Brunei–China Agriculture Tech: Brunei launched a one-year Senior Expert Advisory Program on hybrid rice breeding and seed production with China, aiming to boost rice productivity and support a hybrid rice research centre (Aug 18, 2026–Aug 17, 2027). Offshore Energy Operations: Brunei Shell Petroleum awarded SLB a contract to restore production from shut-in wells across multiple offshore fields, covering subsurface evaluation, well selection, engineering, intervention services, monitoring and marine logistics. Hybrid Rice Breeding Focus: The same Brunei program also targets adoption of hybrid rice technology and technical training for Bruneian trainees. Digital Identity for ASEAN: A regional push highlights how digital IDs could speed up verification across borders for licences, qualifications and company authorisations. South China Sea Radar Build-Out: Satellite imagery reports new three-pronged construction on Yagong Island near Antelope Reef, with analysts suggesting an early-warning radar role. Local Tech Partner Recognition: Concepts Technologies won ManageEngine’s “Emerging Partner of the Year” for expanding adoption and support of enterprise IT tools in Brunei. Regional Tech & Trade Diplomacy: Italy–Brunei Industry Day in Bandar Seri Begawan showcased Italian capabilities across defence, cybersecurity, mission communications and AI, with Brunei institutions and armed forces in attendance. Maritime Policy Watch: A Brunei shipowner warns that imposing international maritime requirements too quickly could stifle the young local shipowning sector.