Central Bank Payments: Bank Indonesia and Timor-Leste’s central bank (BCTL) signed an MoU to boost payment innovation and explore cross-border QRIS-style connectivity, aiming for faster, cheaper, more secure transactions. Labour Mobility: Australia confirmed Timor-Leste as one of 10 countries eligible for the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) work placement scheme, opening legal pathways for workers into Australian industries. Energy Infrastructure: Fugro won new Timor-Leste offshore survey contracts—heavy geotechnical and metocean work—to support Greater Sunrise TLNG and the Bayu-Undan pipeline route planning, with fieldwork slated for 2027. Diplomacy & UN: President José Ramos-Horta backed India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat and also reiterated Timor-Leste’s support for a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Elections Tech & Democracy: Australia’s Electoral Commissioner met Timor-Leste officials on election organisation and the risks posed by disinformation, social media, and AI to democratic processes.