South China Sea Security Web: The Philippines and Vietnam upgraded defense ties, adding deeper information-sharing and joint sea activities, while India’s BrahMos deal with Vietnam underlines how Southeast Asia is building practical, non-alliance security links. Climate & Risk: Singapore and the region face a red-alert haze outlook for H2 as El Niño returns and deforestation pressures rise, with fire readiness strained by uncertainty. Supply Chains & Industry Strategy: China’s GEAR push at the CISCE expo spotlights green infrastructure, AI and resilience as it courts global partners. Philippines Growth Hit: S&P cut the Philippines’ 2026 growth forecast to 4.1% as infrastructure spending stalls and energy shocks bite. Semiconductors Push (Malaysia): Malaysia will focus on high-value IC design and offer token access to local firms to speed chip capability building. Trade Deal Standoff (India-US): India says it won’t activate a US trade pact unless it secures a tariff edge over ASEAN and neighbours. Digital Finance (Ghana): Trident launched Sikaflow to formalize Ghanaian MSMEs with verifiable records and easier tax compliance. Energy Truce Effects (India Inc): A US-Iran Hormuz reopening is easing crude costs, helping narrow margin damage fears for Indian firms. ASEAN-China Media Fight Disinfo: Asean-China forum calls for shared frameworks to counter cross-border misinformation. Green Economy (India): LSEG says India’s green revenues hit $110bn in 2025, with rapid clean-tech growth. Markets Watch: Oil weakness and tech swings kept Asia cautious as investors weigh rates and geopolitics.