AGP Executive Report

Brunei Financial Sector: Brunei’s central bank launched the Financial Sector Blueprint 2026–2035, setting out a long-term roadmap for the country’s financial system. Trade & Logistics: Maersk will add a peak season surcharge on dry-container shipments from Southeast Asia to Oceania from 1 Nov 2026, including routes covering Brunei, with rates up to USD 500/20ft and USD 1,000/40ft for Australia, PNG and the Solomon Islands. Aviation & Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines started a new direct Brunei–Shenzhen route (inaugural flight on 30 Sep), strengthening links to China’s Greater Bay Area and supporting trade, tourism and business travel. Banking & Development: Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Chairman Dr Muhammad Al Jasser will visit Brunei (5–7 Oct) for high-level talks, including launching an IsDB–Brunei Country Engagement Framework for 2026–2028. Retail & Consumer Tech: Apple Music officially launched in Brunei (and Albania, Burkina Faso, Pakistan), expanding Apple’s services footprint to 172 countries/regions. Business Promotion: Maju Motors’ BYD/Denza campaign runs 1 Oct–31 Dec 2026, offering a chance to win a house plus prizes and a 3.5% interest rate. Regional Energy Watch: China’s suspension of oil product exports beyond Hong Kong and Macau could tighten fuel supplies for buyers including Singapore and Malaysia, with knock-on effects for regional costs.

IsDB Partnership: Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Chairman Dr Muhammad Al Jasser will visit Brunei from 5–7 Oct for royal and senior-government meetings, with talks aimed at economic diversification and the launch of an IsDB–Brunei Country Engagement Framework for 2026–2028. Retail & Mobility: Subaru is back in Brunei via Imperial Motors (an Inchcape company), which opened a new authorised showroom and aftersales setup for models including Forester, Crosstrek, WRX and BRZ. Aviation & Trade Links: Shenzhen Airlines launched a direct Brunei–Shenzhen route, starting with an inaugural flight on 30 Sep, boosting connectivity to China’s Greater Bay Area for business, tourism and investment. Digital Services: Apple Music has officially launched in Brunei (along with Albania, Burkina Faso and Pakistan), expanding Apple’s services footprint to 172 countries and regions. Regional Diplomacy: Brunei Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah wrapped up a five-day Singapore visit, touring the Oceanarium and Punggol Digital District as leaders discussed deepening bilateral ties. Energy Market Watch: China’s suspension of oil-product exports beyond Hong Kong and Macau could tighten fuel supplies for regional buyers including Singapore, with traders monitoring impacts on gasoline and jet fuel availability.

Aviation & Tourism Boost: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new Brunei–Shenzhen direct route, with inaugural flights marking a fresh air bridge to China’s Greater Bay Area and expected to lift trade, investment, and visitor flows as Brunei prepares for Visit Brunei 2027. Retail & After-sales Expansion: 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 Consumer Services: Apple Music officially launched in Brunei (alongside Albania, Burkina Faso and Pakistan), expanding Apple’s music footprint and giving local users access through Brunei Apple accounts. Finance & Policy Watch: Brunei’s central bank rolled out its Financial Sector Blueprint 2026–2035, signalling the next phase of financial sector direction for the decade ahead. Regional Trade & Infrastructure: MinDA and Bongao (Tawi-Tawi) discussed cross-border trade with Sabah plus logistics, power, water supply and connectivity—aiming to strengthen BIMP-EAGA links. Business Promotion: Maju Motors’ BYD and Denza campaign runs until 31 Dec 2026, offering a chance to win a house and other prizes, plus a 3.5% interest rate.

Brunei-China Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new direct Brunei–Shenzhen route, with the maiden flight landing at Brunei International Airport and plans to move from charter operations to scheduled services, aiming to boost tourism, trade and people-to-people links with China’s Greater Bay Area. Tourism & Business Diplomacy: Brunei Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah wrapped up a five-day Singapore visit, touring the Oceanarium and Punggol Digital District as leaders discussed deepening bilateral cooperation. Financial Sector Planning: Brunei’s central bank rolled out its Financial Sector Blueprint 2026–2035, setting direction for the next decade of financial development. Retail & Mobility: Subaru returned to Brunei via Imperial Motors’ new authorised showroom, bringing models like Forester, Crosstrek, WRX and BRZ back with full sales and aftersales support. Consumer Tech: Apple Music officially launched in Brunei (alongside Albania, Burkina Faso and Pakistan), expanding Apple’s services footprint and giving users access through local Apple accounts. Energy & Costs Watch: China’s suspension of oil product exports beyond Hong Kong and Macau could tighten fuel supplies for regional buyers including Singapore and Malaysia, with knock-on effects for costs.

Brunei Financial Sector: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank launched the Brunei Financial Sector Blueprint 2026–2035, setting a 10-year direction for a more resilient, inclusive and innovative financial sector. Aviation & Tourism: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new Brunei–Shenzhen direct route, with the service expected to boost connectivity for trade, investment and tourism; Brunei also reported rising China air arrivals, helped by direct flights and short-stay access. Retail & After-Sales: Subaru returned to Brunei via Imperial Motors’ new authorised showroom, bringing back sales, servicing and aftersales support for models including Forester, Crosstrek, WRX and BRZ. Regional Trade & Infrastructure: MinDA and Bongao (Tawi-Tawi) discussed cross-border trade links, logistics and essential services, including plans to strengthen Bongao Port and address power and water gaps. Tech & Consumer Services: Apple Music officially expanded to Brunei (along with Albania, Burkina Faso and Pakistan), giving subscribers access through local Apple accounts. Energy Markets: China’s suspension of oil product exports beyond Hong Kong and Macau could tighten fuel supplies for regional buyers including Singapore and Malaysia. Diplomacy & Business Links: Brunei’s Crown Prince wrapped up a five-day Singapore visit, touring the Oceanarium and Punggol Digital District as leaders discussed deepening cooperation.

Brunei–China Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route, starting Sept 29, to boost tourism and business links with China’s Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, with flights initially chartered then moving to scheduled services. Central Banking & Finance: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank rolled out the Brunei Financial Sector Blueprint 2026–2035, aiming for a more resilient, inclusive and innovative financial sector over the decade. Regional Trade & Infrastructure: Mindanao’s MinDA met Bongao officials to push cross-border trade with Sabah and tackle logistics, power and water gaps to strengthen BIMP-Eaga cooperation. Energy & Costs Watch: China’s suspension of oil product exports beyond Hong Kong and Macau could tighten fuel supplies for buyers including Singapore and Malaysia, with implications for regional margins and prices. Tech & Consumer Services: Apple Music officially launched in Brunei (along with Albania, Burkina Faso and Pakistan), expanding access for local subscribers through local Apple accounts. Business Promotions: Maju Motors’ BYD/Denza year-end campaign in Brunei offers a chance to win a house plus prizes and financing perks. Tourism Calendar: Tawang will host the 14th International Tourism Mart (Oct 29–31) with 27 countries invited.

Brunei Financial Sector: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank launched the Brunei Financial Sector Blueprint 2026–2035, setting a 10-year direction for a more resilient, inclusive and innovative financial sector. Aviation & Tourism: Shenzhen Airlines began a new Brunei–Shenzhen route (charter first, then scheduled), aiming to boost China–Brunei travel and trade links as Brunei prepares for Visit Brunei 2027. Tech & Consumer Services: Apple Music officially launched in Brunei (along with Albania, Burkina Faso and Pakistan), expanding the service to 172 countries—good news for local subscribers and the wider digital economy. Automotive Promotion: Maju Motors’ BYD and Denza year-end campaign runs 1 Oct–31 Dec 2026, with a chance to win a house plus prizes and a 3.5% interest rate. Regional Strategy: ASEAN-EU cooperation was highlighted as a way to turn goodwill into strategic tech collaboration amid geopolitical fragmentation. Business Climate Focus: ASEAN should prioritise a regional power grid, climate finance and resilience, with climate risks and energy shocks top concerns for the region.

Brunei Financial Sector Blueprint: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank launched the Brunei Financial Sector Blueprint 2026-2035, setting a 10-year direction for a more resilient, inclusive and innovative financial sector, with public-private buy-in flagged as key. Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines began a new Brunei–Shenzhen route from Sept 29, initially chartering then moving toward scheduled flights, aiming to boost tourism and business links with China’s Greater Bay Area as Brunei prepares for Visit Brunei 2027. Saudi–Brunei Investment Links: RUA AlHaram AlMakki (PIF) signed multiple collaboration agreements involving TAIB to explore development and joint venture opportunities across Makkah, Madinah and Brunei, including King Salman Gate projects. Tech & Consumer Services: Apple Music officially launched in Albania, Brunei, Burkina Faso and Pakistan, expanding to 172 countries—Brunei users still face a gap on Apple TV availability. Regional Business Climate: ASEAN leaders were urged to prioritise a regional power grid, climate finance and resilience, with energy-market shocks from the Strait of Hormuz closure highlighted. Logistics Leadership: DHL Express appointed Julian Neo as Managing Director for Hong Kong and Macau, bringing experience from leading DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei.

Brunei Financial Sector: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank launched the Brunei Financial Sector Blueprint 2026–2035, setting a 10-year direction for a resilient, inclusive and innovative financial sector. Aviation & Tourism: Shenzhen Airlines began a new Brunei–Shenzhen route (starting Sept 29), initially on a charter basis then moving to scheduled flights, aiming to boost connectivity and tourism as Brunei prepares for Visit Brunei 2027. Tech & Consumer Services: Apple Music expanded to Albania, Brunei, Burkina Faso and Pakistan—bringing the service to 172 countries/regions after an 11-year wait for Brunei; note Apple TV remains unavailable in Brunei. Trade & Investment Links: Saudi PIF companies RUA AlHaram AlMakki and Rua Al Madinah signed collaboration agreements with Brunei’s TAIB to explore investment opportunities in Makkah, Madinah and Brunei, including a King Salman Gate JV concept. Business Climate: ASEAN leaders were urged to prioritise a regional power grid, climate finance and resilience as climate transition concerns rise across the region. Corporate Moves: Allianz Insurance Singapore appointed Ong Bi Ying as CEO effective Oct 1, succeeding Hicham Raissi. Local Market Confidence: Brunei highlighted consumer protection as a foundation for a fair, trusted market that supports business growth and investment.

Aviation & Tourism: Shenzhen Airlines launched its first Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route, with an inaugural ceremony at Brunei International Airport and an initial four-times-a-week schedule expected to strengthen Brunei’s links to China’s Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area. Tourism Demand: Brunei reported rising Chinese air arrivals—39,000 in 2024 to 45,858 in 2025—and said the new direct service plus visa-free entry for eligible Chinese ordinary passport holders should help attract more short-break visitors. Financial Sector Policy: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank launched the Brunei Financial Sector Blueprint (FSBP) 2026–2035, setting a decade-long direction for a resilient, inclusive and innovative financial sector with public-private stakeholder buy-in. Digital Services Expansion: Apple Music expanded to Albania, Brunei, Burkina Faso and Pakistan, bringing the service to 172 countries and regions—an extra boost for Brunei’s consumer and digital economy. Business & Investment Links: 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, Madinah and Brunei. Logistics Leadership: DHL Express appointed Julian Neo as Managing Director for Hong Kong and Macau from 1 Oct 2026, with his prior experience including MD roles in Malaysia and Brunei. Consumer Market: Brunei’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry highlighted consumer protection efforts to build trust and support fair market growth.

Financial Sector Blueprint: Brunei’s central bank (BDCB) launched the Brunei Financial Sector Blueprint 2026-2035, setting a decade-long direction for a more resilient, inclusive and innovative financial sector. Saudi–Brunei Investment Links: Saudi PIF-linked RUA AlHaram AlMakki and Rua Al Madinah signed two agreements with Brunei’s TAIB to explore investment and development collaboration, including a proposed Makkah joint venture at King Salman Gate (indicative GDV about $2.59b). Brunei–Singapore Business Ties: Brunei Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah met Singapore leaders during the 12th Young Leaders’ Programme, discussing deeper cooperation that could create opportunities for businesses, alongside plans to strengthen the special relationship tied to the Currency Interchangeability Agreement. Logistics Leadership Move: DHL Express appointed Julian Neo as Managing Director for Hong Kong and Macau from Oct 1, with his prior experience including MD roles for DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei. Consumer Confidence: Brunei’s consumer protection push was highlighted at National Consumer Day, with officials linking stronger protection to a fairer market and continued business growth. ASEAN Digital Trade: A new ASEAN digital economy framework (DEFA) is nearing signature, but critics warn trust and rights issues could complicate cross-border digital trade.

Brunei–Singapore Ties: Brunei Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah met Singapore leaders in a Sept 29 visit tied to the 12th Young Leaders’ Programme, with talks focused on deepening bilateral cooperation and opportunities for businesses, plus reaffirming the special relationship ahead of the 60th anniversary of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement. ASEAN Digital Trade: ASEAN’s Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) is nearing signature in November, aiming to unlock a huge digital-economy prize, but critics warn the borderless digital economy still faces trust and rights concerns. Consumer Confidence in Brunei: Brunei’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry highlighted that stronger consumer protection builds a fair, trusted market—supporting responsible businesses and investment aligned with Vision 2035. Brunei Mobility Snapshot: The 2026 Passport Index ranks Brunei 18th globally (mobility score 154), with UAE top and Singapore/Malaysia jointly second. Local Business & Energy: MG HS Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) was launched in Brunei, adding an electrified SUV option with up to 120km electric range (WLTP). Regional Security Watch: China conducted fresh joint naval and air drills near Scarborough Shoal amid ongoing South China Sea tensions.

Consumer & Market Trust: Brunei’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry says stronger consumer protection builds confidence and a fair, trusted market—supporting business growth aligned with Vision 2035, highlighted at National Consumer Day with regulators, businesses and consumers. ASEAN Digital Economy: A new ASEAN push for a borderless digital economy under the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) promises major economic upside, but critics warn trust and rights issues could undermine benefits for everyday users. Brunei–Singapore Leadership Ties: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah begins a five-day official visit to Singapore to co-chair the 12th Young Leaders’ Programme, with talks spanning digital/green economies, finance, defence and food security. Local Mobility & EVs: Premier Motor Co launches the MG HS PHEV in Brunei, offering up to 120km electric range and low fuel use, adding another electrified SUV option for local drivers. Regional Security & Trade: China conducts fresh joint naval-air drills near Scarborough Shoal amid renewed Philippines tensions, while Brunei’s UN remarks stress lasting peace depends on justice for Palestinians. Business & Investment Signals: China’s outbound investment tops US$200b for the first time, with Hong Kong a key conduit for overseas capital. Philippines Fiscal Watch: The World Bank urges Philippines reforms—tax collection, procurement efficiency and tighter controls on unprogrammed funds—to unlock potential gains up to 7.1% of GDP.

World Bank on Philippines fiscal reforms: The World Bank says the Philippines can unlock 3.6% to 7.1% of GDP in annual fiscal gains by widening the tax base, improving collection, and tightening spending—highlighting procurement consolidation (up to P435b savings), capping unprogrammed appropriations at 5%, and better-targeted health, education and social protection. Brunei-Singapore leadership ties: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah is on a five-day official visit to Singapore to co-chair the 12th Young Leaders’ Programme, with stops including Tuas Port, SAFTI City, and the Oceanarium, and talks spanning digital/green economies, finance, defence and food security. Brunei at UNGA: Brunei’s Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen warned that lasting peace is impossible without justice for Palestinians, calling the conflict a test of UN credibility and urging equal application of international law. Local business update: Premier Motor Co launched the MG HS PHEV in Brunei, offering up to 120km electric range and fuel use as low as 0.7L/100km. Regional security watch: China carried out naval and air drills near Scarborough Shoal, as tensions with the Philippines continue.

Brunei–Singapore Diplomacy: Brunei Crown Prince Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah is on a five-day official visit to Singapore (until Oct 2), co-chairing the 12th Singapore–Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme and meeting top Singapore leaders, with talks spanning digital and green economies, finance, defence and food security. UN Stance on Justice: Brunei’s Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen told the UN General Assembly that lasting peace is impossible without justice for Palestinians, stressing equal application of international law amid Gaza and West Bank suffering. Regional Security Watch: China carried out fresh joint naval and air drills near Scarborough Shoal, as tensions with the Philippines over maritime rights continue. Local Business & Mobility: Premier Motor Co launched the MG HS Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) in Brunei, offering up to 120km electric range and low fuel consumption figures. Consumer Tech & Travel: DST and BIBD rolled out an iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max “Mobi Bundle,” while Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 reported booking growth and higher ticketing transactions. Energy Resilience (Regional): Schneider Electric says Singapore businesses are boosting sustainability and energy resilience spending, with 94% planning higher investment.

Labuan Tourism & Culture: Brunei-linked audiences get a regional boost as Malaysia’s Bernama reports the 13th Borneo Arts Festival (BAF) 2026 in Labuan drew over 30,000 visitors in three days, with hundreds of artists from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak, Labuan, Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines. Brunei-ASEAN Diplomacy: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah will visit Singapore from Sep 28–Oct 2 to co-chair the Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme, with stops including Tuas Port, SAFTI City, Sultan Mosque and the Oceanarium—aimed at deepening ties in digital/green economies, finance, defence and food security. UN & Palestine: Brunei’s Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen told the UN General Assembly there can be no lasting peace without justice for Palestinians, warning the conflict is a test of the UN’s credibility and of equal application of international law. Local Mobility & EVs (regional relevance): Pos Malaysia says it now operates 1,585 EVs and delivers one in three parcels via electric logistics, targeting 100% green deliveries by 2030. Brunei Consumer Tech: DST Brunei launched its latest Mobi Bundle for iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max with 24-month plans and added coverage and rewards. Business Expansion: Adabi Frozen Food is pushing further into international halal markets, entering Brunei and preparing expansion to Kuwait after MIHAS 2026. Sports & Brunei Spotlight: Reports say Brunei’s Faiq Bolkiah is now a free agent after Thai club Ratchaburi FC ended his contract.