ASEAN 59th Anniversary: ASEAN marked its 59th birthday with a push for unity and resilience as geopolitics, trade shocks and climate risks keep rising, and with Timor-Leste joining as the bloc’s 11th member for the first time. Regional Solidarity: ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn said the key test now is closing ranks to protect ASEAN’s central role, while leaders stressed people-centred progress under the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. Timor-Leste in the Spotlight: The anniversary coverage repeatedly flagged Timor-Leste’s accession as a milestone for inclusion, and noted Timor-Leste’s growing participation in regional events. Maritime Security for the Pacific: Australia signed a $36m contract for TAFE Queensland to train Guardian-class patrol boat crews under the Pacific Maritime Security Programme, with Timor-Leste named among supported connectivity projects in the wider region. Connectivity Boost: Australia says all Pacific Islands Forum members are now linked to global undersea cable networks, including new connections involving Timor-Leste. Culture & Media: Timor-Leste is set to take part in the ASEAN Film Festival in Hong Kong, with free public screenings and a lineup of films from all 11 ASEAN members.