Airport Upgrade Watch: Timor-Leste’s Council of Ministers heard progress on modernising President Nicolau Lobato International Airport with ADB, JICA and Australia’s AIFFP—runway, terminal and control facilities, with phased completion targeted by 2028. Energy & Gas Risk: SundaGas faces a regulatory setback after missing the Chuditch-2 appraisal drilling deadline; it now has 120 days to respond to the upstream regulator or risk termination of the PSC. Digital Economy Push: Timor-Leste is seeking Malaysia’s help to secure an official Google/YouTube presence, aiming to unlock monetisation for local creators and boost the creative economy. Regional Trade Diplomacy: At the Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan, leaders including East Timor backed expanded cooperation through 2030, with Russia urging more trade using national currencies. Cybersecurity Alert: Interpol reports a dramatic rise in cybercrime across Asia and the South Pacific, warning that uneven cybersecurity capacity leaves smaller states more exposed. Media Welfare & Integrity: While focused on Malaysia, HAWANA 2026 highlighted regional attention to media ethics and support funds—an angle relevant to East Timor’s own media sustainability conversations.