Brunei Business & Economy: Brunei’s Economic Students’ Chamber held a session on human-centred economics, focusing on how empathy and ethics can guide policy on diversification, youth, AI and the future of work. Regional Diplomacy for Business: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in Manila for ASEAN foreign ministers’ meetings and Indo-Pacific talks, with Washington stressing a “free and open Indo-Pacific” and deeper ties with the Philippines. Travel & Trade Mobility: Taiwan extended visa-free entry for Brunei (and the Philippines and Thailand) until July 31, 2027, supporting tourism and business travel; meanwhile, Taiwan removed Cambodia from key visa facilitation programmes from Aug 1. Cross-border Energy & Infrastructure: Sarawak and Brunei made progress on a proposed cross-border electricity interconnection, aiming to improve energy security and supply reliability. Market Sentiment & Risk: Singapore and neighbours face a “severe” haze season risk later this year, with Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore flagged for a possible transboundary haze event. Sovereign Capital & Growth: A report on sovereign wealth funds says they back more than half of the world’s mega-unicorns, with larger rounds more likely to attract these investors. Local Entrepreneurship Spotlight: Brunei’s MantukaBrunei continues growing as an automotive media platform, while homegrown brands like Feigrance BN and multiple café/tabletop game makers highlight steady momentum in small business creativity.