Regional Business & Events: Sarawak’s WAK x Miri festival keeps expanding with strong youth and community backing, while WATCEFS 2026 opened in Miri as a major international culinary and trade gathering bringing 13-nation delegations, exhibitors and buyers to boost partnerships and market access. Creative Economy & Trade: Sabah’s Sabah National Tabletop Con 2.0 doubled in size, drawing creators and vendors from Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei and positioning the state as a regional hub for tabletop gaming and niche tourism. Connectivity for Growth: India’s High Commission in Malaysia backed direct air links between India and Sabah, calling it a “game changer” for tourism and wider economic cooperation. Co-ops Going Cross-Border: Sabah’s Kopeks plans collaboration with Bruneian cooperatives via a business network push, alongside a move to launch its own media platform. Energy & Finance (ASEAN-Russia): At the Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan, leaders adopted the Kazan Declaration and pushed energy cooperation and broader trade using national currencies, with Brunei among attending states. Aviation Sustainability: IATA’s CO2 Connect added more airlines, including Royal Brunei Airlines, aiming to standardise emissions reporting using operational data. Shell Leadership: Shell appointed Elohor Aiboni as Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, with experience that includes assignments in Brunei.