Brunei-Tech & Security: A foreign national wanted by Brunei for alleged ATM skimming was arrested at Miri Airport after joint Malaysia–Brunei intelligence work, with police urging the public to check for tampering before using ATMs. ASEAN Tech Diplomacy: India’s EAM S. Jaishankar met Brunei’s FM Prince Abdul Mateen in Manila, discussing expanding cooperation in AI, drones and digital technologies under ASEAN frameworks. Regional Cyber/Maritime Resilience: Jaishankar also pushed “zero tolerance” against terrorism and called for stronger maritime security plus disaster resilience, cyber security and emerging tech at the ASEAN Regional Forum. AI Geopolitics: Xi Jinping used a major AI speech to frame AI as an “international public good,” stressing open-source development and lower-cost access—aimed at shaping how China is seen in global AI. Trade & Chips Flashpoint: China staged live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned against actions that disrupt trade and travel through key waterways. Robotics Deal (ASEAN): Nanta Tech signed an MoU with GM Biovalley to introduce and commercialise robotics and automation solutions across Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore, with plans to build a regional deployment and support hub. Local Tech Show: A drone show launched in Belait as part of a nationwide Imagine Drone Show Tour, partnering with the Chinese Embassy and Hengyi Industries. Halal Tech & Standards: A halal industry voice argued ASEAN’s authenticity advantage is being sold in “separate packages,” while differing certification standards force costly re-audits. Health Tech (Wellness Awareness): Guardian Malaysia launched a campaign to help women spot early perimenopause signs, highlighting how symptoms are often misattributed and support can be lacking.