ASEAN Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told ASEAN partners in Manila the US “will never abandon” the bloc, backing engagement with $2.5bn in strategic investments and $1.5bn approved for aviation, energy security and supply chains. Timor-Leste–India Energy Push: Timor-Leste is courting Indian investment in LNG, oil refining and education, with plans tied to the Greater Sunrise gas field and hopes for deeper diplomatic momentum after embassy openings in New Delhi and Dili. Regional Humanitarian Pressure: Cambodia’s Prak Sokhonn urged ASEAN to support the swift, safe return of 20,000+ displaced civilians despite a December border ceasefire, warning of worsening schooling and access to care. Cybercrime Warning: A UNODC report says scam gangs stole $88.3bn–$114.1bn across the Asia-Pacific in 2025, citing AI-enabled tactics, corruption and a “corporate franchising” model that helps networks stay ahead of crackdowns. ASEAN Myanmar Review: ASEAN foreign ministers drafted language to “comprehensively review” Myanmar’s implementation of the 5-point consensus and send recommendations to the November summit.