AGP Executive Report

Haze Disruptions in Borneo: Indonesia’s wildfire smoke is forcing more school closures and emergency measures across Malaysia’s Sarawak, with Serian’s Air Pollutant Index hitting emergency levels and cloud-seeding operations extended. Brunei Tourism Planning: Brunei’s Tourism Development Department is inviting stakeholders to submit proposals for Visit Brunei Year 2027, aiming to boost visitor numbers and create new opportunities for local businesses. Brunei Digital Economy Push: Vobile signed strategic cooperation and commercial agreements with UNN to build AI-ready infrastructure and “AI factories” in Brunei. Automotive Launch in Brunei: Honda Brunei introduced the all-new ZR-V hybrid SUV and the Super-ONE EV, highlighting electric mobility and hybrid tech for the local market. Retail Tech for Brunei-linked Markets: Coca-Cola’s AI “Perfect Basket” is helping retailers in Malaysia and Brunei predict what to stock and how much, with 83% adoption reported. ASEAN Business Linkages: A Pakistan-ASEAN business push at ICCI calls for more structured, result-oriented trade and investment partnerships. ASEAN Imports Pressure on Brunei-linked Industry: India’s notebook makers are seeking a minimum import price to curb tax-free ASEAN notebook imports, naming Brunei among ASEAN sources.

Automotive Luxury & Auctions: A rare 2004 Ferrari Enzo in matte black (Matte Nero Opaco) is set for RM Sotheby’s auction, ordered by a member of Brunei’s Royal Family—another sign of Brunei-linked demand for high-end collectibles. EV & Local Mobility: Honda Brunei has launched the all-new ZR-V hybrid SUV and the Super-ONE EV, bringing new hybrid-to-electric drive tech and fully electric options to the local market. Tourism Planning: Brunei Tourism Development Department is inviting stakeholders to submit proposals for Visit Brunei Year 2027, aiming to boost events and experiences for both domestic and international visitors. Digital Economy Partnerships: Vobile and UNN have signed cooperation agreements to build AI-ready infrastructure in Brunei, positioning the deal as a boost for the country’s digital economy. Regional Trade & Industry: Mastercard appointed Beena Pothen as division president for West Southeast Asia, covering Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar. Tourism Deals Abroad: Brunei is expected to participate in Bangladesh’s BTTF 2026, with international stakeholders lining up to expand tourism partnerships. Food & Supply Chains: Philippine Saba bananas are set to enter Hong Kong and New Zealand after new supply agreements, following an initial shipment to Saudi Arabia. Cross-border Environment: Malaysia declared a Serian, Sarawak emergency due to hazardous haze from Indonesian wildfires, with school and workplace closures and cloud-seeding measures.

Tourism Push: Brunei Tourism Development Department is inviting stakeholders to submit events and initiatives for Visit Brunei Year 2027, aiming to draw both domestic and international visitors and create new opportunities for local businesses and communities. Digital Economy & Industry Tech: Vobile signed strategic cooperation and commercial agreements with UNN to build AI-ready infrastructure in Brunei, positioning the partnership as more than a customer-provider deal for digital capability growth. Regional Trade & Logistics: Bangladesh potato exports fell 49% in FY26 as Middle East war-driven shipping costs nearly quadrupled, pushing exporters to seek better storage and cold-chain options to stay competitive. Cross-Border Air Quality Impact: Malaysia declared an emergency in Sarawak’s Serian after haze hit hazardous levels, with school closures and restrictions on non-essential activities—smoke also reported moving toward Brunei. Travel Sector Spotlight: Sabre Travel Network (Brunei) will host the 21st Sabre Brunei Travel Fair (12–13 Sept) with 90+ booths and promotions, tying into Visit Brunei Year 2027 preparations. Mobility & Manufacturing Links: Suzuki’s Brunei distributor Boustead launched Pakistan-made Alto and Every mini-cars, marking Suzuki’s first export of Kei-sized models to Brunei.

Visit Brunei Year 2027: Brunei’s Tourism Development Department is inviting local and industry stakeholders to submit events and programmes to help shape the 2027 tourism push, aiming to showcase Brunei’s heritage, nature and local products while creating new opportunities for businesses and communities. Digital Economy & AI Infrastructure: UNN has signed strategic cooperation and commercial agreements with Vobile to build AI-ready digital capabilities in Brunei, positioning the partnership as more than a customer-provider deal. Travel Industry Push: Sabre Travel Network (Brunei) will host the 21st Sabre Brunei Travel Fair (12–13 Sept) with 90+ booths, while Brunei will also showcase coffee, matcha and Visit Brunei Year 2027 roadshow activities at the Sabah International Expo. Consumer & Health Safety: A toxics watchdog group in the Philippines is calling out online sales of banned mercury-laced skin lighteners, urging platforms to block promotions during the 9.9 sales period. Regional Haze Disruption: Malaysia declared an emergency in Serian, Sarawak as haze from Indonesian wildfires pushed air pollution to hazardous levels, with school closures and workplace restrictions—conditions that also affect Brunei’s air quality. Automotive Imports: Suzuki’s Brunei distributor Boustead has started selling Pakistan-made Alto and Every mini-cars, marking Suzuki’s first export of these models to Brunei.

Haze Emergency in Sarawak: Malaysia declared an emergency in Serian Division after the Air Pollutant Index hit 521, with 647 schools closing and non-essential workplaces (including industries, plantations, construction sites and quarries) told to suspend operations while essential services continue. Regional Air Disruption: Indonesia halted flights at multiple airports, including Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta, due to ash from Mount Anak Krakatau, affecting hundreds of flights and tens of thousands of passengers. Brunei Industry & Trade Events: Sabre Travel Network (Brunei) will host the 21st Sabre Brunei Travel Fair (12–13 Sept) at BRIDEX, while Brunei’s Tourism Development Department will showcase coffee, matcha and tourism experiences at Sabah International Expo (4–6 Sept). Food & Agri Markets: Philippine Saba bananas are set to enter Hong Kong and New Zealand after new supply agreements, following an initial shipment to Saudi Arabia. Payments Leadership: Mastercard reorganised Southeast Asia leadership, appointing Beena Pothen to oversee West Southeast Asia including Brunei. Energy/Shipping Watch: LNG shipping patterns are shifting, with the USA taking the largest share of exports in 2026’s first half amid geopolitical disruptions.

Haze Emergency in Sarawak: Malaysia declared an emergency in Serian Division after the Air Pollutant Index hit 521, with 647 schools set to close and offices/industrial sites told to suspend non-essential work while essential services continue. Regional Air Quality Impact: Authorities warned the haze is driven by Indonesian forest and land fires and dry conditions, with cloud-seeding planned to bring relief. Brunei-Linked Business Events: Sabre Travel Network (Brunei) will host the 21st Sabre Brunei Travel Fair (12–13 Sept) to boost travel bookings and promotions, while Brunei will also showcase coffee, matcha and tourism experiences at Sabah International Expo 2026. Transport & Manufacturing Watch: Suzuki’s Brunei distributor launched Pakistan-made Alto and Every mini-cars, marking Suzuki’s first export from that overseas base to Brunei. Payments Leadership: Mastercard appointed Beena Pothen to lead West Southeast Asia, covering Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar. Energy & Industry Signals: LNG shipping trade patterns are shifting, with the US emerging as the top exporter share in 2026 data.

Haze Emergency in Sarawak: Malaysia declared a state of emergency in Serian after the Air Pollutant Index hit 521, triggering school closures (647) and suspensions for non-essential work, with cloud-seeding planned to ease conditions. Regional Trade & Industry: Sabah International Expo 2026 opened with participation from 15 countries, positioning Sabah as a gateway for investment and trade, while Mindanao highlighted links to Asean and BIMP-EAGA markets and halal opportunities for MSMEs. Brunei Business & Services: Sabre Travel Network (Brunei) set its 21st Sabre Brunei Travel Fair for 12–13 Sept, and Brunei will showcase coffee, matcha and tourism at Sabah International Expo as part of Visit Brunei Year 2027 preparations. Manufacturing & Mobility: Suzuki’s Brunei distributor launched Pakistan-made Alto and Every mini-cars, marking Suzuki’s first export of kei-sized models from an overseas base to Brunei. Food Supply: Philippine Saba bananas are set to enter Hong Kong and New Zealand following new supply agreements, adding more premium export access.

Air Quality Emergency: Malaysia declared a state of emergency in Serian, Sarawak after the Air Pollutant Index hit hazardous levels (API 521), triggering school closures and suspensions for non-essential work, with cloud-seeding planned to ease haze drifting from Indonesia. Regional Trade & Industry: Sabah International Expo 2026 drew participation from 15 countries, including Brunei, and positioned Sabah as a gateway for investment and business cooperation, with Brunei set to showcase coffee, matcha and tourism experiences at the event. Transport & Manufacturing in Brunei: Suzuki’s Brunei distributor Boustead launched Pakistan-made Alto and Every mini-cars, marking Suzuki’s first export of Kei-sized models from an overseas base to Brunei. Aviation Maintenance Push: GTA Holdings plans a Centre of Excellence to boost MRO R&D, training and technology, aiming to strengthen Malaysia’s defence-industry capabilities. Food Supply Links: Philippine Saba bananas secured new Hong Kong and New Zealand market access via supply agreements, following an earlier shipment to Saudi Arabia. Payments Leadership: Mastercard reorganised West Southeast Asia leadership and appointed Beena Pothen to oversee Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar.

Haze Emergency in Sarawak: Malaysia declared a state of emergency in Serian after the Air Pollutant Index hit 521, with schools (647) and many non-essential workplaces, including industries and plantations, ordered to close while cloud-seeding is extended. Regional Air-Quality Spillover: Officials warned smoke from Indonesian wildfires is moving across Borneo and even reaching Brunei, with hazardous conditions linked to persistent dry weather and El Niño. Brunei Trade & Tourism Push: Sabre Travel Network (Brunei) will hold the 21st Sabre Brunei Travel Fair (12–13 Sept) to boost travel demand ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027, while Brunei also plans to showcase coffee, matcha and tourism at Sabah International Expo (4–6 Sept). Automotive Supply Chain: Suzuki’s Brunei distributor, Boustead, launched Pakistan-made Alto and Every mini-cars—first export of these kei-sized models to Brunei—marking Suzuki’s 50th distributor anniversary. Payments Leadership: Mastercard appointed Beena Pothen to lead West Southeast Asia, covering Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar, to expand digital commerce partnerships. Asean Market Connectivity: MinDA highlighted Mindanao’s readiness to connect with Asean and BIMP-EAGA markets at Sabah International Expo 2026.

Haze Emergency in Sarawak: Malaysia declared an emergency in Serian after its Air Pollutant Index hit 521, with Kuching also recording hazardous levels—prompting advice to stay indoors, wear N95 masks, and close non-essential workplaces including industries, plantations, construction sites and quarries. Wildfires Near Nusantara: Indonesia reported fires spreading toward its under-construction new capital, Nusantara, as officials urged cloud-seeding and water-bombing amid “super El Nino” dry-season conditions. Brunei Trade & Tourism Push: Brunei will showcase coffee, matcha and tourism experiences at the Sabah International Expo (Sept 4–6) via the Brunei Darussalam Pavilion, including a Brunei Coffee Trail and Visit Brunei Year 2027 Roadshow. Travel Industry Event: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 (Sept 12–13) returns with 90+ booths and promotions, aiming to boost inbound and outbound demand ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027. Automotive Supply Chain Update: Suzuki’s Brunei distributor Boustead launched Pakistan-made Alto and Every mini-cars in Brunei, marking the first export of these kei-sized models from Pakistan to Brunei. Payments Leadership: Mastercard appointed Beena Pothen to lead West Southeast Asia, covering Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar, to drive digital commerce and trusted partnerships.

Payments Leadership: Mastercard reorganised Southeast Asia leadership and named Beena Pothen Division President for West Southeast Asia, covering Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar—she previously led Malaysia and Brunei digital payments work. Aviation Supply Chain: Airbus resumed A330 deliveries after a stray tool was found in an aircraft’s horizontal tail plane, triggering system-wide inspections and a three-month near-halt that could affect 2026 output. Regional Health & Environment: Indonesia’s Borneo wildfires and haze kept spreading across borders, with hazardous air quality readings reported in Malaysia and Brunei and schools disrupted as El Niño-driven drought worsens the fire risk. Agriculture & Technology: China and Brunei launched an international training course on sustainable agriculture and rural economy under China’s Green Rural Revival Program, with a 10-day study exchange planned in Zhejiang. Trade & Industry Events: Oil & Gas Asia 2026 opened in Kuala Lumpur with a stronger push on market access and cross-border project links, co-located with MOGSEC and EIC Connect OGA. Local Market Manufacturing: Suzuki launched Pakistan-made Alto and Every models in Brunei via Boustead, expanding the local lineup and adding Suzuki motorcycles planned for autumn 2026. Food & Fisheries Expo: Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia opened in Singapore with Brunei’s Department of Fisheries among new country participants.

Agritech & Water Management: Malaysia’s Nuklear Malaysia signed an MoU with MADA to use nuclear science for padi productivity, including groundwater monitoring, irrigation integrity checks, soil and nutrient management, and isotope-based pest and crop disease monitoring. Energy & Industry Networking: Oil & Gas Asia 2026 opened in Kuala Lumpur with a sharper push on market access and cross-border project pipelines, co-located with MOGSEC and EIC Connect OGA to link OGSE capabilities with regional energy opportunities. Brunei–China Agriculture Training: Brunei and China launched an international training course under China’s Green Rural Revival Program, sending Bruneian agriculture and rural development professionals for a 10-day study in Zhejiang focused on sustainable agriculture and rural economy. Regional Trade & Food Supply: Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia opened in Singapore with Brunei’s Department of Fisheries among new country participation, highlighting Asia’s role as a partnership and innovation hub across the seafood supply chain. Mobility & Local Industry: Suzuki Brunei began selling Pakistan-made Alto and Every mini-vehicles, expanding the lineup and adding Suzuki motorcycles planned for around autumn 2026. Environment & Cross-Border Impact: Indonesian haze from Borneo wildfires continued to disrupt the region, with Malaysia and Brunei affected and officials warning conditions could worsen as El Niño peaks.

Transboundary haze: Indonesia’s Borneo wildfires are pushing air quality to hazardous levels across the region, with officials warning September will be the peak as El Niño intensifies drought and fires. Public health impact: In Malaysia’s Sarawak, hazardous readings have triggered school disruptions and outdoor event cancellations, while Brunei has also been affected by August smoke. ASEAN digital push: ASEAN is set to sign the Digital Economy Framework Agreement at a summit in the Philippines, aiming to boost regional digital trade and cooperation on data governance, AI, digital identity, cybersecurity and trade rules. Brunei-China agriculture ties: China and Brunei launched an international training course on China’s Green Rural Revival Program, with Bruneian professionals set to study sustainable agriculture and rural economy in Zhejiang. Local business/industry: Suzuki has started exporting Pakistan-made Alto and Every mini-vehicles to Brunei, expanding the local lineup and adding plans for Suzuki motorcycle sales around autumn 2026. Trade & investment backdrop: China-ASEAN trade surpassed US$1 trillion in 2025 and is accelerating in 2026, reflecting deeper integration and growing production links. Cost of living: Brunei’s CPI rose 0.02% in July year-on-year, driven mainly by higher food and non-alcoholic beverage prices.

ASEAN Digital Push: ASEAN is set to sign the Digital Economy Framework Agreement at its November summit, covering data governance, AI cooperation, digital identity, cybersecurity and digital trade—aimed at boosting a regional digital economy while firms still face market-by-market rules. Transboundary Haze: Indonesian Borneo fires are worsening air quality across the region, with Malaysia reporting hazardous readings and Brunei also affected earlier, as smoke is expected to drift into the Philippines over the next days. Seafood Trade: Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia opened in Singapore on 2 September, with Brunei’s Department of Fisheries among new country participants—spotlighting processing tech, product showcases and supply-chain partnerships. Brunei-China Agriculture: China and Brunei launched a training programme under China’s Green Rural Revival Program to strengthen sustainable agriculture and rural development, including hybrid rice breeding and seed production. Local Industry Update: Suzuki has started exporting Pakistan-made Alto and Every mini-vehicles to Brunei, expanding its lineup via local distributor Boustead, with motorcycles planned for later in 2026. Cost of Living Watch: Brunei’s CPI rose 0.02% in July year-on-year, driven by higher food prices while non-food eased.

Energy Security: The West Asia crisis is still shaking Asia’s energy lifelines, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a critical route for crude oil and LNG to multiple Asian economies, raising fresh questions about whether today’s global energy-security system matches Asia’s exposure. Transboundary Haze: Indonesian fire smoke is again disrupting the region, with Kalimantan haze reaching the Philippines and Malaysia, while Brunei was affected earlier in August—underscoring how land management and enforcement across borders still lag behind the ASEAN haze agreement. Seafood Trade: Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia opened in Singapore on 2 September, with Brunei among the country participants, as exhibitors push new products and processing tech for Asia’s fast-moving seafood market. Brunei-China Agriculture: Brunei and China launched an international training course under China’s Green Rural Revival Program, focusing on sustainable agriculture and rural development, with a 10-day study exchange planned in Zhejiang. Local Industry & Mobility: Suzuki has launched Pakistan-made Alto and Every mini-vehicles in Brunei via Boustead, marking an export from an overseas production base to match Japanese kei specifications. Tech & Services: Concepts Technologies won ManageEngine’s “Emerging Partner of the Year” for its work supporting government and enterprises in Brunei. Economy Watch: Brunei’s CPI rose 0.02% in July, driven mainly by higher food and non-alcoholic beverage prices.

Automotive & Trade: Suzuki has launched Pakistan-made Alto and Every mini-vehicles in Brunei via Boustead, with the models matching Japanese kei body size and 660cc specs—an export first for Suzuki from an overseas production base; Boustead also flagged Suzuki motorcycle sales starting around autumn 2026. Agriculture & Food Security: China and Brunei launched a training course under China’s Green Rural Revival Program focused on sustainable agriculture and rural economy, with Bruneian professionals set to study in Zhejiang in September. Regional Supply Chains: China-ASEAN trade topped US$1 trillion in 2025 and is up sharply in 2026, with Beijing citing deeper agreements and growing production links. Energy & Shipping: Asia-Pacific LNG buyers are increasingly eyeing regional supply as Middle East disruptions continue, with more interest in projects across Southeast Asia including Brunei. Digital & Compliance: Vietnam expanded cybersecurity rules and police powers, raising the cost of online speech and personal data handling for citizens. Environment & Public Health: Hazardous haze from Indonesian forest fires worsened across Malaysian Borneo and also reached Brunei and Singapore, disrupting daily life and outdoor activities.