Haze Emergency in Sarawak: In Serian, Sarawak’s API hit 521 on Sept 4, triggering a division-wide emergency and the closure of 647 schools, sending nearly 200,000 students home; the alert was lifted Sept 7 and Serian’s API eased to 302 the next day, while Indonesia said illegal land sales and arson linked to oil palm were behind the fires, with 72 arrests over 89 cases. Energy Security Debate: At APPEC 2026, officials warned that building more refineries or stockpiling oil won’t fix ASEAN supply security unless feedstock flexibility, logistics and regional coordination are in place, with Brunei’s Petroleum Authority stressing the whole supply chain from upstream to refined products. Regional Football Spotlight: FIFA confirmed the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 runs Sept 24–Oct 5 across Indonesia and Hong Kong, featuring 14 teams; Brunei is in Division 2, while Pakistan is drawn in Division 1 Group B with Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam. Tourism & Travel Update: Thailand will cut visa-free border stays from 60 to 30 days from Sept 15, though travellers can still apply for a one-time 30-day extension at immigration. Brunei in Education News: Brunei ranks among ASEAN’s top three in PISA Mathematics and Science.