Brunei-Russia diplomacy: Brunei is among the ASEAN leaders attending Russia’s Kazan summit, where Vladimir Putin hailed a wider “strategic partnership” and backed cooperation across energy, trade, digitalisation, science, tourism and culture, with a Kazan Declaration and a 2026–2030 action plan adopted. Regional energy security: The summit also flagged growing global energy instability and urged stronger energy security, supply-chain resilience and protection of critical infrastructure. ASEAN connectivity push: Singapore’s PM Lawrence Wong said Singapore wants practical areas of cooperation with Russia as ASEAN chair next year. Sabah-India air links: In Malaysia, India’s acting high commissioner backed talks for direct air connectivity between India and Sabah, calling it a “game changer” for tourism and economic cooperation. Local development model: Sarawak is studying Hungary’s Győr development approach to shape Limbang and Lawas as border growth centres near Brunei and Indonesia. Business leadership in oil & gas: Shell appointed Elohor Aiboni as Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, with her role starting Aug 1, 2026, after Brunei Shell Petroleum assignment. Tourism event: Rainforest World Music Festival 2026 returns to Sarawak Cultural Village from 26–28 June with international and regional acts.