Digital Payments Boost: Bank Indonesia signed MoUs with Timor-Leste’s central bank (BCTL) and Hong Kong’s HKMA to explore cross-border QRIS payments, aiming to improve connectivity for travellers and businesses. Energy Infrastructure Watch: Fugro won new offshore survey contracts for Timor-Leste’s Greater Sunrise TLNG and Bayu-Undan Pipeline Highway, with geotechnical and metocean work set to start in early 2027. Elections & Tech Risks: Australia’s Electoral Commissioner met Timor-Leste officials in Dili to discuss election organisation and new challenges from disinformation, social media and AI. Labour Mobility: Australia confirmed Timor-Leste among the 10 countries eligible for its PALM work placement scheme. Co-op Governance: Davao City’s CCDO reiterated support for cooperatives, including guidance to Agdao Multipurpose Cooperative after internal disputes and CDA-linked interventions. Climate Pressure on Islands: A UN General Assembly-linked report highlights how rising seas are erasing Palau’s Helen Island burial grounds, with small island states pushing for stronger climate action. Sports Spotlight: FIFA ASEAN Cup kicks off with Timor-Leste in Division Two, while Timor-Leste’s presence also shows up in regional football coverage.