ASEAN 59th Anniversary Diplomacy: Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged ASEAN to keep rule of law and dialogue at the centre as the bloc marks its 59th anniversary, with leaders pointing to conflicts and uncertainty beyond the region. ASEAN Centrality Push: Malaysia’s foreign minister said ASEAN centrality should stay the region’s “autonomous compass” amid fragmentation, major power rivalry and frayed multilateralism. Brunei Digital & AI Skills: Brunei’s DFCE 2026 spotlighted AI governance and building trust, while the Future-Ready Digital Skills push focused on strengthening digital capability across government, education and society. Brunei Education Upgrades: Brunei continues empowering teachers with AI training, with thousands completing AI courses and earning in-depth literacy certification. Moonfolks Expands in Vietnam: Creative agency Moonfolks officially launched Moonfolks Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City, led by Livio Grossi, marking a return for founder Anish Daryani after years of client and talent ties. ASEAN Film Festival 2026 (Hong Kong): The ASEAN Film Festival returns to Hong Kong from Aug 20 with 30+ films, free public screenings, and Brunei included in the lineup. Brunei Tourism Focus: Brunei is ramping up high-value tourism ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027, aiming for longer stays and more arts, culture, nature and sports experiences. Local Culture & Learning Exchange: Türkiye’s Brunei embassy celebrated young cultural ambassadors through essay and digital poster competitions, highlighting creativity and intercultural understanding.