AGP Executive Report

Digital Brunei 2030: Brunei convened a national dialogue session to turn its Digital Brunei 2030 roadmap into practical, measurable outcomes, building on the Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 and focusing on citizen-centric digital services. Consumer & Trade: Brunei’s 33rd Consumer Fair & Trade Expo (CFTE33) is set for June 24–28 at the International Convention Centre, with local MSMEs and international pavilions plus business matchmaking. Ocean Economy: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 kicked off with a month-long programme on blue economy opportunities, marine conservation, and community livelihoods. Governance & Succession: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah announced a cabinet reshuffle, creating new portfolios and appointing two younger sons as ministers, widely seen as succession planning. Regional Business & Finance: Brunei’s role in regional investment and digital ecosystem partnerships was highlighted at ATxEnterprise 2026, including how shared telco infrastructure is pushing competition toward customer experience and digital services. Energy Outlook: Asean+3 growth remains steady, with Brunei’s forecast revised upward in a report from AMRO, even as policymakers watch risks from the Middle East crisis.

Cabinet Shake-Up: Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah announced a major reshuffle on June 4, creating new ministerial portfolios and appointing two younger sons as ministers—signalling possible succession planning amid wider regional energy pressure. Digital Nation-Building: The Digital Brunei Council released “Digital Brunei 2030,” a five-year transformation plan to guide government, society, business and data/AI strategy through 2030. Competition Watch: Brunei’s Competition Commission warned market and festival organisers against price-setting or minimum-price rules for vendors, saying such moves could breach the Competition Act. Blue Economy Push: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 was launched at UBD, kicking off a month-long programme focused on ocean sustainability, marine conservation and blue-economy opportunities. Regional Economy Outlook: AMRO kept Asean+3 growth steady but revised forecasts for several economies, including Brunei, as policymakers brace for risks from the Middle East crisis. Cross-Border Healthcare: Gleneagles Jerudong Park Medical Centre expanded medical tourism outreach into East Kalimantan, holding cardiac-focused sessions with local partners.

Digital Nation-Building: Brunei has launched “Digital Brunei 2030”, a five-year masterplan to guide digital government, society, business, and a cross-cutting data and AI strategy through to 2030. Competition Watch: The Competition Commission of Brunei Darussalam warned event organisers and vendors not to coordinate prices or set minimum selling prices at markets and festivals, saying it could breach the Competition Act. Blue Economy Push: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 kicks off on 2 June, spotlighting blue economy opportunities tied to fisheries, tourism, innovation, and marine conservation. Regional Growth Outlook: AMRO expects Asean+3 growth to stay resilient despite the Middle East crisis, with Brunei’s forecast upgraded for 2026. Transport & Trade: BYD and DENZA are running a mid-year roadshow at The Mall, Gadong (3–7 June), featuring PHEV and EV models including Brunei’s best-selling Sealion 6. Medical Tourism Link: Gleneagles Jerudong Park Medical Centre expands its medical tourism outreach into East Kalimantan via partnerships with local hospital and banking clients. Market Access Reminder: CCBD’s latest note comes as Brunei continues to balance growth with fair competition and consumer value.

Competition Watch: Brunei’s Competition Commission (CCBD) warned event organisers and vendors against coordinating prices or setting minimum selling prices at markets and festivals, saying such terms could breach the Competition Act by restricting independent pricing. Blue Economy & Oceans: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 kicks off on 2 June at UBD’s Pro Chancellor Arts Centre, spotlighting “Ocean of Opportunities” and blue economy growth tied to fisheries, tourism, innovation, and climate resilience. Medical Tourism Links: Gleneagles Jerudong Park Medical Centre expanded its medical tourism push into Indonesia’s East Kalimantan, holding cardiac-focused sessions with RS Parikesit and Bank Danamon to strengthen cross-border healthcare ties. Regional Trade Moves: Argentina formally plans to apply to join the CPTPP, which already includes Brunei, alongside other Asia-Pacific economies. Tourism Snapshot: UN Tourism reported international arrivals rose 2% in Q1 2026, but Middle East arrivals fell 14% amid ongoing conflict-related disruption. Undersea Security: Singapore-led efforts saw 17 countries launch voluntary guidelines to protect critical underwater infrastructure, including subsea cables. Defence & Maritime Tensions: China’s coast guard said it conducted “law enforcement” patrols east of Taiwan amid Japan-Philippines maritime boundary talks, escalating regional friction.

Competition Watch: Brunei’s Competition Commission (CCBD) warned market and festival organisers not to coordinate prices or force minimum selling prices, saying such terms can restrict competition and may amount to indirect price-fixing under the Competition Act. Blue Economy Spotlight: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 kicks off on 2 June at UBD’s Pro Chancellor Arts Centre, with a “Ocean of Opportunities” theme pushing blue economy growth tied to jobs, food security, innovation and marine protection. Cross-Border Healthcare: Gleneagles Jerudong Park Medical Centre expanded its medical tourism outreach into Indonesia’s East Kalimantan, holding cardiac-focused sessions with Rumah Sakit Parikesit and Bank Danamon to strengthen Brunei–Borneo healthcare links. Regional Trade Move: Argentina says it will formally apply to join the CPTPP, a bloc that already includes Brunei, aiming to open new markets for its private sector. Tourism Update: UN Tourism reports international arrivals rose 2% in Q1 2026, but Middle East arrivals fell 14% amid conflict-related travel disruption. Undersea Security Push: Singapore-led efforts at the Shangri-La Dialogue launched a 17-country framework to protect critical underwater infrastructure, including subsea cables and energy networks.

Ocean Week Brunei 2026: The event launches today (2 June) at UBD’s Pro Chancellor Arts Centre with the theme “Ocean of Opportunities: Blue Economy for a Sustainable Future,” spotlighting how Brunei’s seas can drive jobs, food security, innovation and environmental protection. Competition Watch: The Competition Commission of Brunei Darussalam (CCBD) warned market and festival organisers not to coordinate prices or impose minimum selling prices, saying such moves could breach the Competition Act. Medical Tourism: Gleneagles Jerudong Park Medical Centre expanded its medical tourism push into East Kalimantan via partnerships with RS Parikesit and Bank Danamon, including cardiac case discussions and health awareness sessions. Tourism Trends: UN Tourism reported international arrivals rose 2% in Q1 2026, but Middle East arrivals fell 14% after March disruptions, with wider travel growth expected to slow. Food Safety Harmonisation: APFRAS re-elected South Korea as chair and urged progress toward broader food safety regulatory harmonisation across the Asia-Pacific. Regional Security: Singapore-backed efforts to protect undersea cables gained momentum as 17 countries launched voluntary defence guidelines for underwater infrastructure security.

Ocean Week Brunei 2026: The event officially launches today (2 June) at UBD’s Pro Chancellor Arts Centre, spotlighting “Ocean of Opportunities” and blue economy growth, with a focus on jobs, innovation, food security and marine conservation. Competition Watch: Brunei’s Competition Commission (CCBD) warns market and festival organisers against price-setting or minimum-price rules for vendors, saying such moves could breach the Competition Act. Medical Tourism: Gleneagles Jerudong Park Medical Centre expands its medical tourism outreach into East Kalimantan via partnerships with RS Parikesit and Bank Danamon, including cardiac case discussions and health awareness sessions. Regional Security (Undersea): Singapore-led efforts at the Shangri-La Dialogue launched a 17-nation framework to protect critical underwater infrastructure like subsea cables, amid growing fears the seabed could be targeted. Regional Security (Taiwan): China’s Coast Guard says it carried out “law enforcement” patrols east of Taiwan after Japan and the Philippines announced maritime boundary talks, with Taiwan disputing the scale and intent.

US-Philippines Economic Push: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to develop the Luzon Economic Corridor during a call with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., also discussing South China Sea peace and energy challenges, as the corridor partnership expands to include Australia, Denmark, France, Italy, South Korea, Sweden and the UK. Regional Security Talks: In Singapore, the Philippines said it remains under “severe threat” from China despite a US-China thaw, while China’s coast guard carried out “law enforcement” patrols east of Taiwan and near Scarborough Shoal amid maritime boundary talks. Undersea Infrastructure Protection: Seventeen countries, including Brunei, launched the GUIDE framework at the Shangri-La Dialogue to strengthen defence cooperation for critical underwater cables and networks. Defence Deals in Focus: India’s defence chief said BrahMos missile agreements with Vietnam are already signed (not yet publicly announced) and Indonesia’s is in final stages.

Maritime Tensions: China’s coast guard and military carried out “law enforcement” and combat-readiness patrols near Taiwan and the disputed Scarborough Shoal, after Japan and the Philippines moved toward maritime boundary talks—Manila and Taipei rejected Beijing’s claims. Regional Security: At the Shangri-La Dialogue, the Philippines said it remains under “severe threat” from China, while ASEAN defence ministers stressed upholding UNCLOS transit passage through key corridors like the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. Undersea Protection: Seventeen countries, including Brunei, launched voluntary guidelines to defend critical underwater infrastructure such as telecom and energy cables, aiming for shared norms and faster crisis response. Defence Deals: India’s defence chief said Vietnam has already signed for BrahMos cruise missiles and Indonesia’s deal is in the final stages. Islamic Finance Watch: Fitch said the Philippines’ Islamic finance market is still small, even as ASEAN’s overall Islamic finance tops $1 trillion—highlighting room for growth beyond the region’s current leaders.

South China Sea Tensions: China’s military and coast guard carried out combat-readiness and law-enforcement patrols near Scarborough Shoal, while the Philippines said Beijing’s “drills” claims were unfounded after recent US-Philippines exercises. Regional Security at Shangri-La: The Philippines reiterated it remains under “severe threat” from China, even as ASEAN defence ministers pushed for free flow of trade through international corridors and stressed UNCLOS transit passage. Undersea Infrastructure Protection: Seventeen countries, including Brunei, launched voluntary guidelines to defend critical submarine cables and energy networks, citing growing risks to global communications and power. BrahMos Missile Deals: India’s defence secretary said Vietnam’s BrahMos agreement is already signed (not yet publicly announced) and Indonesia’s is in final stages, as defence ties deepen across ASEAN. Islamic Finance Watch: Fitch said the Philippines’ Islamic finance market is still small, despite recent sukuk and takaful progress, with ASEAN growth led by larger players like Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. Brunei Link in Energy Imports: Japan’s April crude imports showed Saudi dominance but also noted Brunei’s share among suppliers, amid wider shipping and Hormuz disruption concerns.

South China Sea Diplomacy: Vietnam’s top leader To Lam says stronger ties with China can help regional peace and disputes can be resolved through dialogue and international law, while the Philippines says it still faces “severe threat” from China despite a Trump-Xi thaw. Defence Deals: India’s defence secretary says a BrahMos missile deal with Vietnam is already signed (not yet publicly announced) and an Indonesia pact is in final stages, as regional defence ministers meet at Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue. Maritime Security: ASEAN defence ministers reaffirm the need to uphold transit passage under UNCLOS and keep trade flowing through key corridors like the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. Underwater Infrastructure: Seventeen countries launch a regional effort to protect critical underwater telecoms and energy cables, aiming for early warning and better crisis response. Local Relevance: Brunei-linked items include a note on Brunei’s Eid Al-Adha date and a Google exec highlighting a Brunei AI platform for dementia care.

Brunei Digital Skills: AITI’s Brunei TechXplore Digital Apprenticeship Program wrapped up, with AITI saying it boosts employability, adaptability and global exposure for local ICT graduates. Brunei Cost of Living: Brunei CPI edged up 0.1% in April 2026 year-on-year, driven by higher food and non-alcoholic beverage prices, while non-food costs slipped. Regional Security & Diplomacy: ASEAN nations are preparing for a high-level dialogue with Russia amid Ukraine-war concerns, with Brunei among the ASEAN members. Scam Crackdown: A major anti-scam operation linked to $752 million in losses saw 3,018 arrests across multiple countries, including Brunei. ASEAN Tech & Fraud Response: Global Signal Exchange was showcased at an ASEAN fraud summit, with tech firms backing real-time sharing to disrupt online scams faster. Eid Al-Adha Dates: Brunei will observe Eid Al-Adha a day later than many Arab and Muslim-majority countries, following moon-sighting decisions.

Brunei in the spotlight: Brunei’s TechXplore Digital Apprenticeship Program wrapped up with AITI saying it’s boosting ICT graduates’ employability, adaptability and global exposure in line with Brunei Vision 2035. Cost of living watch: Brunei CPI in April rose 0.1% year-on-year, driven mainly by higher food prices, while non-food eased slightly. Regional business & tourism: Travel Meet Asia 2026 returns to Jakarta (23–24 June) with Brunei named Official Partner Country and the launch of Visit Brunei 2027. Digital innovation: Google’s government affairs chief praised Singapore’s AI approach and highlighted an AI platform for dementia care in Brunei as part of its youth challenge. Energy & food security angle: A Reuters column says Brunei is benefiting from higher oil, refined products and LNG exports amid the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruption. Community & culture: Eid Al-Adha will be observed a day later in Brunei (Thursday) due to moon-sighting differences.

LGBT+ Rights Protest: Actor Sir Ian McKellen will lead a “Commonwealth Walk of Shame” march in London on 30 May, protesting colonial-era laws that still criminalise LGBT+ people across Commonwealth states, including references to Brunei and the death penalty in some places. Education Focus: A lawmaker urged Brunei’s region to prioritise reading comprehension first, after concerns that many senior students struggle to read independently. Brunei Tech Talent: Brunei’s AITI says its Brunei TechXplore Digital Apprenticeship Program is boosting ICT graduates’ employability and global exposure, aligning with Brunei Vision 2035. Cost of Living: Brunei CPI rose 0.1% in April year-on-year, driven mainly by higher food prices. Digital Innovation: Google’s government affairs chief praised Singapore’s use of technology with “guardrails,” citing AI Ready ASEAN Youth Challenge projects including an AI dementia-care platform in Brunei. Eid Al-Adha Dates: Brunei will observe Eid Al-Adha on Thursday, 28 May, a day later than many countries due to moon-sighting decisions. Regional Diplomacy: Vienna is set to bid to host an EU-ASEAN Center from 2027, with Brunei cited as a key partner.

South China Sea Tensions: China says it used electronic warfare to drive away a Dutch frigate near the Paracel Islands, while the Netherlands insists the ship was operating under international law—another sign of rising pushback against Beijing’s sweeping claims. EU-ASEAN Diplomacy: Vienna is set to host a new EU-ASEAN Center from 2027, with Austria pointing to Brunei ties and promising cooperation on innovation, tech transfer and capacity building ahead of the 2027 EU-ASEAN summit. Brunei Digital Skills: AITI’s Brunei TechXplore Digital Apprenticeship Program wrapped up, highlighting international exposure and hands-on ICT experience to support Brunei’s digital transformation goals. Brunei Cost of Living: Brunei CPI rose 0.1% in April year-on-year, mainly due to higher food prices, while non-food edged down. Tourism & Events: Miri’s deputy minister urged more performers—singers and comedians included—to bring live shows to the city, saying it boosts tourism and local business. Regional Travel Trade: Travel Meet Asia 2026 returns to Jakarta (23–24 June), naming Brunei as Official Partner Country and tying it to the launch of Visit Brunei 2027. Scam Crackdown: A cross-border anti-scam operation netted 3,018 arrests linked to about US$752m in reported losses, with Brunei among participating jurisdictions. Eid Al-Adha Dates: India, Bangladesh, Brunei and South Africa will observe Eid Al-Adha on Thursday, 28 May, after local moon-sighting decisions.

Tourism & Culture: Sarawak’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Chiew Choon Man urged more performers—singers and comedians included—to bring live shows to Miri, saying comedy can also spark constructive public discussion. Digital Skills in Brunei: AITI’s Brunei TechXplore Digital Apprenticeship Program wrapped up, highlighting hands-on ICT training and international exposure to boost employability under Brunei Vision 2035. Cost of Living: Brunei’s CPI rose 0.1% in April 2026 year-on-year, mainly driven by higher food prices, while non-food eased slightly. FinTech Regulation: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank updated its FinTech Regulatory Sandbox guidelines, widening eligibility to qualified financial institutions and clarifying what solutions can be tested. Regional Tech & Youth: Google’s government affairs lead praised Singapore’s “guardrails” approach to AI, noting youth innovators including a Brunei AI platform for dementia care. Eid Al-Adha Dates: Brunei will observe Eid Al-Adha on Thursday, 28 May, one day later than many Arab and Muslim-majority countries. South China Sea Tensions: China accused a Dutch frigate of intruding near the Paracel Islands; the Netherlands said it was operating under international law. Regional Security & Fraud: A cross-border anti-scam operation led to 3,018 arrests tied to about US$752 million in losses, with Brunei among participating jurisdictions.