ASEAN Expansion & Unity: ASEAN marked its 59th anniversary with renewed calls for unity and stronger cooperation as the bloc welcomes Timor-Leste as its newest member, with leaders stressing people-first outcomes amid geopolitical, economic and climate pressures. ASEAN-India Connectivity: India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar used ASEAN Day to reaffirm deeper India-ASEAN ties across connectivity, trade, digital links, resilient supply chains and defence, with ASEAN colours projected on New Delhi’s Qutub Minar. Timor-Leste Digital Leap: Cabos de Timor-Leste has commercially opened the Timor-Leste South Submarine Cable System, giving the country its first international subsea connection for customers and reducing reliance on older satellite and microwave links. Greater Sunrise Talks: Timor-Leste’s government met Woodside to discuss the Greater Sunrise project and how it can support long-term economic development. Cybersecurity Push: The Prime Minister ordered creation of an Interministerial Committee on Cybersecurity and Digitalisation of State Services to coordinate policy across key agencies. Labour Mobility Watch: A Council of Ministers briefing highlighted PALM’s role for jobs and skills, while also flagging ongoing challenges in protecting workers’ rights and improving coordination. Regional Trade Links: Qatar-ASEAN ties were described as accelerating, with trade nearing $15bn and new cooperation areas including energy, fintech and digital innovation. Pacific Connectivity Funding: Australia said it helped connect all Pacific Islands Forum members to global undersea cable networks, including support for Timor-Leste.