South China Sea Diplomacy: The US told ASEAN it will keep operating in international waters and won’t accept any South China Sea deal that undermines Washington’s interests, as ASEAN and China push to accelerate a long-awaited Code of Conduct. Philippines Power Costs: A Philippine senator urged a review of the EPIRA electricity reform law after the country was flagged as having the highest power rates in Southeast Asia, arguing higher bills squeeze families and businesses. Middle East Oil Shock: Red Sea attacks and renewed West Asia tensions are lifting Middle East crude premiums to two-month highs, pushing Asian refiners to seek alternatives and adding pressure to already tight supplies. ASEAN Security Agenda: Bangladesh reaffirmed ASEAN cooperation under the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation to tackle emerging threats like cybercrime and misinformation, while ASEAN ministers adopted a Manila Plan of Action for 2026–2036. Tech & Data Centres: OpenAI’s Australian Mekong-scale data centre plan reportedly dropped recycled-water cooling due to infrastructure limits, highlighting resource and sustainability pushback; Malaysia’s data-centre boom is also facing growing scrutiny over energy and water use. Business & Markets: Intel’s revenue forecast beat estimates on data-centre demand; in Malaysia, telecom revenue is expected to rise modestly as Digital Nasional’s losses are absorbed. Sports & Culture: Singapore opened the ASEAN Championship with a win over Cambodia; Malaysia’s MIFFest founder says the festival aims to become a Southeast Asia film hub.