AGP Executive Report

ASEAN Awareness in Schools: Brunei’s Information Department rolled out the “Know ASEAN” roadshow at Perdana Wazir Secondary School in Kuala Belait, bringing 154 Year 7 and 8 students into an ASEAN quiz and prize session aimed at building regional unity and patriotism. Regional Diplomacy & Security: India’s Rajnath Singh used a Vietnam visit to push deeper defence ties, with maritime security and emerging tech on the agenda, while Pakistan’s debate over restarting dialogue with India continues to ripple. Brunei Finance & Health: BDCB updated its FinTech Regulatory Sandbox rules to widen who can test new solutions, and the MoH reiterated Brunei remains low risk for Ebola-related Bundibugyo virus disease, urging caution for travellers to affected areas. ASEAN Youth & Culture: Brunei’s ΣHAI won first place at the AI Ready ASEAN Youth Challenge 2026 for its dementia care platform, and Ocean Week Brunei opened entries for ocean arts and youth awards. Cross-Border Crime Crackdown: A major multi-country anti-scam operation (FRONTIER+ III) ended with 3,018 arrests and about US$752m in losses targeted across 10 jurisdictions, including Brunei.

DBS Watch: Singapore’s DBS CEO Tan Su Shan sold 100,000 shares on May 15 at $60.12 each, trimming her stake to 0.048%—a move coming after the bank reported Q1 earnings of $2.93b. Regional Security: A major cross-border scam crackdown, FRONTIER+ III, wrapped up with 3,018 arrests across 10 jurisdictions and about US$752m in losses targeted—Brunei is listed among the participating countries. Thailand Travel Tightens: Thailand has approved scrapping its 60-day visa-free entry for travellers from 93 countries, including the U.S. and Brunei, with most reverting to 30 days after publication. Brunei Tech Win: Brunei’s ΣHAI team took first place at the AI Ready ASEAN Youth Challenge 2026 in Singapore for an AI dementia care platform, Sahabat-Care. Brunei Business Buzz: Inchcape announced a new Imperial Motors joint venture in Brunei to expand its distribution network. Local Consumer Deal: BYD kicked off a 60-hour sale at The Mall Gadong with test drives and prizes.

Cross-border anti-scam crackdown: Operation FRONTIER+ III has wrapped up with 3,018 arrests across 10 jurisdictions and about US$752m in fraud losses targeted, with police saying nearly 102,000 bank accounts were frozen and over US$161m recovered—showing how fast scams now move across borders. Thailand travel clampdown: Thailand has approved cutting visa-free stays from 60 days back to 30 days for 54 countries (including the U.S., Australia, U.K., Canada and others), with some nations pushed to visa-on-arrival or shorter exemptions—aimed at curbing overstays, crime and illegal work. Brunei-linked business move: Inchcape has incorporated Imperial Motors Sdn Bhd in Brunei, expanding its distribution push and adding to its local automotive ecosystem. Regional economy & tech: Oman’s sovereign wealth fund says its strategic investment partnerships delivered strong 2025 returns, while ASEAN’s extreme heat roadmap spotlights passive cooling as a growing worker and city risk. Everyday consumer angle: hi! by Singtel launched a $20 roaming plan with 700GB 5G+ data across Brunei and other ASEAN destinations.

Cross-border scam crackdown: A major FRONTIER+ III operation across 10 jurisdictions has ended with 3,018 arrests tied to 138,000 fraud cases and about US$752m in losses, while authorities recovered $161m and froze nearly 102,000 bank accounts—a reminder that online fraud keeps evolving faster than borders can respond. Regional heat resilience: ASEAN is pushing a new roadmap focused on passive cooling as extreme heat increasingly threatens health, productivity, energy systems and city liveability. Tourism policy shake-up: Thailand has approved scrapping its 60-day visa-free scheme for 93 countries, mostly reverting to 30 days after concerns about misuse, crime and illegal work. Brunei-linked business move: Inchcape has incorporated Imperial Motors Sdn Bhd in Brunei to expand its distribution network. People-first education: In Sarawak, rural teachers were praised as “silent architects” after a Teacher’s Day event highlighted longhouse communities and generations shaped by hardship.

Cross-border Scam Crackdown: Police across 10 jurisdictions have arrested 3,018 suspects tied to 138,000 fraud cases worth about US$752m, freezing nearly 102,000 bank accounts and recovering US$161m as Operation FRONTIER+ III wrapped up (Brunei among participating partners). Legal Fallout in the Epstein Case: A former Epstein assistant is set to tell lawmakers she couldn’t escape the abuse even after he was jailed, with fresh claims emerging ahead of a House Oversight hearing. Brunei Business Move: Inchcape has incorporated Imperial Motors Sdn Bhd, a new Brunei joint venture aimed at expanding its automotive distribution network and strengthening its local “ecosystem” alongside existing brands. Regional Trade Context: The CPTPP continues to widen, with the UK ratifying its entry into the bloc—raising new implications for trade and investment rules.

Automotive Deal in Brunei: Inchcape has incorporated Imperial Motors Sdn Bhd, a new joint venture meant to boost Inchcape Brunei’s distribution reach and expand its local automotive “ecosystem” alongside NBT Brunei, Bravo Auto and Inchcape Services. Regional Security Crackdown: Singapore-linked Operation FRONTIER+ III has arrested 3,018 people across 10 jurisdictions, including 130+ in Singapore, after scams tied to about US$752m in losses; police say nearly 102,000 scam-linked bank accounts were frozen and over US$161m seized. Trade & Travel Rules: Thailand is rolling back visa-free stays—most countries will revert to 30 days (with some changes to 15 days), aiming to curb misuse and crime tied to foreign visitors. Brunei Climate Move: Brunei has ratified the agreement to establish the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change, with the centre set to publish policy recommendations and coordinate regional climate action. Islamic Finance Spotlight: Fitch says ASEAN Islamic finance topped US$1t in Q1 2026, with Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei leading.

Cross-border anti-scam crackdown: Hong Kong says a multi-country operation across 10 jurisdictions uncovered US$752m in losses, with Hong Kong accounting for over 40% of the total. Police arrested 870 people in Hong Kong and seized about HK$539m in criminal proceeds, with 3,200 officers involved and 3,018 arrests across 138,000 cases from March 10 to May 7, targeting online shopping scams, employment fraud, investment scams and phone deception. Visa tightening in Thailand: Thailand is rolling back its 60-day visa-free stay for 93 countries to a 30-day limit, with longer stays requiring visas—aimed at curbing misuse and crime tied to foreign nationals. ASEAN Islamic finance milestone: Fitch reports ASEAN Islamic finance has topped US$1t in Q1 2026, led by Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, with sukuk still the biggest slice. Brunei climate step: Brunei has ratified the agreement to establish the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change, which will be hosted in Brunei and publish regional policy recommendations.

Fuel Security Push: Australia says it has locked in three jet-fuel shipments from China (over 600,000 barrels) and an extra 38,500 tonnes of urea from Brunei, aiming to keep aircraft and farmers supplied as the Iran-linked energy squeeze bites. Regional Diplomacy Mood: Indonesia reports a more constructive APEC atmosphere after Xi-Trump talks in Beijing, hoping it turns into concrete deliverables despite tariff tensions. ASEAN Climate Step: Brunei has ratified the agreement to establish the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change, with the centre set to publish policy recommendations and coordinate regional action. Islamic Finance Surge: Fitch says ASEAN Islamic finance crossed $1 trillion in Q1 2026, led by Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, with sukuk still driving most of the growth. Travel Rules Tighten: Thailand is cutting the 60-day visa exemption to 30 days for 93 countries, with stricter limits aimed at curbing misuse. Sports Spotlight: Philippines’ youth karate stars struck gold in the Karate One-Youth League, including a win over Brunei.

Hari Raya Aidiladha Calendar: Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore will mark Aidiladha on 27 May, while Thailand will follow on 28 May, after moon-sighting confirmations across the region. Energy Shock Spillover: The US has extended a 30-day sanctions waiver for Russian oil loaded at sea, aiming to keep supplies moving as the Iran-linked disruption continues to rattle markets. Fuel + Fertiliser Moves: Australia says it has secured three jet-fuel shipments from China and urea from Brunei to cushion shortages tied to the wider Middle East crisis. ASEAN Energy Politics: Indonesia is pushing an ASEAN oil storage hub, but analysts warn trust and regional coordination could derail it. Brunei-Linked Regional Trade: Sarawak says it’s negotiating electricity exports to Brunei and is also lining up power links toward Singapore. Sports Spotlight: In the Karate One-Youth League, Philippines’ Abundo and Bustamante grabbed gold, with Brunei named in the finals matchups.

Fuel Security: Australia says it has locked in three jet-fuel shipments from China—over 600,000 barrels starting early June—plus an extra 38,500 tonnes of agricultural urea from Brunei, using its A$7.5b fuel-and-fertiliser security facility as Iran-war disruptions keep global supplies tight. Regional Power Talks: Sarawak is pushing harder on cross-border electricity, targeting at least 30MW to Brunei and up to 1GW to Singapore, with feasibility and approvals already moving. Digital Connectivity: China’s Asia Link Cable has landed in Hong Kong, boosting a high-capacity route linking China and parts of Southeast Asia including Brunei. ASEAN Spirit: ASEAN ambassadors in Doha took part in a dragon boat race aimed at unity and cooperation. Brunei-Linked Calendar: Eid al-Adha is set for May 27 across much of the region, with moon-sighting updates aligning under MABIMS.

Cross-border Power Push: Sarawak is moving fast to become the “Battery of ASEAN,” already exporting 100MW to West Kalimantan and 30MW to Sabah, and now aiming to ship at least 30MW to Brunei (in feasibility talks) while working toward up to 1GW to Singapore after conditional approvals and technical discussions began. Regional Security Against Scams: An International Security Alliance workshop in Singapore wrapped up with a focus on tougher, cross-border anti-fraud cooperation as cyber-enabled scams keep getting more sophisticated. Defence Diplomacy: India’s Rajnath Singh starts a four-day trip to Vietnam and South Korea to deepen strategic defence ties and explore joint military hardware production. Hajj Calendar Locked In: The Dhul Hijjah crescent has been confirmed worldwide, with Eid al-Adha set for May 27 across much of the Muslim world. Local Economy Signal: MinDA says Mindanao’s infrastructure and energy projects are rising despite the political climate, with flagship transport and airport upgrades driving the momentum.

Eid al-Adha Dates Locked In: Indonesia has confirmed Eid al-Adha 2026 will be celebrated on May 27, after moon-sighting across 88 locations met MABIMS criteria agreed by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Regional Hajj Calendar Watch: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman and Pakistan also confirmed the Dhul Hijjah crescent sighting, keeping the May 27 date aligned across several countries. Food Security Pressure: Bangladesh is reportedly facing a urea shortfall of about 100,000 tonnes for the Aman planting season after failed tenders, with suppliers hesitant amid Strait of Hormuz uncertainty. Cyber Connectivity Risk: A new report warns island nations are dangerously dependent on a small number of undersea cables—making accidental damage and sabotage a fast route to nationwide internet blackouts. Sports Spotlight: Philippines karatekas Francis Abundo and Kathleya Bustamante capped the Karate One-Youth League Manila with gold medals.

ASEAN Energy Shock: A new warning is landing after the Strait of Hormuz disruption pushed LNG costs in Southeast Asia from about $10–$12 per MMBtu to roughly $20.80—turning “transition fuel” into a budget pressure and forcing governments to scramble toward energy alternatives. Digital Push: China Telecom’s Asia Link Cable (ALC) has now landed in Hong Kong, linking Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia, as the region races to build faster, more resilient connectivity. ASEAN Chair Spotlight: The Philippines’ ASEAN chairship is set to take centre stage at the BusinessWorld Economic Forum on May 18, with trade, digitalisation and sustainability on the agenda. Sports (PH vs Brunei): In Karate One Youth League Manila, Francis Abundo and Kathleya Bustamante grabbed gold for the Philippines, including a dominant win over Brunei’s Wan Zuraimi Khairi. Travel Perks: Singapore Airlines’ June 1–30 “Spontaneous Escapes” list includes Brunei–Singapore routes with mile discounts.

Subsea Connectivity Boost: China Telecom says the Asia Link Cable (ALC) has landed in Hong Kong at the Chung Hom Kok Cable Landing Station, aiming to become the highest-capacity Hong Kong–Singapore route and to supercharge cloud, AI and cross-border digital trade across China, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia. ASEAN Digital Resilience: A separate regional push highlights how identity and access controls are becoming harder to manage as cloud and AI expand the “attack surface,” with Brunei’s personal data rules cited alongside wider ASEAN regulatory momentum. ASEAN Chair Spotlight: The Philippines’ ASEAN chairship is set to take centre stage at the BusinessWorld Economic Forum on May 18, with discussions on turning regional priorities into corporate action. Hajj Logistics Update: Saudi Arabia’s Makkah Route Initiative adds Senegal and Brunei for Hajj 2026, letting pilgrims complete entry steps and baggage check-in at home airports before boarding dedicated buses. Brunei Angle: Brunei is explicitly named in the ALC route and in the Hajj pre-clearance expansion.

Asia Link Cable lands in Hong Kong: China Telecom says its Asia Link Cable (ALC) has successfully touched down at Chung Hom Kok, a 6,200km system linking Hong Kong, Hainan, Singapore and branches to the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia—built for higher-capacity, low-latency traffic as cloud and AI demand grows. Halal in Singapore keeps expanding: New halal-certified options are rolling out, with certification still demanding audits and paperwork, while businesses see it as a credibility boost for bigger tenders. ASEAN growth story, older but still relevant: BIMP-EAGA’s 1994-to-Vision 2035 push is framed around cross-border connectivity, private-sector-led trade, and shared ecosystems. Karate One-Youth League: Brunei’s Awanku Ahmad Izz Aiman beat in round two, but the podium stayed out of reach as other regional bets fell short on Day 2. Philippines agriculture funding: The World Bank, UK and the Philippines launched a $1b farm modernization push tied to results. Brunei angle: Brunei appears in the ALC route and in the wider regional connectivity push.

Submarine Connectivity Boost: China Telecom has successfully landed the Asia Link Cable (ALC) in Hong Kong, a 6,200km system linking Hong Kong and Hainan with Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia, with capacity set to exceed 325 Tb/s and aimed at powering low-latency demand from cloud and AI. Halal Economy Watch: Singapore’s halal food scene is expanding fast, with certification pushing restaurants toward recipe changes, audits and paperwork—yet also opening doors to big tenders and events. Energy Security Pressure: Australia’s fuel crunch is still tight in mid-May as Middle East disruptions strain diesel supplies, leaving reserves below international benchmarks and raising the risk of longer-term shortages. Regional Development Push: The World Bank, the Philippines’ Department of Agriculture and the UK launched a $1B farm program using results-linked funding to raise rice output, strengthen climate-resilient value chains and improve institutions. Transport Rules: Singapore says foreign-registered vehicles with unpaid fines will be blocked from VEP applications/renewals from Nov 2. Sports (Brunei-linked): In the Karate One-Youth League, Brunei’s Awanku Ahmad Izz Aiman was beaten in the -61kg class as Eduardo Berco III finished seventh after a repechage run.