Fisheries Data Push: Kenya is rolling out a new project to improve fisheries data, using vessel trackers and a centralized digital platform—modeled on Timor-Leste’s national fisheries monitoring system started in 2016. ASEAN Diplomacy in Focus: Vietnam’s ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) 2026 in Hanoi is being hailed as a shift from “participant” to agenda-setter, with leaders including Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister and President Jose Ramos-Horta featuring in the regional push. Timor-Leste–New Zealand Security: New Zealand and Timor-Leste signed an updated defence cooperation arrangement, expanding training, education, disaster relief and maritime security ties. Blue Economy Online Launch: Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister launched a Blue Economy website, aiming to support ocean-based development. Justice After Pardon Bid: Civil society in Timor-Leste is urging the president to remove a convicted paedophile and ex-priest from the annual pardon list after another rejection. Health Aid to the Region: Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine donations to Pacific nations topped 1 million doses, including 278,000 to Timor-Leste. Climate & Resilience: A report warns ASEAN renewable energy sites face severe climate risk, arguing for upfront resilience investment to cut losses.