AGP Executive Report

Connectivity & Telecom: Ericsson’s ConsumerLab study says 60% of Philippines 5G users want guaranteed network performance in critical moments, and 36% are willing to pay a premium—an appetite likely to grow with mobile AI. Automotive Retail: Grand Auto launched the all-new Mazda CX-5 in Brunei with a roomier cabin and tech upgrades like wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Bose audio; Imperial Motors (Inchcape) also brought Subaru back with an authorised showroom and aftersales support. Aviation & Trade Links: Shenzhen Airlines began a new Brunei–Shenzhen direct route, with Brunei reporting rising China arrivals and expecting more tourism via the new air bridge. Maritime & Ports: Singapore’s MPA and Brunei’s MPABD signed an MoU to boost maritime safety, port State control, digitalisation, training and incident investigation. Finance Policy: Brunei Central Bank launched the Financial Sector Blueprint 2026–2035 to guide a resilient, inclusive and innovative financial sector. Energy Watch: China’s oil product export suspension beyond Hong Kong and Macau could tighten fuel supplies for regional buyers including Singapore. Consumer Tech: Apple Music launched in Brunei, adding the service to 172 countries and regions.

Aviation & Trade Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new direct Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route, with inaugural service starting Sept 30 and expected to boost business, tourism and people-to-people links to China’s Greater Bay Area. Maritime Cooperation: Singapore and Brunei maritime authorities signed an MoU to deepen collaboration on digitalisation, safety, port State control, incident investigation and training. Finance & Policy: Brunei’s central bank rolled out the Brunei Financial Sector Blueprint 2026–2035, aiming for a resilient, inclusive and innovative financial sector over the next decade. Industry & Retail (Auto): Mazda returned with the all-new CX-5 at Grand Auto’s Beribi showroom, while Subaru also returned to Brunei via Imperial Motors’ new authorised showroom. Energy & Supply Chain Watch: China’s suspension of oil product exports beyond Hong Kong and Macau is expected to tighten fuel supplies for regional buyers including Singapore, Malaysia and Australia. Business Promotion: Maju Motors’ BYD/Denza year-end campaign in Brunei runs Oct 1–Dec 31, offering a chance to win a house and other prizes. Regional Diplomacy: Brunei’s Crown Prince wrapped up a five-day Singapore visit, including tours of the Punggol Digital District and the Singapore Oceanarium.

Maritime & Trade Links: Singapore and Brunei maritime authorities signed an MoU to boost digitalisation, safety, port State control, incident investigation, training and other cooperation—another step for smoother regional shipping. Aviation & Tourism Growth: Shenzhen Airlines launched the Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route, with Brunei welcoming rising China arrivals and direct flights/visa access expected to lift short-break tourism. Finance Sector Planning: Brunei’s central bank rolled out the Brunei Financial Sector Blueprint 2026–2035, aiming for a more resilient, inclusive and innovative financial system over the decade. Energy Supply Watch: China’s suspension of oil-product exports beyond Hong Kong and Macau is tightening fuel supplies for key Asian buyers, with Singapore highlighted as a major recipient. Industry & Investment Push: MinDA and Bongao (Tawi-Tawi) discussed trade, logistics and infrastructure needs—especially port upgrades, reliable power and water—to strengthen BIMP-Eaga connectivity. Tech & Consumer Services: Apple Music launched in Brunei, expanding the service to more markets and adding another digital-services option for consumers. Business Promotion: Maju Motors’ BYD and Denza year-end campaign in Brunei offers a chance to win a house plus prizes and financing perks. Diplomacy & Food/Security: Brunei’s ambassador to Russia said cooperation with Moscow will expand, with food and security flagged as priorities; the Sultan is also set to visit Russia next month.

Maritime & Ports: Singapore and Brunei’s maritime authorities signed an MoU to deepen cooperation on digitalisation, maritime safety, port state control, incident investigation and training, aiming for safer, cleaner and more efficient shipping. Aviation & Trade Links: Shenzhen Airlines launched the Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route, with officials citing stronger connectivity to China’s Greater Bay Area and expectations of boosting trade, investment and tourism; Brunei also reported rising Chinese arrivals. Finance Sector Planning: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank launched the Brunei Financial Sector Blueprint 2026–2035 to guide a resilient, inclusive and innovative financial sector over the decade. Consumer & Market Trust: Brunei marked National Consumer Day with renewed focus on consumer protection to build confidence and support fair market growth. EV Retail Push: Maju Motors’ BYD and Denza year-end promotion runs Oct 1–Dec 31, offering a house and BND300,000+ in prizes plus a 3.5% interest rate. Digital Services: Apple Music expanded to Brunei, adding streaming access in another new market. Flexible Work Growth: IWG opened two new co-working spaces in Singapore, reflecting continued demand for flex work across tech and finance.

Maritime & Ports: Singapore’s MPA and Brunei’s MPABD signed an MoU to deepen cooperation on digitalisation, maritime safety, port State control, incident investigation, and training—aiming for safer, cleaner, more efficient shipping. Aviation & Tourism: Shenzhen Airlines launched the Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route with four weekly flights, boosting connectivity to China’s Greater Bay Area; Brunei also reported rising Chinese arrivals (45,858 in 2025, up 17.6% from 2024). Finance Policy: Brunei Central Bank launched the Brunei Financial Sector Blueprint 2026–2035, setting a decade-long direction for a resilient, inclusive, and innovative financial sector. Consumer & Market: Brunei marked National Consumer Day with a push for stronger consumer protection to build trust and support fair competition and business growth. Logistics Leadership: DHL Express appointed Julian Neo as Managing Director for Hong Kong and Macau, with prior leadership experience in DHL Malaysia and Brunei. Industry Investment: Gropoint is building Brunei’s largest seafood processing plant in Serasa (up to 60 tonnes/day), targeting operations in March 2027 and creating 200+ jobs initially. Energy/Trade Context: Japan’s crude imports in August showed Saudi as top supplier (34%), with smaller shares from Brunei and Vietnam, reflecting shifting energy flows.

Aviation & Tourism: Shenzhen Airlines launched its first Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route, with four weekly flights initially, expected to deepen Brunei’s trade links and boost Chinese visitor arrivals (already up 17.6% in 2025). Finance & Policy: Brunei Central Bank rolled out the Brunei Financial Sector Blueprint 2026–2035, aiming for a resilient, inclusive and innovative financial sector over the decade. Maritime & Ports: Singapore’s MPA and Brunei’s MPABD signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation on digitalisation, maritime safety, port state control, incident investigation and training. Consumer & Market Confidence: Brunei marked National Consumer Day, with officials stressing that stronger consumer protection supports a fair, trusted market that encourages investment and innovation. Energy & Climate Resilience: ASEAN leaders, including Singapore’s Grace Fu, urged regional action on power grid build-out, climate finance and resilience as energy shocks ripple through daily costs. Trade & Digital Economy: A new push for ASEAN’s borderless digital economy faces scrutiny over trust and rights as governments move toward signing the Digital Economy Framework Agreement. FDI & Food Processing: Gropoint is building what it says will be Brunei’s largest seafood plant in Serasa, targeting up to 60 tonnes a day and export-focused downstream expansion. Regional Business Links: DHL Express appointed Julian Neo as Managing Director for Hong Kong and Macau, with prior leadership experience in Malaysia and Brunei.

Aviation & Tourism: Shenzhen Airlines launched its first Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route, with four weekly flights expected to strengthen Brunei’s links to China’s Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area and support trade, investment and short-break tourism. Financial Services: 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 next decade. Trade & Industry Policy: MinDA and foreign chambers are preparing for Mindanao Development Forum 2026 (Oct 27–28), focused on mobilising private investment and development partnerships. Maritime & Logistics: Singapore’s MPA and Brunei’s MPABD signed a maritime and port cooperation MoU covering digitalisation, maritime safety, port state control, incident investigation and training. Food & Manufacturing: Gropoint is building what it says will be Brunei’s largest seafood processing plant in Serasa, targeting up to 60 tonnes a day and expanding into higher-value downstream products by 2029. Business Leadership: DHL Express appointed Julian Neo as Managing Director for Hong Kong and Macau from Oct 1, with prior leadership experience in Malaysia and Brunei.

DHL Express Leadership: DHL Express appoints Julian Neo as Managing Director for Hong Kong and Macau from Oct 1, succeeding Andy Chiang; Neo previously led DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei since 2019, with reported revenue and EBIT growth. AI Security for Industry: TrendAI Vision One expands support for Claude’s Compliance API, now covering Claude Code and Cowork session transcripts so security teams can investigate AI agent prompts, responses and tool calls tied to users. Aviation Service Recognition: Royal Brunei Airlines wins “Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026” at the World Travel Awards, its fifth such title since 2020. Islamic Finance & Real Estate: RUA AlHaram AlMakki and Rua Al Madinah sign two agreements with TAIB, including a proposed King Salman Gate JV in Makkah with an indicative GDV of about $2.59b. Maritime & Ports Cooperation: Singapore’s MPA and Brunei’s MPABD sign an MoU to boost digitalisation, maritime safety, port state control, incident investigation and training. Food & Processing Investment: Gropoint plans Brunei’s largest seafood processing plant in Serasa (up to 60 tonnes/day), with tuna-focused lines and downstream omega-3 and nutraceutical plans. Consumer Trust: Brunei highlights consumer protection as key to a fair, trusted market that supports business growth and Vision 2035 goals. Energy Resilience: Schneider Electric’s report says Singapore businesses (including Brunei cluster) plan to raise sustainability spending, with energy resilience a top priority. High Seas Protection: Brunei ratifies the High Seas Treaty, joining Germany, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe, Canada and Australia to push the treaty toward entry into force.

Maritime & Ports Deal: Singapore’s MPA and Brunei’s MPABD signed an MoU to boost cooperation on digitalisation, maritime safety, port state control inspections, incident investigations, and training—aiming for safer, cleaner, more efficient shipping. Energy & Industry Context: OPEC chief Haitham Al-Ghais praised Kuwait’s role in early consultations that helped set up the OPEC+ alliance, underlining how diplomacy shapes oil-market coordination. Consumer Confidence: Brunei’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said consumer protection is key to a fair, trusted market that supports business growth and investment aligned with Vision 2035. Regional Security Coordination: ReCAAP ISC and Brunei’s Royal Brunei Police wrapped a four-day cluster meeting on port and maritime security, including early detection, digital-age port security, and AI use in counter-piracy and cross-border operations. Oil & Gas Services Expansion: Mermaid Maritime set up a Nigeria subsea services JV to work directly with TotalEnergies and other majors while meeting local content and regulatory requirements. Global Trade & Logistics Tech: Schneider Electric’s report says Singapore businesses (including Brunei cluster) plan to raise sustainability and energy-resilience spending—highlighting efficiency and resilience as the real test. High Seas Protection: Brunei joined Germany, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe, Canada and Australia in ratifying the High Seas Treaty, pushing the total to 100 parties and paving the way for marine protection decisions in 2027.

Consumer Protection: Brunei marked National Consumer Day with a push for safer products and stronger consumer confidence, with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry saying a well-functioning market boosts investment, innovation and growth under Vision 2035. Maritime Security: ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre and the Royal Brunei Police Force wrapped a four-day cluster meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan, focusing on port and maritime security, early threat response and using emerging tech and AI for counter-piracy and cross-border operations. Halal & Food Industry: Adabi Frozen Food says it is expanding its international halal push after entering Brunei and preparing for Kuwait, with plans to grow via trade fairs including MIHAS and SIAL Paris. Logistics Decarbonisation: Pos Malaysia reported scaling its electric logistics fleet to 1,585 EVs, claiming one in three parcels now uses EV delivery and targeting 100% green deliveries by 2030. UN Ocean Governance: Brunei joined Germany, Canada, Australia, Papua New Guinea and others in ratifying the High Seas Treaty, bringing the total to 100 parties and setting up the first protected-area decisions in 2027.

Maritime & Security: ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre and the Royal Brunei Police Force wrapped a four-day cluster meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan, focusing on port and maritime security, early detection, digital-age port security, and using AI for counter-piracy and cross-border operations. Energy & Industry Resilience: A Schneider Electric report says 94% of Singapore-listed firms (including Brunei cluster) plan to raise sustainability spending, with energy resilience and efficiency upgrades top priorities. Halal Food Trade: Adabi Frozen Food is expanding its international halal push, entering Brunei and preparing to move into Kuwait after MIHAS 2026, with further plans for SIAL Paris. Logistics Decarbonisation (Regional): Pos Malaysia says one in three parcels is now delivered via its electric logistics fleet, scaling EVs and telematics to support green deliveries. Global Ocean Protection: Brunei joined Germany, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe, Canada and Australia in ratifying the High Seas Treaty, bringing the total to 100 parties ahead of the first conference of parties in 2027. Diplomacy & Governance: Brunei’s UNGA remarks stressed that lasting peace requires justice for Palestinians, calling the conflict a test of UN credibility and equal application of international law.

Trade & Industry: South Korea’s CPTPP push is projected to lift manufacturing output by 6.7 trillion won a year, with officials urging faster action as agriculture and fisheries could also see export gains. Energy & Resilience: Schneider Electric’s report says 94% of Singapore businesses plan to raise sustainability spending, with energy resilience becoming a top priority. Maritime Security (Brunei): ReCAAP ISC and the Royal Brunei Police Force wrapped a four-day cluster meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan on port and maritime security, including AI use for counter-piracy and offshore energy protection. Halal Food (Brunei-linked): Adabi Frozen Food says it has entered Brunei and is preparing to expand into Kuwait, using MIHAS and other trade fairs to grow internationally. Logistics Decarbonisation: Pos Malaysia now runs 1,585 EVs and delivers one in three parcels by electric vehicle, targeting 100% green deliveries by 2030. Global Shipping Risk: Australia backs “No Fees/No Tolls” at the UN, warning that weaponised sea lanes could drive up costs and disrupt trade. Culture & Heritage: Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia plan a joint UNESCO bid for zapin, aiming for submission in March 2027.

Maritime Security in Brunei: ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre and the Royal Brunei Police Force wrapped up a four-day cluster meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan (21–24 Sept), bringing together port and offshore energy stakeholders to focus on early threat detection, digital port security, and using AI for counter-piracy and cross-border operations. Halal Food Trade: Adabi Frozen Food is pushing deeper into the international halal market, entering Brunei and preparing to expand into Kuwait after its MIHAS 2026 push, with plans to also showcase at SIAL Paris. EV Logistics Growth (Regional): Pos Malaysia says it now runs 1,585 electric vehicles and delivers one in three parcels via EVs, cutting about 3,881 tonnes of CO₂e since 2023 while targeting 100% green deliveries by 2030. Cultural & Tourism Push: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 concluded with booking and ticketing growth (up 16% and 15% year-on-year), highlighting Brunei’s travel services ecosystem. Global Oceans Protection: Brunei ratified the High Seas Treaty, joining Germany, PNG, Zimbabwe, Canada and Australia as membership reached 100 for the treaty’s entry into force.

Maritime Security in Focus: ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre and the Royal Brunei Police Force wrapped a four-day cluster meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan (21–24 Sept), bringing together port and offshore stakeholders to discuss early detection, digital port security, and offshore energy security, with AI also on the agenda for counter-piracy and cross-border operations. Halal Food Expansion: Adabi Frozen Food says it has entered Brunei and is preparing to expand into Kuwait, building on its MIHAS 2026 push to grow internationally and strengthen halal partnerships. Tourism & Culture: Labuan’s Borneo Arts Festival 2026 (25–27 Sept) is positioning the territory as a regional arts, culture and heritage hub, featuring dance competitions, fashion showcases, workshops and a street food bazaar. EV Logistics Push: Pos Malaysia reports 1,585 EVs in service and says one in three parcels is now delivered by electric vehicles, as it targets 100% green deliveries by 2030. Global Trade & Policy: India and the US say their trade pact is “done and dusted” pending tariff-linked competitive advantage, while ASEAN and Hong Kong move to strengthen investment protections. Environment & Oceans: Six countries, including Brunei, ratified the High Seas Treaty at UNGA, pushing membership to 100 parties and setting up the first protected-area decisions for 2027.

Maritime Security in Focus: ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre and the Royal Brunei Police Force wrapped up a four-day cluster meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan (21–24 Sept), bringing together port and offshore energy players to discuss early detection, digital port security, and using AI for counter-piracy and cross-border operations. Halal Food Expansion: Adabi Frozen Food is pushing deeper into the international halal market, entering Brunei and preparing to expand into Kuwait after its MIHAS 2026 participation, with more trade shows lined up including SIAL Paris. EV Logistics Push: Pos Malaysia says it now runs 1,585 EVs nationwide and delivers one in three parcels via electric vehicles, cutting about 3,881 tonnes of CO2e since 2023 while targeting 100% green deliveries by 2030. Culture & Tourism: Labuan’s Borneo Arts Festival 2026 is positioning the federal territory as a regional arts, culture and heritage hub, featuring performances, competitions, workshops, fashion showcases and a street food bazaar. Global Trade & Policy: The High Seas Treaty reached 100 ratifications with Brunei among new signatories, setting up the next big step for biodiversity protection beyond national waters. Local Industry Spotlight: Lexus Brunei unveiled the all-new ES 350h hybrid sedan, highlighting “Luxury, Reshaped” and self-charging technology.

Maritime Security in Focus: ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre and the Royal Brunei Police Force wrapped a four-day cluster meeting (21–24 Sept) in Bandar Seri Begawan, bringing together Brunei’s maritime and energy stakeholders plus regional focal points to discuss port and offshore security, early threat response, digital-age port security, and using AI for counter-piracy and cross-border operations. Halal Food Expansion: Adabi Frozen Food is pushing deeper into the international halal market, entering Brunei and preparing to expand into Kuwait after participating in MIHAS 2026, with further plans for Fine Food Australia and SIAL Paris. EV Logistics Push: Pos Malaysia says it now runs 1,585 EVs nationwide and delivers one in three parcels via electric vehicles, cutting about 3,881 tonnes of CO₂e since 2023 while targeting 100% green deliveries by 2030. Tourism & Culture: Labuan’s Borneo Arts Festival (25–27 Sept) is positioning the territory as a Borneo arts, culture and heritage tourism hub, featuring dance competitions, fashion showcases, workshops, handicrafts and a street food bazaar. Travel Industry Update: Sabre Travel Network Brunei’s 21st annual Sabre Brunei Travel Fair ended with bookings up 16% and ticketing transactions up 15% year-on-year. International Policy Link: Brunei’s ratification of the High Seas Treaty was among the latest moves that bring the pact to 100 parties, setting up decisions on future high-seas marine protected areas.