AGP Executive Report

Travel: Taiwan has extended visa-free entry for Bruneian citizens until July 31, 2027, offering another year of easier travel under its trial programme. Brunei-Singapore Ties: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong marked 50 years of defence relations at a joint parade on Oct. 10. The milestone also celebrates lasting friendships among generations of service personnel. Royal Family: Princess Zariah, wife of Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and sister of Queen Saleha, died on Oct. 6. A funeral was held the following day, with the Sultan and Queen attending. Life in Brunei: A professional footballer describes a social scene built around coffee shops and time with friends, with the Empire Hotel’s beach a popular place to unwind.

Brunei-Singapore Ties: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong marked 50 years of defence relations at a joint parade in Muara on Oct. 10. Decades of training and cooperation have also built lasting friendships between personnel from both countries. Royal Family: Princess Zariah, wife of Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, died on Oct. 6. The royal family held a funeral with Islamic rites, and the Sultan ordered the national flag lowered. Fashion & Heritage: Malaysian model Atikah Karim, whose mother is Bruneian, made her Chanel runway debut at Paris Fashion Week, among 71 models presenting the Spring/Summer 2027 collection. Sport & Leisure: From 2027, Brunei viewers can watch every Wimbledon match live on beIN Sports and beIN Sports Connect under a new rights deal running through 2031. Regional Justice: Amnesty International says Brunei has maintained a pause in executions as several Southeast Asian countries take steps to reduce use of the death penalty.

Brunei-Singapore Ties: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Singapore PM Lawrence Wong marked 50 years of defence relations with a joint parade on Oct 10. The anniversary also celebrates friendships and exchanges built between the countries’ military personnel. Royal Family: Princess Zariah, the Sultan’s sister-in-law and wife of Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, died on Oct 6. She leaves ten children. Death Penalty: Amnesty International says Brunei has maintained a pause in executions, as several Southeast Asian countries move towards reducing use of the death penalty. Sport and Leisure: A Brunei-based footballer describes a social life shaped by coffee shops, travel for matches and downtime at the Empire Hotel. From 2027, Brunei tennis fans can also watch Wimbledon live on beIN Sports under a new regional broadcast deal.

Brunei-Singapore Ties: A joint parade at Muara Naval Base marked 50 years of defence relations, with 256 personnel from both forces taking part. Singapore and Brunei servicemen also shared stories of friendships built through decades of training and cooperation. Royal Family: Princess Zariah, wife of Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and sister of Queen Saleha, died on 6 October. The Sultan and Queen attended her funeral rites at the Royal Mausoleum. Sport and Culture: Brunei viewers will be able to watch Wimbledon live on beIN Sports and Connect from 2027 to 2031, under a new regional broadcast deal. Life in Brunei: A former professional footballer describes the local coffee-shop culture as a favourite way to unwind between games, alongside time at the beach in Temburong.

Royal Family: Princess Zariah, wife of Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and Queen Saleha’s sister, has died. She leaves ten children; the Sultan ordered the national flag lowered. Bilateral Ties: Singapore PM Lawrence Wong’s Brunei visit marked 50 years of defence relations, with a joint parade and a stop to meet troops training in Temburong. On Screen: Brunei viewers will be able to watch Wimbledon live on beIN from 2027 to 2031 under a new regional rights deal. Sport & Society: An Amnesty International report says Brunei has maintained a hiatus in executions as several ASEAN countries move towards reducing use of the death penalty. Brunei Life: A professional footballer’s account highlights the country’s coffee-shop culture and the close-knit village celebrations he experienced while playing abroad. Fashion: Sabah-born model Atikah Karim, whose mother is Bruneian, made her Chanel runway debut at Paris Fashion Week.

Royal Family: Princess Zariah, wife of Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and sister of Queen Saleha, has died aged — the Royal Court said she passed away on October 6. She leaves ten children; the Sultan ordered flags lowered following her funeral. Brunei–Singapore Ties: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is visiting Brunei to mark 50 years of defence relations. He and the Sultan are due to attend a joint parade at Muara Naval Base and open a commemorative gallery. Sport & Culture: beIN has secured exclusive Wimbledon coverage in Brunei and nine other regional markets from 2027 to 2031. Fashion: Malaysian model Atikah Karim made her Chanel runway debut in Paris; she is of Bajau and Bruneian heritage and grew up in Kota Kinabalu. Shared Heritage: A Singapore festival in Hanoi is celebrating Peranakan culture, whose kebaya tradition was jointly nominated for UNESCO recognition by Brunei and four regional neighbours.

Brunei-Singapore Ties: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is visiting Brunei for the 50th anniversary of defence relations. He and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah are due to attend a joint parade and launch a gallery tracing the partnership, which includes decades of SAF training in Temburong. Regional Haze: Indonesian residents are protesting and taking legal action over recurring fires, which have brought toxic haze, school closures and respiratory illness across parts of Southeast Asia. Travel Links: Shenzhen Airlines’ new direct route between Brunei and Shenzhen is expected to boost travel, tourism and cultural exchange. Bruneian Heritage on the Runway: Malaysian model Atikah Karim made her Chanel debut at Paris Fashion Week; she was raised in Sabah and has Bruneian heritage through her mother.

Brunei-Singapore Ties: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong visits Brunei from Oct 9 to mark 50 years of defence relations, with a joint parade and gallery opening alongside Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. Borneo Jazz: The festival returns Dec 4–5 for its 20th edition, moving to Miri city centre and promising stronger participation from Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak and Indonesia. Fashion: Sabah-raised model Atikah Karim, whose mother is Bruneian, made her Chanel runway debut at Paris Fashion Week, among 71 models presenting the Spring/Summer 2027 collection. Travel: Shenzhen Airlines has begun direct flights between Bandar Seri Begawan and Shenzhen, opening a new link for visitors and cultural exchange. Southeast Asian Stories: Indonesian game Blades of Mirage draws on the region’s landscapes and folklore, including Brunei, as inspiration for its fantasy world. Life in Brunei: A professional footballer describes the country’s coffee-shop culture and downtime at the Empire Hotel, offering a glimpse of everyday life between matches.

Football Life: A professional footballer in Brunei describes coffee-shop downtime, travel between matches and the cultural differences within teams. Fashion: Sabah-raised model Atikah Karim made her Chanel runway debut; she has Brunei heritage through her mother. Music & Culture: Borneo Jazz returns for its 20th edition in December, with stronger participation from Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak and Indonesia. Brunei is also among five countries that jointly nominated the kebaya for UNESCO heritage recognition. Digital Lifestyle: Apple Music has launched in Brunei, expanding local access to the streaming service. Travel: Shenzhen Airlines’ new direct route links Bandar Seri Begawan with Shenzhen, with hopes for more tourism and cultural exchanges. Work & Migration: A report examines why some unemployed Bruneians risk working illegally on Australian farms, despite rules barring work on tourist visas.

Development: IsDB Group chairman Muhammad Al Jasser met Brunei ministers on 6 October to advance the 2026–28 country framework, with Islamic finance, food security and support for small businesses among the priorities. Fashion and Heritage: Malaysian model Atikah Karim made her Chanel runway debut in Paris; she was born to a Bajau father and a Bruneian mother and grew up in Kota Kinabalu. Football Life: A professional footballer in Brunei describes the local coffee-shop scene, travel between matches and the contrasts between team cultures across Southeast Asia. Music and Culture: Borneo Jazz returns in December for its 20th edition, with organisers promising stronger participation from Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak and Indonesia. Travel Links: Shenzhen Airlines’ new direct route between Bandar Seri Begawan and Shenzhen began on 30 September, aiming to boost tourism and cultural exchange. Digital Culture: Apple Music has launched in Brunei, adding the Sultanate to the streaming service’s available markets.

Brunei–China Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines has launched a new direct Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route, with an inaugural ceremony at Brunei International Airport and plans to strengthen trade, cultural exchange, tourism and family travel. Tourism Boost: Brunei’s air arrivals from China climbed from about 39,000 (2024) to 45,858 (2025), and the new nonstop service is expected to make short breaks easier for visitors from Shenzhen and southern China. Regional Culture & Heritage: Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore have jointly proposed the Zapin dance for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2027, aiming to keep the tradition living across borders. Education & Teachers: The UNESCO–Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development has shortlisted 10 projects, with laureates due to be announced on 5 Oct 2026 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. Community & Faith Access: A new report says over 500 million Christians worldwide face Bible access restrictions, with Brunei listed among countries with “severe restrictions.” Food & Pop Culture: emart24 named Malaysian creator Maryam DurianKimchi as brand ambassador, spotlighting Korean food culture through everyday family cooking.

IsDB Engagement Talks: Islamic Development Bank Group Chairman H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser met Brunei’s Finance II, Economy, and Religious Affairs ministers to push the IsDB–Brunei Country Engagement Framework 2026–2028, with focus on Islamic finance, food security, and SMEs aligned to Wawasan Brunei 2035. Brunei–China Air Link: Shenzhen Airlines launched the Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route, with officials and diplomats at the inaugural ceremony; Brunei expects stronger tourism and business ties with China’s Greater Bay Area. School Safety Reminder: Malaysia’s IGP Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail urged schools not to hide safety issues, calling for tighter police–school–parent cooperation and proper reporting. Chess & Youth Achievement: Bermuda’s chess Olympiad run highlights young talent—Brunei-linked opponents featured as Dylan Flanagan scored wins including against Brunei. Culture & Heritage in Games: The Asian Games closed in Japan and head to Qatar in 2030, with “One Asia” and a ceremonial handover marking the next chapter. Music Access for Brunei: Apple Music quietly added Brunei as an official market, expanding streaming availability to more countries. Borneo Jazz Returns: Borneo Jazz Festival marks its 20th edition in Miri (Dec 4–5), expanding beyond concerts with stronger Brunei and regional participation.

School Safety & Accountability: Malaysia’s IGP Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail urged schools not to hide safety problems to protect reputations, saying stronger police-school-parent cooperation and measures like CCTV and patrols are key. Diplomacy & Values: Bangladesh’s Khelafat Majlis called for a foreign policy rooted in national interests, mutual respect, and balance, while stressing rights for religious minorities and women. ASEAN Peacekeeping Through Veterans: Cambodia’s PM Hun Manet urged ASEAN veterans to safeguard regional peace as the base for development, urging them to act as “peace educators” for youth. Regional Sports Spotlight: The Asian Games closed in Japan and will head to Qatar in 2030, with China topping the medal table and Brunei among the nations winning a single bronze. Brunei-China Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines launched a direct Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route, expected to boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people links. Culture & Heritage: Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore jointly pushed the Zapin dance for UNESCO recognition, framing it as shared living heritage across borders. Education Recognition: UNESCO–Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development shortlisted 10 projects, with laureates due to be revealed on 5 Oct 2026. Tech & Lifestyle: Apple Music quietly expanded to Brunei and three other new markets, bringing the service to 172 countries.

School Safety & Accountability: Malaysia’s IGP Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail urged schools not to conceal safety issues, saying stronger ties between police, schools, the education ministry and parents can speed reporting and action, including proposals like CCTV and more patrols. Diplomacy & Values: Bangladesh’s Khelafat Majlis called for a “balanced” foreign policy rooted in national interests, mutual respect and protection of minority and women’s rights. ASEAN Peacekeeping Through Veterans: Cambodia’s PM Hun Manet urged ASEAN veterans to safeguard regional peace as the base for development, urging youth to learn values of reconciliation and solidarity. Asian Games Handover: The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games closed with “One Asia” and a ceremonial handover to Qatar for Doha 2030. Brunei–China Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route, with direct flights expected to boost trade, tourism and people-to-people links. Culture & Heritage: Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore renewed efforts to get the Zapin dance into UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2027. Education Recognition: Hamdan Foundation shortlisted 10 projects for the UNESCO–Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development, with laureates due to be revealed on 5 Oct.

Asian Games 2026 Closing: The Aichi-Nagoya Games wrapped up with “One Asia” lighting the stadium, a ceremonial handover to Qatar for Doha 2030, and cultural Bon Odori dancing before fireworks. Brunei–China Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines launched a direct Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route, with Brunei welcoming rising Chinese arrivals and hopes for more tourism, trade, and people-to-people links. Royal Diplomacy: Brunei’s Sultan is set to visit Russia next month, as officials highlight expanding cooperation across defense, energy, sports, and religion. Culture & Heritage: Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore back the UNESCO push for the Zapin dance, aiming to keep the tradition alive across borders. Education Spotlight: Hamdan Foundation shortlisted 10 projects for the UNESCO–Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development, with laureates due to be revealed on 5 Oct in Paris. Arts & Community: Borneo Jazz Festival returns for its 20th edition in Miri, expanding beyond concerts with stronger participation from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and Indonesia. Tech for Culture Makers: Apple Music quietly added Brunei as a new official market, bringing streaming access to more listeners.

Brunei–China Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route, with direct flights expected to boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people links; Brunei’s China arrivals rose from 39,000 (2024) to 45,858 (2025). Royal & Diplomatic Ties: Brunei’s Sultan is set to visit Russia next month, as officials highlight expanding cooperation across sports, religion, energy, and interparliamentary work. Culture on the Move: Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore jointly proposed the Zapin dance for UNESCO intangible heritage recognition in 2027, aiming to strengthen shared regional cultural bonds. Arts & Community: Borneo Jazz Festival returns for its 20th edition on 4–5 December in Miri, expanding beyond concerts with wider cultural participation. Education & Teachers: Hamdan Foundation shortlisted 10 projects for the UNESCO–Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development, with laureates due to be revealed on 5 Oct. Music Access: Apple Music quietly added Brunei as one of four new markets, bringing streaming availability to more users.