APEC Business: The Philippines joins ABAC’s Bangkok meeting, with new member Kevin L. Tan (Alliance Global Group) taking part as firms grapple with slower growth, trade frictions, supply-chain strain and AI adoption. Digital Transformation (Malaysia): Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says Malaysia will deepen digital tech use across public and private sectors, with SAP collaboration aimed at boosting efficiency and youth talent. West Asia Tensions & Markets: India urges de-escalation after attacks on commercial shipping near the Strait of Hormuz, as oil prices jump and global growth risks rise; the IMF cut its 2026 world growth forecast again, citing Middle East fallout despite AI support. ADB Outlook: The Asian Development Bank lifts developing Asia-Pacific growth to 4.9% for 2026 (from 4.7%), still below earlier expectations due to energy and supply-chain disruptions. Energy/Trade: A U.S.-led wave of multibillion-dollar LNG investment is expected to shape the market as AI-driven power demand grows. Telecom Connectivity (Philippines): Globe launches Starlink Mobile direct-to-cell service after NTC approval, targeting remote and disaster-hit areas. Solar Policy (India): India makes MNRE’s ALMM List-II solar cell rules mandatory for government-linked projects, tightening standards across the supply chain. Business/VC: B Capital closes a $500m early-stage fund to back AI, healthcare and frontier tech startups across North America and Asia.