AGP Executive Report

Transboundary Haze Diplomacy: A Malaysia-focused commentary argues ASEAN’s haze pact needs realistic implementation, with a stronger coalition of affected states (including Brunei and Singapore) and tougher transparency like shared satellite hotspot and concession data. Climate Resilience in ASEAN: Singapore’s Grace Fu says ASEAN should prioritise a regional power grid, climate finance, and resilience as the region faces rising energy costs and extreme weather pressures. Forest Fire Funding Push: A call for Indonesia to join a new US-led forest-fire fund (currently centred on South America) highlights how smoke from Indonesia is already affecting Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines. Brunei-Singapore Ties: Brunei Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah wrapped up a Singapore visit with leaders, discussing deeper cooperation as the “global environment” grows more uncertain. Tourism & Nature: India’s Arunachal Pradesh will host the 14th International Tourism Mart in Tawang (Oct 29–31), pitching the region’s natural beauty and adventure tourism. Built-Environment Cooling: A roundup spotlights lower-carbon cooling tiles, cooling fabrics, and concrete innovations aimed at cutting emissions from heat and construction.

Transboundary Haze Diplomacy: A commentary argues Malaysia’s leverage on East Malaysia’s haze is limited by sovereignty and ASEAN’s non-interference rules, but says Malaysia can still push for a stronger, practical approach—especially by regionalising the problem and demanding transparent sharing of satellite hotspot data, concession details, and enforcement actions. Climate & Resilience Priorities: Singapore’s Grace Fu says ASEAN should build a regional power grid, scale climate finance, and boost resilience as extreme weather and energy shocks hit livelihoods and household bills. Brunei-Singapore Ties: Brunei Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah wrapped up a Singapore visit with leaders, discussing deeper cooperation and reaffirming the “special relationship,” including the upcoming 60th Currency Interchangeability Agreement anniversary. Tourism & Nature (Brunei-relevant): A feature on bogs highlights peat-rich wetlands as climate protectors and biodiversity hotspots, with a spotlight on Brunei’s peat swamp sounds and life. Regional Environment Pressure: Vietnam’s fishers face rising costs and declining catches amid a fuel crisis, with fishing activity down nearly 19% year-on-year in early 2026.

Climate & Resilience: ASEAN leaders are being urged to prioritise a regional power grid, more climate finance, and stronger resilience as extreme weather and energy-price shocks hit daily life, with a new Southeast Asia climate outlook survey showing people’s top worries remain jobs and recession alongside climate impacts. Wildfire & Land Use: A report on wildfires choking Indonesian Borneo links deadly peatland fires to years of land clearing for cash crops, with smoke reaching neighbouring countries including Brunei and Malaysia. Brunei–Singapore Cooperation: Brunei Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah wrapped up a five-day Singapore visit, meeting top leaders and touring the Oceanarium and Punggol Digital District, with discussions including digital and green economy cooperation. Energy Transition Context: A separate regional climate transition piece warns Southeast Asia is heading into a critical phase as it balances rising energy demand with intensifying climate risks. Sustainable Tourism (Regional): India’s Arunachal Pradesh will host the 14th International Tourism Mart in Tawang (Oct 29–31), inviting Brunei and other regional partners and pitching the area’s natural beauty and adventure tourism with a sustainability angle. Local Environment Feature: A nature story highlights Brunei’s peat swamp “bog” ecosystems as living habitats that store carbon and support rich wildlife.

Brunei-Singapore Ties: Brunei Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah wrapped up a five-day Singapore visit, touring the Oceanarium and Punggol Digital District and meeting leaders including PM Lawrence Wong, with both sides highlighting cooperation in areas like the green economy and food security. Wildfire Pressure in Borneo: A report on Indonesian Borneo describes deadly peatland fires driven by land clearing for cash crops, with smoke affecting neighbouring countries including Brunei and Malaysia—raising calls for faster fire detection and stronger support for forest protection. Climate Finance & Resilience: Singapore’s Grace Fu urged ASEAN to prioritise a regional power grid, more climate finance, and resilience planning as the region faces rising extreme weather and energy-price shocks. ASEAN Digital Trust: ASEAN’s push for a borderless digital future under the DEFA framework is met with concerns from civil society about what it means for everyday digital rights. Energy & Emissions Awareness: A Southeast Asia climate outlook survey shows people are worried about crises and extreme weather while still backing the climate transition.

Wildfire smoke and peatland loss in Borneo: A report from Indonesian Borneo describes how fast-moving fires near Pontianak were worsened by drought and years of land clearing for cash crops, with residents fighting flames using basic tools and digging for groundwater as smoke spread across borders, including to Brunei and Malaysia. ASEAN climate priorities: Singapore’s Grace Fu says ASEAN should build a regional power grid, scale climate finance, and boost resilience as extreme weather and energy shocks hit livelihoods and household bills. Southeast Asia climate transition survey: A regional outlook survey finds people worried about jobs and recession, but still backing the climate transition amid rising disaster risks as the world heads toward (or past) 1.5°C warming. Brunei-Singapore ties with a green angle: Brunei Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah’s Singapore visit highlighted cooperation in areas including the digital and green economies, alongside finance and food security. South China Sea cooperation: Indonesia urges ASEAN members to keep confidence-building marine and coastal environment working groups active to prevent tensions. Tourism and sustainability link: India’s Tawang International Tourism Mart (Oct 29–31) invites Brunei and other countries, pitching North East India’s natural beauty and “sustainable and inclusive” tourism growth.

ASEAN climate push: Singapore’s Grace Fu says ASEAN should prioritise a regional power grid, climate finance and resilience as extreme weather and energy shocks hit livelihoods. Regional wildfire pressure: A call to expand a US-led forest-fire fund highlights how Indonesian Borneo fires are spilling smoke into Brunei and neighbours, with land clearing blamed for worsening peatland blazes. Brunei-Singapore ties: Brunei Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah wraps up a five-day Singapore visit, touring the Oceanarium and Punggol Digital District, with leaders stressing cooperation amid a more uncertain global environment. South China Sea cooperation: Indonesia urges countries to keep working through marine and coastal environment working groups to reduce tensions, backing practical confidence-building projects. Tourism & nature: India’s Tawang International Tourism Mart (Oct 29–31) spotlights natural and cultural attractions, while a separate feature on bogs spotlights peat-rich wetlands as vital climate habitats. Green economy signals: Schneider Electric reports Singapore firms ramping up sustainability and energy resilience spending—relevant for Brunei as the region plans for cleaner, steadier power.

ASEAN climate priorities: Singapore’s Grace Fu says ASEAN should focus on a regional power grid, climate finance and resilience as the 2026 Southeast Asia Climate Outlook survey shows people’s top worries are jobs and recession alongside climate and extreme weather. Wildfires and haze pressure: Indonesia’s forest and peat fires are again spilling smoke across the region, with calls for faster fire detection and more support for firefighting—while Malaysia even cancelled the Kuching Marathon due to unhealthy air. Biodiversity protection at sea: Six countries, including Brunei, ratified the High Seas Treaty, pushing membership toward entry into force and setting up the first marine protected area decisions in 2027. Brunei-Singapore ties with a green angle: Brunei’s Crown Prince met Singapore leaders during the Young Leaders’ Programme, with discussions including the digital and green economies. Cooling and lower-carbon building ideas: A roundup highlights elephant-inspired cooling tiles, cooling fabrics, and new approaches to cutting concrete and embodied emissions. Energy resilience push: A Schneider Electric report says Singapore businesses plan to raise sustainability spending to boost energy resilience.

Transboundary Haze: Malaysia cancelled the Kuching Marathon as smoke from Indonesia’s forest and peatland fires pushed air pollutant readings into unhealthy levels, while the government mulls a special law to tackle haze using Singapore’s approach. Wildfires & Biodiversity: Reports from Indonesian Borneo describe how drought and land clearing for timber and palm oil fuel peatland fires, with haze affecting Brunei and neighbours; conservation teams also highlight the pressure on critically endangered orangutans as forests shrink. Regional Climate Action: Singapore’s Grace Fu says ASEAN should prioritise a regional power grid, climate finance and resilience, as the 2026 Southeast Asia Climate Outlook survey shows people worried about extreme weather alongside jobs and recession. Ocean Protection: The High Seas Treaty hit 100 ratifications after Germany, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe, Canada, Australia and Brunei joined, moving the world toward January 2027 rules for protecting biodiversity beyond national waters. Local Green Economy: Brunei’s MG HS PHEV launch adds an electrified SUV option, touting up to 120km electric range and low fuel use.

ASEAN Climate Priorities: Singapore’s Grace Fu says ASEAN should push a regional power grid, climate finance and resilience as the 2026 Southeast Asia Climate Outlook Survey shows people’s top worries are jobs and recession alongside climate and extreme weather. Wildfire & Haze Fallout: Indonesia’s Borneo wildfires are choking the region with toxic smoke reaching Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines, while Malaysia cancels the Kuching Marathon and mulls new transboundary haze law. Regional Fire Response Funding: A new US-led forest firefighting fund is limited to South America, and Indonesia is urged to seek a seat so its forests aren’t left out. Biodiversity Protection at Sea: The High Seas Treaty hits 100 ratifications after Germany, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe, Canada, Australia and Brunei join, moving toward the first Conference of the Parties in January 2027. Brunei-Singapore Ties: Brunei’s Crown Prince meets Singapore leaders, with discussions including the digital and green economies and food security. Cleaner Transport Signals: Pos Malaysia reports scaling EV deliveries, while Brunei’s MG HS PHEV launch adds an electrified SUV option for local drivers.

Transboundary haze push: Malaysia is drafting new legislation to tackle cross-border haze, studying Singapore’s Transboundary Haze Pollution Act model and setting up a special committee to strengthen enforcement, with plans to review via ASEAN channels. High Seas protection milestone: The High Seas Treaty reached 100 ratifying parties after Germany, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe, Canada, Australia and Brunei deposited instruments, moving toward the first Conference of the Parties in January 2027 to set marine protected area rules. Wildfire funding gap spotlight: A new UN-linked $100m firefighting fund announced for South America excludes Southeast Asia, drawing renewed calls for Indonesia and the region to secure support as toxic haze from major fires continues to affect neighbours including Brunei. Brunei-Singapore ties: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah met Singapore leaders during the Young Leaders’ Programme, with both sides pointing to cooperation in areas including the digital and green economies. Green transport in the region: Pos Malaysia says it now runs 1,585 EVs and delivers one in three parcels by electric vehicles, targeting 100% green deliveries by 2030.

Wildfires & haze: A new push for forest-fire support is being debated after a US-led $100m firefighting fund was announced for South America only, leaving Southeast Asia — including Indonesia and Brunei — out, as Indonesia’s fires continue to choke the region with toxic smoke. Regional response: Malaysia cancelled the Kuching Marathon due to unhealthy haze levels and is considering a special law to tackle transboundary haze, while Indonesia explores using Comac C909 jets to drop environmentally friendly fire retardants. Biodiversity protection: The High Seas Treaty hit 100 ratifications after Germany, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe, Canada, Australia and Brunei deposited instruments, bringing the world closer to protecting ocean life beyond national waters. Local climate action & transport: Pos Malaysia says one in three parcels is now delivered by EV, cutting thousands of tonnes of CO2e since 2023, and targeting 100% green deliveries by 2030. Brunei-Singapore ties: Brunei’s Crown Prince met Singapore leaders during the Young Leaders’ Programme, with discussions including the green economy and food security.

Transboundary haze & wildfire response: A UN-backed push for a new US$100m forest-fire fund is drawing criticism for excluding Southeast Asia, even as Indonesia’s fires keep choking the region’s air, including Brunei and Malaysia. Malaysia has also cancelled the Kuching Marathon due to unhealthy haze and is mulling a dedicated transboundary haze law, looking at Singapore’s approach. Biodiversity under pressure: Reporting from Indonesian Borneo highlights how orangutans are being pushed to the brink as forests disappear, while local communities battle fast-moving fires linked to land clearing. Ocean protection milestone: The High Seas Treaty reached 100 ratifications after Germany, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe, Canada, Australia and Brunei deposited instruments, moving the world closer to protecting biodiversity beyond national waters. Local green economy signals: Brunei’s Crown Prince is in Singapore for the Young Leaders’ Programme, with talks touching on shared interests including the digital and green economies. Clean transport momentum (region): Pos Malaysia says one in three parcels is now delivered by EV, cutting thousands of tonnes of CO2e since 2023.

Forest Fires & Haze: A new US$100m firefighting fund announced at the UN will support only South America’s forests, leaving Southeast Asia—and Indonesia—out. Local groups say Indonesia should push to join, as fires from January to July burned over 202,000 hectares plus another 95,000 in July, sending toxic smoke across Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines. Transboundary Haze Law: Malaysia is drafting a specific haze act after Sarawak’s Kuching Marathon was cancelled due to unhealthy air readings, while Malaysia says it will review Singapore’s approach and bring proposals to an ASEAN meeting later this year. High Seas Protection: The High Seas Treaty hit 100 ratifying parties after Germany, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe, Canada, Australia and Brunei deposited instruments—bringing the world closer to protecting biodiversity beyond national waters. Brunei-Singapore Green Links: Brunei’s crown prince is in Singapore for the Young Leaders’ Programme, with talks expected to cover the digital and green economies. EV Momentum in the Region: Pos Malaysia says one in three parcels is now delivered by EV, cutting thousands of tonnes of CO₂e since 2023.

Transboundary Haze: Malaysia cancelled the Kuching Marathon after unhealthy air readings from Indonesia’s forest and peat fires blanketed Sarawak, with the government also mulling a special law to tackle cross-border haze. Wildfires & Health: Indonesia’s worst fire season continues, with toxic smoke disrupting flights and schools across the region, while officials say firefighting is hampered by vast peatland fires and dwindling water sources. High Seas Biodiversity: The High Seas Treaty hit 100 ratifications after Germany, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe, Canada, Australia and Brunei deposited instruments, moving the world toward the first 2027 conference to set marine protection rules. Brunei-Singapore Green Links: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah is in Singapore for the Young Leaders’ Programme, with talks flagged for the digital and green economies, food security and defence. Local EV Push: MG HS PHEV launched in Brunei, adding a plug-in hybrid SUV option with up to 120km electric range. Energy Resilience (Region): A Schneider Electric report says Singapore businesses plan to boost sustainability spending, with energy resilience a top priority. Orangutan Under Pressure: Reporting from Sebangau National Park highlights how Borneo’s orangutans are pushed to the brink as forests disappear.

Transboundary Haze & Wildfires: Indonesia’s worst fire season continues to choke the region, with toxic smoke disrupting daily life and health across Malaysia and Singapore, while Indonesia deploys aircraft and thousands of personnel to tackle peatland blazes that are hard to extinguish. Accountability Push: Indigenous and civil groups in West Kalimantan have filed a class-action lawsuit against the government, alleging failures to prevent and manage the fires. Regional Response: Malaysia has cancelled the Kuching Marathon due to unhealthy air readings and is drafting new legislation to tackle transboundary haze, looking at Singapore’s legal approach. Biodiversity Under Pressure: As Borneo’s forests disappear, orangutans are being pushed to the brink, even as researchers monitor critically endangered populations inside protected areas. Ocean Protection Milestone: The High Seas Treaty reached 100 ratifying parties after Germany, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe, Canada, Australia and Brunei deposited instruments, moving the world closer to stronger biodiversity safeguards beyond national waters. Local Green Tech: Pos Malaysia says one in three parcels is now delivered by EV, cutting emissions since 2023 and targeting 100% green deliveries by 2030. Brunei-Singapore Green Link: Brunei’s Crown Prince is visiting Singapore for the Young Leaders’ Programme, with discussions including the digital and green economies. Energy Resilience in the Region: A Schneider Electric report says Singapore businesses plan to raise sustainability spending, with energy resilience a top priority.

Energy & Resilience: A Schneider Electric report says 94% of Singapore businesses plan to raise sustainability spending in the next 12 months, with energy resilience now a top priority—an approach Brunei can watch closely as regional demand for cleaner, steadier power grows. Wildfire & Haze Impacts: Indonesian Borneo’s wildfires are choking communities and spreading toxic smoke across borders, with haze disrupting daily life and health in the wider region, including Brunei and Malaysia. Transboundary Haze Law: Malaysia is considering a special law to tackle cross-border haze, studying Singapore’s Transboundary Haze Pollution Act model and setting up a committee to strengthen enforcement. Biodiversity Under Pressure: New reporting from Borneo highlights orangutans pushed to the brink as forests disappear, while conservation teams continue monitoring in protected areas. Ocean Protection Milestone: The High Seas Treaty hit 100 parties after ratifications including Brunei, moving the world closer to protecting biodiversity beyond national waters. Green Mobility in Brunei: MG HS PHEV has debuted in Brunei, offering an electrified SUV option with a claimed up to 120km electric range. Electric Logistics in the region: Pos Malaysia says one in three parcels is now delivered by EV, scaling electric motorcycles and vans to cut emissions.