Regional Security & Naval Drills: RIMPAC returned to Hawaii with what commanders call the largest iteration yet, bringing 30 countries including Brunei into a major readiness exercise. Energy Investment & Policy: Indonesia’s stakeholders urged clearer, longer-term energy policies to unlock US$200b in annual ASEAN energy investment, warning that geopolitics and short-term defences are slowing the clean transition. Transboundary Haze Alert: A Singapore think tank issued a rare “red” risk rating for severe haze in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, with El Niño-driven dry weather and biofuel pressures expected to peak around August–September. ASEAN Power Grid Push: The Philippines is exploring power links with Indonesia under the ASEAN Power Grid, with Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines flagged for later phases. Brunei Tech in Aviation Maintenance: Royal Brunei Airlines went live with AMOSmobile/EXEC, moving aircraft maintenance execution and documentation toward a paperless workflow. Local Food Innovation: UniSZA students in Malaysia launched 10 new pumpkin and chilli-based food products, including frozen yoghurt, as part of a new food product programme. Science & Strategy in Disputed Seas: Reports say China’s turtle and marine research around Scarborough Shoal can also serve broader strategic goals by normalising presence in contested waters. Trade Talks Watch: India and the US began high-level talks to recalibrate a bilateral trade deal amid shifting US tariff policy, aiming for an interim pact before July 24.