Regional Diplomacy: Fourteen countries and the EU reaffirmed the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling as “final and legally binding,” rejecting China’s expansive claims and urging stability under international law—while Beijing again called the award “null and void.” Brunei Business & Skills: Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) launched its SEED programme for 13 participants from government agencies, community groups and the public, offering entrepreneurship training, mentorship and support aligned with Brunei Vision 2035. Telecom & Connectivity: Tune Talk rolled out an E-Roaming prepaid plan letting eligible users use their domestic data abroad in 13 countries with seamless auto-connection and no extra roaming add-on. Wealth Management Expansion: Singapore-based Lighthouse Canton hired Angela Saik as Managing Director of Wealth Management to push growth across Southeast Asia, including Brunei. Entrepreneurship Training: Brunei also announced a separate training programme aimed at empowering entrepreneurs, with a focus on building economic resilience and sustainable income. Energy Markets: Russia’s fossil fuel export revenues fell in June even as volumes rose; India’s Russian crude imports hit a record high, lifting demand for Russian-origin supplies. Travel Rules: Germany published its 2026 visa-free list for short stays, including Brunei, for up to 90 days.