ASEAN Peacebuilding & Leadership: Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta told an ERIA lecture in Jakarta that reconciliation and dialogue—not confrontation—are the keys to regional stability, pointing to Timor-Leste’s own reconciliation experience and readiness to contribute to ASEAN integration. ASEAN Integration Push: Ramos-Horta said full ASEAN membership is already speeding up infrastructure and investment, while Timor-Leste works to align laws with ASEAN rules ahead of its 2029 rotating chair. Digital Governance & Fraud Control: Timor-Leste launched verify.gov.tl, a Cambodian-supported portal to verify driver’s licenses and transport documents online, aiming to cut forged credentials and reduce licensing costs. Regional Diplomacy (Prime Minister): Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão is set to visit Vietnam and attend the 3rd ASEAN Future Forum (June 7–10). Housing Access Debate: A Philippine lawmaker urged government housing programs to prioritize truly accessible homes for the poorest families, not just construction numbers.