AGP Executive Report

Haze Emergency in Sarawak: Malaysia declared an emergency in Serian Division after the Air Pollutant Index hit 521, with 647 schools closing and non-essential workplaces (including industries, plantations, construction sites and quarries) told to suspend operations while essential services continue. Regional Air Disruption: Indonesia halted flights at multiple airports, including Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta, due to ash from Mount Anak Krakatau, affecting hundreds of flights and tens of thousands of passengers. Brunei Industry & Trade Events: Sabre Travel Network (Brunei) will host the 21st Sabre Brunei Travel Fair (12–13 Sept) at BRIDEX, while Brunei’s Tourism Development Department will showcase coffee, matcha and tourism experiences at Sabah International Expo (4–6 Sept). Food & Agri Markets: Philippine Saba bananas are set to enter Hong Kong and New Zealand after new supply agreements, following an initial shipment to Saudi Arabia. Payments Leadership: Mastercard reorganised Southeast Asia leadership, appointing Beena Pothen to oversee West Southeast Asia including Brunei. Energy/Shipping Watch: LNG shipping patterns are shifting, with the USA taking the largest share of exports in 2026’s first half amid geopolitical disruptions.

Haze Emergency in Sarawak: Malaysia declared an emergency in Serian Division after the Air Pollutant Index hit 521, with 647 schools set to close and offices/industrial sites told to suspend non-essential work while essential services continue. Regional Air Quality Impact: Authorities warned the haze is driven by Indonesian forest and land fires and dry conditions, with cloud-seeding planned to bring relief. Brunei-Linked Business Events: Sabre Travel Network (Brunei) will host the 21st Sabre Brunei Travel Fair (12–13 Sept) to boost travel bookings and promotions, while Brunei will also showcase coffee, matcha and tourism experiences at Sabah International Expo 2026. Transport & Manufacturing Watch: Suzuki’s Brunei distributor launched Pakistan-made Alto and Every mini-cars, 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. Energy & Industry Signals: LNG shipping trade patterns are shifting, with the US emerging as the top exporter share in 2026 data.

Haze Emergency in Sarawak: Malaysia declared a state of emergency in Serian after the Air Pollutant Index hit 521, triggering school closures (647) and suspensions for non-essential work, with cloud-seeding planned to ease conditions. Regional Trade & Industry: Sabah International Expo 2026 opened with participation from 15 countries, positioning Sabah as a gateway for investment and trade, while Mindanao highlighted links to Asean and BIMP-EAGA markets and halal opportunities for MSMEs. Brunei Business & Services: Sabre Travel Network (Brunei) set its 21st Sabre Brunei Travel Fair for 12–13 Sept, and Brunei will showcase coffee, matcha and tourism at Sabah International Expo as part of Visit Brunei Year 2027 preparations. Manufacturing & Mobility: Suzuki’s Brunei distributor launched Pakistan-made Alto and Every mini-cars, marking Suzuki’s first export of kei-sized models from an overseas base to Brunei. Food Supply: Philippine Saba bananas are set to enter Hong Kong and New Zealand following new supply agreements, adding more premium export access.

Air Quality Emergency: Malaysia declared a state of emergency in Serian, Sarawak after the Air Pollutant Index hit hazardous levels (API 521), triggering school closures and suspensions for non-essential work, with cloud-seeding planned to ease haze drifting from Indonesia. Regional Trade & Industry: Sabah International Expo 2026 drew participation from 15 countries, including Brunei, and positioned Sabah as a gateway for investment and business cooperation, with Brunei set to showcase coffee, matcha and tourism experiences at the event. Transport & Manufacturing in Brunei: Suzuki’s Brunei distributor Boustead launched Pakistan-made Alto and Every mini-cars, marking Suzuki’s first export of Kei-sized models from an overseas base to Brunei. Aviation Maintenance Push: GTA Holdings plans a Centre of Excellence to boost MRO R&D, training and technology, aiming to strengthen Malaysia’s defence-industry capabilities. Food Supply Links: Philippine Saba bananas secured new Hong Kong and New Zealand market access via supply agreements, following an earlier shipment to Saudi Arabia. Payments Leadership: Mastercard reorganised West Southeast Asia leadership and appointed Beena Pothen to oversee Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar.

Haze Emergency in Sarawak: Malaysia declared a state of emergency in Serian after the Air Pollutant Index hit 521, with schools (647) and many non-essential workplaces, including industries and plantations, ordered to close while cloud-seeding is extended. Regional Air-Quality Spillover: Officials warned smoke from Indonesian wildfires is moving across Borneo and even reaching Brunei, with hazardous conditions linked to persistent dry weather and El Niño. Brunei Trade & Tourism Push: Sabre Travel Network (Brunei) will hold the 21st Sabre Brunei Travel Fair (12–13 Sept) to boost travel demand ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027, while Brunei also plans to showcase coffee, matcha and tourism at Sabah International Expo (4–6 Sept). Automotive Supply Chain: Suzuki’s Brunei distributor, Boustead, launched Pakistan-made Alto and Every mini-cars—first export of these kei-sized models to Brunei—marking Suzuki’s 50th distributor anniversary. Payments Leadership: Mastercard appointed Beena Pothen to lead West Southeast Asia, covering Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar, to expand digital commerce partnerships. Asean Market Connectivity: MinDA highlighted Mindanao’s readiness to connect with Asean and BIMP-EAGA markets at Sabah International Expo 2026.

Haze Emergency in Sarawak: Malaysia declared an emergency in Serian after its Air Pollutant Index hit 521, with Kuching also recording hazardous levels—prompting advice to stay indoors, wear N95 masks, and close non-essential workplaces including industries, plantations, construction sites and quarries. Wildfires Near Nusantara: Indonesia reported fires spreading toward its under-construction new capital, Nusantara, as officials urged cloud-seeding and water-bombing amid “super El Nino” dry-season conditions. Brunei Trade & Tourism Push: Brunei will showcase coffee, matcha and tourism experiences at the Sabah International Expo (Sept 4–6) via the Brunei Darussalam Pavilion, including a Brunei Coffee Trail and Visit Brunei Year 2027 Roadshow. Travel Industry Event: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 (Sept 12–13) returns with 90+ booths and promotions, aiming to boost inbound and outbound demand ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027. Automotive Supply Chain Update: Suzuki’s Brunei distributor Boustead launched Pakistan-made Alto and Every mini-cars in Brunei, marking the first export of these kei-sized models from Pakistan to Brunei. Payments Leadership: Mastercard appointed Beena Pothen to lead West Southeast Asia, covering Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar, to drive digital commerce and trusted partnerships.

Payments Leadership: Mastercard reorganised Southeast Asia leadership and named Beena Pothen Division President for West Southeast Asia, covering Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar—she previously led Malaysia and Brunei digital payments work. Aviation Supply Chain: Airbus resumed A330 deliveries after a stray tool was found in an aircraft’s horizontal tail plane, triggering system-wide inspections and a three-month near-halt that could affect 2026 output. Regional Health & Environment: Indonesia’s Borneo wildfires and haze kept spreading across borders, with hazardous air quality readings reported in Malaysia and Brunei and schools disrupted as El Niño-driven drought worsens the fire risk. Agriculture & Technology: China and Brunei launched an international training course on sustainable agriculture and rural economy under China’s Green Rural Revival Program, with a 10-day study exchange planned in Zhejiang. Trade & Industry Events: Oil & Gas Asia 2026 opened in Kuala Lumpur with a stronger push on market access and cross-border project links, co-located with MOGSEC and EIC Connect OGA. Local Market Manufacturing: Suzuki launched Pakistan-made Alto and Every models in Brunei via Boustead, expanding the local lineup and adding Suzuki motorcycles planned for autumn 2026. Food & Fisheries Expo: Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia opened in Singapore with Brunei’s Department of Fisheries among new country participants.

Agritech & Water Management: Malaysia’s Nuklear Malaysia signed an MoU with MADA to use nuclear science for padi productivity, including groundwater monitoring, irrigation integrity checks, soil and nutrient management, and isotope-based pest and crop disease monitoring. Energy & Industry Networking: Oil & Gas Asia 2026 opened in Kuala Lumpur with a sharper push on market access and cross-border project pipelines, co-located with MOGSEC and EIC Connect OGA to link OGSE capabilities with regional energy opportunities. Brunei–China Agriculture Training: Brunei and China launched an international training course under China’s Green Rural Revival Program, sending Bruneian agriculture and rural development professionals for a 10-day study in Zhejiang focused on sustainable agriculture and rural economy. Regional Trade & Food Supply: Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia opened in Singapore with Brunei’s Department of Fisheries among new country participation, highlighting Asia’s role as a partnership and innovation hub across the seafood supply chain. Mobility & Local Industry: Suzuki Brunei began selling Pakistan-made Alto and Every mini-vehicles, expanding the lineup and adding Suzuki motorcycles planned for around autumn 2026. Environment & Cross-Border Impact: Indonesian haze from Borneo wildfires continued to disrupt the region, with Malaysia and Brunei affected and officials warning conditions could worsen as El Niño peaks.

Transboundary haze: 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 intensifies drought and fires. Public health impact: In Malaysia’s Sarawak, hazardous readings have triggered school disruptions and outdoor event cancellations, while Brunei has also been affected by August smoke. ASEAN digital push: ASEAN is set to sign the Digital Economy Framework Agreement at a summit in the Philippines, aiming to boost regional digital trade and cooperation on data governance, AI, digital identity, cybersecurity and trade rules. Brunei-China agriculture ties: China and Brunei launched an international training course on China’s Green Rural Revival Program, with Bruneian professionals set to study sustainable agriculture and rural economy in Zhejiang. Local business/industry: Suzuki has started exporting Pakistan-made Alto and Every mini-vehicles to Brunei, expanding the local lineup and adding plans for Suzuki motorcycle sales around autumn 2026. Trade & investment backdrop: China-ASEAN trade surpassed US$1 trillion in 2025 and is accelerating in 2026, reflecting deeper integration and growing production links. Cost of living: Brunei’s CPI rose 0.02% in July year-on-year, driven mainly by higher food and non-alcoholic beverage prices.

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 boosting a regional digital economy while firms still face market-by-market rules. Transboundary Haze: Indonesian Borneo fires are worsening air quality across the region, with Malaysia reporting hazardous readings and Brunei also affected earlier, as smoke is expected to drift into the Philippines over the next days. Seafood Trade: Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia opened in Singapore on 2 September, with Brunei’s Department of Fisheries among new country participants—spotlighting processing tech, product showcases and supply-chain partnerships. Brunei-China Agriculture: China and Brunei launched a training programme under China’s Green Rural Revival Program to strengthen sustainable agriculture and rural development, including hybrid rice breeding and seed production. Local Industry Update: Suzuki has started exporting Pakistan-made Alto and Every mini-vehicles to Brunei, expanding its lineup via local distributor Boustead, with motorcycles planned for later in 2026. Cost of Living Watch: Brunei’s CPI rose 0.02% in July year-on-year, driven by higher food prices while non-food eased.

Energy Security: The West Asia crisis is still shaking Asia’s energy lifelines, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a critical route for crude oil and LNG to multiple Asian economies, raising fresh questions about whether today’s global energy-security system matches Asia’s exposure. Transboundary Haze: Indonesian fire smoke is again disrupting the region, with Kalimantan haze reaching the Philippines and Malaysia, while Brunei was affected earlier in August—underscoring how land management and enforcement across borders still lag behind the ASEAN haze agreement. Seafood Trade: Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia opened in Singapore on 2 September, with Brunei among the country participants, as exhibitors push new products and processing tech for Asia’s fast-moving seafood market. Brunei-China Agriculture: Brunei and China launched an international training course under China’s Green Rural Revival Program, focusing on sustainable agriculture and rural development, with a 10-day study exchange planned in Zhejiang. Local Industry & Mobility: Suzuki has launched Pakistan-made Alto and Every mini-vehicles in Brunei via Boustead, marking an export from an overseas production base to match Japanese kei specifications. Tech & Services: Concepts Technologies won ManageEngine’s “Emerging Partner of the Year” for its work supporting government and enterprises in Brunei. Economy Watch: Brunei’s CPI rose 0.02% in July, driven mainly by higher food and non-alcoholic beverage prices.

Automotive & Trade: Suzuki has launched Pakistan-made Alto and Every mini-vehicles in Brunei via Boustead, with the models matching Japanese kei body size and 660cc specs—an export first for Suzuki from an overseas production base; Boustead also flagged Suzuki motorcycle sales starting around autumn 2026. Agriculture & Food Security: China and Brunei launched a training course under China’s Green Rural Revival Program focused on sustainable agriculture and rural economy, with Bruneian professionals set to study in Zhejiang in September. Regional Supply Chains: China-ASEAN trade topped US$1 trillion in 2025 and is up sharply in 2026, with Beijing citing deeper agreements and growing production links. Energy & Shipping: Asia-Pacific LNG buyers are increasingly eyeing regional supply as Middle East disruptions continue, with more interest in projects across Southeast Asia including Brunei. Digital & Compliance: Vietnam expanded cybersecurity rules and police powers, raising the cost of online speech and personal data handling for citizens. Environment & Public Health: Hazardous haze from Indonesian forest fires worsened across Malaysian Borneo and also reached Brunei and Singapore, disrupting daily life and outdoor activities.

CPTPP Trade Boost: The UK’s full CPTPP access kicks in after Canada completed ratification, making over 99% of UK goods exports to CPTPP members eligible for zero tariffs—good news for manufacturing and food and drink exporters, with Brunei among the 11 other members. Brunei-China Agriculture: Brunei and China launched an international training course under China’s Green Rural Revival Program, focusing on sustainable agriculture and rural development, with a 10-day study exchange planned in Zhejiang. Auto Industry Link: Suzuki has started selling Pakistan-made Alto and Every in Brunei, a first for Suzuki exports from an overseas base matching Japan’s kei-sized body and 660cc specs; Boustead also flagged plans to bring in Suzuki motorcycles around autumn 2026. Digital & Cyber Oversight: Vietnam expanded cybersecurity and online speech powers via new decrees, raising the stakes for data and online compliance. Air Quality Shock in the Region: Indonesian haze worsened across Malaysian Borneo and reached Brunei and Singapore, with hazardous air readings reported in Sarawak. Local Tech Services: Concepts Technologies won ManageEngine’s “Emerging Partner of the Year” for its work supporting government and enterprise customers in Brunei. Consumer Prices: Brunei’s CPI rose 0.02% in July, driven mainly by higher food prices.

Automotive Exports: Suzuki Brunei has started selling Pakistan-made Alto and Every mini-vehicles, the first export of kei-sized models from an overseas base matching Japan’s body and 660cc specs, with Boustead as distributor and Suzuki motorcycles planned for around autumn 2026. Agriculture & Food Security: China and Brunei launched an international training course under China’s Green Rural Revival Program, focusing on sustainable agriculture and rural economy, with a 10-day study exchange planned in Zhejiang. Digital & Cybersecurity: New cybersecurity decrees in Vietnam expand police powers and raise fines for online speech and data handling, with rules taking effect from Oct. 5. Air Quality Shock: Malaysia’s haze worsened, with multiple areas hitting unhealthy to hazardous air quality levels, while Brunei’s CPI for July rose 0.02% year-on-year, mainly driven by food and non-alcoholic beverages. Tech & Industry Partnerships: Concepts Technologies won ManageEngine’s “Emerging Partner of the Year” for Brunei, citing growth and support for government and enterprise deployments. Electric Mobility: Imperial Motors was appointed authorised XPENG distributor in Brunei, adding an EV brand to Inchcape’s multi-OEM portfolio. Regional Trade & Energy: Asia-Pacific LNG buyers are increasingly eyeing regional supply options as Middle East disruptions continue.

Automotive Exports: Suzuki has started selling Japanese-spec “kei”-sized Alto and Every mini-vehicles in Brunei, exported from its Pakistani subsidiary Pak Suzuki Motor Company and distributed by Boustead, marking the first time Suzuki exports overseas models with matching body size and 660cc specs; Boustead also flagged Suzuki motorcycle sales for around autumn 2026. Cyber & Policing: Vietnam expanded cybersecurity rules with new decrees that broaden police powers over online speech and personal data, with major fines and content takedowns—an issue Brunei businesses and residents watching regional compliance trends may want to track. Maritime Security: Vietnam demanded an immediate stop to “illegal” Chinese construction in the Paracels after satellite reports of new works near Yagong/Antelope Reef, underscoring ongoing South China Sea tensions that can affect regional shipping and port planning. Local Economy Watch: Brunei’s CPI rose 0.02% year-on-year in July, driven by higher food and non-alcoholic beverage prices, while non-food prices fell. Tech Partnerships: Concepts Technologies won ManageEngine’s “Emerging Partner of the Year” for expanding ManageEngine adoption across Brunei’s government, GLCs and private sector. Food & Farming Shift: Barramundi Group says an endemic virus still limits survival in its Brunei marine pens, even as improved cleaning and parasite control cut fish mortality costs by three-quarters. Energy & Data: TGS secured a one-month extension to a major seismic campaign offshore Indonesia and recently gained rights to market Brunei offshore subsurface data. Sports Governance: Mohammad Shukri was re-elected president of the Brunei Teqball Association for 2026–2028, with plans to expand tournaments and talent identification.

Automotive & Mobility: Suzuki Brunei has launched the Pakistan-made Alto and Every, bringing kei-sized 660cc mini-vehicle specs to Brunei for the first time, sold via Boustead, which also flagged plans to start Suzuki motorcycle sales around autumn 2026. Digital & Public Sector Tech: Bahwan CyberTek’s new MD/CEO Amrinder Singh says Middle East government and business tech spending remains strong, with core work in public sector, energy and banking across Oman and the UAE. Enterprise IT Partnerships: Concepts Technologies won ManageEngine’s “Emerging Partner of the Year” for its ManageEngine deployments across Brunei government agencies, GLCs and private firms, highlighting security and network monitoring support. Agriculture Cooperation: China and Brunei kicked off a Senior Expert Advisory Program on hybrid rice breeding and seed production, aiming to boost rice productivity and food self-sufficiency through training and trial planting. Consumer Prices: Brunei’s CPI rose 0.02% year-on-year in July, driven mainly by higher food and non-alcoholic beverage prices, while non-food eased. Sports Governance: Mohammad Shukri was re-elected President of the Brunei Teqball Association for 2026–2028, prioritising stronger governance, more national tournaments and talent identification.