AGP Executive Report

Defence Modernisation: Brunei’s King consented to the creation of a Special Operations Command to coordinate special operations across the RBAF Special Forces Regiment and other Tier 2 units, aligning force planning with the Defence White Paper Update 2026 and Force 2035. 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 priorities from jobs and food security to conservation. Cross-Border Healthcare: Gleneagles JPMC expanded medical tourism outreach into East Kalimantan via sessions with RS Parikesit and Bank Danamon, aiming to deepen Brunei–Indonesia healthcare ties. Regional Security Cooperation: Singapore-led 17-nation GUIDE framework launched at Shangri-La to protect critical underwater infrastructure, with Brunei among endorsers. Tourism Connectivity: Sarawak Tourism Board and Royal Brunei Airlines formalised an MoU at ITB China 2026 to strengthen accessibility and position Sarawak as the Gateway to Borneo. International Trade Link: Argentina moved to formally apply to join the CPTPP, a bloc that already includes Brunei.

Regional Peace & Governance: South Korea reaffirmed support for BARMM peacebuilding and inclusive development after meeting BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua, focusing on governance, healthcare transformation, and public services. Tourism & Risk Outlook: UN Tourism reported international arrivals up 2% in Q1 2026, but the Middle East saw a 14% drop in arrivals after March conflict—raising costs and uncertainty that may redirect travel demand. Maritime Security Flashpoints: China’s Coast Guard carried out “law enforcement” patrols east of Taiwan and around Scarborough Shoal amid Japan-Philippines maritime delimitation plans, while Manila and Taiwan rejected Beijing’s claims. Undersea Infrastructure Defence: Singapore spearheaded a 17-nation, voluntary framework (GUIDE) to protect critical underwater cables and energy links, including information-sharing and crisis response coordination. Defence Cooperation Signals: Philippines and Vietnam issued a joint statement elevating ties to an “Enhanced Strategic Partnership,” while India’s defence chief said BrahMos deals with Vietnam are signed and Indonesia’s are near final. Brunei-Linked Development & Society: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 launches today under a blue economy theme, and Gleneagles JPMC expanded medical tourism outreach into East Kalimantan.

South China Sea Flashpoint: China’s Coast Guard says it carried out “law enforcement” patrols east of Taiwan after Japan and the Philippines announced maritime boundary delimitation talks—Taiwan rejects Beijing’s framing, saying only two ships were spotted and no restricted waters were entered. Regional Defence Cooperation: Manila and Hanoi are deepening defence ties, with the Philippines pushing its “rules-based” maritime role while warning it remains under “severe threat” from China. Undersea Security Push: Singapore-led efforts at Shangri-La produced a 17-nation framework (GUIDE) to protect critical underwater infrastructure like subsea cables and power links, with Brunei among endorsers. Brunei-linked Regional Moves: US officials reaffirmed support for the Luzon Economic Corridor, and Brunei is also named in regional defence and Indo-Pacific engagement. Local/Community Angle: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 launches today, spotlighting blue economy opportunities; meanwhile, Gleneagles JPMC expands medical tourism outreach into East Kalimantan.

Regional Defence Diplomacy: Philippines and Vietnam are set to deepen their defense ties, with Manila pushing for deeper information-sharing and joint activities as DND chief Gilberto Teodoro warns cooperation with China is impossible without “good faith.” US–Philippines Economic Security: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to develop the Luzon Economic Corridor, linking it to South China Sea peace and energy priorities. Maritime Tensions Around Taiwan: China’s coast guard says it carried out “law enforcement” patrols east of Taiwan after Japan and the Philippines announced maritime boundary delimitation talks—Taipei rejects Beijing’s claims. South China Sea Flashpoints: China also reported patrols near Scarborough Shoal, while Manila insists there are no coordinated drills and remains “under severe threat.” Undersea Infrastructure Security: Seventeen countries, including Brunei, launched the GUIDE framework to protect critical underwater cables and networks, aiming for shared norms and cooperation. ASEAN Defence Cooperation: ASEAN defence ministers reiterated ASEAN centrality and discussed training and exercises, including HADR cooperation. Brunei-linked Human Interest: Malaysia’s JUPEM posthumously awarded a top honour to a personnel member who died while on duty at the Malaysia–Brunei border.

South China Sea Flashpoint: China’s coast guard and military carried out “law enforcement” and combat-readiness patrols near Scarborough Shoal as the Philippines dismissed claims of drills as “unfounded,” keeping pressure on maritime sovereignty disputes. Regional Defence Cooperation: Malaysia, Singapore and 15 others launched the GUIDE framework to protect critical underwater cables and energy infrastructure, with Brunei among endorsers—an effort aimed at shared norms and faster crisis response. ASEAN Security Messaging: The Philippines framed itself as a “guardian of the seas” at Shangri-La, while its defence chief said Manila remains under “severe threat” from China despite easing US-China tensions. Missile Procurement Signals: India’s defence secretary said Vietnam’s BrahMos deal is already signed (not yet publicly announced) and Indonesia’s is near completion, underscoring accelerating arms ties in the region. Brunei-Relevant Diplomacy: ASEAN leaders are set to meet Russian President Putin in June, with Brunei included among member states maintaining dialogue with Moscow. Sports & Culture (Local Interest): Sarawak’s Rainforest World Music Festival 2026 returns to the Sarawak Cultural Village, featuring Borneo-focused food and sustainability initiatives.

South China Sea Patrols: China’s military and coast guard carried out combat-readiness patrols near Scarborough Shoal, while the Philippines said Beijing’s claims of drills were “completely unfounded,” keeping pressure on Manila despite a recent US-China détente. Maritime Strategy: At the Shangri-La Dialogue, the Philippines framed itself as a “guardian” and “convergence hub” for a rules-based maritime order, stressing deterrence and ASEAN centrality. Undersea Security Pact: Seventeen countries, including Brunei, launched voluntary guidelines to protect critical underwater cables and energy infrastructure, citing growing sabotage fears and the need for shared norms and crisis coordination. Missile Deals in Focus: India’s defence secretary said Vietnam’s BrahMos agreement is already signed (not yet publicly announced) and Indonesia’s is in final stages, underscoring deeper defence technology cooperation across ASEAN. ASEAN Defence Cooperation: ASEAN defence ministers reaffirmed commitments to free flow of trade through international corridors and highlighted information-sharing and joint training, including HADR-focused exercises. LGBT+ Rights Protest: Sir Ian McKellen led a “Commonwealth Walk of Shame” against colonial-era criminalisation of same-sex relations, noting Brunei among jurisdictions where same-sex relations can carry the death penalty. Brunei Link in Regional Security: Brunei is named among the participating states in the undersea infrastructure defence framework, placing it directly in a fast-growing regional security agenda.

Undersea Security Pact: Seventeen countries, including Brunei, backed Singapore’s launch of the GUIDE framework to protect critical undersea cables and pipelines, with ministers warning that disruption can ripple across energy and telecom networks; notably, China and the US were absent. South China Sea Diplomacy: Vietnam’s top leader To Lam told Reuters that Vietnam can strengthen ties with China while pushing disputes toward resolution under international law, as rival claimants including Brunei remain in the wider flashpoint. Missile Deals in Focus: India’s defence secretary said a BrahMos deal with Vietnam is already signed (not yet public) and an Indonesia pact is near completion—another sign of defence cooperation shifting in the Indo-Pacific. Philippines-China Tensions: The Philippines’ defence chief said Manila remains under “severe threat” from China despite a recent US-China thaw, citing ongoing maritime pressure. ASEAN-Russia Outreach: ASEAN leaders are set for a June summit with Putin in Kazan, with Brunei among members maintaining Moscow as a “dialogue partner.” Regional Trade Corridors: ASEAN defence ministers reaffirmed UNCLOS transit passage and the free flow of supplies through key routes like the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

ASEAN-Russia Diplomacy: ASEAN leaders are set for a commemorative summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kazan on June 17–18, with the Philippines’ top diplomat saying talks with Russia’s Sergey Lavrov also covered expanding Russia–ASEAN “strategic partnership” ties—an issue that matters to Brunei as a long-time ASEAN dialogue partner. Regional Security & Trade: China again pushed back on Quad maritime concerns, while a separate China–Netherlands South China Sea clash underscored how extra-regional naval activity keeps sovereignty disputes hot. Digital Governance & Crime Fighting: At ScamReady ASEAN in Kuala Lumpur, the Global Signal Exchange (GSE) was showcased as a real-time anti-scam data-sharing effort involving major tech firms and governments. Brunei Tech Talent: Brunei’s AITI said the TechXplore Digital Apprenticeship Program is building employability and global exposure for local ICT graduates under Brunei Vision 2035. Energy & Food Security Link: ASEAN reiterated that food security can’t be separated from fuel security amid ongoing energy shock risks.

Regional Energy Diplomacy: President Ferdinand Marcos met former Japan PM Fumio Kishida in Tokyo to deepen energy resilience and transition cooperation under AZEC, including Japan’s POWERR Asia $10bn support package for procurement, stockpiling, diversification and efficiency. ASEAN-Russia Engagement: ASEAN leaders are set to hold a commemorative summit with Vladimir Putin in Kazan on June 17–18, with Brunei among the bloc’s members maintaining ties with Moscow despite UN condemnation of the Ukraine invasion. Brunei in the Digital Talent Pipeline: Brunei’s AITI said its TechXplore Digital Apprenticeship Program is boosting employability and global exposure for ICT graduates, aligned with Brunei Vision 2035. Brunei’s Energy Export Windfall: A Reuters column argues Brunei has benefited from the Iran-war-driven energy price surge via higher crude, refined products and LNG exports to Asia. Local Connectivity for Tourism: Sarawak Tourism Board and Royal Brunei Airlines signed an MoU in Shanghai to strengthen Borneo connectivity and lift Sarawak’s international tourism reach. Regional Security Tensions: China hit back at the Quad over East and South China Sea “meddling,” while also accusing a Dutch frigate of intruding near the Paracels—claims the Netherlands denies.

Fuel Subsidy Rules: Malaysia’s Petronas/KPDN reiterated that subsidised RON95 is for Malaysian citizens and Malaysian-registered vehicles only, tightening enforcement against foreign-plate vehicles and restricting foreign cards at pumps from April 1, 2026. Regional Diplomacy: Austria’s bid to host a new EU-ASEAN Center in Vienna from 2027 was welcomed by Brunei’s foreign minister, framed around innovation, technology transfer and capacity building ahead of the 2027 EU-ASEAN summit. Maritime Security: China hit back at Quad concerns over the East and South China Seas, while the Netherlands protested a Chinese move to drive away a Dutch frigate near the Paracels—an issue that also touches Brunei’s own South China Sea claims. Brunei Digital Talent: Brunei TechXplore’s Digital Apprenticeship Program wrapped up, with AITI saying it boosts employability and global exposure aligned to Vision 2035. Tourism Connectivity: Sarawak Tourism Board and Royal Brunei Airlines signed an MoU to strengthen cross-border access and boost Sarawak’s “Gateway to Borneo” positioning. Education Focus: A Philippines lawmaker urged DepEd to prioritise reading comprehension basics after data showed most Grade 11 students are non-independent readers.

Brunei-Linked Diplomacy: Austria is set to push an EU-ASEAN Center in Vienna from 2027, with Brunei cited as a key partner as the EU ramps up its roadmap ahead of a 2027 mega-summit. Digital Talent & Jobs: Brunei’s AITI wrapped up its TechXplore Digital Apprenticeship, aiming to give ICT graduates real industry exposure tied to Brunei Vision 2035. Tourism Connectivity: Sarawak Tourism Board and Royal Brunei Airlines signed an MoU at ITB China 2026 to boost cross-border travel and position Sarawak as the “Gateway to Borneo.” Regional Security Tensions: China hit back at the Quad over East and South China Sea “meddling,” while separate Dutch-China incidents show rising pushback to Beijing’s maritime claims. Regional Trade & Food Security: ASEAN reiterated that food security now depends on fuel security, as energy shocks and fertiliser supply risks keep supply chains vulnerable. Eid Calendar Update: Brunei will observe Eid Al-Adha a day later than most Arab states, following local moon-sighting decisions.

Tourism & Connectivity: Sarawak Tourism Board and Royal Brunei Airlines signed an MoU in Shanghai to boost Sarawak’s “Gateway to Borneo” push, aiming to improve international access and destination visibility. Digital Talent & Workforce: Brunei’s AITI closed its TechXplore Digital Apprenticeship Program, saying it builds employability and global exposure aligned with Brunei Vision 2035. Regional Soft Power: A survey on Southeast Asia’s “soft power” highlights how culture and policy shape where people choose to work, study, and travel—an angle Brunei policymakers may watch as ASEAN cohesion deepens. Local Culture & Governance: Sarawak’s Deputy Minister of Tourism encouraged more live performers in Miri, arguing political comedy can keep leaders open to feedback. Diplomacy: Brunei’s Crown Prince met Qatar’s ambassador to review bilateral cooperation. Regional Security Context: China protested a Dutch frigate near the Paracel Islands, underscoring how South China Sea flashpoints keep pulling in extra-regional actors.

Brunei Digital Skills: AITI’s Brunei TechXplore Digital Apprenticeship Program wrapped with a push to grow ICT employability, adaptability and global exposure for local graduates, aligning with Brunei Vision 2035. Regional Diplomacy: Crown Prince Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah met Qatar’s ambassador to review cooperation ties, underscoring Brunei’s ongoing engagement with Gulf partners. Public Health Watch: Brunei’s MoH said the risk of Bundibugyo virus disease spreading to Brunei remains low, with no sign of local transmission and advice for travellers returning from affected areas. Tech & Youth Innovation: Google’s government affairs head praised Singapore’s approach to using technology with “guardrails,” highlighting AI Ready ASEAN Youth Challenge projects that include a Brunei AI platform for dementia care. International Security: A major cross-border anti-scam operation led to 3,018 arrests tied to about US$752m in losses, with Brunei among the participating jurisdictions. Eid Al-Adha Calendar: Brunei will observe Eid Al-Adha a day later than many Arab countries due to moon-sighting differences, with Dhul Hijjah starting Tuesday. Blue Economy Culture: Ocean Week Brunei opened entries for its 2026 ocean arts and youth awards, offering over BND5,000 in prizes and grants under a “Blue Economy” theme.

Anti-Scam Crackdown: A major cross-border operation has arrested 3,018 suspects linked to about US$752 million in reported losses, with Singapore Police working alongside nine foreign agencies across 10 territories; investigators say money moved through bank channels and crypto wallets, and roughly 102,000 bank accounts were frozen while more than US$161 million was recovered. Regional Mobility & Faith Calendar: Eid al-Adha will be observed a day later in India, Bangladesh, Brunei and South Africa, after moon-sighting determinations differed from Saudi Arabia and much of the Arab world. Brunei Digital Skills: Brunei’s AITI says its TechXplore Digital Apprenticeship program is boosting ICT graduates’ employability and global exposure, aligning with Vision 2035. Eid Tourism Context: The Philippines is pushing “Muslim-friendly” tourism momentum, highlighting halal-ready services and workforce preparation as it seeks stronger travel ties with Brunei and other BIMP-EAGA partners. Brunei Health Watch: Brunei’s MoH reiterates Ebola-related Bundibugyo virus risk remains low, with no local transmission reported.

Digital Skills Push: Brunei’s AITI says its TechXplore Digital Apprenticeship Program is boosting ICT graduates’ employability through hands-on industry experience and international exposure, aligning with Brunei Vision 2035 and the digital transformation agenda. Regional Tourism Branding: Brunei is spotlighted as Official Partner Country for Indonesia’s Travel Meet Asia 2026 in Jakarta, with the launch of “Visit Brunei 2027” adding fresh momentum for cross-border travel trade. Innovation Awards: DST’s Catalyst Programme Cycle 4 crowned Team BumiTrust top performers for an AI-powered soil monitoring and produce-safety solution, turning workshops and mentorship into practical agri-tech. Health Watch: Brunei’s MoH reiterates Ebola-related Bundibugyo virus risk remains low, advising caution for travel to affected areas in DR Congo and Uganda. Diplomatic Note: Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah met Qatar’s ambassador to review cooperation ties.

ASEAN Club Championship returns: The 2025-26 Shopee Cup is back after a 20-year gap, with Buriram United set as the early team to beat after their title win on penalties over Công An Hà Nội, while debutants—especially Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim—add fresh pressure to the groups. Brunei diplomacy: Crown Prince Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah met Qatar’s ambassador in Bandar Seri Begawan, reviewing cooperation ties. Brunei in the travel spotlight: Travel Meet Asia heads to Jakarta on 23–24 June, with Brunei named Official Partner Country and the Visit Brunei 2027 launch tied to the event. Regional security cooperation: A major cross-border anti-scam crackdown (Operation FRONTIER+ III) netted 3,018 arrests across 10 jurisdictions, with Brunei among partners and Hong Kong reporting the biggest losses. Health watch: Brunei’s MoH says Ebola-related Bundibugyo virus disease risk remains low, with no local transmission. Blue-economy push: Ocean Week Brunei opened entries for ocean arts and youth awards, backing a “blue economy” theme.