Digital Supply Chains: HAVI will open its TechHUB in Kuala Lumpur in November, aiming to scale AI-driven forecasting, data analytics, automation and IoT fleet management for Asia-Pacific logistics. Cross-Border Finance & Industry: Maybank and Singapore Manufacturing Federation signed an MoU to expand access to the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, linking manufacturers with banking support for sustainable finance, trade and supply-chain financing. Defense Procurement: The U.S. approved a potential $125m sale to South Korea of AIM-9X air-to-air missiles and related equipment to bolster air defense and interoperability. China Property Fallout: Evergrande founder Hui Ka Yan was sentenced to life in prison in Shenzhen, with authorities citing multiple financial crimes tied to the developer’s collapse. India-Singapore Trade Push: Piyush Goyal met Singapore leaders and business groups, signing an MoU and focusing on fintech, sustainable infrastructure and agri-exports. EV Microcar in Vietnam: TMT Motors plans to launch the Nano S05, priced around VND148m, as one of Vietnam’s cheapest EVs. Fuel Price Shield (Korea): South Korea kept fuel price ceilings unchanged for four more weeks amid West Asia tensions and higher oil prices. Workplace AI Shift: JLL says most Asia-Pacific executives expect headcount to rise even as AI changes jobs, with companies upgrading offices for human-machine collaboration. Regional Energy & Climate Risk: Philippines faces strong El Niño risk, with guidance calling for urgent preparedness as drought and heat could disrupt agriculture and water needs.