Digital Governance: Timor-Leste officially launched verify.gov.tl, a Cambodia-supported online portal to verify driver’s licenses and transport documents—aimed at cutting fraud and speeding up issuance. Peacebuilding & Regional Diplomacy: President José Ramos-Horta used an ERIA lecture in Jakarta to stress forgiveness and dialogue, pointing to Timor-Leste–Indonesia reconciliation as a model for stability and ASEAN integration. ASEAN Membership Impact: Ramos-Horta said full ASEAN membership is already accelerating infrastructure and investment, while Timor-Leste works to align laws with ASEAN treaties ahead of the 2029 chairship. Myanmar & ASEAN Unity: Timor-Leste’s Foreign Ministry urged restraint after Ramos-Horta’s Myanmar remarks drew criticism from Myanmar as interference, with the ministry warning it undermines bilateral ties and ASEAN unity. Youth & Learning Access: A Cebu City education push (school supplies ahead of class) and a Cebu Province school budget boost highlight how regional education support is being funded and expanded—useful context for Timor-Leste’s own schooling priorities.