SME Financing Push in Malaysia: Malaysia’s KUSKOP backed Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia to widen MSME access to working capital, citing credit-history gaps and high borrowing costs, and pointed to digital advisory and referral platforms like MyKNP and imSME. Philippines-Japan Tax Deal: The Philippines and Japan are set to sign a new double taxation convention during President Marcos Jr.’s Tokyo visit, aiming to replace an outdated 1980 framework and boost cross-border investment. China-Serbia Industrial Ties: Serbia’s state visit to China spotlights practical cooperation, from a Chinese-built high-speed rail cutting Belgrade–Novi Sad travel to 30 minutes to HBIS’s revitalisation of the Smederevo steel plant. China-Germany Emerging Fields: China’s vice premier urged deeper China-Germany cooperation in both traditional sectors and emerging areas, as business groups met in Beijing. India Aviation Cost Squeeze: Air India and IndiGo cut June–July schedules amid higher jet fuel costs tied to the Iran war, risking tighter capacity during peak travel. West Asia Shock on Indian Banks: Moody’s warned Indian lenders are among the most exposed in APAC to West Asia risks due to energy-import-driven inflation and borrower cash-flow pressure. Amazon Cloud Bet for ASEAN: Amazon plans to invest over $33bn in Southeast Asia cloud and AI infrastructure through 2039, targeting jobs and GDP gains across key markets. Robotic Surgery Breakthrough: Guyana remotely performed a world-record robotic heart surgery to India over ~20,000 km using fibre-optic connectivity. UAE Auto Demand: dubizzle Cars says budget and mid-tier vehicles are driving UAE automotive growth in April, while EV and luxury demand stays segment-specific. India Defence Manufacturing Leap: India issued an RFP for the AMCA stealth fighter, bringing private firms into a fifth-generation programme for the first time.