Gold & refining capacity: Malaysia Gold Association expects gold to stay range-bound at about US$4,000–US$5,000/oz over the next 1–2 years, with prices around US$4,350, while interest-rate moves in the US and Japan will steer demand. Cyber security readiness: Malaysia leads ASEAN on post-quantum cryptography (PQC) migration readiness (Tier 1); Brunei is placed in Tier 2, with the Philippines in Tier 3, under an ASEAN-10 assessment tied to government critical-infrastructure protection. Halal discovery on delivery apps: Grab Philippines and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos are rolling out a pilot to make Halal-certified and Muslim-owned restaurant discovery easier on GrabFood, including merchant vetting and logo tagging. Tourism & travel policy shifts: Thailand starts new entry rules today, cutting visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days for many nationalities (with shorter options for some) and tightening land-border limits. Excise tax comparison: The Philippines faces the lowest excise tax on carbonated drinks in SEA, with lawmakers noting the rate has been eroded by inflation due to lack of indexation. Energy security & supply risk: Commentary highlights how attacks on key oil infrastructure can quickly become a systemic shock for global supply chains and shipping routes. Brunei-linked trade event: Brunei’s Ministry of Development attended the China Mining Conference, where deals worth 300 million yuan were signed, underscoring regional business pull for resources and equipment. Local business & travel fair: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair returns for its 21st edition, with 39 exhibitors across 90 booths at BRIDEX (Sept 12–13), supporting Visit Brunei Year 2027 momentum.