Digital Government: Timor-Leste officially launched verify.gov.tl in Dili, a national portal for verifying government documents using a Cambodia-developed model with QR-code authenticity, under a Jan 2025 cooperation deal that aims to improve public services and socio-economic growth. ASEAN & Infrastructure: President José Ramos-Horta says full ASEAN membership is already speeding up infrastructure and investment—hotels, conference halls, road expansion and urban renewal—while Timor-Leste prepares to align laws with ASEAN rules ahead of its 2029 rotating chair. Energy & Industry: Finder Energy submitted key documents for the Kuda Tasi and Jahal oil fields project in the Timor Sea, including the environmental impact statement and field development plan, with further engineering and tender steps underway for a 2027 development push. Regional Security Debate: Ramos-Horta used the Shangri-La Dialogue to argue that prevention and diplomacy matter as much as defense spending, warning that missiles and tanks can’t rebuild trust or stop conflict drivers. Regional Sports Note: Timor-Leste’s recent Asian Cup qualifier results show a tough run of defeats, underscoring pressure on the national team ahead of upcoming matches.