Defense & Security Dialogue: The 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue opened in Singapore with defense officials and scholars from 44 countries discussing Asia-Pacific security, urging mutual trust over confrontation. Cybercrime Response: At ScamReady ASEAN in Kuala Lumpur, the Global Signal Exchange (GSE) backed by Oxford Information Labs showcased real-time sharing of scam abuse data, with AI tools aimed at disrupting fraud faster at scale. Diplomatic Appointments: Nepal’s Foreign Ministry set 15 minimum criteria for ambassador selection, barring people with foreign residency benefits and PR holders, among other restrictions. AI Innovation (Regional): Vietnam launched its first nationwide AI-native hackathon, “Vietnam AI Hacks,” asking teams to build AI products for real business problems in 48 hours. Myanmar-linked Tech & Society: Cambodia deported 240 people (including 75 Myanmar nationals) over alleged online scam roles, citing illegal residence and employment. Biodiversity in the Indo-Myanmar zone: Scientists reported a new rock-clinging catfish from Nagaland’s Likimro River, highlighting freshwater diversity across the Chindwin basin. Myanmar Science Spotlight: A dinosaur-era wasp fossil in Burmese amber was named “Gwesped piastrii” after F1 driver Oscar Piastri, adding to Myanmar’s paleontology visibility.