Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan: Russian President Vladimir Putin is hosting ASEAN leaders in Kazan for a two-day meeting marking 35 years of ties, with talks expected to cover trade, investment, security, energy and food security, and several documents planned for adoption. Brunei in the spotlight: Putin met Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah during the summit period, framing the Russia-ASEAN partnership as a stabilising factor in the Asia-Pacific. Ukraine support at the G7: Separately, the G7 agreed to boost support for Ukraine, including air defence and long-range capabilities, alongside fresh sanctions considerations—signalling a shift in US posture after earlier criticism. Regional energy and shipping worries: German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned Europe is concerned about rising South China Sea tensions, saying any major flare-up could threaten freedom of navigation and global trade. Business and travel links: Travel Meet Asia 2026 in Jakarta (23-24 June) will expand exhibition space by 20% and welcomes Brunei as an official partner country. Local relevance via Brunei Shell: Shell named Elohor Aiboni—currently on assignment as Asset Director at Brunei Shell Petroleum—as Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, effective 1 Aug 2026. Food security education: The Philippines’ DepEd recognised Searca for agriculture-based learning, using school and home gardens as “living laboratories” and adding agri-robotics training.