AGP Executive Report

In-flight Connectivity for Brunei Travelers: SES and Royal Brunei Airlines have finished installing the RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi system across the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, using SES’s multi-orbit satellite network for more stable, seamless connectivity across Asia-Pacific routes. Regional Digital Policy: ASEAN is pushing ahead with the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), aiming for an open, secure digital future for its 700 million people, but civil society groups are warning about trust, rights, and what the deal means for everyday users. Mobile Network Expectations: An Ericsson ConsumerLab study says Filipino 5G users strongly want guaranteed connectivity during critical moments, with many willing to pay a premium—an insight that matters as AI-driven mobile services grow. Innovation & Education Spotlight: The UNESCO–Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development has shortlisted 10 projects, with laureates due to be revealed on 5 Oct 2026. Local Tech & Mobility: Brunei’s Crown Prince wrapped up a Singapore visit that included tours of the Punggol Digital District, featuring autonomous vehicles and robot demonstrations. Automotive Tech in Brunei: Mazda’s all-new CX-5 officially launched locally with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, digital driver display, and Bose audio; Subaru also returned via a new Brunei showroom with full sales and aftersales support.

Brunei Connectivity Upgrade: SES and Royal Brunei Airlines have completed the RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi rollout across the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, using SES’s multi-orbit network and ESA antenna tech to deliver steadier connectivity across Asia-Pacific routes. Regional Tech & Policy: ASEAN leaders are pushing the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) toward signing in November, aiming for a more open and secure digital future—while critics warn about trust and real-world impacts for everyday users. Digital Economy Growth: A new look at ASEAN’s digital economy says it could jump from about $300B in 2025 to $1T by 2030, driven by e-commerce, digital finance, and platform investment. AI Security for Enterprises: TrendAI Vision One™ expanded support for Claude’s Compliance API, letting security teams inspect AI agent prompts, responses, and tool calls tied to users. Music Streaming Expansion: Apple Music has launched in Brunei (plus Pakistan, Albania, Burkina Faso), ending an 11-year wait and bringing the service to 172 regions. Climate & Infrastructure Focus: ASEAN is urged to build a regional power grid, scale climate finance, and boost resilience as climate risks and energy price shocks hit the region.

Brunei Connectivity Upgrade: SES and Royal Brunei Airlines have finished installing RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi across the airline’s Airbus A320neo fleet, using multi-orbit satellite tech for more stable onboard internet across Asia-Pacific routes. ASEAN Digital Policy: Singapore’s Grace Fu says ASEAN should prioritise a regional power grid, climate finance and resilience, while the bloc pushes ahead with the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) aimed at an open, secure digital future. Regional Tech Diplomacy: Brunei Crown Prince Haji Al‑Muhtadee Billah wrapped up a five-day Singapore visit, touring the Oceanarium and Punggol Digital District, including autonomous vehicle rides and robot demos. Local Market Signals: Grand Auto Sdn Bhd launched the all-new Mazda CX‑5 in Brunei with a larger cabin and tech upgrades like wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Bose audio; Imperial Motors (Inchcape) also returned Subaru to Brunei with an authorised showroom and aftersales support. Education & Tech Talent: Hamdan Foundation shortlisted 10 projects for the UNESCO–Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development, with laureates due 5 Oct 2026.

Aviation Connectivity: SES and Royal Brunei Airlines have finished installing the RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi across the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, using a multi-orbit satellite setup to keep connections stable on routes across Asia-Pacific, including China and India. Digital Services Expansion: Apple Music has finally launched in Brunei (along with Pakistan, Albania and Burkina Faso), bringing the service to 172 countries—plus an Android redesign in beta dubbed “Liquid Glass.” ASEAN Tech & Climate: ASEAN leaders are pushing practical cooperation on a regional power grid, climate finance and resilience as climate anxiety rises in the latest regional surveys. AI Security for Enterprises: TrendAI Vision One™ expanded support for Claude’s Compliance API, adding visibility into Claude Code and Cowork sessions so security teams can review AI agent prompts, responses and tool calls. Brunei-Singapore Leadership Ties: Brunei Crown Prince Haji Al‑Muhtadee Billah wrapped up a five-day Singapore visit, touring Punggol Digital District and the Oceanarium, with discussions spanning digital and green economy cooperation. Education Innovation: The UNESCO–Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development shortlist of 10 projects was announced, with laureates due on 5 Oct 2026. Tech Policy Watch: Germany published Schengen visa fee-waiver categories, including specific family-member exemptions under the Visa Code.

Aviation Connectivity: SES and Royal Brunei Airlines have completed the RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi rollout across the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, using a multi-orbit satellite setup and electronically steered antennas to deliver steadier connectivity across Asia-Pacific routes. Music Streaming Access: Apple Music has officially launched in Brunei (along with Pakistan, Albania and Burkina Faso), ending an 11-year wait and bringing the service to 172 countries; the rollout also coincides with an Android app redesign in beta. ASEAN Climate Priorities: Singapore’s Grace Fu says ASEAN should focus on a regional power grid, climate finance and resilience as part of its 2027 chairmanship agenda, amid rising energy-price pressures and climate risks. Regional Digital Trade Rules: ASEAN’s Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) is nearing signature, aiming for an open, secure digital future—while civil society groups question how it will affect everyday users. Brunei Tech & Mobility Links: Brunei’s Crown Prince is in Singapore for the Young Leaders’ Programme, with discussions flagged around digital and green economies, finance, defence and food security. Local Tech Business: DHL Express appoints Julian Neo as Managing Director for Hong Kong and Macau; his prior role included managing DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei.

Brunei in the spotlight (Apple Music): Apple Music has officially launched in Brunei after an 11-year wait, joining Pakistan, Albania and Burkina Faso; the rollout brings the service to 172 countries, though Apple TV remains unavailable in Brunei. ASEAN climate push: Singapore’s Grace Fu says ASEAN should prioritise a regional power grid, climate finance and resilience ahead of its 2027 chairmanship, citing survey findings on public concerns and energy shocks. Flexible work growth: IWG (Regus) opened two new co-working spaces in Singapore (OpenOffice and HQ), with demand driven by tech, AI and finance clients. AI security tooling: TrendAI Vision One expanded support for Claude’s Compliance API, adding visibility into Claude Code and Cowork sessions so security teams can investigate prompts, responses and tool calls. Brunei-linked watch drop: Seiko’s limited-edition Prospex “Blue Tears” diver (1,200 units) is sold in select Asian markets including Brunei, with pricing and specs now confirmed. Space tech investment: Oman’s Investment Authority backs Spain’s PLD Space via a private equity fund, supporting future rocket launches from Oman. ASEAN digital trade debate: Coverage highlights growing scrutiny of ASEAN’s Digital Economy Framework Agreement over trust, rights and what it means for everyday users.

Flexible Work in Singapore: IWG (Regus) opened two new co-working spaces—OpenOffice at Fortune Centre (Sept 1) and HQ at 1 Liang Seah Street (Oct 1)—as tech and AI firms keep driving demand for flexi-work. AI Security for Enterprise Teams: TrendAI Vision One™ expanded support for Claude’s Compliance API, now covering Claude Code and Cowork transcripts so security teams can investigate prompts, responses and tool calls tied to users. Roaming That Feels Local: PLDT Smart and Ericsson completed a live demo of Ericsson On-Demand Roaming Breakout, routing data via a US point-of-presence to cut latency and boost streaming speeds for overseas travelers. Brunei-Singapore Youth Links: Brunei Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah met Singapore PM Lawrence Wong during the 12th Young Leaders’ Programme, with talks spanning digital and green economies, finance, defence and food security. ASEAN Digital Trade—Trust Question: ASEAN’s Digital Economy Framework Agreement is set for signing in November, but digital rights groups warn the “borderless” push may raise trust and protections concerns. Space Tech Investment: Oman Investment Authority boosted its space portfolio by investing in Spain’s PLD Space, aiming to support future launch capabilities from Oman. Brunei Market Tech/Consumer: Seiko’s limited-edition Prospex “Blue Tears” diver (1,200 units) is available in select Asian markets including Brunei, with a confirmed Singapore price. Energy Resilience in Singapore/Brunei: Schneider Electric’s report says 94% of Singapore firms plan higher sustainability spending, focusing on energy resilience and efficiency tech. Maritime Protection Milestone: Brunei joined the High Seas Treaty ratifications, pushing the total to 100 parties and enabling future marine protected area decisions. Transboundary Haze Policy Push (Malaysia): Malaysia is studying a dedicated transboundary haze law, looking at Singapore’s approach to tackle cross-border smoke. Cyber Espionage Watch: Reports say Chinese hacking groups reused the same advanced tool across campaigns targeting US aerospace, NGOs and other sectors. Brunei Defence Modernisation Context: Analysis highlights RBAirF plans to expand air defence and fast-jet capabilities alongside newer transport and helicopter fleets.

AI Security in the Enterprise: TrendAI Vision One™ expanded support for Anthropic’s Claude Compliance API, now covering Claude Code and Cowork session transcripts so security teams can investigate AI agent prompts, responses and tool calls tied to verified users. Space Tech Investment: Oman’s OIA boosted its space presence via Spain’s PLD Space through the Spanish-Omani Private Equity Fund II, backing launch-vehicle development including Miura 5 for small satellites. Brunei-Singapore Tech & Green Links: Brunei Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah met Singapore PM Lawrence Wong during the 12th Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme, with discussions flagged for digital and green economies, finance, defence and food security. Maritime Security in Brunei: ReCAAP ISC and the Royal Brunei Police Force wrapped a four-day cluster meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan, focusing on early detection, digital port security and using AI for counter-piracy and cross-border operations. ASEAN Digital Trade Trust: ASEAN’s Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) is set for signing in November, aiming to unlock a massive digital economy—while rights groups warn trust and safeguards for everyday users remain unclear. Energy Event Watch: India Energy Week 2027 will be held in Kolkata (Jan 28–31), spotlighting energy security and innovation across oil, gas, LNG, hydrogen, biofuels and AI. Local Industry Tech: DHL Express appointed Julian Neo as Managing Director for Hong Kong and Macau, effective Oct 1, with prior leadership roles including DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei.

Indo-Pacific Diplomacy: Xi Jinping’s Washington visit extended a trade truce and kept talks focused on rare earths, AI, Taiwan and Iran, but left major disputes unresolved, while maritime security stayed largely off the agenda. ASEAN Digital Trade: ASEAN’s Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) is nearing signature, aiming to boost cross-border digital trade and payments, yet trust and digital rights concerns are rising as civil society questions what it means for everyday users. Brunei-Singapore Links: Brunei Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah met PM Lawrence Wong in Singapore for the 12th Young Leaders’ Programme, with discussions including digital and green economies. Maritime Security in Brunei: ReCAAP ISC and Brunei’s police and maritime stakeholders wrapped a four-day cluster meeting on port security, early threat response, and using AI for counter-piracy. Cybersecurity: Reports say Chinese hacking groups reused the same advanced tool across campaigns targeting U.S. aerospace, NGOs and energy-related firms. Transboundary Haze Policy: Malaysia is drafting a specific haze law modelled on Singapore’s approach, while regional haze continues to disrupt health and daily life. High Seas Protection: Six more countries ratified the High Seas Treaty, bringing the total to 100 parties and setting up the next steps for marine protection beyond national waters.

ASEAN Digital Economy: The ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) is nearing signature, with talks pointing to a potential jump in the region’s digital economy from about US$1T to US$2T by 2030—while critics warn the “borderless” push could raise trust and rights concerns. Brunei–Singapore Tech & Green Links: Brunei’s Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah met Singapore PM Lawrence Wong during a visit tied to the Young Leaders’ Programme, with both sides highlighting cooperation in digital and green economies, finance, defence, and food security. Transboundary Haze Policy: Malaysia is considering a specific law to tackle cross-border haze, studying Singapore’s Transboundary Haze Pollution Act model, as smoke continues to disrupt the region. Maritime Security in Brunei: ReCAAP ISC and Brunei’s maritime and police agencies wrapped a four-day cluster meeting focused on early detection, digital port security, and using AI for counter-piracy. Energy Resilience Tech: A Schneider Electric report says Singapore firms are boosting sustainability and energy resilience spending, with most respondents planning higher investment despite uncertainty. Local Tech & Mobility: MG HS PHEV made its Brunei debut at the Borneo Kustom Show, offering up to 120km electric range and low fuel use.

Brunei-Singapore Digital & Green Ties: Brunei Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah is on a five-day visit to Singapore, co-chairing the 12th Young Leaders’ Programme and meeting leaders while touring Tuas Port, SAFTI City, SingHealth Duke-NUS Institute of Biodiversity Medicine, and Punggol Digital District—highlighting cooperation in digital and green economies, defence, and food security. Maritime Conservation Milestone: Six countries, including Brunei, ratified the UN High Seas Treaty, pushing membership to 100 and setting up the first Conference of the Parties in 2027 to decide on marine protected areas beyond national waters. Cybersecurity Watch: Brunei-linked regional maritime security also featured in coverage of ReCAAP’s cluster meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan, where participants discussed AI for counter-piracy and digital port security. Local Tech & Mobility: MG HS PHEV has launched in Brunei, bringing a plug-in hybrid SUV with up to 120km electric range (WLTP), aiming to expand electrified options for drivers. Regional Environment Pressure: Malaysia is drafting transboundary haze legislation after cancelling the Kuching Marathon due to unhealthy air readings, as haze from Indonesia’s fires continues to hit Brunei and neighbours.

Brunei Defence Update: The Royal Brunei Air Force is weighing new capabilities as regional tensions and disruptive technologies reshape risk, with plans discussed around medium-range ground-based air defence and fast-jet combat aircraft, alongside recent fleet upgrades like the C295W delivery and helicopter replacements. Regional Diplomacy: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah is in Singapore for a five-day Young Leaders’ Programme visit, co-chairing the 12th edition and meeting leaders while touring sites tied to digital, green, defence and biodiversity research. EV & Local Industry: MG HS PHEV has debuted in Brunei at the Borneo Kustom Show, bringing a plug-in hybrid SUV with up to 120km electric range and low fuel consumption claims. Maritime Security Tech: ReCAAP ISC and Brunei’s police wrapped a four-day cluster meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan, focusing on early detection, digital port security, and using AI for counter-piracy and cross-border operations. Health & Environment (Haze): Malaysia is drafting a special approach to tackle transboundary haze, as wildfire smoke continues to disrupt daily life across the region. Cybersecurity: Reports say Chinese hacking groups reused the same advanced tool across campaigns targeting US aerospace, NGOs, mining and commodity firms. Space & Research: ESA and ISRO extended cooperation for human and robotic exploration, space weather and orbital sustainability, with Europe formally added to human spaceflight planning. Global Ocean Protection: Six countries, including Brunei, ratified the High Seas Treaty, pushing membership toward entry into force and setting up future marine protected area decisions. AI in Drug R&D: Eli Lilly is paying $100m to start a multi-drug research pact with InnoCare Pharma in Beijing, using proprietary discovery tech to pursue up to five targets. ASEAN GeoAI: Malaysia’s teams dominated ASEAN GeoAI Fusion 2026, with Brunei placing in the top five—showing growing regional momentum in AI and geospatial solutions.

Brunei–Singapore Tech & Green Ties: Brunei Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah will visit Singapore (Sep 28–Oct 2) to co-chair the Young Leaders’ Programme, with stops including Punggol Digital District, SAFTI City, the SingHealth Duke-NUS Institute of Biodiversity Medicine, and the Singapore Oceanarium—plus talks on digital and green economies, defence, and food security. EV Launch in Brunei: MG HS Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) goes on sale in Brunei at the Borneo Kustom Show, pairing a 1.5L turbo petrol engine with a 24.7kWh battery for up to 120km electric range (WLTP) and low fuel use when the battery runs down. Maritime Security Tech: ReCAAP ISC and the Royal Brunei Police Force held a four-day cluster meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan, focusing on port and maritime security, early detection, digital-age port security, and using AI for counter-piracy and cross-border operations. Transboundary Haze Policy: Malaysia is studying a specific law to tackle haze, looking at Singapore’s Transboundary Haze Pollution Act model, with an ASEAN science-diplomacy and haze-fund push involving Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor-Leste. AI in Cybersecurity: Reports say Chinese cyber-espionage groups reused the same advanced hacking tool across campaigns targeting US aerospace firms and NGOs, highlighting shared capabilities across threat actors. Regional Tech Talent: ASEAN GeoAI Fusion 2026 in Malaysia crowned Brunei’s Kandila among top teams, underscoring growing AI + geospatial skills across the region. Space & Environment Watch: ESA and ISRO extended cooperation to 2032, adding human and robotic exploration and space weather, while UN-backed reporting flags a major tropical-forest funding gap that leaves Southeast Asia exposed to worsening wildfire seasons.

Brunei-Singapore Diplomacy: Brunei Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah will visit Singapore (Sep 28–Oct 2) to co-chair the Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme, with stops including Tuas Port, SAFTI City, Punggol Digital District, SingHealth Duke-NUS Institute of Biodiversity Medicine and Singapore Oceanarium. EV & Local Tech Adoption: MG HS Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) makes its Brunei debut at the Borneo Kustom Show, pairing a 1.5L turbo petrol engine with a 24.7kWh battery for up to 120km electric range (WLTP). Maritime Security & AI: ReCAAP ISC and the Royal Brunei Police Force held a four-day cluster meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan (Sep 21–24), covering port security, early detection, and how AI can support counter-piracy and cross-border operations. Health & Environment: Malaysia is drafting a special legal approach to tackle transboundary haze as Indonesia’s wildfires continue to blanket the region, with Kuching’s marathon cancelled due to unhealthy air readings. Global Ocean Protection: Brunei ratified the UN High Seas Treaty, pushing membership to 100 parties and paving the way for future high-seas marine protected area decisions. Cybersecurity Watch: Reports say Chinese hacking groups reused the same advanced hacking tool across campaigns targeting US aerospace firms, NGOs, mining and commodity traders. Biotech Dealmaking: Eli Lilly will pay $100M to start a multi-drug R&D collaboration with InnoCare Pharma in Beijing, using InnoCare’s drug discovery technology for up to five targets. Education & Skills: Australia’s Frequent Traveller visitor visa stream is open to Brunei citizens and allows multiple entries, with permitted study up to three months.

Brunei Maritime Security & AI: ReCAAP ISC and the Royal Brunei Police Force wrapped a four-day cluster meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan, bringing together regional focal points to discuss port and maritime security, including how AI can support counter-piracy and cross-border operations. Transboundary Haze Policy: Malaysia is drafting a specific law to tackle haze, studying Singapore’s Transboundary Haze Pollution Act model, while Malaysia also cancelled the Kuching Marathon as API readings stayed in unhealthy territory. Regional Wildfire Impact: Indonesia’s forest fires are driving toxic haze that has disrupted daily life across the region, with UN reporting pointing to a major funding gap for tropical forest preservation and firefighting. Cybersecurity Watch: Two cybersecurity firms say Chinese hacking groups shared the same advanced tool across campaigns targeting US aerospace firms, NGOs, mining and commodity traders. Health & Biotech Deal: Eli Lilly is paying $100M to start a multi-drug R&D collaboration with Beijing’s InnoCare Pharma, using InnoCare’s drug discovery tech for up to five targets. Space & Research Cooperation: ESA and ISRO extended and expanded their cooperation agreement, formally adding human and robotic exploration, space weather and orbital sustainability through 2032. Education & Skills: PISA 2025 results show Singapore leading reading and ranking near the top for maths and science, while reading scores decline across many countries. Local Tech/Innovation: ASEAN GeoAI Fusion 2026 in Malaysia saw Brunei’s Kandila place in the top five, highlighting growing GeoAI talent across the region. Pet Food Startup: Malaysia’s Notti Pet Food is pushing exports, aiming to lift export share to at least 50% within three years using fresh-meat, functional recipes and new production approaches.

Transboundary Haze & Wildfire Response: Indonesia’s worst fire season is worsening toxic smoke across Southeast Asia, with Malaysia cancelling the Kuching Marathon and drafting a special transboundary haze law modelled on Singapore’s approach; Brunei is also named among affected neighbours as UN-linked reporting flags a multibillion-dollar forest funding gap. Maritime Security in Brunei: ReCAAP ISC and the Royal Brunei Police Force wrapped a four-day cluster meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan, focusing on early detection, digital port security, and using AI for counter-piracy and cross-border operations. Cybersecurity: Reports say Chinese hacking groups reused the same advanced tool across campaigns targeting U.S. aerospace firms, NGOs, mining and commodity traders. Health Tech & Biotech Deal: Lilly will pay $100M to InnoCare Pharma to start multi-drug R&D using proprietary discovery tech for up to five targets. AI & Education/Skills: ASEAN GeoAI Fusion 2026 in Malaysia crowned top teams including Brunei’s Kandila, while separate coverage highlights how reading skills are slipping in global PISA results. Space & Environment Governance: ESA-ISRO cooperation is extended for human and robotic exploration, and six countries (including Brunei) ratified the High Seas Treaty, pushing marine protection beyond national waters closer to entry into force. Local Tech/Innovation: Pos Malaysia says one in three parcels are now delivered by EV, scaling electric logistics with telematics support.