Regional Border Tech & Security: Indonesia and Australia agreed to strengthen ASEAN-Australia border security via closer intelligence sharing, immigration coordination and cybersecurity, with upgraded frontline standards and facilities; Brunei citizens already use Australia’s SmartGate. STI Policy for ASEAN: Malaysia urged a more integrated, mission-driven ASEAN science, technology and innovation ecosystem to tackle energy transition, food security, public health and climate resilience, including better startup and innovation platform links. Severe Haze Warning: Singapore’s think-tank issued a rare “red” risk for severe transboundary haze in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, with peak danger expected Aug–Sep as El Niño returns and costs may push land-clearing toward fire. Brunei Digital Aviation: Royal Brunei Airlines went live with AMOSmobile/EXEC from Swiss-AS, enabling technicians to execute and document maintenance digitally to cut paper workflows. Energy Grid Links (ASEAN): The Philippines is exploring power interconnection with Indonesia under the ASEAN Power Grid, with next steps expected to include links involving Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Green Industry Push (Johor): Johor aims to build a green manufacturing hub through the Johor-Singapore SEZ, targeting circular economy and sustainable industrial integration. Commonwealth Youth & Agri-Tech: Uganda’s Shifra Ainomugisha won Commonwealth Young Person of the Year for climate-smart, AI-driven solar cold storage and irrigation that cuts post-harvest losses.