Trade & Investment Diplomacy: New Zealand’s Todd McClay says tariffs raise costs and hurt exporters as the FIT Partnership ministerial meeting in Auckland pushes practical ways to cut barriers for trade-dependent economies; Brunei is among the 19 members. ASEAN & Myanmar: Commentary warns ASEAN faces credibility risks as it weighs re-engaging Myanmar’s junta-led leadership. South China Sea: A fresh U.S.-linked diplomatic push is expected around Rubio’s ASEAN meetings in Manila, while 14 countries and the EU reaffirm the 2016 ruling against China’s expansive claims. Brunei-Singapore Ties: Singapore’s SM Lee and Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah reaffirmed stronger bilateral cooperation, including currency interchangeability milestones. Energy Cooperation: Sarawak and Brunei report steady progress on a cross-border electricity interconnection, aiming to conclude negotiations soon. Local Entrepreneurship & Culture: Brunei’s small businesses keep growing—from MantukaBrunei’s automotive storytelling and Feigrance BN’s heart-shaped perfume keychains to BagelBagel Café, Inked by Hope (henna), KUEHKU!® (kueh-mueh tabletop game), and The Homey Café. Regional Business Signals: Sarawak’s water export plans and World Bank funding for Philippine agriculture modernization highlight wider ASEAN economic momentum.