Cultural Spotlight: Miss Asia Pacific International 2026 wrapped its national costume contest in Cebu, with Sri Lanka’s Sandeepa Sewmini Don Samarasinghe Disanayake taking Best in National Costume, while the Philippines’ Gabrielle Galapia placed second for her T’boli t’nalak look. Arts & Institutions: Singapore’s National Gallery Singapore named Chng Hak-Peng as its new CEO, with outgoing Eugene Tan stepping down after two years leading the museum and boosting Southeast Asia-focused programming. Northeast Asia Tensions: North Korea’s deputy foreign minister warned the UN General Assembly of “extreme instability” tied to US-Japan-South Korea military cooperation, accusing Washington of pushing nuclear-linked scenarios and escalating drills. AI & Governance: Pope Leo XIV said AI safety concerns are not “fake news” and must be discussed and acted on, while US-China arms-sale talk added fresh friction around Trump’s claims. Pacific Climate & Storms: Fiji urged “hold the line” on 1.5°C ahead of Pre-COP31, as the Pacific remains storm-heavy and scientists warn a Kelvin wave could lift California sea levels by up to 10 inches, raising winter flood risk. Maritime & Security: The WPRFMC is developing an experimental fishing permit for bottom fishing in Papahānaumokuākea to gather data for sustainable management amid renewed pressure to reopen parts of the Pacific.