ASEAN–China Diplomacy: Lawmakers from nine Southeast Asian countries, including Brunei, wrapped up a week in Hainan after site inspections spanning fisheries innovation, rural governance, and a near-zero carbon zone, with talks focused on environmental protection, agricultural modernization, digital economy growth, and Belt and Road ties. Brunei–Malaysia Tech & Research Links: Brunei and Malaysia co-chaired the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation in Bandar Seri Begawan, agreeing to push border work (about half surveyed/demarcated) and prioritise smuggling and search-and-rescue via better information-sharing, while also advancing energy, tourism, agriculture, and rice cultivation plus research on streamlining checkpoints. Brunei Energy Operations: SLB won BSP’s contract to restore production from shut-in offshore wells, covering subsurface evaluation, well selection, engineering, intervention services, monitoring, metering, and marine logistics under one coordinated execution model. Food Tech in Brunei: Brunei launched a one-year expert advisory programme with China to strengthen rice breeding and hybrid seed production, including plans for a hybrid rice research centre and wider adoption of hybrid rice technology. Regional Security Tech: Satellite imagery reports point to new radar/early-warning style installations on Yagong Island near Antelope Reef in the South China Sea, adding to concerns about China’s expanding military infrastructure. Maritime Industry Watch: A Brunei shipowner warns that imposing international maritime requirements too quickly could stifle the country’s still-young shipowning sector, citing finance and senior seafarer shortages.