Russia-ASEAN Summit (Kazan): Putin hosted ASEAN leaders to mark 35 years of ties, pushing cooperation in energy, agriculture, digitalization, science and technology, and tourism, with Kazan set to sign multiple documents. Brunei in the spotlight: Putin met Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah on the summit sidelines, highlighting growing trade and potential links in industry, agriculture and medicine. Energy security watch: A new IEA outlook warns Southeast Asia is exposed to Strait of Hormuz disruptions, with Middle East crude making up 60% of regional imports and shortages already hitting petrochemicals and cooking gas. Shell leadership move (Brunei Shell link): Shell named Elohor Aiboni—currently Asset Director at Brunei Shell Petroleum—as Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, effective 1 Aug 2026, succeeding Marno de Jong. Travel Meet Asia 2026: Jakarta’s B2B travel event runs 23–24 June with 20% more exhibition space and Brunei as Official Partner Country to support Visit Brunei 2027. Tech & mapping in the region: Boustead Singapore’s Esri Australia renewed a major ArcGIS GIS contract with Australia’s federal government (~S$60m), expanding use across Brunei and other markets. Agri-tech education: DepEd recognized Searca for agriculture-based learning, including agri-robotics training in schools. Conservation science: Studies link Indonesia’s Cyclone Senyar to major losses among critically endangered Tapanuli orangutans, underscoring climate-driven extreme weather risks.