Social Protection: Experts urged Cambodia to expand the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) to cover older adults left out after war and informal work, saying the gap is pushing families into debt and leaving many seniors without adequate healthcare. Heritage Science: APSARA experts are excavating the western causeway of the millennium-old Bakong Temple in Angkor to map damage and prepare for restoration, including recovering collapsed sandstone and naga balustrade fragments. Public Sector Tech & Ethics: PM Hun Manet told ASEAN civil service leaders that innovation must be people-centred and results-driven, and that “no digital platform can replace” ethics, transparency and professionalism—while ASEAN heads reaffirmed commitments to AI-ready, inclusive public services. Regional Connectivity: Cambodia and China launched the second Mekong-Lancang Peace Boat Programme in Phnom Penh, backed by the LMC Special Fund, to boost peace, dialogue and policy ideas across six countries. Cybercrime Crackdown: Cambodia’s SERC, Ministry of Justice and police teamed up to strengthen investor protection and law enforcement against online fraud in Preah Sihanouk. Tourism Tech Threats: Cambodia’s tourism minister linked a 47.9% drop in international arrivals (first half of 2026) to scam networks enabled by technology and border friction with Thailand, calling for stronger public-private action. SME Policy: Cambodia is set to roll out a National SME Development Strategy 2026–2030 to support businesses across their full life cycle, from registration to growth and restructuring. Environment Warning: A landmark review warned that river sand mining is stripping rivers faster than nature can replenish, threatening communities and infrastructure across Southeast Asia.