RCEP Update: The Philippines’ full RCEP rollout is now feeding into wider regional gains, with an ADB study saying fully implementing unified rules, simplifying procedures and expanding market access could lift incomes by 0.6% and add $245 billion a year, plus 2.8 million jobs by 2030. Healthcare Finance: OrbiMed is close to the two-thirds mark for its sixth Asia private equity fund, signaling continued investor appetite for Asia’s healthcare growth. Humanitarian Logistics: UNICEF warns the Iran war is disrupting lifesaving aid deliveries for children, with delays stretching months as Gulf shipping insecurity drives up fuel and insurance costs and forces more reliance on air freight. Biosafety in Central Asia: Uzbekistan has launched a biosafety initiative aligned with the Cartagena Protocol, backed by the Global Environment Facility, aiming to strengthen policy, lab capacity and risk assessment systems. Defense Industry: Israel says defense exports hit a record $19.2 billion in 2025, up nearly 30%, with missile, rocket and air-defense systems leading deal volumes. Payments & Corporate Moves: Mastercard reshuffled leadership, promoting Ling Hai to CFO and creating new global roles as part of changes effective Aug. 3. Tourism & Culture: Malaysia’s Lenggong Valley is preparing to host about 200 international delegates for a SEAPAVAA visit, spotlighting community-led heritage tourism.