AGP Executive Report

AI & Investment: A World Bank official says the Philippines can ride the AI infrastructure boom to attract investment and move up the AI value chain beyond semiconductors into testing, engineering and design services. Space Energy Research: Sarawak’s premier says the state is preparing for advanced electricity generation in space, including research into space-based solar and satellite power. Brunei Digital Strategy: Brunei launched Digital Brunei 2030, a five-year national masterplan that aligns digital government, society, business, and a cross-cutting data and AI strategy. Shared Telco Networks: At ATxEnterprise 2026, Progresif’s Johan Johar explains Brunei’s shared-network model is pushing competition toward customer experience, digital services and ecosystem partnerships. Ocean Economy: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 kicked off with a blue-economy focus, aiming to turn ocean sustainability into jobs, innovation and marine conservation action. Electric Mobility Exports: Electric three-wheelers from China are gaining overseas traction, with Brunei among markets seeing new arrivals. Space Batteries for LEO AI: Solidion unveiled extreme-climate battery tech aimed at satellites, LEO AI data centres and lunar economy missions. Payments Leadership: Visa named new Asia Pacific leaders to scale value-added services across issuing, loyalty, acceptance and risk/security. Defence Tech Watch: India’s defence chief says BrahMos missile deals with Vietnam are signed and Indonesia talks are in final stages, underscoring growing ASEAN defence technology ties.

Space Energy Research: Sarawak Premier Abang Johari says the state is preparing for next-gen electricity generation in space, including research into space-based solar power that converts sunlight into satellite electricity. Brunei Digital Transformation: Progresif’s Johan Johar discusses Brunei’s shared telco network model at ATxEnterprise 2026, stressing differentiation via customer experience, digital services and enterprise use cases. National Tech Roadmap: Digital Brunei 2030 is launched as the five-year masterplan for digital government, society, business and a cross-cutting data & AI strategy. Ocean Economy: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 kicks off with a month-long programme on blue economy, marine conservation and ocean-linked innovation. Payments Leadership: Visa appoints new Asia Pacific leaders to scale value-added services across issuing, loyalty, acceptance and risk/security. Electric Mobility Exports: China’s electric three-wheelers are gaining overseas traction, with Brunei among markets seeing new arrivals. Space Battery Tech: Solidion unveils extreme-climate battery tech aimed at satellites, LEO AI data centres and lunar economy needs. Defence Tech Watch: India’s Defence Secretary says BrahMos deals with Vietnam are signed and Indonesia talks are in final stages.

Digital Brunei 2030: Brunei’s Digital Brunei Council released “Digital Brunei 2030: The Digital Brunei Transformation Plan,” a five-year roadmap to 2030 covering digital government, society, business, plus a cross-cutting Data & AI strategy. Shared Telco Networks: At ATxEnterprise 2026, Progresif’s Johan Johar said Brunei’s shared-network model shifts competition toward customer experience, digital services, and ecosystem partnerships, with 5G success tied to viable enterprise use cases. Ocean Week Brunei 2026: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 kicked off with a month-long push on blue economy opportunities, marine conservation, and ocean-linked innovation, livelihoods, and sustainability. Underwater Cable Security: A Singapore-led push at the Shangri-La Dialogue launched guiding principles for protecting underwater infrastructure, warning that cable disruptions can ripple globally. Space Power Tech: Solidion Technology unveiled patented extreme-climate battery tech aimed at satellites, LEO AI data centres, and lunar economy missions. Electric Mobility Exports: China’s electric three-wheelers are expanding overseas, with Brunei among new markets this year as exports rise sharply. Regional Defence Tech: India’s defence chief said BrahMos deals with Vietnam are signed (not yet publicly announced) and Indonesia is in final stages, as ASEAN defence ministers also stressed free-flow trade through key corridors.

Digital Brunei 2030: The Digital Brunei Council has released “Digital Brunei 2030: The Digital Brunei Transformation Plan,” a five-year masterplan to guide Brunei’s digital push through 2030, bundling Digital Government, Digital Society, Digital Business, and a cross-cutting Data & Artificial Intelligence strategy. Ocean Week Brunei 2026: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 kicked off at UBD’s Pro Chancellor Arts Centre with a month-long programme on blue economy, marine conservation, and ocean-linked opportunities for jobs, food security, and innovation. Shared Telco Model in Brunei: At ATxEnterprise 2026, Progresif’s Johan Johar discussed how Brunei’s shared-network setup shifts competition toward customer experience, digital services, and ecosystem partnerships, with 5G value tied to real enterprise use cases. Payments Leadership (Regional): Visa announced Asia Pacific leadership appointments in value-added services, aiming to scale issuing, loyalty, acceptance, and risk/security offerings across Southeast Asia. Space Battery Tech: Solidion Technology unveiled its extreme-climate graphene-based battery platform for satellites, LEO AI data centres, and lunar economy use cases. Electric Mobility Exports: China’s electric three-wheelers are gaining overseas traction, with Brunei among markets reached this year and exports from Xuzhou rising sharply. Undersea Cable Security (Regional): Singapore-backed guidance principles for underwater infrastructure highlight growing concerns that cable disruptions can ripple globally. Defence Tech Watch (Regional): India’s defence chief said a BrahMos deal with Vietnam is already signed (not yet publicly announced) and Indonesia’s is in final stages.

Regional Macroeconomics: AMRO says Asean+3 growth stays resilient at 4% for 2026-2027, but trims forecasts for Japan, Cambodia, the Philippines and Vietnam while lifting Brunei to 2.3% (2026). ASEAN Trade & Customs: Cambodia chairs the 35th ASEAN Customs Directors-General Meeting, pushing stronger regional integration and resilience amid geopolitical and economic shocks. Blue Economy in Brunei: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 kicks off 2 June at UBD, spotlighting blue economy opportunities tied to jobs, innovation, food security and marine tech. Cyber & Fraud Tech: ScamReady ASEAN highlights the Global Signal Exchange, where governments and big tech share scam threat signals in real time to disrupt online fraud faster. Undersea Security: Singapore-backed guiding principles aim to better protect critical subsea cables as more countries treat them as strategic infrastructure. Defence Tech & Regional Deals: India’s Defence Secretary says BrahMos missile deals are signed with Vietnam and near-final with Indonesia, with values still undisclosed. Medical Tourism (Brunei link): Gleneagles JPMC expands its cross-border medical tourism into East Kalimantan with cardiac-focused sessions and technology-led services. Food Safety Regulation: APFRAS re-elected South Korea as chair to drive food safety regulatory harmonisation across the Asia-Pacific. AI for Youth (Brunei link): Google’s Karan Bhatia praises Singapore’s AI guardrails after meeting innovators, including an AI dementia-care platform developed in Brunei.

Underwater Security & Trade: Singapore-backed guidance principles for underwater infrastructure spotlight how subsea cables can become a global weak point, with ministers warning disruptions can ripple worldwide. Ocean Economy in Brunei: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 launches 2 June at UBD, pushing “Ocean of Opportunities” and blue-economy growth tied to jobs, food security, innovation and marine protection. Medical Tourism (Brunei-Indonesia): Gleneagles JPMC expands into East Kalimantan via ties with RS Parikesit and Bank Danamon, highlighting advanced services available in Brunei. Defence Tech & Regional Deals: India’s Defence Secretary says Vietnam has already signed for BrahMos cruise missiles (not yet publicly announced) and Indonesia’s deal is in final stages, as ASEAN defence talks stress corridor access and transit passage. Food Safety Harmonisation: APFRAS re-elected South Korea as chair to drive wider food-safety regulatory alignment across the Pacific rim, aiming to move beyond information sharing. Digital Fraud Fighting: Global Signal Exchange (GSE) takes centre stage at ScamReady ASEAN, with tech firms and governments pooling signals to disrupt online scams faster. Currency Modernisation (India): India’s RBI is revisiting a polymer banknotes pilot to cut wear-and-tear costs and extend note lifespan. Retail Tech (Singapore): DFI’s Guardian stores in Singapore add nearly 60 Holland & Barrett products via a multi-year partnership, positioning “science-led wellness” for Asia.

Brunei Tech & Talent: AITI wrapped up its TechXplore Digital Apprenticeship Program, aiming to boost ICT graduates’ employability and hands-on skills for Brunei’s digital transformation push under Vision 2035. Local Innovation: Datastream Digital (DST) held its Catalyst Programme Cycle 4 awards, with Team BumiTrust winning for an AI soil-monitoring and produce-safety solution. Blue Economy in Brunei: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 launches 2 June at UBD’s Pro Chancellor Arts Centre, spotlighting “Ocean of Opportunities” and blue economy growth across jobs, food security, innovation and marine protection. Regional Tech & Security: Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue saw renewed focus on protecting underwater infrastructure and keeping trade corridors open, as ASEAN defence ministers stressed UNCLOS transit passage. Defence Tech (Regional): India’s defence secretary said deals for BrahMos cruise missiles are signed with Vietnam and nearing completion with Indonesia, with values still undisclosed. Healthcare Link (Brunei): Gleneagles JPMC expanded medical tourism outreach into East Kalimantan via sessions with RS Parikesit and Bank Danamon.

Ocean Week Brunei 2026: Brunei’s Ocean Week kicks off 2 June at UBD’s Pro Chancellor Arts Centre, pushing a “Ocean of Opportunities” theme for blue economy growth, jobs, food security, innovation and marine protection. Cyber & Security: Singapore-backed work at the Shangri-La Dialogue highlights new guiding principles for better protection of underwater data and energy cables as subsea infrastructure faces rising disruption risks. Medical Tourism: Gleneagles JPMC expands its cross-border medical tourism into East Kalimantan, running cardiac case sessions with RS Parikesit and engaging banking partners. Defence Tech: India’s Defence Secretary says a BrahMos missile deal with Vietnam is already signed (not yet publicly announced) and Indonesia’s is in final stages, with values still undisclosed. Regional Tech Policy: Brunei’s AITI TechXplore Digital Apprenticeship Program continues building local ICT talent aligned with Vision 2035. AI for Society: A Google executive praises Singapore’s AI approach, citing youth innovation including an AI dementia care platform from Brunei and a malnutrition translation app from the Philippines. Transport & Industry: Sarawak will prioritise the Bintulu–Samalaju rail link as the first phase of the Trans-Borneo Railway plan to support low-carbon industry and cargo flows.

Subsea Security: Singapore launched new guiding principles on protecting underwater data and energy cables, warning that damage to subsea links can ripple globally. Ocean & Blue Economy: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 kicks off 2 June at UBD, spotlighting blue economy growth, marine innovation, and conservation. Cross-Border Healthcare Tech: Gleneagles JPMC expanded its medical tourism outreach into East Kalimantan, sharing cardiac care expertise and advanced services available in Brunei. Defence Tech & Procurement: India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said Vietnam’s BrahMos deal is already signed (not yet public) and Indonesia’s is in final stages, with technology-sharing framed as trust-based partnerships. Regional Trade Corridors: ASEAN defence ministers reaffirmed free flow of trade through key sea lanes and stressed upholding transit passage under UNCLOS. Brunei Digital Talent: AITI’s Brunei TechXplore Digital Apprenticeship Program wrapped up, aiming to boost ICT employability and global industry exposure. AI for Scams: ScamReady ASEAN highlighted the Global Signal Exchange, where tech firms and partners share signals to disrupt online fraud faster. Medical Tourism & Borneo Links: The Brunei–Indonesia healthcare push also underlines growing Borneo connectivity beyond tech alone. Tech Innovation Awards: DST Innovation Awards crowned BumiTrust for an AI-powered soil monitoring and produce safety solution.

ASEAN Defence & Trade Corridors: ASEAN defence ministers meeting at the Shangri-La Dialogue reaffirmed the need to keep trade and supplies moving freely through international routes like the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, stressing UNCLOS transit passage and pushing back on any unilateral access moves. Regional Security Tech & Procurement: India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said Vietnam has already signed for the BrahMos missile system (not yet publicly announced), while Indonesia’s deal is in the final stages—highlighting how defence technology sharing is tied to “trusted partners.” Brunei Digital Talent: Brunei’s AITI wrapped up its TechXplore Digital Apprenticeship Program, aimed at boosting ICT employability and global exposure aligned with Brunei Vision 2035. Local Innovation Awards: DST’s Catalyst Programme Cycle 4 named Team BumiTrust the top performer for an AI-powered soil monitoring and produce safety solution. Brunei in Regional Tourism: Travel Meet Asia 2026 in Jakarta (23–24 June) will spotlight Brunei as Official Partner Country alongside the launch of Visit Brunei 2027. AI Anti-Scam Collaboration: ScamReady ASEAN in Kuala Lumpur featured the Global Signal Exchange (GSE), where tech and finance players share scam signals in real time to disrupt fraud faster.

Defence & Tech Diplomacy: India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh says Vietnam has already signed for BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles (not yet publicly announced), while Indonesia’s deal is in the final stages—highlighting how advanced defence tech and partnerships are becoming a key regional lever. Regional Security: Vietnam’s top leader To Lam tells Reuters it “does not pick sides,” arguing stronger ties with China can coexist with progress on South China Sea disputes under international law. Maritime Trade Rules: ASEAN defence ministers at the Shangri-La Dialogue reaffirmed the need to uphold UNCLOS transit passage and keep trade flowing through corridors like the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. Local Innovation in Brunei: Brunei’s AITI says the TechXplore Digital Apprenticeship Program is building ICT employability and global exposure aligned with Brunei Vision 2035. AI for Real-World Farming: DST Innovation Awards spotlights BumiTrust’s AI-powered soil monitoring and produce safety certification, showing Brunei’s push toward tech-enabled agri solutions. Currency Modernisation (India): India’s central bank revives a pilot for polymer banknotes, aiming to cut replacement costs and extend note lifespan. Fraud-Fighting Infrastructure: Global Signal Exchange (GSE) is showcased at ScamReady ASEAN as a real-time platform to make online scams less profitable, with major tech firms involved. Transport & Industry (Sarawak): Sarawak will prioritise the Bintulu–Samalaju rail link as the first phase of its Trans-Borneo Railway plan to support low-carbon industrial growth and cargo volumes.

Defence Tech & Regional Security: India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh says India has signed a BrahMos supersonic cruise missile deal with Vietnam (not yet publicly announced) and that an Indonesia pact is in the final stages, with deal values still undisclosed; he also stressed that advanced arms sales usually come with technology sharing for “trusted” partners. Defence Tech & Local Industry: Malaysia’s Khaled Nordin says the country will consider arms only from suppliers willing to transfer technology and support local defence self-reliance, while he voiced disappointment over Norway cancelling export licences for a naval strike missile system. Maritime Trade Rules: ASEAN defence ministers at Shangri-La Dialogue reaffirmed commitment to free flow of trade and supplies through international corridors, highlighting the need to uphold transit passage under UNCLOS. Brunei Digital Skills: Brunei’s AITI says the TechXplore Digital Apprenticeship Program is boosting ICT graduates’ employability and global exposure aligned with Vision 2035. Brunei Fintech Regulation: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank updates its FinTech Regulatory Sandbox guidelines to expand eligible participants and clarify what solutions can be tested under safeguards. AI for Fraud Fighting: ScamReady ASEAN spotlights the Global Signal Exchange (GSE), where tech firms like Google and Microsoft help share scam signals to disrupt online fraud faster. Agri-Tech in the Region: Malaysia’s VentureTECH backs Pacton Technologies’ AI/IoT aquaculture platform FishSpeak, aiming to scale deployments across ASEAN including Brunei and the Philippines. Tourism & Partnerships: Travel Meet Asia 2026 returns to Jakarta (23–24 June) with Brunei as Official Partner Country and a push for Visit Brunei 2027.

Regional Security & Trade Corridors: ASEAN defence ministers at the Shangri-La Dialogue backed the free flow of trade and supplies through key routes like the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, stressing the need to uphold UNCLOS transit passage. Diplomacy & South China Sea: Vietnam’s top leader To Lam said Vietnam won’t “pick sides,” arguing stronger ties with China can go hand-in-hand with progress on South China Sea disputes under international law. Anti-Scam Tech Collaboration: ScamReady ASEAN in Kuala Lumpur highlighted the Global Signal Exchange (GSE), where governments and major platforms share signals to disrupt online scams faster, including an AI-powered querying tool. Brunei Digital Skills: Brunei’s AITI wrapped up its TechXplore Digital Apprenticeship Program, aiming to boost ICT graduates’ employability and global exposure aligned with Vision 2035. Local Innovation Awards: DST Innovation Awards (Catalyst Programme Cycle 4) named BumiTrust for an AI soil-monitoring and produce-safety solution. FinTech Regulation Update (Brunei): Brunei Darussalam Central Bank amended its FinTech Regulatory Sandbox guidelines to broaden eligible participants and clarify testable solution types. Blue Economy & Ocean Creativity: Ocean Week Brunei opened entries for a 2026 ocean photography competition plus youth ocean grants and video awards under a “Blue Economy” theme.

Cybercrime & AI Tools: Oxford Information Labs’ Global Signal Exchange (GSE) took centre stage at ScamReady ASEAN in Kuala Lumpur, with Google, Meta and Microsoft-backed sharing of scam abuse data in real time to help platforms react within seconds; OXIL also demoed “GSE Compass,” an AI natural-language querying tool. Regional Energy Tech: In Tokyo, President Marcos met former PM Fumio Kishida to push energy resilience under AZEC, including Japan’s POWERR Asia $10-billion support package for procurement, stockpiling, diversification and efficiency. Brunei Digital Skills: Brunei TechXplore’s Digital Apprenticeship Program wrapped up, with AITI saying it boosts ICT graduates’ employability and global exposure aligned to Brunei Vision 2035. Brunei FinTech Regulation: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank updated its FinTech Regulatory Sandbox guidelines, widening eligibility to qualified financial institutions and clarifying what solutions can be tested. AI for Health in Brunei: Team ΣHAI won overall champion at the AI Ready ASEAN Youth Challenge 2026 with Sahabat-Care, an AI-powered dementia care platform. Ocean & Blue Economy: Ocean Week Brunei opened entries for the Brunei Ocean Arts photography competition plus Ocean Hero, Ocean Youth Grant and Ocean Voices video awards. AI Aquaculture Investment (ASEAN): Malaysia’s VentureTECH invested in Pacton Technologies to scale FishSpeak, using computer vision and selective IoT for real-time aquaculture intelligence, with expansion plans including Brunei and the Philippines. Tourism Trade (Brunei Spotlight): Travel Meet Asia 2026 returns to Jakarta (23–24 June) with Brunei as Official Partner Country and the launch of Visit Brunei 2027.