On July 26, Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) Marines and the US Marine Corps (USMC) conducted a joint Mass Casualty Training (MASCAL) exercise in Hawaii as part of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 exercise, enhancing their ability to respond to large-scale military and humanitarian emergencies.
Author: Zarah Ysabel Tortocion
Defence and Politics Correspondent, SEA Daily
Continuity, Not Innovation, to Define President Macros’ Final Two Years
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. used his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27 to outline his administration’s priorities for the remainder of its term, placing governance, economic competitiveness, public services and national security at the centre of the government’s agenda.
Malaysia to Host Rescheduled Formula One Race in October
On July 26, Formula One confirmed that Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit will stage the rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix from October 2 to 4, slotted between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix.
Philippine Navy Joins RIMPAC 2026 PHOTOEX to Boost Maritime Security
On July 22, the Philippine Navy (PN) participated in the Photograph Exercise (PHOTOEX) during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2026, joining naval forces from 13 countries in a joint fleet formation aimed at demonstrating interoperability and maritime cooperation.
Indonesia Commissions Over 1,000 Military and Police Officers to Master Cyber and AI Defence
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has commissioned 1,177 new officers from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri), using the occasion to call for a new generation of security personnel equipped to respond to artificial intelligence (AI), cyber threats and other emerging security challenges.
Thai-Cambodian Maritime Settlement Remains Uncertain despite UNCLOS Conciliation
On July 19, Cambodia confirmed that it had reached an agreement with Thailand in regard to both countries’ maritime dispute around Koh Kut Island to allow additional time for the appointment of the Conciliation Commission under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), describing the delay as “modest and entirely appropriate.” The extension followed a joint request by the four appointed conciliators and backed up by the Cambodian government that it will not affect any prescribed timeline or procedural step under the UN-backed process.
Singapore, Malaysia Conclude Annual Bilateral Search and Rescue Exercise
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) concluded their Annual Bilateral Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) MALSING on July 23, emphasising continued defence and operational cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
Cambodia Advances AI-Driven Future through Human Capital and Tech Cooperation
Cambodian Prime Minister (PM) Hun Manet has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to prepare for an artificial intelligence (AI) driven future, highlighting investment in human capital and international technological cooperation as one of the key priorities for Cambodia’s long-term development.
US’ Secretary of State Arrives in Manila for ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meetings
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Manila from July 19 to 23 to participate in the ASEAN Foreign Ministerial Meetings (FMM) and related meetings, as well as to pay a courtesy call on the Philippine President and ASEAN Chair, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Malaysia’s Negeri Sembilan Heads to Snap Polls Following State Assembly Dissolution
The Negeri Sembilan state of Malaysia will head to the polls on August 1 in a snap state election following the early dissolution of its legislative assembly. This contest forms part of a series of state polls ahead of the country’s next general election scheduled for February 2028.