AGP Executive Report

Education Spotlight: Brunei has placed among ASEAN’s top performers in PISA 2025, ranking top three in Mathematics and Science and second in Reading, with over 5,000 Bruneian students from 55 secondary schools taking the test in April–May 2025. Regional Security Tensions: Philippines Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. again clashed with China over the South China Sea at the Seoul Defence Dialogue, reading a note he said rejected the 2016 arbitration ruling and accusing Beijing of coercion and aggression—prompting China to accuse Manila of “stirring up trouble.” ASEAN Health & Environment: Indonesia’s worsening haze from wildfires is pushing more schools into remote learning, with smoke spreading across borders and affecting students’ health and daily life across parts of Southeast Asia. Local Sports: DPMM FC’s haze-postponed first leg ended in a 3-2 loss to Terengganu FC, while Malaysia’s FA Cup action saw Selangor advance to the quarter-finals after beating Sabah 2-1 on the night. Travel Rules Update: Thailand will cut visa-free tourism stays for 60 nationalities from 60 days back to 30 days starting Sept 15, including Brunei.

Education & PISA: Brunei placed among ASEAN’s top three in PISA 2025 for Mathematics and Science, and ranked second in Reading, with over 5,000 Bruneian students taking the test across 55 secondary schools. Regional Haze Crisis: Indonesia’s worsening forest and peat fires are forcing more schools into remote learning in places like Palembang, while smoke continues to push across borders, disrupting health and daily life across Southeast Asia. Disaster Preparedness: President Prabowo ordered a comprehensive disaster mitigation masterplan as Indonesia faces overlapping crises, including earthquake recovery, Anak Krakatau disruptions, and ongoing fires. Local Governance & Tourism: Brunei’s Tourism Development Department is inviting stakeholders to submit proposals for Visit Brunei Year 2027, aiming to showcase culture, nature, and tourism experiences. Business & Digital Economy: UNN and Vobile signed agreements to build AI-ready infrastructure and strengthen Brunei’s digital capabilities, as Mastercard also appointed Beena Pothen to lead West Southeast Asia including Brunei. ASEAN Diplomacy: Pakistan’s ICCI marked ASEAN Day with calls for stronger, more structured economic partnerships with ASEAN, with Brunei’s high commissioner among attendees.

Haze & disaster response: Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau eruption and ongoing Kalimantan wildfires are still disrupting the region, with smoke and ash affecting flights and daily life across borders, while Indonesia’s President Prabowo orders a disaster mitigation masterplan as crises stack up. Malaysia air crisis: Malaysia has lifted its Sarawak haze emergency in Serian, but warns air quality remains “very unhealthy” in parts of the state. Education under pressure: New PISA 2025 results show global reading and maths declines, while the Philippines posts gains yet still leaves most students below baseline—an issue echoed by haze-driven school disruptions in Borneo. Brunei tourism push: Brunei’s tourism department is inviting stakeholders to submit proposals for Visit Brunei Year 2027. Local tech & digital economy: UNN and Vobile sign agreements to build AI-ready infrastructure and expand digital capabilities in Brunei. New vehicles in Brunei: Honda Brunei introduces the all-new ZR-V and Super-ONE EV. Business leadership: Mastercard appoints Beena Pothen as division president for West Southeast Asia, covering Brunei among other markets.

Visit Brunei Year 2027: Brunei’s Tourism Development Department is inviting local and international stakeholders to submit proposals for events and initiatives to help shape Visit Brunei Year 2027, aiming to showcase Brunei’s culture, nature and tourism experiences while creating opportunities for businesses and communities. Regional Haze Watch: Indonesia’s ongoing fires and Anak Krakatau’s ash have kept the region on edge, with haze affecting transport and daily life across parts of Malaysia and beyond; Malaysia has lifted its Sarawak emergency in Serian but warned air quality remains very unhealthy in several areas. Education Snapshot (PISA): The Philippines reported its biggest gains in PISA 2025 since joining in 2018, but still said nearly two-thirds of students fall below baseline proficiency in reading, math and science. Digital Economy Deal: Vobile signed agreements with Brunei’s UNN to support AI-ready infrastructure and strengthen Brunei’s digital economy capabilities. Travel Rules Update: Thailand is cutting visa-free stays to 30 days from Sept 15 and tightening land-border visa-exempt entry to twice per year for most travellers.

Brunei Tourism: The Tourism Development Department is inviting local and international stakeholders to submit proposals for Visit Brunei Year 2027, aiming to showcase Brunei’s culture, nature, products and tourism experiences while creating opportunities for businesses and communities. Regional Haze Crisis: Indonesia’s 2026 fires are worsening across Southeast Asia, with smoke reaching Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines; Malaysia lifted its Sarawak Serian emergency after API fell from 519 to the low 200s, but officials warn air quality remains “very unhealthy” in parts of Sarawak. Volcanic Disruption: Anak Krakatau’s ash forced Indonesia to extend closures at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta and other airports, stranding about 270,000 passengers and disrupting thousands of flights. Digital Economy Deal: UNN of Brunei signed agreements with Vobile to build AI-ready digital infrastructure and expand Brunei’s digital economy capabilities. Finance & Payments: Mastercard appointed Beena Pothen as division president for West Southeast Asia, covering Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar.

Haze Update (Malaysia–Sarawak): Malaysia has lifted the emergency declaration in Serian, Sarawak after the Air Pollution Index fell to 222 (down from 519), but officials warn several areas—especially Serian and Samarahan—remain “very unhealthy,” urging residents to limit outdoor activity. Regional Air Crisis (Indonesia fires): The haze is still linked to ongoing fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra, with smoke drifting across Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, while Indonesia reports major aviation disruptions from volcanic ash. Travel Disruption (Indonesia volcano): Flights were halted at multiple Indonesian airports, including Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta, until 8.59am on Sep 7 due to ash from Mount Anak Krakatau; regional carriers including Royal Brunei Airlines cancelled services. Health & Safety (Thailand): A Thai case report says a British-Nigerian influencer died after complications from a cosmetic penile filler procedure, with a postmortem finding material matching the injected filler. Business & Policy (Thailand visas): Thailand’s new framework cuts visa-exempt stays and caps land-border entries at twice a year from Sept 15, with Brunei among the 30-day tourism categories.

Transboundary Haze Crisis: Malaysia declared an emergency in Sarawak’s Serian Division after the Air Pollutant Index hit critical levels, with 647 schools set to close from Sept 7 and home-based learning replacing face-to-face classes; authorities say workplaces can continue with health precautions and cloud-seeding is underway to bring rain. Regional Air Quality Fallout: The haze is tied to ongoing fires in Indonesia’s Kalimantan and Sumatra, with smoke drifting across Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, worsening respiratory problems and disrupting daily routines. ASEAN Response: Indonesia says it is meeting its obligations under the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, after the bloc activated Regional Alert Level 3 and asked members for daily situation reports. Local Brunei Relevance: Reports note the smoke has reached Brunei as part of the wider Borneo haze spread, underscoring the need for cross-border action. Sports & Community: UMPSA in Malaysia is using university table tennis to develop talent through an Asian university championship, while ASEAN Community in Doha held a blood donation drive for humanitarian needs.

Transboundary Haze Emergency: Malaysia has declared an emergency in Serian, Sarawak after Air Pollutant Index readings hit hazardous levels, with 647 schools and many workplaces set to close and a cloud-seeding operation planned to run through at least Monday. Regional Health Impact: Reports say the smoke from Indonesia’s Borneo and Sumatra fires has been worsening respiratory problems and disrupting daily life across the region, with haze also reaching Brunei and Singapore. ASEAN Response Under Strain: Indonesia says it is meeting ASEAN’s transboundary haze reporting duties under Regional Alert Level 3, but analysts warn the recurring crisis shows cooperation isn’t enough without stronger accountability. Brunei Angle: With hotspots increasing across Borneo, Brunei is among the places experiencing hazy conditions since mid-August, underscoring how quickly the air crisis can cross borders. Travel Rule Watch: Thailand’s visa-exempt rules change from Sept 15, including a new 30-day cap and limits on land-border entries—important for Bruneians planning frequent trips.

Transboundary Haze Crisis: Malaysia declared a state of emergency in Serian, Sarawak after the Air Pollutant Index hit 521, with Kuching also recording hazardous levels. Public Health Measures: 647 schools in Serian will close and non-essential offices, plantations, construction sites and quarries are set to suspend operations, while a three-day cloud-seeding operation is extended to at least Monday. Regional Impact: Smoke from Indonesia’s Borneo and Sumatra wildfires has been worsening across Southeast Asia, with haze reaching Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore and the Philippines, and officials warning of continued unhealthy air as El Niño-driven dry conditions persist. Brunei Link in the Haze: Malaysia’s environment report says moderate to thick haze is moving toward parts of Sarawak and Brunei, underscoring the cross-border nature of the problem. Local Business/Transport: Brunei’s Toyota Gadong launched the all-electric Urban Cruiser BEV, touting up to 426km range and new safety and tech features for local drivers. ASEAN People-to-People: The ASEAN Community in Doha ran a blood donation drive on 4 September, with ambassadors and community members volunteering at Qatar’s national blood donation centre.

Haze Emergency in Sarawak: Malaysia has declared an emergency in Serian, Sarawak after the Air Pollutant Index hit 521, with Kuching also recording hazardous levels. Serian schools and many non-essential workplaces are set to close, while a three-day cloud-seeding operation is extended as smoke from Indonesia’s fires continues to drift across the region, including Brunei. Indonesia’s Cross-Border Response: Indonesia says it is handling transboundary haze through ASEAN mechanisms under the Transboundary Haze Pollution agreement, including daily reporting and mandatory actions after the region was placed on Alert Level 3. Regional Impact on Health and Daily Life: Reports say the haze has worsened respiratory problems and forced school closures across parts of Southeast Asia, with Singapore and the Philippines also affected. Super Garuda Shield Drills: Indonesia’s TNI carried out multinational airborne and night training under Super Garuda Shield 2026, including parachuting drills with the US, Japan, India and France, and medevac exercises. Brunei Business and Mobility: Toyota Brunei unveiled the all-new Urban Cruiser BEV, while Brunei is set to showcase coffee, matcha and tourism experiences at Sabah International Expo 2026. Trade and Markets: Sabah International Expo 2026 opens with participation from 15 countries, including Brunei, as the state pushes its “gateway” role for regional business.

Regional Haze Emergency: Malaysia declared an emergency in Serian, Sarawak after the Air Pollutant Index hit 521, with Kuching also recording hazardous levels, as Indonesian wildfires and “super El Niño” dry conditions push smoke further across Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines. Wildfires Near Nusantara: Fires have spread toward Indonesia’s under-construction new capital, Nusantara, prompting calls for cloud-seeding and water-bombing as about 73,311 hectares have burned in key provinces. Defence Cooperation: US Pacific Command chief Adm. Samuel J. Paparo held major bilateral and multilateral meetings at the Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defence Conference, including a first meeting with China’s counterpart, while Indonesia’s Super Garuda Shield 2026 continues with patrol, medevac and night-flight drills involving multiple countries including Brunei. Brunei in Regional Travel & Culture: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 runs 12–13 Sept, while Brunei will showcase coffee, matcha and tourism at Sabah International Expo (4–6 Sept); two Bruneian artists can apply to represent Brunei at Phsar Art ’26 in Phnom Penh. Business & Mobility: Suzuki, via Boustead, has started selling Pakistan-made Alto and Every mini-cars in Brunei, marking Suzuki’s first export from that overseas base to Brunei. Payments Leadership: Mastercard appointed Beena Pothen to lead West Southeast Asia, covering Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar.

Regional Defence Drills: Indonesia’s TNI boosted patrol skills with U.S. Army and Australian Defence Force troops during Super Garuda Shield 2026 in South Sumatra, focusing on territorial surveillance, navigation, and survival tactics. Medical Readiness: The same exercise also ran a medevac drill simulating battlefield evacuation, with wounded-care steps and helicopter transport to a medical centre, underscoring multilateral interoperability. Transboundary Haze: Indonesia’s wildfire smoke continues to spread across Southeast Asia, with Singapore warning of worsening haze risk as El Niño peaks and hazardous air readings push schools and communities to prepare for disruption. Brunei Finance & Skills: Brunei’s central bank launched National Financial Literacy Day 2026, noting over 80% of the population has formal financial services but digital financial literacy remains a key gap. ASEAN Mobility: Thailand will cut visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days for many nationalities from Sept 15, with Brunei listed among those affected. Brunei-Linked Sports: Brunei’s Kasuka FC will host a return leg in the ASEAN Club Championship playoff against Manila Digger FC on Sept 12, with a group-stage spot at stake.

Regional Travel Rules: Thailand will cut its visa-free stay for tourists from 60 to 30 days starting 15 September, with the new 30-day exemption applying to passport holders from 60 countries and territories including Brunei. ASEAN Sports: Manila Digger FC will host the first leg of its ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup playoff against Brunei’s Kasuka FC, with the return in Bandar Seri Begawan on 12 September. Financial Literacy Push: Brunei’s central bank launched National Financial Literacy Day 2026, noting over 80% of the population has access to formal financial services, but stressing digital financial literacy and responsible habits. Local Career Drive: Universiti Brunei Darussalam’s 11th Career Fair is underway with nearly 50 Bruneian companies and organisations, focusing on skills for an AI-shaped workplace. Brunei-Linked Cooperation: The U.S. and Royal Brunei Air Force opened PACIFIC ANGEL 26-1 at Rimba Air Base for search-and-rescue and disaster response training. Business Promotion: Concepts Computer and Kingston Beverage & Creamery renewed a September promotion offering free Kingston classic ice cream with qualifying purchases. Haze Watch: Indonesia’s wildfire smoke is worsening across the region, with Singapore warning of potential haze impacts.

Regional Haze Crisis: Indonesia’s Borneo wildfires are pushing air quality to hazardous levels across the region, with officials warning September will be the peak as El Niño deepens drought. Local Finance & Skills: Brunei’s Central Bank kicked off National Financial Literacy Day 2026, noting over 80% of the population has formal financial access but digital literacy still needs strengthening, while UBD’s 11th career fair drew nearly 50 companies to help students prepare for an AI-shaped workplace. Brunei-ASEAN Sports: Manila Digger FC will host Kasuka FC (Brunei) in the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup playoff first leg, with the return in Bandar Seri Begawan on Sept 12. Business Promotions: Concepts Computer and Kingston Beverage & Creamery are running a September deal where qualifying purchases get customers a free Kingston classic ice cream. Disaster Response Drills: The US and Royal Brunei Air Force launched PACIFIC ANGEL 26-1 at Rimba Air Base to train for search-and-rescue and disaster relief.

ASEAN Digital Push: ASEAN is set to sign the Digital Economy Framework Agreement at its November summit, covering data governance, AI cooperation, digital identity, cybersecurity and digital trade—aimed at unlocking a C$2.8tn digital economy by 2030. Brunei Financial Inclusion: Brunei’s central bank says over 80% of the population now has access to formal financial services, but urges stronger financial literacy as NFLD 2026 highlights a 43% digital financial literacy score. UBD Career Fair: UBD’s 11th career fair draws nearly 50 Bruneian companies to help students and graduates build skills and networks for an AI-shaped workplace. Regional Haze Crisis: Indonesia’s Borneo wildfires are worsening air quality across the region, with haze expected to affect parts of the Philippines until Sept 3; Malaysia reports hazardous levels in Sarawak areas, and Brunei has also been impacted. Brunei-US Training: PACIFIC ANGEL 26-1 begins in Brunei with U.S. and Royal Brunei Air Force teams training for search and rescue and disaster response. Tourism Rule Change (Thailand): Thailand will cut visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days from Sept 15 for travellers from 60 countries/territories, including Brunei. Trade & Investment: Seafood Expo Asia opens in Singapore with Brunei among new country participants, while Brunei’s Department of Fisheries is listed for the event.

Regional Haze Watch: Indonesia’s Kalimantan fires are still pushing smoke toward the Philippines, with the DENR-EMB warning haze may affect parts of the country until Sept 3, and possible improvement only if rain and wind shift in the Sept 4–6 period. Asean Haze Cooperation: Malaysia has proposed a “science diplomacy” and sustainable haze fund to strengthen the Asean transboundary haze response, with members including Brunei discussing feasibility and wider governance. Brunei-US Drills: The U.S. and Royal Brunei Air Force kicked off PACIFIC ANGEL 26-1 at Rimba Air Base, focusing on search-and-rescue and disaster response training through Sept 4. Local Youth & Cleanliness: Brunei’s Clean Brunei initiative held a youth dialogue on cleanliness, drawing nearly 300 participants and youth-led vendor activities. Brunei-China Agriculture: China and Brunei launched an international training course on China’s Green Rural Revival Program, with Brunei aiming to boost sustainable agriculture and rural development. Travel Policy Ripple: Thailand’s visa-free tourist stay is being cut from 60 to 30 days from Sept 15, with Bruneians listed among eligible countries.