Presidential social push: President José Ramos-Horta says he’s acting on “conscience” despite housing and social action not being strictly within the Presidency, citing 39 houses built and direct support to 10,747 families, 1,653 people with disabilities, and 17,425 beneficiaries of the “Rai Mor” social therapy, plus backing for orphanages, micro-businesses, cultural groups, students and sports groups through 16 donors. Women’s education boost: The UAE has started construction of a female student residence in Aitarak-Laran, funded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and UAE Aid, to house 300 low-income university students, with plans for a clinic, study rooms, cafeteria and other services. ASEAN 2029 readiness: Timor-Leste launched the International Convention Centre project to prepare for hosting the ASEAN Summit in 2029, positioning the ICC as a regional-integration and infrastructure milestone after ASEAN membership in 2025. National Day diplomacy: Messages of congratulations marked Timor-Leste’s 24th Independence Restoration anniversary, including from the Sahrawi Republic’s POLISARIO leadership and the U.S. Secretary of State.