Brunei in the spotlight abroad: Brunei’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Haji Haris bin Haji Othman, helped inaugurate Sheraton Dhaka’s Coastal Carnival (July 8–18), a seafood festival featuring dishes from around the world. Regional ties and investment: Oman and Jordan signed an agreement to set up the Jordanian Oman Investment Company with RO 38.5 million capital, targeting sectors like IT, agriculture, medical equipment, energy, mining, tourism and logistics. ASEAN-India trade push: India and ASEAN’s AITIGA joint committee in New Delhi set strict timelines to speed up review of pending chapters, aiming to modernise the trade pact. Brunei-linked business move: Record Asset Management launched “Record Amanah,” a Sharia-compliant investment platform for institutional investors, citing prior Sharia-compliant transactions including one for a client in Brunei. Sports and culture: The ASEAN Football Federation renewed its broadcast partnership with Singapore’s Mediacorp for ASEAN United FC competitions, while Brunei’s presence was also noted in regional karate action at Vietnam’s Ninh Binh championships. Travel policy ripple effect: Japan, China, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the UK and the US all updated visa-free or digital entry rules—important for Brunei travellers planning trips.
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Brunei in Regional Spotlight: The 13th ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) joint committee met in New Delhi, setting strict timelines to speed up reviews of market access, rules of origin, customs procedures and trade facilitation, with Brunei among all ASEAN delegations. Brunei Diplomacy & Community: Indonesia’s embassy and Pakistan Red Crescent Society collected over 80 blood bags in Islamabad’s youth-led humanitarian drive, with Brunei’s High Commissioner Pengiran Haji Kamal Bashah bin Pengiran Haji Ahmad among attendees. Brunei Business Link: Record Asset Management launched “Record Amanah,” a Sharia-compliant private markets platform, citing a recent Brunei deal and growing institutional demand for Islamic finance solutions. Regional Governance & Safety: At the ASEAN-OSHNET meeting in Da Nang, Thailand handed over chairmanship to Vietnam, while Brunei took the vice chairmanship and the Secretariat role, as delegates adopted the 2026–2030 action plan for occupational safety and health. Local Human Interest: A Bruneian celebrity post from Singapore brought back a personal story for Wu Chun, recalling a phone booth memory tied to his wife—an emotional throwback that’s resonating online.
ASEAN-India Trade Talks: India and ASEAN pushed ahead on modernising the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement, with bilateral trade hitting US$128b in 2025–26 and Brunei among the delegations reviewing unresolved chapters and setting time-bound targets in New Delhi. Regional Investment Push: Oman’s Investment Authority and Jordan’s Social Security Investment Fund signed off on a joint investment company with RO38.5m (US$100m) capital, targeting sectors like IT, agriculture, medical, energy, mining, tourism and logistics. Brunei Link in Finance: Record Asset Management launched “Record Amanah,” a Sharia-compliant private markets platform for institutional investors, citing a recent Sharia-compliant deal for a client in Brunei. Local Community & Culture: Brunei’s 80th Sultan’s birthday celebrations are underway with nationwide Ramah Mesra and Junjung Ziarah events, including a royal tour across all four districts. ASEAN Cooperation on Safety: Brunei took the vice chairmanship as ASEAN-OSHNET’s 2026–2030 action plan was adopted in Da Nang, with Vietnam handing over the Secretariat role to Brunei. Business Expansion in ASEAN: RNG Tech plans to deploy 800+ self-service massage chairs across Malaysia and four ASEAN countries, including Brunei, focusing on high-traffic hubs like malls and airports.
Housing Delivery: Brunei’s Ministry of Development handed over keys to 300 eligible Bruneians under the national housing scheme, highlighting subsidised homes and integrated community planning as part of Brunei Vision 2035. Regional Business & Investment: Record Asset Management launched “Record Amanah,” a Sharia-compliant investment platform for institutional investors, citing prior Sharia-compliant deals including one for a Brunei client. ASEAN Work Safety Leadership: Brunei took the vice chairmanship of ASEAN-OSHNET after Vietnam transferred the Secretariat role, as the network adopted its 2026–2030 action plan for stronger occupational safety and health cooperation. Cross-border Trade Talks: India and ASEAN set strict timelines to speed up the AITIGA review in New Delhi, with India pushing for a more balanced deal amid a widening trade deficit. Local Presence in Regional Expansion: RNG Tech plans to deploy more than 800 self-service massage chairs across Malaysia and four ASEAN countries this year, including Brunei, targeting high-traffic hubs like malls and transport areas. Sports in the Region: The 13th Southeast Asian Karate Championships opened in Vietnam with Brunei among the 11 participating countries.
Sharia Finance in Focus: Record Asset Management launched “Record Amanah,” a Sharia-compliant private markets and private equity platform for institutional investors, developed with London’s Khalij Group, following Record’s recent Brunei deal. ASEAN Trade Talks: India and ASEAN set strict, time-bound timelines for reviewing AITIGA chapters in New Delhi, aiming to speed up the free trade pact upgrade amid India’s widening trade deficit concerns. Brunei in Regional Networks: Brunei took the vice chair and will host the ASEAN-OSHNET Secretariat for 2026–2029 after Vietnam’s handover, as ASEAN occupational safety and health meetings in Da Nang adopt a 2026–2030 action plan. Local Development: 300 eligible Bruneians received keys under the national housing scheme, part of government efforts to deliver subsidised homes in integrated communities. Tourism Skills: Brunei’s Tourism Development Department trained 40 licensed tour guides on Borneo history to improve visitor information ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027. Business Expansion: RNG Tech plans to deploy 800+ self-service massage chairs across Malaysia and four ASEAN countries, including Brunei, focusing on high-traffic sites like malls, transport hubs and airports. Travel Connectivity: Tune Talk introduced free E-Roaming data in 13 countries (including Brunei) for selected prepaid plans, with no extra activation needed.
Housing & Community: Brunei’s Ministry of Development handed over keys to 300 eligible Bruneians under the national housing scheme, highlighting subsidised homes and integrated neighbourhood planning with amenities like mosques and playgrounds. Tourism & Heritage: Brunei’s Tourism Development Department brought 40 licensed tour guides together for a talk on Borneo history, aiming to improve the accuracy of visitor information and support Visit Brunei Year 2027. Regional Business: RNG Tech plans to deploy over 800 self-service massage chairs across Malaysia and four ASEAN countries this year, including Brunei, focusing on high-traffic spots like malls, transport hubs and airports. Digital Cooperation: Kuwait and Brunei discussed deeper ties in digital transformation, AI and cybersecurity, with Kuwait offering technical and institutional support and welcoming Brunei’s participation in the “Sahel” programme. Culture & People: Prince ‘Abdul Mateen shared a rare family photo, featuring his wife Princess Anisha Rosnah and their baby daughter Princess Zahra, sparking fan reactions online.
Aerospace & MRO: Global Turbine Asia (GTA) signed an MoU with Safran Helicopter Engines Asia to expand their 15-year maintenance partnership beyond Malaysia into Brunei, with the move subject to conditions and final agreements. Housing & community: Brunei’s national housing scheme handed over keys to 300 eligible Bruneians, highlighting subsidised homes and integrated neighbourhood planning with facilities like mosques and playgrounds. Tourism training: Brunei’s Tourism Development Department brought together 40 licensed tour guides for a Borneo history talk, aiming to improve service quality and support Visit Brunei Year 2027. Regional digital ties: Kuwait and Brunei discussed deeper cooperation on digital transformation, AI and cybersecurity, including knowledge-sharing through Kuwait’s “Sahel” programme. ASEAN labour safety: Vietnam hosted ASEAN-OSHNET meetings in Da Nang, with Brunei set to take over the network’s secretariat role for the new term. Business expansion: RNG Tech plans to deploy 800+ self-service massage chairs across Malaysia and four ASEAN countries, including Brunei. Travel connectivity: Tune Talk launched free E-Roaming data in 13 countries, including Brunei, for selected prepaid plans. Climate risk in Borneo: Environmentalists warn Indonesia’s peatland food estate could face higher wildfire risk as a strong El Niño looms.
Regional Security: China test-fired a long-range strategic missile from a nuclear submarine in the Pacific, drawing criticism from Japan and Australia over transparency and regional stability. Local Housing: 300 eligible Bruneians received house keys under the national housing scheme, with the Ministry of Development saying the programme supports Vision 2035 and builds integrated communities. Tourism Skills: Brunei’s Tourism Development Department brought 40 licensed tour guides to a Borneo history talk, aiming to improve service quality and prepare for Visit Brunei Year 2027. Digital & Cyber Cooperation: Kuwait and Brunei discussed deeper ties in digital transformation, AI and cybersecurity, including Brunei’s participation in Kuwait’s Sahel programme. Brunei-ASEAN Link: Vietnam is set to host two ASEAN occupational safety and health meetings in Da Nang, with Brunei taking over the network’s secretariat role for 2026–2027. Connectivity for Travellers: Tune Talk launched free E-Roaming data in 13 countries for selected prepaid plans, including Brunei. Community Support: BIBD handed over a reconstructed home under Projek Teduh in Kampong Serdang, Kota Batu, to support vulnerable families.
Housing & Quality of Life: Brunei’s Ministry of Development says 300 eligible Bruneians received keys to new homes under the National Housing Scheme, a heavily subsidised programme aimed at delivering affordable, comfortable housing in integrated communities. Tourism Skills: The Tourism Development Department, with 40 licensed guides, held a talk on Borneo’s history to help guides give visitors more accurate, clearer information—supporting Visit Brunei Year 2027. Regional Digital Cooperation: Kuwait and Brunei discussed deeper ties in digital transformation, AI and cybersecurity, including sharing expertise and supporting joint work through Kuwait’s “Sahel” programme. Cybersecurity Capacity-Building: Brunei Cybersecurity Association members are on a six-day overseas learning journey in Indonesia to strengthen regional cybersecurity collaboration and skills. Community Support: BIBD handed over a reconstructed house in Kampong Serdang under Projek Teduh, reinforcing its CSR push to uplift vulnerable families. Travel Convenience: Tune Talk launched free E-Roaming with complimentary data in 13 countries (including Brunei), for selected prepaid plans. Culture & Heritage: Sarawak’s Taste of Borneo Carnival 4.0 is drawing regional visitors and spotlighting Borneo’s cultural diversity.
Brunei–Philippines Diplomacy: Prince ‘Abdul Mateen hosted a farewell luncheon for outgoing Philippine Ambassador Marian Jocelyn R. Tirol-Ignacio at Istana Nurul Izzah, Jerudong, reaffirming long-running ties across trade, defence, health and people-to-people links. Digital & Cybersecurity Cooperation: Kuwait and Brunei discussed deeper collaboration in digital transformation, AI and cybersecurity, with Kuwait offering technical and institutional support and welcoming Brunei’s participation in the Sahel programme. Regional Cyber Skills Boost: The Brunei Cybersecurity Association sent 11 members on a six-day learning journey to Indonesia to strengthen regional cybersecurity practices and partnerships. Community Support: Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) handed over a reconstructed home under Projek Teduh in Kampong Serdang, Mukim Kota Batu, as part of its CSR push for vulnerable families. Halal Wellness Expansion: VitaHealth launched its “Pilih Halal, Pilih VitaHealth” initiative in Brunei, highlighting JAKIM-certified supplements and aiming to build consumer confidence. Tourism & Culture: Sarawak’s Miri is pushing education tourism with MITA, exploring integrated packages linking Miri, Bintulu and Brunei.
Digital Diplomacy: Kuwait and Brunei agreed to deepen cooperation on digital transformation, AI and cybersecurity, with Kuwait ready to provide technical and institutional support and both sides flagging the “Sahel” programme for closer digital governance ties. Cyber Skills Boost: Brunei’s Cybersecurity Association sent 11 members on a six-day overseas learning journey in Indonesia to build regional cybersecurity know-how and partnerships under the ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Community Alliance. Local Community Support: BIBD handed over a reconstructed home under Projek Teduh in Kampong Serdang, Kota Batu, reinforcing its push to uplift vulnerable families through CSR. Halal Wellness Expansion: VitaHealth launched its “Pilih Halal, Pilih VitaHealth” initiative in Brunei, promoting JAKIM-certified supplements and aiming to strengthen consumer confidence. Tourism & Education Links: Miri moved to strengthen educational tourism with Malaysia’s MITA, exploring integrated packages that could also include Brunei. Regional Trade Talks: Vietnam, as CPTPP chair, hosted ministerial discussions on expansion accession talks, including with Indonesia and the Philippines.
Digital Cooperation: Kuwait and Brunei’s officials met to push deeper ties in digital transformation, AI and cybersecurity, with both sides stressing exchanges of expertise and support for building a trusted digital ecosystem. Cybersecurity Capacity-Building: Brunei’s BCSA sent 11 members on a six-day overseas learning journey in Indonesia, aiming to strengthen regional cybersecurity skills and collaboration across government, academia and industry. Brunei’s Digital Roadmap: “Digital Brunei 2030” was outlined as the next phase of the national digital push, aligning government, society, business, data and AI under Brunei Vision 2035, with implementation support expected from both public and private sectors. Community Support: BIBD handed over a reconstructed home under Projek Teduh in Kampong Serdang, reinforcing its CSR focus on improving living conditions for vulnerable families. Halal Wellness Expansion: VitaHealth launched its “Pilih Halal, Pilih VitaHealth” initiative in Brunei, promoting JAKIM-certified supplements and boosting consumer confidence in halal wellness products. Regional Security Talks: ADMM+ peacekeeping experts met in Brunei with Vietnam’s delegation highlighting Women, Peace and Security efforts, alongside discussions on readiness, interoperability and a late-2026 field training exercise.
Brunei–US Security: Brunei and the U.S. held the final planning conference for CARAT Brunei 2026 in Bandar Seri Begawan, coordinating training and maritime security cooperation ahead of the exercise, with both sides noting growing ties as the relationship moves toward a strategic partnership. Digital Transformation: Brunei’s Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications says Digital Brunei 2030 will unify the country’s digital push across government, society, business, data and AI, with success depending on close government–private sector collaboration. Cyber Capacity Building: The Brunei Cybersecurity Association sent 11 members on a six-day overseas learning journey to Indonesia to strengthen regional cybersecurity skills and partnerships. Community Support: Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) continued its Projek Teduh initiative with the handover of a reconstructed home in Kampong Serdang, Kota Batu. Halal Wellness Expansion: VitaHealth launched its “Pilih Halal, Pilih VitaHealth” initiative in Brunei, highlighting JAKIM-certified supplements and aiming to boost consumer confidence. Regional Links via Culture & Tourism: Sarawak hosted a regional photography convention with Brunei participation, while Miri explored an education-tourism circuit with Malaysia’s MITA that could also include Brunei.
Regional Culture & Tourism: Miri’s Taste of Borneo Carnival is drawing visitors from across the region, with vendors and performers saying it’s become more than a product fair—more like a community festival celebrating shared heritage. Digital & Security Cooperation: Brunei Cybersecurity Association members are in Indonesia for a six-day overseas learning journey, while Sarawak and Brunei police are also stepping up cross-border crime-fighting through tighter intelligence sharing and coordinated operations. Brunei Development & Community Support: BIBD continues its Projek Teduh upliftment work with the handover of a reconstructed home in Kampong Serdang, and Brunei’s Digital Brunei 2030 forum highlights a push to align government, business and society on digital transformation. Business & Halal Wellness: VitaHealth brings its “Pilih Halal, Pilih VitaHealth” initiative to Brunei, expanding access to JAKIM-certified wellness supplements. Maritime Exercise Planning: The U.S. and Royal Brunei Armed Forces held final planning for CARAT Brunei 2026, underscoring growing maritime training and partnership ties.
Brunei-US Security: Brunei and the U.S. held the final planning conference for CARAT Brunei 2026, coordinating maritime security cooperation as both sides move to upgrade ties to a strategic partnership. Cyber Skills & Regional Links: The Brunei Cybersecurity Association sent 11 members on a six-day Overseas Learning Journey in Indonesia, building ASEAN-Japan cybersecurity collaboration. Community Support: BIBD handed over a reconstructed home under Projek Teduh in Kampong Serdang, supporting vulnerable families through CSR partnerships. Halal Wellness Push: VitaHealth launched its “Pilih Halal, Pilih VitaHealth” initiative in Brunei, promoting JAKIM-certified supplements and halal consumer confidence. Digital Transformation: Brunei’s Digital Brunei 2030 was highlighted at a Digital Brunei Economy Forum, focusing on coordinated government, business and AI-ready digital services. Tourism Growth Idea: Miri looks to strengthen education tourism by working with Malaysia’s MITA, exploring joint packages that could include Brunei. Regional Crime Cooperation: Sarawak and Brunei police agreed to boost cross-border crime fighting via intelligence sharing and coordinated operations.
Digital Transformation: Brunei’s Digital Brunei 2030 is set to unify government, society, business, data and AI under Brunei Vision 2035, with the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications stressing close government–private sector collaboration to deliver trusted, inclusive and commercially relevant digital services. Education & Skills: ACER and Brunei rolled out the Brunei Darussalam Digital Literacy Standards (BDDLS) for Years 1–11, including AI literacy from Years 3–8, alongside revised ICT and Business, Art and Technology curricula and teacher guides. Tourism Tech Push: Brunei launched “Nakhoda,” a digital tourism marketplace for local operators with cashless payments and an AI trip planner, aimed at fixing fragmented online information ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027. Regional Security: CARAT Brunei 2026 final planning conference in Bandar Seri Begawan brought together US Navy and Royal Brunei Armed Forces to coordinate maritime training and deepen bilateral ties. Cross-Border Crime: Sarawak and Royal Brunei Police Force strengthened cooperation on intelligence sharing and coordinated land and maritime operations along the Malaysia–Brunei border. Property Market: Brunei’s residential property prices rose 13.0% year-on-year in Q1 2026, with most purchases in Brunei Muara. Tourism Growth Idea: Miri is looking at an education tourism circuit with MITA, exploring integrated packages that could include Brunei.
Digital Transformation: Brunei’s Digital Brunei 2030 is set to steer the next phase of the country’s digital push, aligning government, society, business, data and AI under Brunei Vision 2035, with the minister stressing close government–private sector collaboration at the Digital Brunei Economy Forum 2026. Tourism Tech: Brunei has launched “Nakhoda,” a digital tourism platform to help travellers plan and book experiences ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027, featuring an AI trip planner and a marketplace for local operators with cashless payments. Education & Skills: ACER and Brunei introduced the Brunei Darussalam Digital Literacy Standards (BDDLS) for Years 1–11, weaving AI literacy in from early years with updated ICT and related curriculum support for teachers. Regional Security: The U.S. and Royal Brunei Armed Forces held the CARAT Brunei 2026 final planning conference, underscoring growing maritime cooperation and a planned upgrade to a strategic partnership. Property Market: Brunei’s residential property prices rose 13.0% year-on-year in Q1 2026, with Brunei Muara remaining the main area for purchases. Oil & Gas: TGS won exclusive rights for a new multi-client 3D seismic survey offshore Brunei, aiming to improve resource assessment ahead of future licensing rounds. Cross-Border Crime: Sarawak and Brunei police strengthened cooperation on intelligence sharing and coordinated operations along the Malaysia–Brunei border.
Digital Tourism Push: Brunei has launched “Nakhoda,” a digital tourism platform to help travellers discover, plan and book experiences ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027, featuring an AI trip planner and a marketplace for local operators to list services and take cashless payments. Education & Skills: ACER and Brunei delivered new Brunei Darussalam Digital Literacy Standards (BDDLS), setting a single national digital capability benchmark for Years 1–11, with AI literacy built in from early years and updated ICT and related curriculum materials for teachers. Property Market: Brunei’s Residential Property Price Index rose 13.0% year-on-year in Q1 2026, reaching 99.2, with most purchases recorded in Brunei-Muara. Oil & Gas Data: Norwegian firm TGS won an exclusive contract for a new multi-client 3D seismic survey offshore Brunei to support future licensing and investment decisions. Regional Security: Sarawak and Brunei police strengthened cross-border crime cooperation, including intelligence sharing and coordinated land and maritime operations. Flood & Ecotourism (Limbang): A 250-metre Kampung Poyan river embankment project will boost flood mitigation and ecotourism, with funding split across 2026 and 2027.
Brunei–Malaysia Security: Sarawak Police and the Royal Brunei Police Force strengthened cooperation to tackle cross-border crime, agreeing on tighter intelligence sharing, coordinated land and maritime operations, better search-and-rescue, and smoother detainee transfer procedures. Digital Tourism Push: Brunei launched “Nakhoda,” a digital marketplace for local tourism operators with cashless payments and an AI trip planner, aimed at fixing fragmented online listings ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027. Education & Skills: ACER and Brunei rolled out the Brunei Darussalam Digital Literacy Standards (BDDLS) for Years 1–11, including embedded AI literacy and updated ICT and Business/Art/Technology curricula with teacher guides. Oil & Gas Exploration: TGS won exclusive rights for a new multi-client 3D seismic survey offshore Brunei to help assess resources and support future licensing rounds. Property Market: Brunei’s Residential Property Price Index rose 13% year-on-year in Q1 2026, with most purchases in Brunei-Muara.
Digital Tourism Push: Brunei has launched “Nakhoda,” a digital marketplace for local tourism operators with cashless payments and an AI trip planner to help travellers plan and book experiences ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027. Education & Skills: ACER and Brunei rolled out the Brunei Darussalam Digital Literacy Standards (BDDLS) for Years 1–11, weaving in AI literacy and revised ICT and Business/Art/Technology curricula with teacher guides for classroom rollout. Property Market: Brunei’s Residential Property Price Index rose 13% year-on-year in Q1 2026, reaching 99.2, with most purchases in Brunei Muara. Oil & Gas Exploration: TGS secured exclusive rights for a multi-client 3D seismic survey offshore Brunei to support future licensing and better assess offshore resources. Regional Security Ties: Sarawak and Brunei police strengthened bilateral cooperation in Bandar Seri Begawan to tackle cross-border crime and share best practices on internal security. Senior Citizen Cooperation: Sarawak and Brunei stepped up collaboration on ageing and senior citizen wellbeing through exchanges between senior citizens activity centres and officials.
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