AGP Executive Report

Gawai Taee Parade: Thousands turned up at Kampung Taee in Serian for the Birarak Gawai Taee Parade 2026, with colourful floats, traditional costumes, music and dance, plus open-house hospitality that let visitors join the celebrations. National Craft Tribute: Malaysia’s Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil paid respects to Terengganu songket master Zainab @ Ngah Mamat, praising her lifelong work in preserving and elevating the craft. Brunei Digital Push: Digital Brunei 2030 was unveiled as the five-year masterplan guiding the country’s digital growth to 2030, bringing together digital government, society, business, and data/AI strategies. Sleep, Reframed: Simmons Beautyrest launched the “Bring On The Day” campaign across Brunei and the region, shifting mattress ads from “sleep as the end” to sleep as the start of daytime life. Ocean Week Brunei 2026: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 kicks off on 2 June at UBD’s Pro Chancellor Arts Centre, spotlighting the blue economy and ocean opportunities for jobs, innovation and environmental protection. Music Festival Buzz: Rainforest World Music Festival 2026 returns to Sarawak Cultural Village from 26–28 June with “Regenerations: Roots & Rhythms,” featuring major acts and hands-on workshops. Local Sports Note: Malaysia’s Harimau Malaya camp focus remains on training and fitness ahead of the ASEAN Cup, even with fewer friendlies.

Retail & Wellness (Brunei/Singapore): DFI’s Guardian stores in Singapore are adding Holland & Barrett (H&B) products again, with nearly 60 items landing across 15 stores this June and expanding to more than 50 by month-end, after H&B previously exited Singapore in 2025. Music Spotlight (Malaysia/Regional): Nourul Wahab Depp staged her first solo showcase, “For You Nourul Concert,” at Zepp Kuala Lumpur, performing hits from the 1990s and marking 32 years in music with a near-three-hour set. Culture & Community (Brunei-linked): Ocean Week Brunei 2026 kicks off 2 June at UBD Pro Chancellor Arts Centre, focusing on blue economy opportunities and sustainable ocean growth, with government, schools, youth groups, and international partners. Sports (ASEAN U-19): Malaysia named a 23-man squad for the ASEAN U-19 Championship, with Group B including Singapore and Brunei, and Malaysia opening against Singapore on 2 June. Music Festival (Sarawak): Rainforest World Music Festival 2026 returns to Sarawak Cultural Village from 26–28 June with workshops, indigenous showcases, and headliners including Dato’ M. Nasir and Incognito. Halal Access (Sabah): PBBS proposes higher Kaamatan Festival allocations to expand halal food for visitors, including Muslims from Brunei and across Malaysia.

Ocean Week Brunei 2026: The Ocean Week Brunei 2026 launch is set for 2 June at UBD’s Pro Chancellor Arts Centre, spotlighting “Ocean of Opportunities: Blue Economy for a Sustainable Future” and bringing together agencies, researchers, youth groups and partners to push ocean-led growth, jobs and environmental protection. Kaamatan & Halal Food Access: Sabah’s PBBS is urging higher Kaamatan Festival allocations so more halal food can be provided for visitors, with a halal zone and open-house style offerings already in place. Regional Defence & Security: Vietnam and the Philippines are deepening defence ties with an “enhanced” partnership, while China continues patrol claims near Scarborough Shoal and the Philippines says it remains under severe threat. Undersea Infrastructure Protection: Seventeen countries, including Brunei, have agreed to launch guidelines to defend critical undersea cables and infrastructure. Music & Culture: Rainforest World Music Festival 2026 returns to Sarawak Cultural Village from 26–28 June with global acts, workshops and sustainability initiatives. Local Entertainment Spotlight: Malaysian singer Nourul Wahab Depp marks a major career milestone with her first solo showcase, “For You Nourul Concert,” at Zepp Kuala Lumpur.

Ocean Week Brunei 2026: The Ocean Week Brunei 2026 launch kicks off today (2 June) at UBD Pro Chancellor Arts Centre, spotlighting “Ocean of Opportunities: Blue Economy for a Sustainable Future” with a big focus on jobs, innovation, food security and marine protection. Kaamatan & Halal Access: PBBS is urging higher Kaamatan Festival allocations so more halal food can be provided for growing Muslim visitor numbers, including a halal zone initiative and open-house style offerings. National Service Recognition: Malaysia’s JUPEM personnel Donysius Gabriel Goh, who died while on duty at the Malaysia–Brunei border in March, has been posthumously awarded the Bintang Jasa Perkasa Persekutuan (JPP). Music Spotlight: Malaysian singer Nourul Wahab Depp marks a major milestone with her first solo showcase, “For You Nourul Concert,” at Zepp Kuala Lumpur. Sports (Youth Football): Brunei faces Malaysia in the ASEAN U-19 Championship group stage, with Malaysia’s squad featuring many JDT players. Arts & Culture (Festival): Rainforest World Music Festival 2026 returns to Sarawak Cultural Village from 26–28 June with workshops, indigenous traditions and headliners including Dato’ M. Nasir and Incognito.

Ocean Week Brunei 2026: The Ocean Week Brunei 2026 launch kicks off 2 June at UBD Pro Chancellor Arts Centre, spotlighting “Ocean of Opportunities” and the blue economy—linking marine health to jobs, food security, innovation and environmental protection. Kaamatan & Halal Food Access: PBBS is urging higher Kaamatan Festival allocations so more halal food can be offered for visitors, noting the festival now draws guests from Peninsular Malaysia, Brunei and the Muslim community in Sabah. National Service Recognition: Malaysia’s King posthumously confers the Bintang Jasa Perkasa Persekutuan on JUPEM personnel Donysius Gabriel Goh, who died while on duty at the Malaysia–Brunei border. Music Spotlight: Malaysian singer Nourul Wahab Depp celebrates her long-awaited first solo showcase, “For You Nourul Concert,” at Zepp Kuala Lumpur with a set of fan-favourites and emotional moments. Sports (Youth Football): Malaysia names a 23-man squad for the 2026 ASEAN U-19 Championship, with Brunei in the group and matches starting 2 June. Regional Culture & Travel: Sarawak’s Rainforest World Music Festival 2026 returns 26–28 June, while Sarawak Nash Hash 5.0 draws about 370 participants including from Brunei.

Regional Defence & Diplomacy: Vietnam and the Philippines have issued a Joint Statement on an “Enhanced Strategic Partnership,” with defence chiefs saying they can deepen cooperation on information-sharing and new activities—while Manila still frames China as lacking good faith. Maritime Tensions: China’s Coast Guard says it carried out “law enforcement” patrols in Taiwan’s eastern waters tied to Japan and Philippines maritime talks, as Taiwan and the embassies have yet to respond. Music & Culture: Sarawak’s Rainforest World Music Festival 2026 returns to Sarawak Cultural Village from 26–28 June, featuring big names and workshops, plus a Brunei-linked gastronomy showcase and sustainability efforts. Local Spotlight (Sports/Entertainment): Malaysia’s Harimau Malaya camp says missing friendlies won’t hurt if training builds tactics and cohesion ahead of the ASEAN Cup. Brunei Connection (Community/Recognition): Malaysia’s JUPEM personnel who died while on duty at the Malaysia–Brunei border has been posthumously awarded a federal honour. Music (Malaysia): Nourul Wahab Depp celebrates her first solo showcase with a long-awaited concert at Zepp Kuala Lumpur.

Music & Culture: Rainforest World Music Festival 2026 is back in Sarawak (26–28 June) with the theme “Regenerations: Roots & Rhythms,” featuring big names like Dato’ M. Nasir, The Commodores and Incognito, plus 50+ workshops, indigenous demos, and a Borneo gastronomy showcase spanning Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines—alongside a sustainability push such as Green Ruai and EcoGreen Planet tree-planting. Local Spotlight (Sports): Malaysia’s Harimau Malaya camp says friendlies aren’t a must if players train hard together, with Safee urging fitness and cohesion ahead of the ASEAN Cup. Entertainment (Music): Malaysian singer Nourul Wahab Depp wrapped up her first solo showcase, “For You Nourul Concert,” at Zepp Kuala Lumpur, delivering a near-three-hour set of hits and a career-spanning medley. Regional Sports (Youth): JDT dominates Malaysia’s 23-man squad for the ASEAN U-19 Championship, with Brunei in the same group as Malaysia and Singapore. Community & Travel (Events): Sarawak Nash Hash 5.0 drew about 370 hashers (including Bruneians) for a fun run and cultural get-together timed with Gawai Dayak.

Music Spotlight: Malaysian singer Nourul Wahab Depp finally staged her first solo showcase, the nearly three-hour “For You Nourul Concert” at Zepp Kuala Lumpur, revisiting hits like Tika Cinta, Keliru, Cinta Azali, Kerana Terluka and Aku Cinta Aku Rindu with a nostalgic choir-led opening and emotional onstage gratitude. Sports & Youth Football: Malaysia named a 23-man squad for the 2026 ASEAN U-19 Championship, with JDT dominating (15 players) and Group B set to include Thailand, the Philippines, Myanmar and Laos—Brunei is also in the mix. Community & Culture: Sarawak Nash Hash 5.0 drew about 370 hashers (including Brunei participants) for a fun run and costume-filled route tied to the Gawai Dayak season. Regional Watch: China and the Philippines traded claims over patrols near Scarborough Shoal, while Vietnam’s leader stressed “no picking sides” amid South China Sea tensions. Press Freedom: RSF’s 2026 World Press Freedom Index says global press freedom has hit a 25-year low, with over half of countries in “difficult” or “very serious” categories.

Regional Security & Diplomacy: Vietnam’s top leader To Lam said stronger ties with China can support regional peace and security, as long as disputes in the South China Sea are handled through dialogue and international law. Maritime Tensions: The Philippines’ defence chief warned Manila remains under “severe threat” from China despite a recent Trump-Xi thaw, while China also hit back at the Quad over maritime “meddling.” Brunei in the Spotlight: Brunei was among countries endorsing Malaysia, Singapore and others’ new GUIDE framework for protecting critical underwater infrastructure. Sports & Youth Football: Malaysia named a 23-man squad packed with Johor Darul Ta’zim players for the 2026 ASEAN U-19 Championship, with Brunei in the same group as Malaysia. Local Culture & Events: Sarawak’s tourism deputy minister urged more singers and comedians to bring live shows to Miri, praising comedy’s role in public conversation. Brunei Audience Picks: BUNGA 2026 returns to Resorts World Awana (3–7 June), featuring an international orchid showcase with exhibitors including Brunei. Entertainment & Pop Culture: Michael Jackson estate co-executor John McClain died at 71 after complications from a fall.

Halal & Tourism Expo: The 11th Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo runs June 3–5 at SMX Convention Center (SM Lanang), with 80+ booths, business matching, and a soft opening of the Universal Halal Hub to keep MSME products showcased after the event. Live Entertainment in Sarawak: Miri’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Chiew Choon Man is urging more singers and comedians to bring stand-up and live shows to the city, saying it boosts tourism and local business. Brunei Arts & Ocean Calling: Ocean Week Brunei has opened entries for the Brunei Ocean Arts – Photography Competition 2026 plus the Ocean Hero Award, Ocean Youth Grant, and Ocean Voices video contest, with over BND5,000 in prizes and grants. Sports (Youth Football): Indonesia’s U-20 side is drawn into Group H for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers with Australia, Malaysia, and Laos, using a new two-phase format. Football Wealth Buzz: A new list claims Brunei royal Faiq Bolkiah tops the richest footballers in 2026, highlighting how the sport’s money and brand deals keep growing. Brunei Economy Watch: Brunei CPI rose 0.1% in April 2026 vs April 2025, mainly driven by higher food prices. Music Industry News: Michael Jackson estate co-executor John McClain has died at 71 after complications from a fall.

Brunei Tech & Youth Win: Brunei Darussalam’s ΣHAI team (PAPRSB HIS, UBD) took overall champion at the AI Ready ASEAN Youth Challenge 2026 in Singapore, powered by their AI dementia-care platform “Sahabat-Care,” beating 600+ submissions across ASEAN. Ocean Arts Call: Ocean Week Brunei has opened entries for the Brunei Ocean Arts – Photography Competition 2026, plus Ocean Hero Award 2026 and youth grants/competitions, with over BND5,000 in prizes and a “Ocean of Opportunities” theme. Sports—AFC U-20 Draw: Indonesia’s U-20 were placed in Group H for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, facing Australia, Malaysia and hosts Laos, with matches set for Aug 25–Sep 6, 2026. Education Focus: A lawmaker urged Brunei’s region to prioritize students’ reading comprehension—highlighting how Grade 11 learners struggle to read independently. Entertainment & Culture: Sarawak’s deputy minister welcomed more live performers and comedy shows, praising humour’s role in sparking awareness and feedback. Regional Spotlight: A “Know ASEAN” roadshow reached Brunei students at Kuala Belait, with quizzes and prizes to boost ASEAN awareness.

Brunei Tech & Youth Innovation: Brunei Darussalam’s team ΣHAI just clinched overall champion at the inaugural AI Ready ASEAN Youth Challenge 2026 in Singapore, winning with its AI-powered dementia care platform, Sahabat-Care. Regional Arts & Culture: Miri’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Chiew Choon Man is pushing for more live shows—singers and comedians included—calling stand-up and political comedy a boost for tourism and public dialogue. Ocean Creative Scene: Ocean Week Brunei has opened entries for the Brunei Ocean Arts—Photography Competition 2026, plus the Ocean Hero Award and youth-focused Ocean Youth Grant and Ocean Voices video contest. Sports on Brunei’s Radar: A global TV guide lists Brunei viewers’ access to Fulham vs Newcastle United, while football fans also get AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers updates (India drawn with Uzbekistan, Syria, Bangladesh). Learning & Media Talk: A lawmaker urged DepEd to prioritise reading comprehension—highlighting how many older students still struggle to read independently. Scam Safety Watch: An anti-scam crackdown across multiple countries netted 3,018 arrests tied to about $752 million in losses, with Brunei listed among affected territories.

Brunei Arts & Culture: Resorts World Awana is set to host BUNGA 2026 (3–7 June 2026), Malaysia’s top flower exhibition and its first international orchid and floral festival, with an international orchid showcase and competition featuring exhibitors from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Brunei. Local Entertainment Push: Sarawak’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Chiew Choon Man is urging more singers and comedians to bring live shows to Miri, saying stand-up and performances boost tourism and local business. Tech for Good (Brunei win): Brunei’s ΣHAI team won overall champion at the AI Ready ASEAN Youth Challenge 2026 in Singapore for its AI-powered dementia care platform, Sahabat-Care. Sports Spotlight: Brunei-linked regional sports coverage includes the ASEAN Club Championship fixtures and standings, plus a reminder that Brunei is among the countries with South China Sea claims amid renewed maritime tensions. Community & Learning: Brunei’s Ocean Week Brunei has opened entries for the Brunei Ocean Arts – Photography Competition 2026 and youth ocean initiatives, with over BND5,000 in prizes and grants.

Live Entertainment in Sarawak: Brunei’s tourism arts deputy minister Chiew Choon Man urged more singers and comedians to bring shows to Miri, praising Malaysian comedian Douglas Lim after strong audiences for his Kuching and Miri sets. Soft Power & Arts: Southeast Asian artists are getting louder at the Venice Biennale, with the region pushing quieter, decolonial voices onto a major global stage. South China Sea Tensions: China accused a Dutch frigate of intruding near the Paracel Islands; the Netherlands said it was operating under international law, as disputes also involve Brunei’s claimed areas. Tech for Social Good: A Google executive highlighted Singapore’s “guardrails” for AI and shared that Brunei’s AI dementia-care project was among youth innovators at the AI Ready ASEAN Youth Challenge. Brunei Tech Win: Team ΣHAI from PAPRSB HIS, UBD, took overall champion at the AI Ready ASEAN Youth Challenge 2026 with Sahabat-Care. Ocean Arts Call: Ocean Week Brunei opened entries for a 2026 ocean photography competition plus youth grants and video awards under “Ocean of Opportunities – Blue Economy for a Sustainable Future.” Sports & Community: Kuching’s Borneo Island International Big Bike Festival drew 1,225 riders, with big participation from Indonesia and Brunei.

AI & Youth Innovation: Brunei’s Team ΣHAI won overall champion at the AI Ready ASEAN Youth Challenge 2026 in Singapore, taking first place with Sahabat-Care, an AI-powered dementia care platform. The regional ideation contest drew 600+ submissions and highlighted practical AI for healthcare, education, social inclusion and agriculture. Tech Policy & Trust: A Google government-affairs leader praised Singapore for using technology to improve lives while building “guardrails” to promote public trust, pointing to AI Ready ASEAN Youth Challenge projects including a Brunei dementia-care AI platform. Local Economy Watch: Brunei CPI rose 0.1% in April 2026 (year-on-year), mainly driven by higher food prices, while non-food edged down. Ocean Arts Call: Ocean Week Brunei opened entries for the Brunei Ocean Arts – Photography Competition 2026 plus youth grants and video awards under “Ocean of Opportunities – Blue Economy for a Sustainable Future.” Arts & Culture Spotlight: The Venice Biennale 2026 is seeing a stronger Southeast Asian presence, with regional artists using the global stage to reshape decolonisation conversations.

Scam Crackdown: A major cross-border anti-scam operation has arrested 3,018 suspects linked to about $752 million in reported losses, with investigators freezing roughly 102,000 bank accounts and recovering over $161 million. The sweep involved Singapore and nine other agencies across 10 territories, targeting everything from fake job and investment schemes to impersonation and email scams. Eid Al Adha Timing: India, South Africa, Brunei and South Africa will mark Eid Al Adha on Thursday after moon-sighting decisions. Brunei Economy: Brunei’s CPI rose 0.1% in April year-on-year, driven mainly by higher food prices, while non-food edged down. Regional Business & Tech: VentureTECH backed Pacton’s AI-and-IoT aquaculture platform for expansion into ASEAN, including Brunei. ASEAN Sports: The ASEAN Club Championship returns with group-stage action underway, led by Buriram United. Tourism Rules: Thailand is tightening visa-free stays, cutting many countries from 60 days back to 30.