Education & Global Trade Readiness: President José Ramos-Horta urged Timor-Leste’s academics to prepare for globalization and AFTA, calling for stronger skills in AI, data, automation, international languages (especially English), and cross-border academic links. National Budget Execution: The Council of Ministers reported 2026 budget execution at 30% as of May 26, with about US$736 million spent out of US$2.445 billion, citing procurement reforms and capacity as key hurdles. Mining Exploration: Tivan says its Turiscai stream sediment sampling in Timor-Leste returned encouraging copper and gold results, plus pathfinder elements, as stage-two prospect work moves ahead. Infrastructure for Tourism & Events: Timor-Leste broke ground on a new International Convention Centre in Dili, aimed at boosting major regional and international meetings ahead of the 2029 ASEAN Chairmanship. Regional Cooperation at Sea: Pacific Partnership 2026 has begun, with mission stops including Timor-Leste to support humanitarian and disaster-response capacity across the Indo-Pacific.