South China Sea Tensions: The Philippine Coast Guard says a Chinese vessel deliberately rammed its fisheries ship near Sabina Shoal, while China counters that the Philippine side provoked the incident—both sides blame each other as the standoff continues. AI Rivalry in ASEAN: A Jakarta panel warns Southeast Asia must carefully manage AI rollouts as US and China-backed initiatives compete for influence, chips access and regional capacity. Trade & Connectivity Push: Philippines Vice President Sara Duterte urged investors to turn Mindanao–Borneo links into real business, saying infrastructure only matters when traders and communities can use it. CAEXPO Showcase: Vietnam’s An Giang and Brunei’s Bandar Seri Begawan are among destinations picked for the “Charming Cities” area at the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo, highlighting products, investment and tourism. Wildlife Trafficking Alert: Five baby orangutans found in India have raised alarms over a growing exotic pet trade, with Indonesia seeking their return. Brunei Tourism Tech: Dynamik Technologies Sdn Bhd won an AI–Tourism award for Nakhoda, a digital trip-planning platform supporting Visit Brunei Year 2027. Haze Compliance Update: Indonesia says it remains fully compliant with ASEAN haze protocols, despite smoke affecting Brunei and neighbours. Sports Note: Indonesia’s Jay Idzes will miss the FIFA ASEAN Cup due to a thigh injury.