AI Geopolitics: A panel in Jakarta warned that Indonesia and ASEAN must tread carefully as US and China use competing AI initiatives to expand influence, from chip access and supply chains to member capacity-building. Underwater Defence Tech: Satellite images point to China building a “mothership” designed to launch extra-extra-large autonomous submarine drones, potentially carrying at least four for long-range operations. Brunei Tech & Tourism: Dynamik Technologies Sdn Bhd won a Brunei Technology Excellence Award for its AI tourism platform “Nakhoda,” which offers personalised trip planning and booking while keeping sensitive data within Brunei. Cyber Resilience in Brunei: Brunei Cyber Security Conference (CySec 2026) launched to strengthen protection of critical infrastructure, building on the Cyber Security Order/Act and national strategy. Energy & Climate (Methane): Nigeria LNG urged the gas industry to treat methane reduction as a revenue opportunity, citing measurement-led leak prevention and gas recovery projects. ASEAN Trade & Tech: The 23rd China-ASEAN Expo opened in Nanning with a push toward high-value and high-tech offerings, including Brunei’s AI companies. Haze & Health: Indonesia’s worst wildfires in 11 years are driving hazardous transboundary haze across Southeast Asia, disrupting daily life and outdoor activity. Local Skills: Brunei will send competitors to the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai in cooking, network systems administration, and mechanical engineering. Digital Finance: Datastream Digital Sdn Bhd (DST) won Best Fintech Company Brunei Darussalam 2026 for expanding its MyDST SuperApp and integrated digital payments.