AGP Executive Report

Brunei-Linked Security Check: Kerala’s Home Minister ordered a Crime Branch probe after reports claimed fugitive Sukumara Kurup is alive in Brunei under an assumed identity, with Kerala Police also contacting Interpol and noting the claims are still “rumours.” ASEAN-Industry & Policy Links: ASEAN Parliamentarians wrapped up a week in China’s Hainan, touring fishery innovation, rural governance and low-carbon sites, with discussions touching environmental protection, agricultural modernization and the digital economy. Energy & Offshore Services: SLB won a Brunei Shell Petroleum contract to restore production from shut-in wells, covering subsurface evaluation, well selection, engineering and offshore execution. Offshore Data for Exploration: TGS secured data brokerage, marketing and licensing rights from Brunei’s Petroleum Authority for subsurface data over a “promising” offshore block, aiming to reduce exploration uncertainty. Electric Mobility in Brunei: Imperial Motors was appointed authorised XPENG distributor in Brunei, expanding Inchcape’s multi-brand portfolio with a new EV option and aftersales push. Regional Labour Skills: South Korea’s labour minister pledged to nurture 10,000 AI-ready field talents via K-Digital Training at an ASEAN+3 labour ministers meeting in Bangkok, with Brunei among participants. Trade & Business Diplomacy: Italy–Brunei Industry Day in Bandar Seri Begawan showcased Italian defence, security and advanced tech firms and highlighted cooperation on an “ecosystem of capabilities.” Agriculture Upgrade: Brunei launched a one-year hybrid rice breeding and seed production advisory programme with China, including plans for a hybrid rice research centre. Disaster Cooperation: Malaysia and Brunei leaders at ALC-27 witnessed an MoU on disaster management cooperation and discussed regional stability amid West Asia tensions.

Industry Day in Brunei: Italy held its first Italy–Brunei Industry Day in Bandar Seri Begawan, bringing 14 Italian firms from defence, security and advanced tech to meet Brunei institutions and explore investment and joint development. Electric mobility push: Imperial Motors was appointed authorised distributor of XPENG EVs in Brunei, expanding Inchcape’s multi-brand lineup and adding new sustainable mobility options with sales and aftersales support. Oil & gas services: SLB won a Brunei Shell Petroleum contract for production restoration from shut-in wells, covering subsurface evaluation, engineering, offshore execution and marine logistics to boost recovery from mature fields. Offshore data for exploration: TGS secured data brokerage, marketing and licensing rights from PA for subsurface data over a “promising” offshore Brunei block, aiming to help upstream players assess potential ahead of licensing. Regional trade & connectivity: Malaysia and Brunei renewed MoUs and pledged deeper cooperation at ALC-27, including progress on border demarcation and plans to improve people movement and immigration processes. Agrifood capacity building: Brunei launched a one-year expert advisory programme with China to strengthen hybrid rice breeding and set up a hybrid rice research centre. Regional backdrop: Indonesia escalated Borneo wildfire response with 1,500 more troops and helicopters as smog worsened.

Brunei Offshore Energy: SLB has been awarded by Brunei Shell Petroleum a production restoration contract for shut-in wells across multiple offshore fields, covering subsurface evaluation, well selection, engineering, intervention, monitoring, metering and marine logistics—aimed at boosting recovery from mature assets. EV & Local Industry: Imperial Motors, via Inchcape Brunei, has been appointed authorised distributor of XPENG electric vehicles in Brunei, adding another OEM partner to its Toyota/Lexus/Subaru portfolio and expanding sustainable mobility options. Agriculture & Food Security: Brunei’s Agriculture and Agrifood Department launched a one-year expert advisory programme with China to strengthen rice breeding and hybrid seed production, including plans for a hybrid rice research centre and wider adoption of hybrid technology. Trade & Business Links: Brunei and Malaysia’s business chambers renewed an MoU to expand commercial exchange, support trade missions and help companies participate in exhibitions and fairs. Regional Infrastructure: Indonesia is sending an additional 1,500 soldiers to tackle Borneo wildfires, as smog spreads across areas shared with Brunei and Malaysia—raising pressure on regional disaster response and logistics. Cross-border Mobility Tech: Asean-wide push for digital IDs and faster verification is highlighted as a way to streamline licensing, qualifications and business authorisations across borders.

EV Deal in Brunei: Imperial Motors, via Inchcape Brunei, has been appointed authorised distributor of XPENG, adding a new electric-vehicle brand to its Toyota, Lexus and Subaru portfolio. Offshore Energy Work: SLB won a Brunei Shell Petroleum contract to restore production from shut-in wells across multiple offshore fields, covering subsurface evaluation, well selection, engineering, interventions, monitoring and marine logistics. Exploration Data Access: TGS secured data brokerage, marketing and licensing rights from the Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam for subsurface data over a “promising” offshore block, supporting exploration decisions ahead of licensing. Rice & Agrifood Capacity: Brunei’s Agriculture and Agrifood Department launched a one-year expert advisory programme with China to strengthen rice breeding and hybrid seed production, including plans for a hybrid rice research centre. Regional Business Links: Brunei and Malaysia business chambers renewed an MoU to expand trade missions, exhibitions and company participation. Cross-border Mobility Tech: Asean push for digital IDs aims to speed up verification for licences, qualifications and business authorisations across countries. Construction/Refurbishment Trend: Dubai-based Creative Wrap is expanding architectural wrapping into Brunei and other markets as refurbishment demand grows. Automotive Aftermarket/Branding: Imperial Motors’ XPENG move signals continued multi-brand strategy and more sustainable mobility options for Brunei customers.

Electric Mobility & Retail: Imperial Motors (Inchcape Brunei) has been appointed the authorised distributor of XPENG, adding a new EV brand to Brunei’s automotive lineup and expanding sales and aftersales options. Offshore Oil & Gas (Brunei): SLB has won a Brunei Shell Petroleum contract to restore production from shut-in wells across multiple offshore fields, covering subsurface evaluation, engineering, intervention and marine logistics. Energy Services (Brunei): TGS secured data brokerage, marketing and licensing rights from the Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam for subsurface data over a “promising” offshore block, aiming to help explorers assess potential ahead of licensing. Agriculture (Brunei): Brunei’s Agriculture and Agrifood Department launched a one-year expert advisory programme with China to strengthen rice breeding and hybrid seed production, including plans for a hybrid rice research centre. Regional Trade & Connectivity: Brunei and Malaysia business chambers renewed an MoU to boost economic ties, while Malaysia-Brunei leaders’ talks also highlighted progress on border demarcation and disaster management cooperation. ASEAN Climate Security: Philippines officials urged ASEAN to include climate resilience in the regional security agenda, linking disasters and supply-chain shocks to economic stability. South China Sea Tensions: Satellite imagery reports new installations on Yagong Island near Antelope Reef, raising concerns about early-warning radar support for China’s expanding base network. Borneo Wildfires: Indonesia is sending an additional 1,500 soldiers and helicopters to tackle Borneo fires and haze affecting Malaysia and Brunei.

Offshore Energy & Services: SLB has won a Brunei Shell Petroleum contract to restore production from shut-in wells across multiple offshore fields, covering subsurface evaluation, well selection, engineering, intervention, monitoring, metering and marine logistics—aimed at boosting recovery from mature assets. Upstream Data for Exploration: TGS says the Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam awarded it data brokerage, marketing and licensing rights for subsurface information (including 3D seismic and well data) over a “promising” offshore block, supporting better-informed exploration ahead of licensing. Agri-Food & Technology Transfer: Brunei’s Agriculture and Agrifood Department launched a one-year expert advisory programme with China to strengthen rice breeding and hybrid seed production, including plans for a hybrid rice research centre and wider adoption of hybrid technology. Regional Trade & Mobility: Malaysia and Brunei’s business chambers renewed an MoU to expand commercial exchange, exhibitions and trade missions, while leaders at ALC-27 also discussed easing cross-border travel and progressing border demarcation. Disaster & Climate Resilience: ASEAN officials pushed for climate resilience to be part of the regional security agenda, as wildfire haze and supply-chain disruption risks grow across the region. Industrial Equipment (Regional): Greenstone Resources in the Philippines took delivery of eight Volvo A40 articulated haulers to improve hauling efficiency and reliability. Environment Watch: Indonesia deployed an additional 1,500 soldiers and helicopters to tackle Borneo wildfires, with haze affecting Malaysia and Brunei.

ASEAN Security & Climate Resilience: Philippines environment chief Juan Miguel Cuna urged ASEAN to fold climate resilience into the region’s security agenda, saying climate impacts spill across borders through food, water, disasters and supply-chain shocks. Brunei-Malaysia Business Links: Brunei’s National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Malaysia’s counterpart renewed an MoU to boost trade exchange, exhibitions and business missions. Disaster Management Cooperation: During Malaysia’s ALC-27 visit to Brunei, leaders backed a disaster management cooperation MoU and discussed improving cross-border movement, with about half of land border demarcation work completed. Offshore Oil & Gas Restoration: SLB won a Brunei Shell Petroleum contract to restore production from shut-in wells across multiple offshore fields, covering evaluation, engineering, intervention, monitoring and marine logistics. Exploration Data Access: TGS secured Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam rights to broker, market and license subsurface data for a “promising” offshore block, including 3D seismic and well reports. Agriculture & Food Security: Brunei launched a one-year hybrid rice breeding and seed production expert advisory programme with China, including plans for a hybrid rice research centre. Regional Mobility: Malaysia’s foreign minister said Malaysia and Brunei are simplifying immigration procedures at border checkpoints to streamline travel between Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei.

Upstream Data for Exploration: Oslo-listed TGS has been awarded data brokerage, marketing and licensing rights by Brunei’s Petroleum Authority for subsurface data over a “promising” offshore block, covering 3D seismic, well info and technical reports to help E&P players cut subsurface uncertainty ahead of licensing. Oil & Gas Production Restoration: SLB won a contract from Brunei Shell Petroleum to restore output from shut-in wells across multiple offshore fields, including subsurface evaluation, well selection, engineering, offshore execution, intervention services, monitoring, metering and marine logistics. Food & Tourism Promotion Link-Up: Tourism Malaysia signed an MoU with Foodie Media to boost Visit Malaysia 2026-2027 promotion through digital content and on-the-ground coverage, leveraging Foodie Media’s large follower base. Hybrid Rice Push: Brunei launched a one-year expert advisory programme with China to strengthen hybrid rice breeding and seed production, including plans for a hybrid rice research centre and wider adoption of the technology. Regional Business Ties: Brunei and Malaysia’s business chambers renewed an MoU to expand commercial exchange, support trade fairs and exhibitions, and facilitate business missions. Cross-Border Travel Simplification: Malaysia and Brunei are streamlining immigration procedures at border checkpoints to ease travel between Sabah/Sarawak and Brunei, with technical committees tasked to find the most effective approach. Borneo Wildfire Fallout: Indonesia is deploying additional forces and helicopters to tackle Borneo wildfires driving haze into Malaysia and affecting regional air quality.

Oil & Gas Production Restoration: SLB won a Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) contract to restore output from shut-in wells across multiple offshore fields, covering subsurface evaluation, well selection, engineering, intervention, monitoring, metering and marine logistics—aimed at boosting recovery from mature assets. Agri-Food & Food Security: Brunei launched a one-year expert advisory programme with China to strengthen rice breeding and hybrid seed production, including plans for a hybrid rice research centre and wider adoption of hybrid rice tech (Aug 18, 2026–Aug 17, 2027). Trade & Business Links: Brunei and Malaysia business chambers renewed an MoU to expand commercial exchange, support exhibitions and trade missions, and encourage company-to-company cooperation. Regional Connectivity: Malaysia and Brunei discussed easing cross-border travel, with technical committees tasked to streamline immigration procedures at checkpoints and improve movement of people. Disaster Management Cooperation: Malaysia and Brunei leaders at ALC-27 also backed disaster management collaboration, alongside progress on border demarcation. Regional Environment Impact: Indonesia escalated wildfire response in Borneo, deploying 1,500 more soldiers and helicopters as haze spreads into Malaysia and affects daily life.

Hybrid Rice Push: Brunei’s Agriculture and Agrifood Department starts a one-year expert advisory programme with China to boost rice breeding and hybrid seed production, including plans for a hybrid rice research centre (Food & Agri-Tech). Offshore Oil & Gas Revival: SLB has won a contract from Brunei Shell Petroleum to restore production from shut-in wells across multiple offshore fields, covering subsurface evaluation, engineering, intervention services, monitoring, metering and marine logistics (Energy & Offshore Services). Upstream Data Access: TGS secured Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam rights for subsurface data brokerage, marketing and licensing for an offshore block, including 3D seismic and well information to support exploration decisions (Exploration & Investment). Regional Business Links: Brunei and Malaysia business chambers renewed an MoU to expand commercial exchange and support trade fairs, exhibitions and business missions (Trade & Industry Cooperation). Cross-Border Travel Simplified: Malaysia and Brunei move to streamline immigration procedures at border checkpoints to ease travel between Sabah/Sarawak and Brunei (Logistics & Mobility). Borneo Wildfire Fallout: Indonesia warns against open fires as haze spreads across Borneo shared by Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei, while Indonesia deploys an extra 1,500 soldiers and helicopters to fight blazes (Environment & Public Health).

Wildfire Response: Indonesia is escalating its Borneo firefighting effort, sending an extra 1,500 soldiers and six helicopters as blazes scorch over 200,000 hectares and haze spreads toward Malaysia and Brunei. Brunei-Malaysia Economic Ties: Brunei and Malaysia business chambers renewed an MoU to boost trade links, exhibitions and business missions. ALC-27 Diplomacy & Disaster Cooperation: PM Anwar Ibrahim thanked Brunei for hospitality during ALC-27, where leaders also discussed disaster management cooperation and border progress. Border & Travel Facilitation: Malaysia and Brunei said about 50% of land border demarcation is done and technical teams are working to streamline cross-border immigration procedures. Oil & Gas Recovery Work: Brunei Shell Petroleum awarded SLB a contract to restore production from shut-in offshore wells, using an integrated restoration approach. Upstream Data Access: TGS won PA Brunei rights for subsurface data brokerage and licensing for an offshore block, supporting exploration decisions. Petrochem Talent Pipeline: Hengyi Industries recognised 15 Bruneian students for academic excellence tied to future petrochemical careers. Maritime Industry Watch: A Brunei shipowner warned that new international maritime rules could stifle the young local shipowning sector. Agriculture Spotlight: Brunei’s agri-food open day showcased services and private-sector solutions to strengthen the agriculture value chain. Construction Decarbonisation: Neocrete raised US$3.5m to scale concrete additives, citing Brunei deployments that cut embodied carbon and cost for Muara Port redevelopment.

Bilateral Business & Trade: Brunei and Malaysia’s business chambers renewed an MoU to boost economic cooperation, expand commercial exchange, and support trade missions, fairs and exhibitions. Regional Industry & Energy: Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) has awarded SLB a contract to restore production from shut-in offshore wells, using an integrated restoration model covering subsurface work, well selection, engineering, offshore execution, monitoring and marine logistics. Upstream Data for Investment: TGS secured Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam rights to broker and license subsurface data (3D seismic and well information) for an offshore block, aiming to attract international exploration participation. Cross-Border Operations: Malaysia and Brunei discussed simplifying immigration procedures and border travel, with technical committees tasked to streamline checkpoints and improve outdated entry rules. Disaster Readiness: Leaders at ALC-27 also backed a disaster management cooperation MoU, while West Asia tensions were flagged for their impact on maritime traffic and global supply chains. Agri-Food & Local Supply: Brunei’s Agriculture and Agri-Food Department held an open day featuring vendors and technologies to strengthen the agriculture value chain. Petrochem Talent: Hengyi Industries recognised 15 Bruneian students for academic excellence, linking future skills to the petrochemical sector. Environment Spillover: Indonesia deployed 1,500 more soldiers to tackle Borneo wildfires, as haze spreads toward Malaysia and affects regional operations.

Energy & Offshore Production: SLB has won a contract from Brunei Shell Petroleum to restore output from shut-in wells across multiple offshore fields, covering subsurface work, well selection, engineering, offshore execution, and marine logistics under an integrated production restoration model. Upstream Data & Investment: TGS received PA Brunei Darussalam rights for subsurface data brokerage and licensing for an offshore block, including 3D seismic and well information, aimed at helping attract international exploration participation. Bilateral Trade & Mobility: Malaysia and Brunei are streamlining immigration procedures at border checkpoints to ease travel between Sabah/Sarawak and Brunei, alongside progress on land boundary and cooperation issues. Agri-Food Sector: Brunei’s Agriculture and Agri-Food Department open day highlights services and initiatives, with vendors showcasing products and technologies to strengthen the agriculture value chain. Local Talent (Petrochemicals): Hengyi Industries held its second Academic Excellence Award for 15 Bruneian students, linking future skills to Brunei’s petrochemical workforce needs. Industry & Construction Tech: Neocrete’s $3.5m funding round backs its concrete decarbonisation additives, citing commercial deployment in Brunei including Muara Port redevelopment. Regional Environment Impact: Indonesia warned against open fires as wildfire haze from Borneo spreads into Malaysia, affecting visibility, flights, and school operations in Sarawak. Leadership & Disaster Cooperation: PM Anwar Ibrahim received Brunei’s D.K. honour and is set to witness an MoU signing on disaster management cooperation during ALC-27.

Energy & Offshore Production: SLB has won a contract from Brunei Shell Petroleum to restore output from shut-in wells across multiple offshore fields, covering subsurface evaluation, well selection, engineering, offshore execution, and integrated project management plus marine logistics. Upstream Data for Investment: TGS was awarded data brokerage, marketing and licensing rights by the Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam for subsurface data over an offshore block, including 3D seismic and well information to help exploration decisions. Regional Connectivity: Malaysia and Brunei are simplifying immigration procedures at border checkpoints to streamline travel between Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei, with technical committees tasked to ease cross-border movement. Agri-Food Spotlight: Brunei’s Agriculture and Agri-Food Department open day is showcasing services and initiatives, with 20 local vendors highlighting products and technologies to strengthen the agri-food value chain. Local Talent for Petrochemicals: Hengyi Industries held its second Academic Excellence Award ceremony, recognising 15 Bruneian students and linking the push to future careers in the petrochemical industry. Industry Skills & Culture: Neocrete’s additives—proven at scale in Brunei’s Muara Port redevelopment—have helped cut concrete carbon and cost, and the firm has raised US$3.5m to expand deployment. Environment & Health: Indonesia warned against open fires as wildfire haze from Borneo spreads into Malaysia, with Sarawak reporting school closures and unhealthy air in multiple districts. Business & Community: Yin Yang Café has launched “Yin Yang Café 3.0,” expanding its dining space and menu.

Energy & Offshore Operations: SLB has won a contract from Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) to reactivate shut-in wells across multiple offshore fields, using an integrated production restoration model covering subsurface evaluation, well selection, engineering, offshore execution, and marine logistics. Construction & Decarbonisation: Neocrete, backed by Wavemaker Ventures and Temasek Trust’s C3H, says its concrete additives have already delivered scale results in Brunei’s Muara Port redevelopment—cutting embodied carbon and costs—while it raises US$3.5m to expand further across Southeast Asia, Europe and the US. Agriculture & Agri-Food: Brunei’s Agriculture and Agri-Food Department open day highlights services and initiatives, with 20 local vendors showcasing products and technologies aimed at strengthening the agri-food value chain. Trade & Investment Diplomacy: PM Anwar Ibrahim will visit Brunei on Aug 21–22 for ALC-27 with Malaysia, where disaster management cooperation is set to be signed. Local Business & Culture: Relentless Entertainment and the Academy of Performing Arts will stage Legally Blonde: The Musical at the JIS Arts Centre from Sept 11–13, with tickets available via The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf branches.

Energy & Offshore Production: SLB won a contract from Brunei Shell Petroleum to reactivate shut-in wells across multiple offshore fields, covering subsurface evaluation, well selection, engineering, offshore execution, and marine logistics—an integrated production restoration model aimed at boosting recovery from mature assets. Sustainable Construction: Neocrete (NZ) raised US$3.5m to scale its concrete decarbonisation additives; its Brunei deployments include Muara Port redevelopment work that cuts embodied carbon and cost at commercial scale. Agriculture & Agri-Food: Brunei’s Agriculture and Agri-Food Department held an open day to showcase services and help strengthen the agri-food value chain, with 20 local vendors featuring productivity-boosting products and technologies. Bilateral Industry & Disaster Management: PM Anwar Ibrahim will visit Brunei on Aug 21–22 for ALC-27 with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, where Malaysia and Brunei will review cooperation and sign an MoU on disaster management. Regional Trade & Logistics: Maersk increased peak season container surcharges affecting imports into Maldives and Sri Lanka, with Brunei listed among covered origins. Tourism & Connectivity: AirBorneo plans to expand its Asian network, including routes that support Sarawak’s push as a Borneo tourism gateway.