AGP Executive Report

Cabinet reshuffle: Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah announced a major government shake-up on June 4, creating new coordinating roles and restructuring the Primary Resources and Tourism portfolio into the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, while appointing Prince Abdul Malik (Prime Minister’s Office) and Prince Abdul Mateen (Foreign Affairs) as part of potential succession planning. Aviation & jobs: Royal Brunei Airlines welcomed 30 new cabin crew trainees under Cabin Crew Intake 151, highlighting a structured two-year training programme as the national carrier builds capacity. Blue economy push: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 kicked off at UBD under “Ocean of Opportunities,” aiming to link marine conservation, sustainable fisheries and eco-tourism with community livelihoods and partnerships. Regional travel links: A new Sarawak–Royal Brunei Airlines partnership was signed at ITB China 2026 to boost connectivity and raise Sarawak’s international tourism profile. Film & tourism tie-in: China’s hit “Dear You” is set for international release starting June 18, with Brunei included in the first wave alongside Singapore and Malaysia.

Air Connectivity & Tourism Demand: Sarawak’s Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin says Batik Air’s Guangzhou–Kuching direct flight has carried nearly 6,000 passengers since March, showing strong China market potential and the value of nonstop links for tourism, trade and people-to-people ties. Brunei Governance & Tourism Policy: Brunei’s Sultan announced a major cabinet reshuffle, including restructuring the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism into the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry—an update that could shape how tourism priorities are coordinated under Wawasan 2035. Regional Sports Tourism: Labuan launched its first-ever international 42km full marathon under the Pearl of Borneo Marathon 2026, aiming to strengthen Labuan’s sports tourism profile and attract runners from 16 countries, including Brunei. Brunei Aviation Talent Pipeline: Royal Brunei Airlines welcomed 30 new cabin crew trainees under Cabin Crew Intake 151, reinforcing its focus on service excellence and workforce development. Ocean & Eco-Tourism Momentum: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 kicked off with a blue-economy and sustainable ocean theme, positioning marine conservation and eco-tourism as part of Brunei’s longer-term growth agenda. Cultural Events With Cross-Border Appeal: Miri’s RIUH OOH! festival (July 24–26) targets over 30,000 visitors and is set to draw travellers from across Sarawak and neighbouring Brunei.

Brunei Tourism & Policy: Brunei’s Sultan announced a major cabinet reshuffle, creating new coordinating roles and restructuring the Primary Resources and Tourism portfolio into the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, while appointing younger sons as ministers—moves widely read as both governance refresh and longer-term succession planning. Air Travel & Careers: Royal Brunei Airlines welcomed 30 new cabin crew trainees under Cabin Crew Intake 151, its largest-ever intake, as it continues to build capacity and service talent. Sports Tourism (Labuan): Labuan staged its first-ever international 42km full marathon under the Pearl of Borneo Marathon 2026, drawing 3,372 participants from 16 countries and positioning the duty-free island for bigger recreational events. Regional Travel Link: A new partnership between Sarawak Tourism Board and Royal Brunei Airlines aims to strengthen accessibility and boost Sarawak’s “Gateway to Borneo” push, including wider international visibility. Ocean & Eco-Tourism: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 was launched with a blue-economy focus, bringing together government, industry, schools and partners for marine conservation and sustainable ocean opportunities. Global Context for Visitors: UN Tourism reported international arrivals up 2% in Q1 2026 (307 million tourists), but warned Middle East disruptions and higher travel costs may shift demand toward closer destinations.

Global Tourism Outlook: UN Tourism says international arrivals rose 2% in Q1 2026 to about 307 million, even as the Middle East crisis disrupted travel in March and pushed up fares via higher oil and jet-fuel pressures. Brunei Governance & Tourism Policy: Brunei’s Sultan announced a major cabinet reshuffle, including new coordinating roles and restructuring the Primary Resources and Tourism portfolio into the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry—an update that could shape how tourism priorities are funded and delivered. Air Connectivity & Visitor Readiness: Royal Brunei Airlines welcomed 30 new cabin crew trainees under Cabin Crew Intake 151, reinforcing service capacity as the airline grows. Sports Tourism in Borneo: Labuan staged its first-ever international 42km full marathon under the Pearl of Borneo Marathon 2026, drawing 3,372 runners from 16 countries—another push for destination visibility beyond Brunei. Regional Travel Ideas: Sabah’s SBBA floated a “Borneo 360” motorcycle tourism push linking Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and parts of Indonesia, aiming to boost cross-border spending on stays, food and fuel. Ocean Economy Spotlight: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 launched with a blue-economy focus on marine conservation, sustainable livelihoods and eco-tourism opportunities.

Sports Tourism: Labuan’s Pearl of Borneo Marathon 2026 wrapped up with Sabah runner Milton Amat winning the men’s open 42km in 2:57, while Thailand’s Prasoet Phaisan took the men’s senior veteran title; the event drew 3,367 participants from Malaysia and abroad and also featured 21km, 10km and Fun Walk categories. Brunei Governance & Economy: Brunei’s Sultan announced a major cabinet reshuffle, creating new coordinating roles and restructuring the Primary Resources and Tourism portfolio into the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, alongside appointments including Prince Abdul Mateen as foreign minister—signals that could shape tourism and business priorities ahead of the Sultan’s diamond jubilee. Aviation & Careers: Royal Brunei Airlines welcomed 30 cabin crew trainees under Cabin Crew Intake 151, highlighting a two-year training programme as the national carrier builds its workforce. Blue Economy Spotlight: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 officially launched with a month-long push on ocean sustainability, marine conservation and blue economy opportunities, tying Brunei’s maritime resources to livelihoods, eco-tourism and future industries. Regional Tourism Links: Sarawak Tourism Board and Royal Brunei Airlines signed an MoU at ITB China 2026 to strengthen accessibility and boost Sarawak’s international tourism presence.

Creative Tourism & Regional Pull: Miri’s RIUH OOH! festival is set for July 24–26, with creative products, art, performances and food, and organisers expect 30,000+ visitors—Brunei is specifically targeted via Tourism Malaysia promotions. Cross-Border Motorcycle Travel: Sabah Big Bikers Association is planning a “Borneo 360” ride linking Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and parts of Indonesia to boost rider-led tourism and local spending. Royal Brunei Airlines Hiring: Royal Brunei Airlines welcomed 30 cabin crew trainees under Cabin Crew Intake 151, reinforcing its service pipeline as the carrier grows. Blue Economy Spotlight: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 launched with a month-long programme on ocean sustainability, marine conservation and blue-economy opportunities, tying marine health to tourism and livelihoods. Sports Tourism Milestone: Labuan staged its first-ever international 42km full marathon (Pearl of Borneo Marathon 2026), drawing 3,372 runners from 16 countries and positioning the island for future events. Policy & Tourism Portfolio Shift: Brunei’s cabinet reshuffle reorganised the Primary Resources and Tourism ministry into the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, signalling a push to accelerate priority sectors.

Cabinet & Succession: Brunei’s Sultan announced a major cabinet reshuffle, creating new portfolios and appointing two younger sons as ministers—Prince Abdul Malik to the Prime Minister’s Office and Prince Abdul Mateen as foreign minister—signalling possible succession planning as the country navigates energy-market pressure. Aviation & Careers: Royal Brunei Airlines welcomed 30 trainees under Cabin Crew Intake 151, its largest-ever intake, with a two-year training programme positioning the recruits as future ambassadors of Brunei. Sports Tourism: Labuan staged its first-ever international 42km full marathon (Pearl of Borneo Marathon 2026), drawing 3,372 runners from 16 countries and boosting the island’s push as a sports destination. Blue Economy Spotlight: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 kicked off with a month-long programme on marine conservation, sustainable ocean livelihoods and eco-tourism, framing Brunei’s ocean as a major future opportunity. Medical Tourism Link: Gleneagles Jerudong Park Medical Centre expanded medical tourism ties into East Kalimantan via partnerships with RS Parikesit and Bank Danamon, focusing on cardiac care and health awareness. Regional Tourism Push: Sarawak and Royal Brunei Airlines formalised a strategic MoU at ITB China 2026 to strengthen accessibility and lift Sarawak’s international tourism visibility.

Brunei Tourism & Policy: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah announced a major cabinet reshuffle, creating new portfolios and appointing younger sons as ministers—an important signal for long-term governance as Brunei pushes ahead with Wawasan 2035 and reshapes the Primary Resources and Tourism ministry into a new economy-focused structure. Air Connectivity & Careers: Royal Brunei Airlines welcomed 30 trainees under Cabin Crew Intake 151, highlighting its two-year training programme and continued investment in service talent. Blue Economy & Marine Tourism: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 kicked off with a month-long programme on blue economy opportunities, marine conservation, sustainable ocean futures, and community livelihoods—positioning Brunei’s ocean as both an environmental priority and a tourism and innovation driver. Regional Tourism Linkages: Gleneagles Jerudong Park Medical Centre expanded medical tourism outreach into East Kalimantan, strengthening cross-border healthcare ties that can also support travel demand. Sports Tourism: Labuan staged its first-ever international 42km full marathon (Pearl of Borneo Marathon 2026), drawing 3,372 runners from 16 countries and boosting the island’s events-led visitor appeal. Regional Travel Inspiration: A Sabah Big Bikers Association plan for a “Borneo 360” cross-border motorcycle ride could spur multi-country touring interest involving Brunei.

Motorcycle Tourism: Sabah Big Bikers Association (SBBA) is pitching a cross-border “Borneo 360” ride linking Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and parts of Indonesia, aiming to spur spending on stays, food and fuel while promoting road safety and charity. Sports Tourism: Labuan is set to host its first-ever international 42km full marathon (Pearl of Borneo Marathon 2026) on June 6–7, with 3,372 runners registered from 16 countries—an effort to boost the duty-free island’s events appeal. Aviation & Careers: Royal Brunei Airlines welcomed 30 new cabin crew trainees under Cabin Crew Intake 151, highlighting its two-year training programme and the recruits as future “ambassadors” for Brunei. Blue Economy Spotlight: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 has launched with a month-long programme on marine conservation, sustainable ocean livelihoods and blue economy opportunities, positioning Brunei’s ocean as both an environmental responsibility and a growth engine. Regional Travel Links: A strategic partnership was signed between Sarawak Tourism Board and Royal Brunei Airlines to strengthen accessibility and Sarawak’s “Gateway to Borneo” push. Culture & Community: Kampung Taee in Serian drew thousands for the Birarak Gawai Taee Parade 2026, with traditional food hospitality and performances boosting cultural tourism.

Cabinet & Succession: Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah announced a major cabinet reshuffle, creating new portfolios and appointing two younger sons as ministers—Prince Abdul Malik to the Prime Minister’s Office and Prince Abdul Mateen as foreign minister—signalling possible succession planning ahead of the Sultan’s diamond jubilee. Sports Tourism: Labuan kicks off its first-ever international 42km full marathon (June 6–7) with 3,372 runners registered from 16 countries, starting and finishing at Dataran Labuan, aiming to boost the duty-free island’s events calendar. Aviation & Careers: Royal Brunei Airlines welcomed 30 trainees under Cabin Crew Intake 151, its largest-ever cabin crew recruitment drive, with a two-year training programme. Blue Economy & Eco-Travel: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 launched at UBD, spotlighting marine conservation, sustainable ocean livelihoods and eco-tourism as part of a month-long programme. Regional Connectivity: Sarawak Tourism Board and Royal Brunei Airlines signed an MoU at ITB China 2026 to strengthen access and position Sarawak as the “Gateway to Borneo.” Tourism Demand Watch: UN Tourism reported international arrivals up 2% in Q1 2026, but Middle East arrivals fell 14% amid ongoing disruption—potentially shifting travel demand toward closer destinations.

Cabinet & Succession: Brunei’s Sultan announced a major cabinet reshuffle, creating new portfolios and appointing two younger sons as ministers—an apparent succession-planning move amid global energy pressure. Aviation & Careers: Royal Brunei Airlines welcomed 30 trainees for Cabin Crew Intake 151, its largest-ever cabin crew recruitment, with a structured two-year training programme. Blue Economy & Tourism: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 kicked off at UBD, spotlighting ocean sustainability, marine conservation, eco-tourism and blue economy opportunities for Brunei. Regional Connectivity: Sarawak Tourism Board and Royal Brunei Airlines signed an MoU at ITB China 2026 to strengthen access and boost Sarawak’s “Gateway to Borneo” visibility. Tourism Demand Watch: UN Tourism reported international arrivals up 2% in Q1 2026, but Middle East arrivals fell 14% after March disruption—likely affecting travel patterns and accommodation demand. Cross-border Health Tourism: Gleneagles Jerudong Park Medical Centre expanded its medical tourism push into East Kalimantan via partnerships with local hospitals.

Cabinet & Succession Watch: Brunei’s Sultan announced a major cabinet reshuffle, creating new ministerial portfolios and appointing two younger sons as ministers—an early sign of succession planning as the country navigates wider energy-market pressure. Aviation & Careers: Royal Brunei Airlines welcomed 30 new cabin crew trainees under Cabin Crew Intake 151, highlighting a structured two-year training programme and the airline’s push to grow its service talent. Blue Economy Tourism: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 kicked off with a month-long programme on marine conservation, community livelihoods and blue economy opportunities, positioning the ocean as both an environmental priority and a tourism-and-jobs driver. Regional Tourism Links: Sarawak Tourism Board and Royal Brunei Airlines signed an MoU to strengthen connectivity and boost Sarawak’s international tourism visibility as the “Gateway to Borneo.” Medical Tourism: Gleneagles Jerudong Park Medical Centre expanded its medical tourism outreach into East Kalimantan via partnerships with local institutions, aiming to deepen cross-border healthcare ties in Borneo. Culture & Festivities: Gawai Taee celebrations in Kampung Taee drew thousands of visitors with parades, traditional food hospitality and performances, reinforcing Brunei-region cultural tourism momentum.

Regional Air Access & Tourism Partnerships: Sarawak Tourism Board and Royal Brunei Airlines signed an MoU at ITB China 2026 to boost connectivity and lift Sarawak’s international tourism visibility, positioning the state as the “Gateway to Borneo.” Brunei-Linked Marine Agenda: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 launches 2 June at UBD, spotlighting “Ocean of Opportunities” and the blue economy, with Brunei’s maritime space tied to fisheries, coastal resilience and tourism potential. Cross-Border Medical Tourism: Gleneagles Jerudong Park Medical Centre expanded its medical tourism outreach into East Kalimantan via sessions with RS Parikesit and Bank Danamon, aiming to strengthen Borneo healthcare ties. Halal Travel Momentum in the Region: The Philippines pushes further as a Muslim-friendly destination, with halal-certified accommodation and dining, plus training for about 3,000 tourism frontliners. Events & Culture for Visitors: Kampung Taee in Serian drew thousands for the Birarak Gawai Taee Parade 2026, with traditional food and hospitality turning the celebration into a cultural tourism draw. Tourism Recovery Calendar: Malaysia’s Matta Fair plans to return in October with a stronger focus on tourism recovery, sustainable travel and the Visit Sabah Year 2027 campaign.

BIMP-EAGA & Connectivity: Sarawak Tourism Board and Royal Brunei Airlines signed an MoU at ITB China 2026 to strengthen access to Sarawak and position it as the “Gateway to Borneo,” underlining how airline links can boost cross-border travel. Blue Economy Spotlight: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 launches 2 June at UBD’s Pro Chancellor Arts Centre, focusing on ocean opportunities and the blue economy—linking marine health to tourism, fisheries, food security and future industries. Medical Tourism Link: Gleneagles Jerudong Park Medical Centre expanded its medical tourism push into East Kalimantan via partnerships with RS Parikesit and Bank Danamon, aiming to deepen Borneo healthcare ties. Regional Relocation Interest: A survey on Southeast Asians’ relocation preferences found Singapore is the top ASEAN choice for living or working, with strong interest reported from Brunei among others—useful context for regional travel demand. Halal Tourism Momentum: The Philippines highlighted its growing halal-friendly tourism ecosystem, while Davao hosts the 11th Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo (3–5 June) with a new Universal Halal Hub soft opening. International Tourism Outlook: UN Tourism reported international arrivals up 2% in Q1 2026, but noted Middle East arrivals fell 14% after March disruption—potentially shifting demand toward nearer destinations. Local Events for Visitors: Sarawak’s Nash Hash 5.0 in Sibu drew about 370 participants (including from Brunei) and was timed with Gawai Dayak to pull in visitors.

Borneo Connectivity Boost: Sarawak Tourism Board and Royal Brunei Airlines signed an MoU at ITB China 2026 to strengthen access to Sarawak and push it as the “Gateway to Borneo,” underlining how airline partnerships can lift destination visibility. Ocean Economy Spotlight: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 launches 2 June at UBD, focusing on “Ocean of Opportunities” and the blue economy—linking marine health to jobs, fisheries, tourism potential, food security and climate resilience. Medical Tourism Link-Up: Gleneagles Jerudong Park Medical Centre expanded its medical tourism outreach into East Kalimantan via sessions with RS Parikesit and Bank Danamon, aiming to deepen Brunei–Indonesia healthcare ties in Borneo. Halal Tourism Momentum (Region): The Philippines ramps up Muslim-friendly travel with more halal-certified stays and dining, plus training for tourism frontliners—positioning itself as a growing halal tourism hub. Global Travel Watch: UN Tourism reports international arrivals up 2% in Q1 2026, but Middle East arrivals fell 14% after March disruption, with uncertainty and higher fares nudging demand toward closer destinations. Live Events for Visitors (Sarawak): Miri’s tourism deputy minister urged more performers to bring shows to the city, pitching live comedy and entertainment as a tourism and business boost.

Global Tourism Watch: UN Tourism data shows international arrivals rose 2% in Q1 2026 to about 307 million, but the Middle East saw a 14% drop as March conflict disruptions hit flights, confidence, and even capacity—potentially nudging travellers toward closer destinations. Brunei Industry & Tourism Safety: Brunei’s Tourism Development Department, with Brunei Shell Petroleum, held an engagement session for licensed travel agencies and tourist guides on safe tour procedures and managing visitor movements in restricted areas. Borneo Medical Tourism: Gleneagles Jerudong Park Medical Centre expanded its medical tourism outreach into East Kalimantan via partnerships with RS Parikesit and Bank Danamon, highlighting cardiac case discussions and Brunei-based advanced services. Ocean Economy Spotlight: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 launches 2 June at UBD, focusing on “Ocean of Opportunities” and the blue economy’s links to jobs, fisheries, tourism potential, food security, and environmental protection. Regional Connectivity for Brunei Travellers: Sarawak Tourism Board and Royal Brunei Airlines signed an MoU at ITB China 2026 to strengthen connectivity and boost Sarawak’s international tourism presence. Halal Tourism Momentum (Regional): The Philippines is pushing harder as a Muslim-friendly destination, expanding halal-certified dining, accommodation recognition, prayer facilities, and frontliner training—an angle that may resonate with Brunei visitors planning regional trips. Travel Trade Push: Brunei is set to be spotlighted at Travel Meet Asia 2026 in Jakarta (23–24 June) as Official Partner Country, alongside the launch of Visit Brunei 2027.