March 21, 2026 — 7:20 AMSingapore — Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre
The expo hall hadn't opened yet, but the air already buzzed with anticipation.
Clean white banners hung from the high ceilings, bearing the insignia of ASEAN's ten member states. Modular booths lined the edges—some from traditional manufacturers showcasing their latest EVs, others pushing green scooters, autonomous buses, and solar integration tech.
But at the heart of it all—dead center under a massive overhead ring of programmable lights—stood a raised black platform with a single vehicle under wraps.
No logos.
No preview.
Just the press code name:
"Project 05X."
Matthew stood backstage in a slim-cut dark suit, eyes on the monitor displaying a live feed from the main floor.
Angel joined him moments later, adjusting the mic clipped to her collar.
