ASEAN Breakthrough: Timor-Leste took part for the first time as a full member of ASEAN at the ASEAN–Australia Forum, marking a new step in its regional push. Regional Resilience: The UN is urging countries in the region—including Timor-Leste—to prepare for El Niño, warning that drought, food insecurity and health risks can return even when forecasts are still uncertain. Maritime Cooperation: India’s IOS Sagar (with a 16-nation crew including Timor-Leste) is in Colombo as part of “Bridges of Friendship,” underscoring shared security concerns across the Indian Ocean. Health & Research: Ochsner’s pediatric cardiologist Dr. Craig Sable is named a principal investigator in a $15M American Heart Association initiative, with Timor-Leste among international partners tackling rheumatic heart disease. Local Watch: Cebu City’s anti-mendicancy crackdown over a detained harmonica player is still sparking backlash and follow-up welfare checks.