Transboundary Haze Crisis: Indonesia’s Borneo wildfires are driving hazardous smoke across the region, with officials warning September is the peak as El Niño deepens drought; air quality has hit “very unhealthy” to “hazardous” levels in parts of the Philippines and Borneo, prompting school disruptions and health advisories. Regional Policy & Cooperation: Malaysia is pushing for science diplomacy and a sustainable haze fund to strengthen ASEAN’s transboundary haze efforts, while Malaysia also signals it will host the next ministerial meeting in Sabah. Visa Rules in Focus: Thailand has formally cut visa-free stays for many nationalities from 60 to 30 days from 15 September, with Brunei citizens among those retaining 60 days. Brunei Finance & Education: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank launched National Financial Literacy Day (NFLD) 2026, aiming to improve financial habits and digital financial literacy. Sports (Brunei Connection): Manila Digger FC will face Brunei’s Kasuka FC in an ASEAN Club Championship playoff, with the winner earning a Group Stage spot. Trade & Business: Sabah is positioning itself as a Borneo business gateway, linking investors and local firms to BIMP-EAGA, ASEAN and global markets.