Middle East Tolls Warning: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told ASEAN in Manila that any Iranian move to control and collect tolls in the Strait of Hormuz would set a dangerous precedent for global trade, warning it could be repeated elsewhere. Energy & Costs Ripple: Malaysia’s finance ministry raised retail prices for unsubsidised RON97/RON95 and diesel for July 23-29, citing higher Brent prices tied to West Asia tensions and shipping disruptions around Hormuz. Digital Economy Push in the Pacific: Papua New Guinea’s DTS 2026 in Port Moresby is pitching stronger regional partnerships, AI adoption, and cybersecurity to speed up investment in its digital economy. Regulation for AI: Malaysia’s CMA was defended as “technology-neutral” and flexible enough to handle emerging tech like AI without constant overhauls. Aviation Outlook: Embraer says West Asia conflict fallout is uneven, with Turkey and Saudi Arabia more resilient thanks to domestic and point-to-point demand. Sports & Youth: Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 men booked the 2026 FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup after a strong Nations League Asia 2 run in Malaysia. Tech & Security: China’s geosynchronous spy radar satellite is linked to China’s near-total control of gallium supply, underscoring strategic materials power.