AGP Executive Report

Tourism Promotion: Brunei’s Tourism Development Department will take part in the Sabah International Expo (Sept 4–6) to boost regional travel interest, featuring the Brunei Coffee Trail and a Visit Brunei Year 2027 Roadshow at a dedicated pavilion. The three-day showcase will bring together Brunei coffee and matcha café operators, tourism service providers, and visitor attractions, building on last year’s encouraging Sabah response and creating new exposure for local businesses. ASEAN Travel & Business Links: Jin Jiang Hotels’ regional arm has signed a three-year MoU with Trip.com Travel Singapore to strengthen ASEAN hospitality growth, covering Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Brunei, with a unified fixed commission model and co-marketing to drive bookings and occupancy. Regional Travel Disruption Watch: Indonesia’s intensified forest and peatland fires are producing hazardous haze that has crossed into Malaysia and Brunei, with authorities arresting suspects and investigating companies over alleged land-clearing fires. Tourism-Adjacent Development: A proposed Tiblawan Port in Governor Generoso, Mindanao is being positioned as a BIMP-EAGA gateway that could support trade and tourism links between Mindanao and nearby economies, potentially improving connectivity for people and goods.

Brunei Tourism at Sabah Expo: Brunei Darussalam will spotlight its coffee and matcha culture plus tourism experiences at Sabah International Expo (Sept 4–6) in Kota Kinabalu, featuring the Brunei Coffee Trail and a Visit Brunei Year 2027 Roadshow to help local operators and attractions reach regional visitors. ASEAN Tourism & Trade Links: Brunei is also part of wider regional engagement, including an ASEAN Parliamentarians visit to China’s Hainan focused on governance, environment, agriculture, and the digital economy—useful context for travel and cross-border cooperation. Hospitality Partnerships: Jin Jiang Hotels’ three-year MoU with Trip.com aims to boost ASEAN travel-to-stay flows across Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Brunei, with a more predictable fixed commission model for participating properties. Regional Travel Risk (Haze): Indonesia’s escalating forest and peatland fires have produced haze that has drifted into Malaysia and Brunei, with authorities arresting suspects and investigating land-clearing fires—something travellers may want to watch closely. Tourism-Adjacent Business: An Italy–Brunei Industry Day in Bandar Seri Begawan brought defence, security, and advanced tech firms together, underlining business ties that can support future visitor and investment interest.

Tourism Expo Push: Brunei will showcase its coffee and matcha plus tourism experiences at Sabah International Expo (Sept 4–6) in Kota Kinabalu, featuring the Brunei Coffee Trail and a Visit Brunei Year 2027 roadshow to connect café operators and attractions with regional visitors. ASEAN Travel & Policy Links: ASEAN Parliamentarians wrapped up a week in China’s Hainan, with Brunei among the delegations visiting sites and discussing shared themes like environmental protection, agriculture, digital growth, and people-to-people ties. Business-to-Travel Momentum: Jin Jiang Hotels’ regional arm signed a three-year MoU with Trip.com Travel Singapore to boost ASEAN hospitality and bookings across Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Brunei. Regional Mobility for Visitors: Malaysia and Brunei agreed in principle to explore a “single-checkpoint” system to streamline immigration and reduce multiple passport endorsements, aiming to make cross-border travel easier. Cross-border Climate Watch: Indonesia’s forest and peatland fires are driving haze that has reached Malaysia and Brunei, with authorities arresting suspects and investigating land-clearing arson. Sports Tourism: Miri will host Malaysia’s first Velosolutions UCI Pump Track World Championships Qualifier on Sept 5–6, drawing about 100 riders from Malaysia and overseas.

Tourism Promotion: Brunei will spotlight its Brunei Coffee Trail and matcha experiences at the Sabah International Expo (Sept 4–6), alongside the Visit Brunei Year 2027 Roadshow, with café operators and tourism providers offering samples and trip-planning ideas. Regional Travel Facilitation: Malaysia and Brunei agreed in principle to explore a single-checkpoint system to speed up immigration and reduce repeated passport endorsements, aiming to make cross-border travel smoother for people moving between the two countries. Hospitality & Booking Push: Jin Jiang Hotels and Trip.com signed a three-year MoU to expand accommodation and co-marketing across ASEAN, including Brunei, with a more predictable fixed commission model for participating properties. Sports Tourism: Miri (Sarawak) will host Malaysia’s first UCI Pump Track World Championships Qualifier on Sept 5–6, a cycling event expected to draw riders from Malaysia and overseas. Cross-border Environment Watch: Indonesia’s forest and peat fires have triggered hazardous haze that has drifted into Malaysia and Brunei, with authorities arresting suspects linked to land-clearing fires. Brunei in the Headlines (Non-tourism): A decades-old Sukumara Kurup fugitive claim tied to Brunei is being checked by authorities after a “sighting” and photo-related twists.

Tourism Promotion: Brunei will spotlight its coffee and matcha plus tourism experiences at the 11th Sabah International Expo (Sept 4–6) via a Brunei Pavilion, featuring the Brunei Coffee Trail and a Visit Brunei Year 2027 Roadshow to connect café operators, attractions and tourism service providers with regional visitors. Border Travel Facilitation: Malaysia and Brunei are exploring a “single-checkpoint” system to streamline immigration and cut down multiple passport endorsements, with technical committees tasked to find the best approach after progress on land boundary work and shared border security coordination. ASEAN Hospitality & Distribution: Jin Jiang Hotels and Trip.com Travel Singapore signed a three-year MoU to deepen ASEAN engagement, including a unified fixed commission structure for participating hotels across Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Brunei—aimed at boosting bookings and occupancy. Regional Travel Demand Signals: Agoda data for the Merdeka period shows Malaysians leaning toward shorter, easier getaways (about two days on average), with strong interest in Kota Kinabalu, Langkawi and Kuantan—useful context for Brunei’s own regional marketing planning. Business & Infrastructure (Brunei-linked): Creative Wrap says it has expanded architectural wrapping into Brunei and other markets, offering refurbishment that can reduce demolition and disruption—potentially relevant for future hospitality and tourism property upgrades.

ASEAN Travel & Policy: Lawmakers from nine Southeast Asian nations, including Brunei, wrapped up a weeklong China visit in Hainan after site inspections spanning trade, rural communities, and a near-zero carbon zone—highlighting shared priorities like environmental protection, agriculture modernization, and digital economy growth. Bilateral Border Ease: Malaysia and Brunei agreed in principle to explore a “single-checkpoint” system to streamline immigration and reduce multiple passport endorsements, with technical committees working on the best way to ease cross-border travel between Sabah/Sarawak and Brunei. Tourism Business & Distribution: Jin Jiang Hotels’ regional arm signed a three-year MoU with Trip.com to deepen ASEAN hospitality cooperation across ten countries including Brunei, using a unified fixed commission structure and co-marketing to boost bookings and occupancy. Regional Travel Disruption: Indonesia’s forest and peatland fires are worsening haze that has crossed into Malaysia and Brunei, with authorities arresting suspects and investigating alleged land-clearing fires. Industry Day in Bandar Seri Begawan: Italy–Brunei Industry Day in Bandar Seri Begawan brought together Italian defense, security, and advanced tech firms and Brunei institutions to discuss cooperation and investment opportunities.

Diplomatic & Industry Links: Italy’s Ambassador to Singapore and Brunei, Dante Brandi, opened the first Italy–Brunei Industry Day in Bandar Seri Begawan, bringing together 14 Italian firms in defense, security, advanced tech and AI, and highlighting cooperation with Brunei’s defense and industrial sectors. Border Travel Made Easier: Malaysia and Brunei agreed in principle to explore a “single-checkpoint” system to streamline immigration and reduce multiple passport endorsements, with technical committees working on the best approach for smoother travel between Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei. ASEAN Hospitality Push: Jin Jiang Hotels’ regional unit signed a three-year MoU with Trip.com Travel Singapore to expand ASEAN hotel bookings across 10 markets including Brunei, using a unified fixed commission model to boost transparency and occupancy. Regional Travel Disruption: Indonesia’s forest and peatland fires worsened haze that crossed into Malaysia and Brunei, as police arrested 72 suspects linked to land-clearing fires. Sports Tourism: Miri will host Malaysia’s first Velosolutions UCI Pump Track World Championships Qualifier (Sept 5–6), drawing about 100 riders from Malaysia and overseas.

Border Travel Ease: Malaysia and Brunei agreed in principle to streamline cross-border movement, including exploring a single-checkpoint system to cut down on lengthy immigration steps and repeated passport endorsements for travellers between Sabah/Sarawak and Brunei. Bilateral Cooperation: At the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation in Bandar Seri Begawan, leaders also pushed progress on land border demarcation (about 50% surveyed) and strengthened cooperation on tourism, energy and agriculture. Regional Travel Impact (Haze): Indonesia’s intensified forest and peatland firefighting follows arrests of 72 suspects over fires, with smoke reported to have drifted into Malaysia and Brunei—an immediate concern for travel comfort and air quality. ASEAN Hospitality Links: Jin Jiang Hotels’ subsidiary signed a three-year MoU with Trip.com to deepen ASEAN travel and accommodation ecosystems across ten nations including Brunei. Tourism Promotion: Tourism Malaysia teamed up with Foodie Media for VM 2026–2027, using digital content and event coverage to boost interest in Malaysia’s food and culture for domestic and international visitors.

ASEAN Border Travel: Malaysia and Brunei are moving toward smoother cross-border movement, with leaders backing a feasibility study for a “single-checkpoint” system to cut multiple immigration stops and passport endorsements, while technical committees work on the best way to streamline procedures. Bilateral Tourism & Economy: At the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation in Bandar Seri Begawan, both sides reaffirmed cooperation and highlighted progress on border demarcation, smuggling and search-and-rescue coordination, plus continued momentum in energy, tourism and agriculture. Regional Travel Demand: Agoda data for Merdeka season points to short, easy getaways for Malaysians—Kota Kinabalu, Langkawi and Kuantan lead searches—useful context for Brunei’s regional tourism planning. Cross-Border Disruption Risk: Indonesia’s forest and peatland fires are worsening, with haze reported to have crossed into Malaysia and Brunei, as authorities arrest suspects and investigate land-clearing fires. Hospitality Partnerships: Jin Jiang Hotels’ subsidiary and Trip.com signed a three-year MoU to strengthen ASEAN hospitality collaboration across ten nations including Brunei, with a unified fixed commission structure for participating properties. Travel Trade Connectivity: Emirates hosted Singapore travel partners on a Dubai familiarisation trip, underscoring ongoing airline-led efforts to support regional travel sales.

ASEAN Hospitality Deal: Jin Jiang Hotels’ subsidiary signed a three-year MoU with Trip.com to strengthen ASEAN travel and hotel ecosystems across 10 countries, including Brunei, with a unified fixed commission structure for participating properties. Border-Travel Push: Malaysia and Brunei agreed in principle to explore a “single-checkpoint” system to streamline immigration and reduce multiple endorsements, with technical committees working on the best approach. Regional Tourism Cooperation: Tourism Malaysia inked an MoU with Foodie Media to boost Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 promotion through digital content and event coverage, spotlighting gastronomy and culture. Haze and Travel Risk: Indonesia arrested 72 people over forest and peatland fires as smoke crossed into Malaysia and Brunei, with firefighting intensified amid dry conditions. Brunei in the Diplomatic Spotlight: Brunei’s new High Commissioner, Siti Arnyfariza Md Jaini, presented credentials in Sri Lanka, underscoring ongoing regional ties. Travel Planning Trend: Agoda data for Merdeka season shows Malaysians leaning toward shorter, easier getaways (often around two days), with Kota Kinabalu, Langkawi and Kuantan leading searches.

Border Travel Simplification: Malaysia and Brunei are exploring a “single-checkpoint” system to streamline immigration and reduce multiple passport endorsements, with technical committees tasked to speed up feasibility work after talks at ALC-27 in Bandar Seri Begawan. Bilateral Cooperation: Leaders also backed progress on land border demarcation (about 50% surveyed) and stronger coordination on smuggling and search-and-rescue, with tourism highlighted alongside energy and agriculture. Regional Tourism Push: Tourism Malaysia signed an MoU with Foodie Media to boost Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 promotion through digital content and event coverage, leaning heavily on gastronomy and culture. Travel Demand Signals: Agoda data for Merdeka season shows Malaysians favour short getaways (about two days), with Kota Kinabalu, Langkawi and Kuantan leading search interest. Air Connectivity for Borneo: AirBorneo plans further Asian network expansion from Kuching, including routes to Jakarta, Bangkok and Jeju, aiming to strengthen Sarawak’s tourism gateway role. Haze Disruption Risk: Indonesia intensified firefighting after forest and peatland fires, with smoke reported to have crossed into Malaysia and Brunei—an ongoing concern for regional travel planning.

Border Travel Ease: Malaysia and Brunei agreed in principle to explore a “single-checkpoint” system to streamline immigration and reduce multiple passport endorsements, with technical committees working on the best approach; leaders also noted about 50% of the shared land border has been surveyed and demarcated, aiming to finish by 2034. Tourism Promotion (Regional): Tourism Malaysia signed an MoU with Foodie Media to boost Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 promotion through digital content and on-the-ground coverage, leaning into gastronomy and lifestyle. Short Break Demand: Agoda data for Merdeka season shows Malaysians favour quick getaways averaging about two days, with Kota Kinabalu, Langkawi and Kuantan leading searches. Wildfire Haze Impact: Indonesia intensified firefighting as blazes and peatland fires spread haze across Borneo and beyond, with smoke reported reaching Malaysia and Brunei; 72 suspects were arrested. Connectivity & Trade (BIMP-EAGA): Davao Oriental’s Governor Generoso pushed Tiblawan port development as a gateway for trade, investment and tourism under BIMP-EAGA. Travel Gear for Commuters: Aulumu launched magnetic sling bags (B01/B02) aimed at commuting and travel-ready carry.

Border Travel Simplification: Malaysia and Brunei are exploring a “single-checkpoint” system to streamline immigration and cut down on multiple passport endorsements, with technical committees tasked to find the best way to ease cross-border travel between Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei. Bilateral Cooperation Push: At the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation in Bandar Seri Begawan, both sides reaffirmed deeper cooperation and noted progress on land boundary surveying/demarcation, alongside stronger coordination on smuggling and search-and-rescue. Regional Tourism Demand Signals: Agoda data ahead of Merdeka and school holidays shows Malaysians favour short getaways (about two days on average), with Kota Kinabalu, Langkawi and Kuantan leading searches and Kota Bharu seeing sharp growth. Air Connectivity for Tourism: Sarawak’s AirBorneo plans to expand its Asian network, including a Kuching–Jeju route, aiming to strengthen Sarawak as a Borneo tourism gateway. Cross-Border Travel Disruption Watch: Indonesia’s forest and peatland fires have intensified, with haze reported to have crossed into Malaysia and Brunei, while police arrested 72 suspects linked to fire-setting.

Border Travel Ease: Malaysia and Brunei are exploring a “single-checkpoint” system to streamline immigration and cut down on multiple passport endorsements, following talks at the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation in Bandar Seri Begawan. Bilateral Cooperation: Leaders also backed progress on land border work, with about 50% of the boundary already surveyed and demarcated, and agreed to prioritise border security, anti-smuggling efforts, and search-and-rescue coordination. Tourism & Connectivity Angle: The same cooperation push highlights tourism as a key shared area, alongside energy and agriculture, with Sabah and Sarawak repeatedly flagged as major links for cross-border travel. Regional Gateway Plans: In the wider BIMP-EAGA orbit, Davao Oriental’s Governor Generoso is pitching the Tiblawan Port as a maritime gateway to boost trade, investment, and people-to-people tourism links across Mindanao and neighbouring economies. Travel Disruption Watch: Indonesia has arrested 72 people over forest and peatland fires as haze spreads across Borneo, affecting Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei—an immediate concern for travellers and outdoor plans.

Border Travel Simplified: Malaysia and Brunei are exploring a “single-checkpoint” system to cut down on multiple immigration stops and passport endorsements, with technical committees tasked to streamline procedures for travellers moving between Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei. Bilateral Cooperation Push: At the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation in Bandar Seri Begawan, both sides reaffirmed deeper cooperation, including progress on land boundary work (about 50% surveyed/demarcated) and stronger coordination on smuggling and search-and-rescue. Regional Tourism Connectivity: Sarawak’s AirBorneo is expanding its Asian network, including a new Kuching–Jeju route, aiming to boost Borneo tourism gateway plans. China Easier Stopovers: China expanded its 10-day visa-free transit to nationals of Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan (effective Aug 20), adding more options for multi-city travel across China. Haze Alert for Brunei Travellers: Indonesian police arrested 72 people over forest and peatland fires as hazardous smoke spread across Borneo, affecting Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.

Border Travel Simplification: Malaysia and Brunei are exploring a “single-checkpoint” system to streamline immigration and reduce multiple passport endorsements, with technical committees tasked to speed up cross-border procedures for travellers between Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei. Bilateral Cooperation Push: Leaders at the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation in Bandar Seri Begawan reaffirmed deeper Malaysia–Brunei ties, including progress on land boundary surveying and stronger coordination on border security, smuggling control and search-and-rescue. Regional Flight & Tourism Growth: Sarawak’s AirBorneo plans to expand its Asian network, including a Kuching–Jeju route, aiming to boost Sarawak as a Borneo tourism gateway. Visa-Free Travel Boost for Asia: China expanded its 10-day visa-free transit to citizens of Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan (effective Aug 20), plus a 30-day visa-free option for Hainan—useful for travellers planning multi-stop itineraries. Tourism Business Notes: Perlis is looking at collaboration with Brunei and Bangkok to strengthen border tourism and attract investment, including plans for five-star hotels near Padang Besar.