Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan: Russian President Vladimir Putin is hosting ASEAN leaders in Kazan for the 35th anniversary of Russia-ASEAN ties, with the main day focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy, security and food security, and several documents expected to be adopted. Brunei-Russia Business Link: On the sidelines, Putin met Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, saying Russia-Brunei trade turnover has edged toward US$1 billion, with energy as the key pillar and potential in industry, agriculture and medicine. Shell Leadership Move (Brunei Shell ties): Shell named Elohor Aiboni—currently an asset director at Brunei Shell Petroleum—as Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, effective 1 Aug 2026, succeeding Marno de Jong. Regional Trade & Investment Signals: Indonesia expects to double trade with Russia to US$10b per year, while the Philippines is pushing double tax treaty updates (Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong) to attract more FDI. Energy & Trade Risk Watch: Germany’s Steinmeier warned that rising tensions in the South China Sea could threaten freedom of navigation and disrupt global trade, echoing how the Strait of Hormuz crisis lifted costs. Local Business Angle (Brunei-relevant region): Singapore’s rice stockpiling scheme is driving upgrades at Tong Seng Produce, a reminder that food supply resilience is becoming a bigger operational priority across ASEAN.