ASEAN Centrality Push: Malaysia’s foreign minister said ASEAN centrality is a “privilege” that must hold firm as the international order fragments, with unity and peace-and-shared-prosperity goals front and centre for the bloc’s 59th anniversary. Timor-Leste Joins the Club: ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn flagged Timor-Leste’s accession as a major step toward a more inclusive, integrated community—an opening that matters for regional connectivity and trade. Telecoms Connectivity for Timor-Leste: Cabos de Timor-Leste has started commercial service on the Timor-Leste South Submarine Cable System, giving local operators a new international link beyond satellite and microwave, with government and operator testing already completed. Energy & Offshore Industry: Finder Energy says Timor-Leste’s Petrojarl I FPSO upgrade and relocation for the KTJ project is expected to enter a shipyard in early 2027 for months of life-extension and subsea interface work. Regional Security Cooperation: PNG’s PM says Timor-Leste could supply 200 defence personnel for a proposed multinational force to help secure and supervise PNG’s 2027 election, alongside partners including Vanuatu and Australia. Maritime Training Contract: Australia awarded TAFE Queensland a $36m contract to train Navy crews for Guardian-class patrol boats under its Pacific Maritime Security Programme, supporting wider maritime capability in the region. Culture & Tourism Signal: A travel feature says Timor-Leste’s tourism push is accelerating after joining ASEAN, with new hotels, sealed roads, and a major airport upgrade—plus a planned Dili convention centre as the country prepares for future ASEAN leadership.