AGP Executive Report

Brunei–Malaysia Diplomacy: PM Anwar Ibrahim and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah will meet for ALC-27 in Brunei, with transboundary haze expected high on the agenda after Sarawak recorded “very unhealthy” API readings (Serian 204) and several other areas in the “unhealthy” range. Foreign Affairs Talks: Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan is in Brunei for EOL-27 implementation (Aug 21) and ALC-27 (Aug 22), with both sides set to review progress on land and maritime boundaries and push economic cooperation. Royal Family Update: Brunei’s Sultan has stripped his daughter-in-law Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah of her royal titles and honours over conduct described as “inappropriate,” with no further details released. Energy & Industry: SLB won a contract from Brunei Shell Petroleum to restore production from shut-in offshore wells, using an integrated execution model to boost recovery from mature assets. Sports & Community: Cambodia’s badminton teams earned three silver medals at the SEA Badminton Championships, with Brunei among the participating countries.

Brunei Royal Affairs: The Sultan of Brunei has revoked his daughter-in-law Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah’s royal titles and honours, citing “inappropriate” conduct for a senior royal’s wife, with details still unclear. Human Rights: Two LGBTI Bruneians say fear is growing after the penal code’s death-penalty provision for same-sex sexual relations took effect, pointing to international backlash and uncertainty over enforcement. Regional Business & Tech: Southeast Asia’s digital economy is booming, but patchwork rules on data and payments mean companies still face a tough job: scaling across borders while staying locally compliant. Brunei Energy Industry: SLB won a contract from Brunei Shell Petroleum to restore production from shut-in offshore wells, using an integrated execution model to boost recovery. Sports & Community: Brunei athletes are among those competing at the 2026 SEA Badminton Championships, where Cambodia has already secured three silver medals in team events. Travel & Tourism: Perlis plans to team up with Brunei and Bangkok to boost border tourism, including new five-star hotel and sports tourism ideas. Culture & Creators: Valerie Madon has joined a creator marketing tech company to lead creative strategy, as regional brands keep leaning into creator-led campaigns.

Royal Update: Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has stripped his daughter-in-law, Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah, of her royal titles and honors effective immediately, citing conduct “unbecoming” of a royal spouse, with no further details shared. Regional Travel & Hospitality: Perlis plans to collaborate with Brunei and Bangkok to boost border tourism and lure investors for five-star hotels, with Padang Besar flagged as a high-end destination and a new motorsport circuit pitched as a sports-tourism draw. Energy & Industry: SLB won a contract from Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) to restore production from shut-in offshore wells, using an integrated execution model across subsurface work, interventions, monitoring and marine logistics. Sports Spotlight: Cambodia secured three silver medals at the 2026 SEA Badminton Championships (team events), with Brunei among the participating countries across U16, U19 and U23 categories. Tech & Skills: IBTE hosted an international TVET webinar on using AI literacy and future-ready skills to shape digital-era training.

Royal Family Update: Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has revoked his daughter-in-law Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah’s royal title and honours, effective immediately, citing conduct “unbecoming” of a royal spouse and “lack of respect,” with no further details shared. Brunei Education & Skills: Brunei’s IBTE hosted an international TVET webinar on using AI literacy to build future-ready skills, bringing together local and overseas education experts and industry voices. Regional Security & S’pore/Brunei Link: A U.S. special operations chief said Washington is ready to boost readiness exercises with the Philippines and other Asian partners to deter major conflict, as South China Sea tensions continue. Tourism & Culture: China’s Kung Fu Soccer is driving a summer box-office surge in mainland China, while Brunei audiences may also be watching how pan-Asian sports comedies travel. Local Travel/Stay: Pullman Kuching is in the final stretch of its hotel refurbishment, with demand noted from Brunei and other regional markets.

Royal Family Update: Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has stripped his daughter-in-law, Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah, of her royal titles and honors effective immediately, citing “inappropriate” conduct unbecoming of a royal spouse; details of the incident weren’t disclosed. TVET & AI in Brunei: Brunei’s Institute of Technical Education (IBTE) hosted an international webinar on empowering TVET through AI literacy and future-ready skills, bringing together local and overseas education and industry voices. Regional Travel & Culture: Vietnam’s Khanh Hoa province is pushing a Halal tourism ecosystem aimed at Muslim travellers, banking on its coastline, islands, and Cham cultural heritage to diversify visitor experiences. Haze Watch (Malaysia): Malaysia reported multiple stations with unhealthy Air Pollutant Index readings, with Sarawak seeing very unhealthy levels as transboundary haze continues. Sports & Events: India has withdrawn from the FIFA ASEAN Cup, leaving Group A with Singapore, Malaysia and hosts Indonesia. Entertainment: Stephen Chow’s “Kung Fu Soccer” is topping China’s box office this summer, drawing attention back to his classic sports-comedy style.

Royal Family Update: Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has revoked his daughter-in-law Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah’s royal titles and honors, citing conduct “inappropriate” for a royal spouse; details of the incident weren’t disclosed, but the change takes effect immediately. Brunei TVET & AI: Brunei’s Institute of Technical Education (IBTE) hosted an international webinar on using AI literacy to build future-ready TVET skills, bringing together local and overseas education and industry voices. Regional Security Talk: A US special operations commander visited the Philippines to discuss joint exercises and wider security cooperation aimed at deterring major conflict in Asia. ASEAN & Haze: Sarawak urged continued transboundary haze discussions at ASEAN level, warning smoke could drift and affect Brunei; Malaysia also reported multiple “unhealthy” API readings. Entertainment & Pop Culture: Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” stays in the UK charts for another year, while Stephen Chow’s “Kung Fu Soccer” continues to top China’s box office this summer. Travel & Events: WTM London 2026 reports strong early exhibitor demand, with Brunei listed among new exhibitors.

Brunei Royal Watch: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has stripped his daughter-in-law, Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah, of her royal titles and honors effective immediately, citing “inappropriate” conduct unbecoming of a spouse of a senior royal—details of the incident weren’t disclosed. Brunei-Region Diplomacy: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim received a call from the Brunei Sultan to enquire about his health and offer prayers, with an audience planned next week in Bandar Seri Begawan for the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation. Brunei TVET & AI: Brunei’s Institute of Technical Education (IBTE) hosted an international webinar on using AI literacy to build future-ready TVET skills, bringing together local and overseas education and industry experts. Brunei Entertainment & Culture (Sports): India has withdrawn from the FIFA ASEAN Cup, leaving Group A with Singapore, Malaysia and hosts Indonesia—raising questions over replacements and reshuffling tournament plans. Regional Arts/Media: Hong Kong’s Kung Fu Soccer (Stephen Chow) is topping China’s box office this summer, while debate continues over whether it matches earlier classics. Travel & Events: WTM London says early exhibitor demand for 2026 is strong, with Brunei listed among new exhibitors.

Royal Family Update: Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has revoked his daughter-in-law Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah’s royal title and honors, effective immediately, citing conduct “unbecoming” of a royal spouse, though the specific details were not disclosed. TVET & AI in Brunei: Brunei’s Institute of Technical Education (IBTE) hosted an international webinar on using AI literacy to future-proof technical and vocational education and training, bringing together local and overseas TVET experts. Regional Haze Watch: Sarawak says transboundary haze needs ASEAN-level discussion, warning smoke could drift and affect Brunei, while cloud seeding is being considered. Brunei in ASEAN Talks: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim received a call from the Brunei Sultan praying for his health, and said he’ll meet the Sultan next week for the Malaysia-Brunei Leaders’ Consultation. Entertainment & Pop Culture: Stephen Chow’s “Kung Fu Soccer” is making waves in China’s box office, while Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” keeps climbing the UK singles chart. Sports: India has withdrawn from the FIFA ASEAN Cup, leaving Group A with Singapore, Malaysia and hosts Indonesia.

Royal Watch: Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has stripped his daughter-in-law, Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah, of her royal titles and honours, citing “inappropriate” conduct and “lack of respect,” with details still not publicly disclosed. Regional Security: A U.S. special operations chief said Washington is ready to boost warfighting-readiness exercises with Asian partners to deter major conflict, as tensions simmer in the South China Sea. Brunei Education & Skills: Brunei’s IBTE hosted an international TVET webinar on using AI literacy to build future-ready skills, bringing together local and overseas experts. Sports: India withdrew from the FIFA ASEAN Cup, leaving Group A with Singapore, Malaysia and hosts Indonesia, while Brunei remains part of the wider ASEAN football spotlight. Arts & Culture: The ASEAN Cultural Center opened in Manila, spotlighting shared regional heritage through textiles, architecture and traditions. Health & Lifestyle: Hong Kong officials urged parents to stick to childhood vaccination schedules, warning against arbitrary changes.

Royal Family Update: Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has revoked his daughter-in-law Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah’s royal title and honors, effective immediately, citing “inappropriate” conduct and “lack of respect” toward the Sultan and the royal family; details of the incident weren’t disclosed, and the decree says she is no longer considered part of the royal family. Brunei Education & Skills: Brunei’s Institute of Technical Education (IBTE) hosted an international TVET webinar on using AI literacy to build future-ready skills, bringing together local and overseas education and industry voices. Brunei Tech & Learning: Brunei’s education ministry says it’s adapting higher education and TVET for a changing job landscape by updating curricula with emerging tech and sustainability skills, expanding project-based learning, and using graduate employment and employer feedback to guide training. Regional Environment: Sarawak says the transboundary haze problem needs continued ASEAN-level discussion, warning smoke could drift toward Brunei, while cloud seeding is being assessed to tackle prolonged dry conditions. ASEAN Sports: India has withdrawn from the FIFA ASEAN Cup, leaving fewer teams in the Premier Division group stage as the tournament approaches.

Royal Update: Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has stripped his daughter-in-law, Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah, of her royal title and honors, effective immediately, citing “inappropriate” conduct unbecoming of a spouse of a senior royal—though the specific details were not disclosed. Brunei-Region Spotlight (Haze): Sarawak says the transboundary haze issue must stay on ASEAN’s agenda, warning that fires near Kuala Baram could send smoke drifting toward Brunei; Sarawak is also assessing cloud seeding timing. Brunei & TVET/AI: Brunei’s education ministry says it’s reshaping higher education and TVET for the digital era, adding core modules for new tech and sustainability, and using data from graduate employment and employer surveys. Music Pop Culture: Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” keeps climbing in the UK charts, marking another long run on the Official Singles list. Sports/ASEAN Football: India has withdrawn from the FIFA ASEAN Cup, leaving Group A with Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Royal Family Update: Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has stripped his daughter-in-law, Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah, of her royal title and honors, effective immediately, citing “inappropriate” conduct unbecoming of a royal spouse—details of the incident weren’t disclosed. Brunei Education & Skills: Brunei’s Institute of Technical Education (IBTE) hosted an international TVET webinar on using AI literacy to build future-ready skills, as the education ministry pushes curriculum and learning changes for the digital job landscape. Regional Arts & Media: Hong Kong filmmaker Stephen Chow’s “Kung Fu Soccer” is making waves in China’s box office, while Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” keeps climbing on the UK charts. Sports: India has withdrawn from the FIFA ASEAN Cup, leaving Group A with fewer teams and raising questions over replacements. Brunei-Linked Diplomacy: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim received a call from the Sultan, and said he’ll meet the Sultan next week in Brunei for the ASEAN-Malaysia Leaders’ Consultation.

Royal Update: Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has stripped his daughter-in-law Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah of her royal titles, citing “lack of respect” and conduct “unbecoming” of a spouse of a senior royal family member; details of the incident remain unclear, and the couple’s children’s titles are reported to be unaffected. TVET & AI: Brunei’s Institute of Technical Education (IBTE) hosted an international webinar on using AI literacy to make TVET more future-ready, bringing together educators, industry and policymakers. Regional Arts/Entertainment: Stephen Chow’s “Kung Fu Soccer” is driving a summer box-office surge in China, with debate still split over whether it matches earlier hits like “Shaolin Soccer.” Sports: India has withdrawn from the FIFA ASEAN Cup, leaving Group A with Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Brunei-Linked Diplomacy: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim received a call from the Brunei Sultan checking on his health and said he’ll meet the Sultan next week in Bandar Seri Begawan for the Malaysia-Brunei Leaders’ Consultation.

Royal Update: Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has stripped his daughter-in-law, Pengiran Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah (wife of Prince Abdul Malik), of her royal titles and “Her Royal Highness” styling, citing conduct “unbecoming” and “lack of respect,” with details still unclear. Brunei–Malaysia Ties: Malaysia PM Anwar Ibrahim received a phone call from the Sultan, thanking him for prayers and confirming an audience in Bandar Seri Begawan next week for the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation. TVET & AI: Brunei’s Institute of Technical Education (IBTE) hosted an international webinar on using AI literacy to make TVET more future-ready. Regional Entertainment & Sports: India withdrew from the FIFA ASEAN Cup, leaving Group A with Singapore, Malaysia and hosts Indonesia. Culture & Media: Kung Fu Soccer keeps drawing crowds in China, while Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” hits another long run on the UK singles chart.

Local Entrepreneurship: Mariyaton Kaftiah turned torch ginger into serunding and other snacks after the 2020 MCO, starting with RM500 and now selling about RM6,500 a month, with products reaching overseas markets. Brunei Education & Skills: IBTE hosted an international webinar on using AI literacy to make TVET “future-ready,” bringing together Brunei and overseas TVET experts and industry voices. Royal News: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has stripped his daughter-in-law Raabi’atul Adawiyyah of her royal titles effective immediately, citing conduct “unbecoming” of a royal spouse. Regional Sports: India withdrew from the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, leaving Group A with Singapore, Malaysia and hosts Indonesia, raising questions over a replacement. Entertainment & Pop Culture: Stephen Chow’s “Kung Fu Soccer” is China’s biggest summer box-office hit so far, reviving interest in the theatrical market despite mixed reactions. Tech & Media: Brunei’s presence also shows up in the ASEAN Film Festival 2026 lineup in Hong Kong, with screenings open to the public.

Brunei Royal Update: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has stripped his daughter-in-law Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah of her royal titles effective immediately, citing conduct “unbecoming” of a spouse and saying it tarnished the monarchy’s good name. Brunei Education & Tech: Brunei’s Institute of Technical Education (IBTE) hosted an international TVET webinar on empowering training through AI literacy and future-ready skills, bringing together local and overseas experts. Brunei Learning for Work: Brunei’s education ministry says it’s adapting higher education and TVET for the changing job landscape by updating curricula with emerging-tech modules, boosting project-based learning with industry, and using graduate employment and employer satisfaction studies to keep programmes relevant. Regional Entertainment Buzz: Hong Kong filmmaker Stephen Chow’s “Kung Fu Soccer” is riding nostalgia and sports comedy to become China’s biggest box office hit this summer, even as opinions stay split on whether it matches his earlier classics. Brunei-Linked Royalty in Media: A separate report highlights how Brunei’s royal household is being referenced in wider regional coverage, including the Sultan’s next-week audience plans with Malaysia’s PM.