Offshore Energy Deal: Noble Corporation won a ~$136.2m contract for its Noble Viking drillship to drill six firm wells offshore Brunei, starting early 2028 and running about 296 days through Q4 2028 (with three optional wells). Regional Diplomacy & Trade Risk: The US-led coalition of 14 countries and the EU reaffirmed the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling as final and legally binding, rejecting China’s expansive claims ahead of ASEAN talks—an issue that directly affects one of the world’s busiest trade routes. Local Business & Distribution: Imperial Motors Sdn Bhd was appointed sole authorised Subaru distributor in Brunei under Inchcape’s platform strategy, aiming to strengthen brand presence and customer experience. Entrepreneurship Support: Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam launched its SEED program for 13 selected participants from government agencies, community groups and the public, focusing on training, mentorship and business support aligned with Brunei Vision 2035. Cybersecurity Push: A report warns Southeast Asia’s public sector faces escalating cyber threats, calling for urgent reforms and better cross-border coordination. Travel & Mobility: Germany published its 2026 visa-free list for 62 countries (Brunei included) for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for tourism, business and family visits. Finance Hiring: Singapore’s Lighthouse Canton appointed Angela Saik as Managing Director of Wealth Management to expand advisory coverage across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Brunei.