AGP Executive Report

Brunei Foreign Policy & Diplomacy: Brunei’s Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen met Turkey’s Hakan Fidan on UNGA sidelines, as Fidan pressed for Libya’s “One Libya” unity and urged partners to engage all Libyan sides. Maritime Security: Brunei featured in ReCAAP’s four-day cluster meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan, where port and offshore energy security, early threat response, and AI use in counter-piracy and cross-border operations were discussed. Regional Cooperation & Trade: Bangladesh’s RCEP accession advanced after ministers approved an ad hoc working group—RCEP already includes Brunei—while Indonesia moved toward an ACTS “Kalimantan Corridor” linking Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei for 2027 freight connectivity. Public Life & Culture: Labuan’s Borneo Arts Festival ran Sept 25–27, positioning the territory as a regional arts, culture and heritage tourism hub. Business & Community: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 wrapped up with reported booking and ticketing growth and grand prize draws.

UN Diplomacy & Regional Politics: Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen met counterparts in New York on the sidelines of UNGA 81, including discussions with Vietnam’s FM Le Hoai Trung on trade, oil & gas, tourism and ASEAN/UN coordination, while Türkiye’s Hakan Fidan also held talks with Mateen as part of a wider push on Libya’s “One Libya” unity process. Maritime Security in Brunei: The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre and the Royal Brunei Police Force wrapped a four-day cluster meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan, bringing together Brunei agencies and regional focal points to focus on port and maritime security, early response, and AI-enabled counter-piracy and cross-border safety. High Seas Treaty Milestone: The High Seas Treaty hit 100 ratifications after Germany, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe, Canada, Australia and Brunei deposited instruments, moving the world toward the first Conference of the Parties in January 2027. South China Sea Context: Brunei-linked regional defence cooperation continues to be framed as “quiet diplomacy,” with analysts pointing to Bandar Seri Begawan’s preference for diversified security partners while keeping engagement with China modest. Regional Governance & Environment: Malaysia is pushing a legal approach to transboundary haze via an ASEAN review process, with Brunei among the countries backing further work.

UN Diplomacy Protest: Israeli PM Netanyahu faced a mass walkout at the UN General Assembly as officials from dozens of countries left during his speech, with Israel citing 77 empty seats and disputing whether it was a coordinated boycott. Regional Trade Push: RCEP approved an ad hoc accession working group to advance Bangladesh’s bid, alongside Chile, Hong Kong, China and Sri Lanka—keeping the bloc “open and inclusive.” Climate & Firefighting Funding: A new UN-backed firefighting fund launched for South America, but critics warn a major funding gap remains and Southeast Asia is left out even as wildfires worsen. Maritime Security Drills: ASEAN-Plus warships sailed in the West Philippine Sea for ADMM-Plus maritime security work, with China not participating in the sea phase. Brunei-Linked Cultural Diplomacy: Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia are jointly bidding to get zapin inscribed on UNESCO’s intangible heritage list, with a March 2027 submission timeline. Brunei in Regional Defence Context: Analysts say Brunei’s “quiet diplomacy” with China in the South China Sea aims to keep cooperation modest while preserving room for broader security ties. ASEAN Connectivity Plan: Indonesia is preparing the Kalimantan Corridor under the ASEAN Customs Transit System, targeting operations in 2027 to ease Borneo freight movement among Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.

UN Diplomacy (Brunei-Vietnam): Vietnam’s FM Le Hoai Trung met Brunei’s Prince Abdul Mateen on UNGA 81 sidelines, agreeing to deepen cooperation in trade, oil and gas, tourism, fisheries and halal, and to coordinate on ASEAN centrality and UN governance. South China Sea Posture: Analysts say Brunei keeps defence ties with China low-key and “quiet,” aiming for stability and peacekeeping while maintaining a diversified security network. Regional Connectivity (Borneo): Indonesia is finalising the Kalimantan Corridor under the ASEAN Customs Transit System, expected to start in 2027 to cut border bottlenecks and costs for freight linking Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. Maritime Security Drills: Brunei-linked ADMM-Plus maritime security exercises off Zambales saw formation drills, medical evacuation and search-and-rescue with multiple ASEAN and partner navies. Cultural Diplomacy: China and Brunei marked 35 years of ties with cultural performances and a food festival, alongside a strategic cooperation agreement. Tech & AI (Regional): KBTG Techtopia returned for a fourth year, focusing on “Human of Tomorrow” and the role of people as agentic AI expands. Policy/Legal (Mobility): Hong Kong expands its Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Invited Persons from ASEAN to parts of Central Asia and the Middle East from Oct 1.

Brunei–China Defence Posture: Analysts say Brunei is keeping its security ties with Beijing deliberately modest, using “quiet diplomacy” and peacekeeping language to manage South China Sea tensions while diversifying partners; the latest signal came from Brunei Defence Minister Halbi Mohammad Yussof meeting Admiral Dong Jun at the Xiangshan Forum. Regional Maritime Security Drills: Brunei-linked participation featured in ADMM-Plus maritime security work off Zambales, with formation drills, medical evacuation, and search-and-rescue led by Japan, while China stayed out of the sea phase. UN Diplomacy & Brunei Contacts: Russia’s Lavrov is set for dozens of UN General Assembly meetings, including planned talks with Brunei among other countries, underscoring Brunei’s continued diplomatic relevance. ASEAN Economic Legal Boost: ASEAN and Hong Kong signed a protocol amending the ASEAN–Hong Kong Investment Agreement, expanding fair treatment and compensation rules—Brunei is among the implementing states. ASEAN Tech Spotlight (Brunei): Brunei’s Kandila placed in the top five at Malaysia’s ASEAN GeoAI Fusion 2026, highlighting regional momentum in AI and geospatial solutions. Energy & Trade Context: Indonesia’s RCEP push urged deeper use of the pact and advanced an accession working group, while ADB cut the Philippines’ 2026 growth forecast—both feed into the wider regional policy backdrop Brunei watches.

Brunei–China Defence: Brunei is keeping its South China Sea posture “quiet” as Defence Minister Halbi Mohammad Yussof met China’s Admiral Dong Jun in Beijing, with both sides pledging closer practical cooperation while analysts expect ties to stay modest and diversified. Regional Security Drills: Indonesia hosted Exercise Trident Resolve under ADMM-Plus, bringing 19 countries together across cyber, humanitarian relief and military medicine amid a disaster scenario. ASEAN Economic Moves: Indonesia pushed stronger RCEP use at a ministerial meeting, including progress on accession steps and a new accession working group for several economies. ASEAN–Hong Kong Investment: ASEAN and Hong Kong signed a protocol to amend the ASEAN–Hong Kong Investment Agreement, aiming for fair treatment, expanded benefits and stronger compensation rules. Brunei in Regional Tech: Brunei’s Kandila placed in the top five at Malaysia’s ASEAN GeoAI Fusion 2026, highlighting the country’s participation in GeoAI talent-building. Brunei-linked International Spotlight: A report on Australia’s fuel sourcing claims Russian-derived oil has been flowing via Brunei’s Hengyi refinery, raising questions about sanctions loopholes and war-linked funding. Sports & Community: Brunei’s DPMM FC drew 3-3 with KL City in the FA Cup quarterfinal first leg, while Brunei’s wushu athlete Basma Lachkar earned a podium-adjacent finish at the Asian Games.

ASEAN Tech & Talent: Malaysia’s Grabber won overall at ASEAN GeoAI Fusion 2026, with Brunei’s Kandila finishing top five, as the event pushes AI geospatial solutions across the region. Brunei Sports Spotlight: Faiq Bolkiah, a member of Brunei’s royal family and the country’s captain, is reported left without a club after his Ratchaburi deal expired. Regional Energy Diplomacy: Indonesia says it is still negotiating electricity pricing before committing to the ASEAN Power Grid, arguing the benefits must be “fair” rather than an uneven split. South China Sea Security: A report claims China has expanded Antelope Reef with sand dredging to build a new military-capable artificial island, raising stakes for nearby claimants. UN Diplomacy: Russia’s Lavrov is set for more than 30 bilateral meetings during the UN General Assembly, including planned talks with Brunei. Cross-border Haze Response: Indonesia continues firefighting efforts as Malaysia sends support, while haze impacts spread across the region. ASEAN Trade Rules: ASEAN signatories allow provisional use of the Second Protocol to amend ATIGA among willing members ahead of June 2027.

ASEAN Power Grid Talks: Indonesia says it’s still negotiating electricity pricing before joining the ASEAN Power Grid, warning the deal must be “fair” and not a 70-30 split. Digital Infrastructure & Security: The U.S. is funding a trans-Pacific internet cable feasibility study that would route around the South China Sea, aiming to reduce China’s leverage over Southeast Asia’s connectivity. Regional Trade Rules: ASEAN signatories, including Brunei, have agreed to allow the upgraded ATIGA to be applied provisionally among willing members ahead of its June 2027 entry into force. Cross-border Investment: Hong Kong signed the first protocol to amend its ASEAN investment agreement, aiming for non-discriminatory treatment and more legal certainty for investors. Public Order & Sports: Indonesia deployed 5,641 police for the FIFA ASEAN Cup in Jakarta and Bandung, with security covering venues, routes, and digital monitoring. Haze & Fire Response: Indonesia continues firefighting efforts as Malaysia sends aircraft, helicopters and firefighters to tackle worsening transboundary haze. Brunei in the Region: Brunei-linked items include participation in ATIGA talks and Basma Lachkar’s joint bronze at the Asian Games wushu taijiquan/taijijian event.

Maritime Security: India sent two warships to Subic Bay for an ADMM-Plus maritime security drill with ASEAN and partners, joining US, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Brunei and others as South China Sea tensions shape regional patrols. Regional Cooperation: The same ADMM-Plus effort also brings US naval forces into the Philippines area for maritime domain awareness and disaster-response readiness, with Brunei listed among participating states. Transboundary Haze: Indonesia’s wildfire response is still struggling despite deploying aircraft and tens of thousands of personnel, while Malaysia ramps up support with a CL-415MP aircraft, helicopters and firefighters as haze spreads across the region. Legal Push on Fires: Indigenous and civil society groups in West Kalimantan filed a class-action lawsuit against Indonesia’s government, seeking stronger action and a national-disaster order. ASEAN Trade: ASEAN members including Brunei and the Philippines backed a move to allow voluntary, provisional application of the upgraded ATIGA protocol among ready states ahead of its June 2027 entry into force. Brunei Link in Sports: DPMM FC drew 3-3 with KL City in the FA Cup quarterfinal first leg, setting up a decisive second match in October. Brunei in Culture & Society: A China-Brunei cultural performance marked 35 years of diplomatic ties, featuring disabled artists from China and Brunei performers.

FIFA ASEAN Cup Security: Indonesia’s National Police has deployed 5,641 officers for “Operation Garuda Bakti 2026,” running Sept 21–Oct 6 across Jakarta and Bandung, covering stadiums, transport routes, supporter areas, traffic control, digital monitoring, and specialist responses to bomb and drone threats. Regional Environment & Haze: Malaysia has agreed to help Indonesia fight worsening wildfires, sending a CL-415MP aircraft, three helicopters and 52 firefighters after talks with President Prabowo—an issue hitting neighbours including Brunei. ASEAN Trade: ASEAN adopted a declaration allowing member states to voluntarily apply the upgraded ATIGA Second Protocol provisionally ahead of its June 2027 entry, aiming to speed up trade for countries ready to move. Maritime Security: The U.S. Navy joined an ADMM-Plus maritime security exercise with ASEAN partners, including Brunei, focused on cooperation, maritime awareness and disaster response. Brunei-Linked Sports: In the Asian Games wushu, Brunei’s Basma Lachkar won joint bronze in women’s taijiquan-taijijian, while Brunei’s DPMM FC drew 3-3 with KL City in the FA Cup quarterfinal first leg. Local Political Notices: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Sabah leaders extended condolences over the death of former Bongawan ADUN Karim Bujang.

Regional Trade & Investment: ASEAN members including Brunei have agreed to allow the voluntary early application of the upgraded ATIGA Second Protocol, letting ready states apply it provisionally ahead of its June 2027 entry. Maritime Security: The U.S. Navy joined an ADMM-Plus maritime security exercise co-hosted by Japan and the Philippines, with Brunei among participating partners, as South China Sea tensions keep shaping regional coordination. South China Sea Flashpoint: A Philippine fisheries vessel and a Chinese coast guard ship were involved in a collision near disputed waters, with both sides blaming each other and escalating the diplomatic noise. Cross-border Haze Response: Malaysia approved support to Indonesia’s wildfire fight, sending aircraft, helicopters and firefighters after haze spread across Borneo and beyond. Brunei Public Life: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Sabah leaders offered condolences over the death of former Bongawan ADUN Karim Bujang, a reminder of Brunei-linked Sabah political ties. Brunei in Sport: Brunei’s Basma Lachkar won joint bronze in women’s taijiquan-taijijian at the Asian Games, tying with Singapore’s Zeanne Law. Local Enforcement: Brunei Customs seized controlled drugs, alcohol and cigarettes in border operations, detaining suspects for smuggling. Business & Mobility: Pakistan began exporting Suzuki Alto and Suzuki Every to Brunei, while the U.S. published a list of countries eligible for its E-1 treaty trader visas including Brunei.

ASEAN Trade Policy: ASEAN signatories including Brunei and the Philippines have agreed to let any ready member state voluntarily apply the upgraded ATIGA Second Protocol provisionally, aiming to speed up trade ahead of its June 2027 entry. Investment Rules: ASEAN and Hong Kong signed a first protocol to amend their investment agreement, promising non-discriminatory treatment for Hong Kong enterprises across ASEAN markets. Maritime Security Drills: U.S. naval forces joined an ADMM-Plus maritime security exercise with Brunei and others, focused on coordination, maritime awareness, and disaster resilience. Brunei in Regional Sport: Brunei’s Basma Lachkar won joint bronze at the Asian Games wushu taijiquan-taijijian event in Japan, tying scores with Singapore’s Zeanne Law. Customs Enforcement: Brunei Royal Customs seized controlled drugs and also detained suspects over smuggling alcohol and cigarettes in border operations. Cross-Border Environment: Malaysia accepted Indonesia’s wildfire assistance request, sending aircraft, helicopters, and firefighters as haze continues to affect the region. Mobility & Travel Lists: Australia published its visa-free transit (TWOV) eligibility list, while the U.S. and UK released updated country lists for treaty visas and faster border clearance.

Brunei Border & Customs: Brunei Royal Customs and Excise seized controlled drugs and also detained suspects over smuggling beer, alcohol and cigarettes in separate operations near the border, underscoring continued enforcement at control posts. Regional Haze Response: Indonesia says it remains fully compliant with ASEAN haze protocols under a Level 3 Alert, with daily hotspot and smoke-trajectory reporting to neighbours including Brunei, while Malaysia accepted Indonesia’s request for help and will dispatch aircraft, helicopters and firefighters. South China Sea Tensions: A collision near Sabina Shoal has triggered competing claims: China says a Philippine vessel deliberately rammed a coast guard ship, while Manila’s account blames China for deliberate ramming—raising the risk of further diplomatic friction. Cross-border Mobility Rules: The UK published eligibility for its Registered Traveller faster-border clearance scheme, listing Brunei among qualifying passport holders, while the US released E-1 treaty trader eligibility lists and a Guam-CNMI visa waiver list that includes Brunei. China-Brunei Cultural Links: A China Disabled People’s Performing Art Troupe performed in Bandar Seri Begawan to mark 35 years of China–Brunei diplomatic ties, with senior ministers attending.

South China Sea Flashpoint: The Philippine Coast Guard says a Chinese coast guard vessel deliberately rammed a fisheries ship near Sabina Shoal/Xianbin Jiao, while Beijing counters that Manila provoked the incident—raising fresh legal and diplomatic tensions in waters also claimed by Brunei and others. AI Rivalry & Regional Policy: A Jakarta panel warns US and China are turning AI into influence, with competing initiatives shaping chip access and capacity-building across Southeast Asia. Brunei-Linked Customs Crackdown: Brunei Royal Customs seized controlled drugs (4,254g) and also detained suspects over smuggled alcohol, beer, and cigarettes in border operations. ASEAN Trade Connectivity Push: Philippines VP Sara Duterte urged investors to turn Mindanao–Borneo infrastructure into real business under BIMP-EAGA, stressing ports and routes must serve farmers and traders. ASEAN Haze Response: Indonesia says it remains fully compliant with ASEAN forest-fire protocols, while smoke continues to affect neighbours including Brunei. China’s Military Posture: Satellite reporting claims China is building an underwater “mothership” to deploy large autonomous submarines, underscoring intensifying Indo-Pacific competition. CAEXPO Showcase: Brunei’s Bandar Seri Begawan is listed among “Charming Cities” at the China-ASEAN Expo, reflecting ongoing regional economic branding. Wildlife Trafficking Alert: Five baby orangutans found in India highlight a cross-border exotic pet trade, with Indonesia seeking their return.

Regional Trade & Investment: Philippines VP Sara Duterte urged investors to turn Mindanao–Borneo connectivity into real business, saying infrastructure only matters when farmers and traders can actually reach markets. Customs Enforcement: Brunei Royal Customs seized controlled drugs (4,254.32g) and also detained suspects over smuggling alcohol, beer and cigarettes in separate operations. Wildlife Crime: Five baby orangutans found in India have sparked calls for tougher action as experts link the case to a growing cross-border exotic pet trade; Indonesia has requested their return. Cyber & Critical Infrastructure: Brunei’s CySec 2026 launched with a focus on “Resilient by Design,” highlighting the Cyber Security Order and Act, plus the national strategy for protecting essential services. Inclusive Education: International School Brunei opened a Centre for Inclusive Learning in Bandar, expanding specialist support for children with diverse learning needs. ASEAN Haze Diplomacy: Indonesia reiterated it is complying with ASEAN forest-fire response mechanisms amid ongoing transboundary smoke affecting Brunei and others. Visa Policy Watch: The US published the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program list, including Brunei, while China announced 48 countries will lose visa-free entry from Dec 2026.

Cybersecurity & Governance: Brunei’s CySec 2026 was launched to strengthen resilience of critical infrastructure, highlighting the Cyber Security Order (2023) and Cyber Security Act (2024) alongside the 2023–2027 national strategy. Inclusive Education: International School Brunei opened its Centre for Inclusive Learning in Kg Sungai Hanching, expanding specialist support for children with diverse learning needs in Brunei-Muara. Regional Environment & Diplomacy: Indonesia says it remains fully compliant with ASEAN haze protocols and reports no formal protest notes, even as smoke affects Brunei and other neighbours. Public Health Impact: Residents across Indonesia’s Borneo report hazardous haze levels, with schools disrupted and families worried about children’s health. Cross-border Wildlife Crime: Five baby orangutans abandoned in India point to a growing exotic wildlife trafficking trade; Indonesia has requested their return, underscoring shared Borneo conservation stakes. Energy Policy: NLNG urged gas producers to treat methane reduction as a business priority, arguing it can boost revenue while cutting emissions. Local Governance Corruption (Philippines): A report claims corruption starts in barangay councils and youth structures via overpriced procurement and kickbacks.