Philippines Tourism: WTTC data shows travel and tourism supports 14.2% of jobs in the Philippines in 2025, but international visitor spending is only $10.7bn—well below the Southeast Asia average—highlighting a gap in attracting higher-spend arrivals. Indonesia-US Investment: Indonesia’s economic affairs minister pushed value-added investment at the US-Indonesia Investment Summit, citing improving indicators and a 2027 focus on high-value sectors, exports, and digitalization. Southeast Asia Power Crunch: The IEA warns electricity demand is rising faster than supply plans, with Iran-linked costs and data-center growth deepening energy security risks; it urges cross-border power sharing and diversification. Malaysia Growth Lift: The World Bank raised Malaysia’s 2026 growth forecast to 5.1%, pointing to AI-related demand for electronics and ICT services. Cambodia Growth Downgrade: The World Bank cut Cambodia’s 2026 growth to 3.5% as tourism slumps and fuel costs surge, with a projected rebound in 2027. India Growth Upgrade: The World Bank lifted India’s FY27 growth forecast to 7.1% on resilient domestic demand, while flagging energy and El Niño risks. Indonesia Labour Law: Indonesia’s parliament passed a bill increasing severance and limiting “easy” layoffs on cost-efficiency grounds. Azerbaijan Logistics: Alat Free Economic Zone says a cargo airport could open by early April 2027, aiming to cut transit delays and boost Middle Corridor trade. Malaysia Financial Crime Cooperation: Malaysia’s AICB and compliance groups called for stronger intelligence sharing and responsible tech use to tackle cross-border financial crime.