ASEAN Day and Timor-Leste’s entry: ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn marked the bloc’s 59th anniversary by welcoming Timor-Leste as its newest member, saying the community is stronger when it is more inclusive. Pacific connectivity push: Australia says it has completed a major undersea cable rollout so all Pacific Islands Forum members—including Timor-Leste—are now connected to the global network, backed by more than A$500 million since 2018. Cybersecurity for state services: In Dili, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão ordered the creation of an Interministerial Committee on Cybersecurity and the Digitalisation of State Services to coordinate policy across key ministries and agencies. Greater Sunrise talks: Minister Agio Pereira met Woodside’s executive vice president to discuss cooperation on the Greater Sunrise project and its long-term economic value for Timor-Leste. PALM labour mobility review: The Council of Ministers discussed Timorese participation in Australia’s PALM scheme, including plans to raise worker numbers to 10,000 by 2028 and concerns about protecting workers’ rights and well-being. Regional security planning: Papua New Guinea’s PM says he will ask Timor-Leste to provide 200 defence personnel for a proposed multinational force to help secure and supervise PNG’s 2027 election. Tourism spotlight: A new feature frames Timor-Leste as an emerging tourism frontier, pointing to faster development since joining ASEAN and major upgrades underway.