & Tourism Push: Brunei’s Tourism Development Department will showcase Brunei Coffee Trail and Visit Brunei Year 2027 at Sabah International Expo (Sept 4–6), aiming to open doors for local cafés and tourism operators. Automotive Deal: Suzuki Brunei begins selling Pakistan-made Alto and Every mini-vehicles via Boustead, expanding its local lineup and adding Suzuki motorcycles sales planned for autumn 2026. Tech Partnership Win: Concepts Technologies was named ManageEngine “Emerging Partner of the Year” for expanding ManageEngine adoption and support across Brunei’s public and private sectors.