Brunei–China Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new nonstop Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route, with an inaugural ceremony at Brunei International Airport and plans to strengthen trade, tourism, and people-to-people links with China’s Greater Bay Area. Tourism Growth: Brunei reported rising air arrivals from China—39,000 in 2024 to 45,858 in 2025—citing direct flights and visa-free short stays as key drivers for more visitors from Shenzhen. Culture & Heritage: Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, and Singapore jointly backed the Zapin dance for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative List, aiming to keep the tradition living across borders. Education Spotlight: The Hamdan Foundation shortlisted 10 projects for the UNESCO–Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development, with laureates set to be revealed on 5 Oct at UNESCO in Paris. People & Rights: A report highlights how returned migrant mothers struggle to register children’s births without paternal identity, blocking school access and civic recognition. Regional Arts: Borneo Jazz Festival returns for its 20th edition in Miri city centre, expanding beyond concerts with stronger participation from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei, and Indonesia. Innovation Watch: The Philippines slipped in the Global Innovation Index, with declines tied to human capital and research—while Singapore and Malaysia lead the region.