Brunei Defence Update: The Royal Brunei Air Force is weighing new capabilities as regional tensions and disruptive technologies reshape risk, with plans discussed around medium-range ground-based air defence and fast-jet combat aircraft, alongside recent fleet upgrades like the C295W delivery and helicopter replacements. Regional Diplomacy: Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah is in Singapore for a five-day Young Leaders’ Programme visit, co-chairing the 12th edition and meeting leaders while touring sites tied to digital, green, defence and biodiversity research. EV & Local Industry: MG HS PHEV has debuted in Brunei at the Borneo Kustom Show, bringing a plug-in hybrid SUV with up to 120km electric range and low fuel consumption claims. Maritime Security Tech: ReCAAP ISC and Brunei’s police wrapped a four-day cluster meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan, focusing on early detection, digital port security, and using AI for counter-piracy and cross-border operations. Health & Environment (Haze): Malaysia is drafting a special approach to tackle transboundary haze, as wildfire smoke continues to disrupt daily life across the region. Cybersecurity: Reports say Chinese hacking groups reused the same advanced tool across campaigns targeting US aerospace, NGOs, mining and commodity firms. Space & Research: ESA and ISRO extended cooperation for human and robotic exploration, space weather and orbital sustainability, with Europe formally added to human spaceflight planning. Global Ocean Protection: Six countries, including Brunei, ratified the High Seas Treaty, pushing membership toward entry into force and setting up future marine protected area decisions. AI in Drug R&D: Eli Lilly is paying $100m to start a multi-drug research pact with InnoCare Pharma in Beijing, using proprietary discovery tech to pursue up to five targets. ASEAN GeoAI: Malaysia’s teams dominated ASEAN GeoAI Fusion 2026, with Brunei placing in the top five—showing growing regional momentum in AI and geospatial solutions.