Trade & Investment Diplomacy: New Zealand’s Todd McClay is set to outline next steps on a proposed trade deal with Switzerland as Auckland hosts the Future of Investment and Trade (FIT) Partnership ministerial meeting, bringing together 16 member economies including Brunei, Singapore and Switzerland to cut barriers and make cross-border trade rules easier. Bilateral Ties (Brunei–Singapore): Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong visited Brunei to reaffirm strengthening ties with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, highlighting the 50th anniversary of defence ties and the 60th anniversary of the Brunei–Singapore Currency Interchangeability Agreement. Energy Connectivity (Sarawak–Brunei): Sarawak and Brunei said negotiations are progressing on a cross-border electricity interconnection aimed at boosting energy security and supply resilience. FMCG Expansion (Brunei-linked distribution): Malaysia’s Life Water’s proposed acquisition of Sabah staple-food firms was framed as a move into FMCG, with existing distribution reaching Sabah, Labuan, Sarawak and Brunei. Maritime & Trade Risk: India reiterated South China Sea disputes must be resolved peacefully under UNCLOS, while China again rejected the 2016 arbitration—an ongoing backdrop for regional shipping and commerce. People & Markets: Lighthouse Canton appointed a wealth management managing director in Singapore to expand across Southeast Asia, including Brunei, targeting $10b AUM by 2027.