Convention Push: Timor-Leste has broken ground on a new International Convention Centre in Dili’s old port precinct, with a main hall plus conference rooms, auditoriums and exhibition space, and “tourism add-ons” like a promenade, aquarium, Ferris wheel and retail zone—aimed at boosting events ahead of the 2029 ASEAN Chairmanship. ASEAN Backing: ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn attended and framed the project as a platform for dialogue, investment and regional cooperation as Timor-Leste advances full integration. Regional Labor Links: In nearby Pacific news, Australia-based employers are in PNG for the Palm Labour Mobility Expo to deepen hiring partnerships—an indirect reminder of how regional workforce programs keep shaping business planning. Energy Context (for operators): Over the past week, power costs and reliability concerns have been a recurring theme in the region, with rising electricity charges and “yellow/red” grid alerts affecting planning for businesses and households.