Economic Outlook: The IMF says Brunei is among ASEAN’s energy exporters benefiting from the latest energy shock, while warning that the region needs stronger fiscal buffers against future disruptions. The Fund projects Brunei’s growth at 1.9% this year. Trade Links: Brunei and India agreed to expand trade, discussing Indian agricultural and animal-product exports, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and energy cooperation at their third Joint Trade Committee meeting. Industry: Honeywell will supply technology and engineering support for Hengyi Industries’ Pulau Muara Besar expansion, aimed at improving efficiency and boosting higher-value petrochemical production. Supply Security: Singapore and Brunei have agreed to cooperate on maintaining essential-goods supplies, including food, fuel and medical products, during disruptions.
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Thailand Ties: Brunei and Thailand are exploring closer investment, food-trade and Islamic-finance cooperation, including links between their financial institutions. India Trade: India and Brunei agreed to expand trade, with agricultural goods and pharmaceuticals among the priorities, and to explore cooperation in healthcare and energy. Economic Outlook: The IMF projects Brunei’s growth at 1.9% in 2026; as an energy exporter, the country is also benefiting from higher energy prices, though the wider regional outlook remains exposed to shocks. Supply Resilience: Singapore and Brunei have agreed to strengthen the flow of essential goods, including food, fuel and medical supplies, during disruptions. Regional Connectivity: A proposed Trans-Borneo railway route would pass through Brunei, linking Sarawak’s towns, ports and industrial areas with Sabah and Kalimantan. Haze: Fires in Indonesia have affected Brunei and other neighbours, with Malaysia seeking to raise the issue at an ASEAN meeting.
Trade: India and Brunei agreed to expand bilateral commerce, with talks covering Indian agricultural and animal products, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and energy. Borneo Connectivity: A proposed Trans-Borneo Railway would run through Sarawak, enter Brunei and return to Sarawak, linking population centres, ports and industrial areas; funding and implementation plans are still under review. Supply Security: Singapore and Brunei signed a pact covering essential goods including food, fuel, crude oil and medical supplies, aiming to keep supplies flowing during disruptions. Research and Innovation: Universiti Brunei Darussalam and AmiproSimpor will explore joint research, consultancy and industry-focused innovation, alongside training and internship opportunities. Economic Outlook: The IMF projects Brunei’s economy to grow 1.9% in 2026, the slowest rate among the Southeast Asian economies listed in its forecast. Regional Cooperation: ASEAN foreign ministers are expected to discuss transboundary haze ahead of November’s Manila summit, as fires in Indonesia have affected Brunei and neighbouring countries.
Financial Resilience: The Philippines’ central bank chief warned Asian economies to guard against another financial crisis, while IMF officials highlighted ASEAN’s exposure to energy shocks and limited fiscal buffers. Brunei–Singapore Trade: The two countries signed a pact to help keep essential goods flowing during disruptions, covering food, crude oil, fuel and medical supplies. Research and Diversification: Universiti Brunei Darussalam and AmiproSimpor agreed to collaborate on research, innovation and commercialising research, with plans for training and industry placements. Regional Haze: Malaysia plans to raise transboundary haze at an ASEAN meeting ahead of next month’s summit; fires in Indonesia have affected Brunei and other neighbours.
Supply Resilience: Brunei and Singapore signed a pact on 12 October covering essential goods including food, crude oil, fuel and medical supplies. The agreement sets a cooperation framework, with practical arrangements still to come. Regional Haze: ASEAN foreign ministers are due to discuss transboundary haze next month after fires in Indonesia affected Brunei and neighbouring countries. Malaysia says it will push for haze to be addressed through regional mechanisms. Research and Innovation: Universiti Brunei Darussalam and AmiproSimpor signed an MoU to pursue joint research, consultancy and commercialisation, alongside training and internship opportunities. South China Sea: ASEAN and China missed their July deadline for a code of conduct, with disputes over its scope and legal force still unresolved.
Supply Resilience: Singapore and Brunei signed a pact to protect the flow of essential goods, including food, fuel and medical supplies, during crises. Regional Haze: Fires in Indonesia have sent haze across the region, affecting Brunei. Malaysia plans to raise the issue with ASEAN foreign ministers, saying haze is not covered by the bloc’s existing disaster response mechanisms. Research & Innovation: Universiti Brunei Darussalam and local pharmaceutical firm AmiproSimpor will explore joint research, training and commercialising research outcomes. Football: DPMM FC reached the FA Cup semi-finals after a 1-0 win over Kuala Lumpur City secured a 4-3 aggregate victory. Travel: Taiwan extended visa-free entry for Bruneians until July 31, 2027.
Supply Chain Resilience: Brunei and Singapore signed a pact covering essential goods including food, crude oil, fuel and medical supplies, reinforcing commitments under the upgraded ASEAN trade agreement. Singapore was Brunei’s fourth-largest goods-trading partner in 2025, with trade worth S$2.32 billion. DPMM’s Cup Run: Brunei’s DPMM FC reached the FA Cup semi-finals after a 1-0 win over Kuala Lumpur City secured a 4-3 aggregate victory. Research and Industry: Universiti Brunei Darussalam and local pharmaceutical firm AmiproSimpor will explore joint research, innovation and training, aiming to build skills and support economic diversification. Development Cooperation: Brunei and the Islamic Development Bank launched a country engagement framework to deepen strategic cooperation after the Sultan received the bank’s chairman. Defence Ties: Singapore and Brunei marked 50 years of defence relations with a joint military parade at Muara Naval Base, attended by Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and the Sultan.
Travel Access: Taiwan has extended visa-free entry for Bruneians through July 2027. Brunei also ranks ninth among 56 Commonwealth passports for travel access. Football: DPMM FC reached the FA Cup semi-finals, edging Kuala Lumpur City 1-0 to win their quarter-final 4-3 on aggregate. Diplomacy: Myanmar’s spokesperson says Indonesia and Brunei may invite leader Min Aung Hlaing for official visits, but no dates have been announced. Research and Innovation: Universiti Brunei Darussalam and AmiproSimpor signed an MoU to pursue joint research, training and industry-focused innovation. Finance: Baiduri Bank established a US$2 billion note programme to diversify funding and reach international investors. Regional Cooperation: Brunei and the Islamic Development Bank launched their first country engagement framework to deepen strategic cooperation.
Football: Brunei’s DPMM FC upset Kuala Lumpur City 1-0 away to book a place in the 2026 FA Cup semi-finals, advancing 4-3 on aggregate. Jordan Murray scored the decisive goal in the 11th minute. Research and Innovation: Universiti Brunei Darussalam and AmiproSimpor signed an MoU to pursue joint research, consultancy and industry-focused innovation, alongside internships and staff exchanges. Defence Ties: Brunei and Singapore marked 50 years of defence relations with a joint parade at Muara Naval Base, attended by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Banking: Baiduri Bank established a US$2 billion Euro Medium Term Note Programme to diversify funding and broaden access to international investors. Development: Brunei and the Islamic Development Bank launched their first Country Engagement Framework for 2026–2028, focused on economic diversification, private-sector development, Islamic finance and sustainable growth.
Research and Innovation: Universiti Brunei Darussalam and AmiproSimpor signed an MoU to pursue joint research, industry placements and commercialisation of research, supporting local skills and economic diversification. Defence Ties: Brunei and Singapore marked 50 years of defence relations with a joint parade at Muara Naval Base, attended by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Banking: Baiduri Bank established a US$2 billion Euro Medium Term Note Programme, giving it a platform to seek funding from international investors and diversify its funding sources. Development: Brunei and the Islamic Development Bank launched a 2026–2028 cooperation framework focused on economic diversification, Islamic finance, food security and small businesses. Energy Security: Brunei is among 11 countries backing an AZEC work plan to strengthen regional oil reserves and prepare for supply disruptions.
Defence ties: Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah marked 50 years of defence relations at Muara Naval Base on Oct 10. A joint parade featured 256 personnel and assets from both countries’ armed forces. Banking: Baiduri Bank has launched a US$2 billion note programme to diversify funding and connect with international investors. Development: Brunei and the Islamic Development Bank launched a 2026–28 cooperation framework focused on economic diversification, Islamic finance, food security and small businesses. Regional cooperation: Brunei joined ASEAN-India talks to accelerate the review of their trade-in-goods pact, with the next meeting scheduled for January 2027. It is also among 11 countries backing a regional push to strengthen oil stockpiles. Sports rights: BeIN Sports secured exclusive Wimbledon coverage in Brunei and nine other Asian markets from 2027 through 2031.
Regional Trade: Brunei joined India and ASEAN partners in agreeing to fast-track outstanding chapters in the ASEAN-India trade pact review, with the next committee meeting set for January 2027. Energy Security: Brunei is among 11 countries backing an AZEC work programme to strengthen oil reserves and coordinate responses to supply emergencies. Borneo Business: Indonesia’s Nusantara is set to host the 2027 Borneo Economic Forum, focused on cross-border investment, connectivity and cooperation in energy and digital industries. Banking: Baiduri Bank has launched a US$2 billion note programme to diversify funding and broaden access to international investors. Development: Brunei and the Islamic Development Bank launched their first country framework for 2026–2028, targeting economic diversification, Islamic finance, food security and small-business growth.
Energy Security: Brunei is among 11 countries in the Asia Zero Emission Community that agreed to strengthen oil-stockpiling infrastructure and consider coordinated reserve releases during emergencies. Trade: Brunei joined ASEAN partners in agreeing to fast-track pending chapters in the review of the India–ASEAN goods trade pact, with the next committee meeting scheduled for January 2027. Development: Brunei and the Islamic Development Bank launched their first country framework for 2026–2028, targeting economic diversification, private-sector growth, Islamic finance and sustainable development. Banking: Baiduri Bank established a US$2 billion Euro Medium Term Note programme, giving it a platform to raise funds internationally and diversify its financing.
Energy Security: Brunei joined Japan and other AZEC members in agreeing to plans to strengthen oil reserves, including improved stockpiling infrastructure and coordinated emergency releases. Banking and Finance: Baiduri Bank established a US$2 billion Euro Medium Term Note Programme, giving it the option to raise funds internationally and diversify its funding sources. Development Cooperation: Brunei and the Islamic Development Bank launched their first Country Engagement Framework for 2026–2028, targeting economic diversification, Islamic finance, food security and support for small businesses. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah received the IsDB Group chairman, whose meetings with ministers focused on turning the framework’s priorities into projects.
Development Partnership: Brunei and the Islamic Development Bank launched their first country framework for 2026–2028, aligning cooperation with Wawasan Brunei 2035. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah received the IsDB chairman, with discussions covering economic diversification, Islamic finance, food security and support for small businesses. Banking: Baiduri Bank established a US$2 billion Euro Medium Term Note Programme, giving it the option to issue notes in international markets and diversify funding; UOB is the arranger and dealer. Productivity: The Asian Productivity Organization’s 2026 databook includes Brunei in its full productivity accounts for 28 economies, with historical comparisons through 2024 and projections to 2035.
Development: Brunei and the Islamic Development Bank launched their first Country Engagement Framework, covering 2026–2028. The plan aligns with Wawasan Brunei 2035 and targets economic diversification, Islamic finance, food security and support for small businesses. Defence Cooperation: Royal Brunei Land Force troops and about 130 Oklahoma National Guard personnel began Exercise Pahlawan Warrior 26 at Tutong Camp, training in jungle and urban operations and live-fire coordination. Productivity: Brunei is among 28 economies receiving full productivity accounts in the Asian Productivity Organization’s 2026 databook. Across APO member economies, annual labour-productivity growth eased to 2.5% in 2019–2024, from 2.9% in 2015–2019.
Productivity: Brunei is among 28 economies with full productivity accounts in the Asian Productivity Organization’s 2026 databook, which tracks economic and productivity trends through 2024 and projects growth to 2035. Development Partnerships: Brunei and the Islamic Development Bank launched their first country framework for 2026–2028. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah received the IsDB chairman, with talks focused on economic diversification, Islamic finance, food security and support for small businesses. Defence Cooperation: Royal Brunei Land Force personnel are training with about 130 Oklahoma National Guard members in Exercise Pahlawan Warrior 26, covering jungle and urban operations, live-fire coordination and skills exchanges. Trade and Travel: Shenzhen Airlines’ new direct route between Brunei and Shenzhen, launched on September 30, is expected to support business, tourism and investment links. Business: Imperial Motors has reopened Subaru’s official presence in Brunei, offering sales and after-sales service for four models.
Brunei-IsDB Development: His Majesty the Sultan received IsDB Group Chairman Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, with talks highlighting the new IsDB Group–Brunei Darussalam Country Engagement Framework 2026–2028 and cooperation on economic transformation, private sector growth, Islamic finance and sustainable development aligned with Wawasan Brunei 2035. Regional Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines launched a direct Brunei–Shenzhen route, linking the Sultanate to China’s Greater Bay Area and expected to boost trade, tourism and people-to-people ties. Local Economy & Policy: Brunei’s central bank launched the Financial Sector Blueprint 2026–2035, setting direction for the sector’s next phase. ASEAN Focus: Singapore’s Grace Fu said ASEAN should prioritise a regional power grid, climate finance and resilience during its 2027 chairmanship, pointing to cross-border electricity trading as a practical path forward. Productivity Outlook: The Asian Productivity Organization released its 2026 APO Productivity Databook, projecting Asia’s growth and labour productivity trends through 2035, including full productivity accounts covering Brunei.
IsDB Partnership Push: The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Chairman, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, met Brunei’s Finance II Minister and other senior ministers to advance the IsDB–Brunei Country Engagement Framework 2026–2028, with focus on Islamic finance, food security, and SMEs aligned to Wawasan Brunei 2035 and the 12th National Development Plan. Framework Launch: Brunei and the IsDB Group also formally launched the first Country Engagement Framework 2026–2028, setting a structured platform to turn shared priorities into projects. Air Connectivity Boost: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new direct Brunei–Shenzhen route, starting with an inaugural flight on Sept 30, aiming to deepen trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people links. Regional Diplomacy & Policy: Khelafat Majlis hosted diplomats in Dhaka, calling for a balanced foreign policy based on national interests and mutual respect. Business & Consumer Notes: Apple Music officially expanded to Brunei (along with Pakistan and others), while Maju Motors’ BYD/Denza promotion runs until Dec 31 with a chance to win a house. Travel & Sports Glance: Malaysia’s F1 return drew major attention at Sepang, with Brunei’s Sultan attending alongside regional leaders.
IsDB–Brunei Partnership: Brunei and the Islamic Development Bank launched their first IsDB Group–Brunei Darussalam Country Engagement Framework 2026–2028, setting out a structured plan aligned with Wawasan Brunei 2035 and national development priorities. Regional Connectivity Boost: Shenzhen Airlines began a new direct Brunei–Shenzhen route, linking Brunei to China’s Greater Bay Area and expected to support trade, tourism and people-to-people ties. Digital Travel Upgrade: Royal Brunei Airlines and SES completed inflight Wi-Fi installation across the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, rolling out seamless connectivity for A320neo operations. Local Business & Mobility: Imperial Motors (Inchcape) brought Subaru back to Brunei with a new authorised showroom and full sales, servicing and aftersales support. Tech & Media Access: Apple Music officially expanded to Brunei (along with Albania, Burkina Faso and Pakistan), adding local access through Apple accounts. Sports Spotlight: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Brunei’s leadership attended Malaysia’s return of Formula 1 at Sepang, with heavy rain delaying the race. Energy & Trade Watch: China’s suspension of oil product exports beyond Hong Kong and Macau could tighten fuel supplies for regional buyers including Singapore and Malaysia.
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